The Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Cell Biology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 26624

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Guest Editor
Imagery Unit, Department of Platforms and Technology Research, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, 91223 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
Interests: in situ macrophage characterization; in situ hybridization; cytokine expression
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding the processes of inflammation and tissue regeneration after injury is of major scientific and clinical importance. Immune cells are a heterogeneous population of cells that acquire their functional specialization in response to micro-environmental alterations. For a long time, immune cells have been known to trigger inflammation and coordinate an efficient repair of damaged tissue. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which they exert their effects are as yet mostly unknown. When repair is not coordinated, regeneration fails and fibrosis can take place. The investigation of immune cell sub-populations by different biological, molecular and cellular methods is essential in establishing new diagnostics for multiple diseases as well as therapeutic strategies for tissue repair. This Special Issue welcomes original articles and reviews focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of inflammation and tissue regeneration.

Dr. Krisztina Nikovics
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • inflammation
  • tissue regeneration
  • immune cells
  • cytokine

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 751 KiB  
Editorial
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration
by Anne-Laure Favier and Krisztina Nikovics
Biomedicines 2023, 11(5), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11051416 - 10 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2608
Abstract
Over the past 70 years, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of inflammation and tissue regeneration [...] Full article
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Research

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17 pages, 3471 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Immune Microenvironment Provided by Implanted Biomaterials on the Biological Properties of Masquelet-Induced Membranes in Rats: Metakaolin as an Alternative Spacer
by Marjorie Durand, Myriam Oger, Krisztina Nikovics, Julien Venant, Anne-Cecile Guillope, Eugénie Jouve, Laure Barbier, Laurent Bégot, Florence Poirier, Catherine Rousseau, Olivier Pitois, Laurent Mathieu, Anne-Laure Favier, Didier Lutomski and Jean-Marc Collombet
Biomedicines 2022, 10(12), 3017; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10123017 - 23 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1556
Abstract
Macrophages play a key role in the inflammatory phase of wound repair and foreign body reactions—two important processes in the Masquelet-induced membrane technique for extremity reconstruction. The macrophage response depends largely on the nature of the biomaterials implanted. However, little is known about [...] Read more.
Macrophages play a key role in the inflammatory phase of wound repair and foreign body reactions—two important processes in the Masquelet-induced membrane technique for extremity reconstruction. The macrophage response depends largely on the nature of the biomaterials implanted. However, little is known about the influence of the macrophage microenvironment on the osteogenic properties of the induced membrane or subsequent bone regeneration. We used metakaolin, an immunogenic material, as an alternative spacer to standard polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in a Masquelet model in rats. Four weeks after implantation, the PMMA- and metakaolin-induced membranes were harvested, and their osteogenic properties and macrophage microenvironments were investigated by histology, immunohistochemistry, mass spectroscopy and gene expression analysis. The metakaolin spacer induced membranes with higher levels of two potent pro-osteogenic factors, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2). These alternative membranes thus had greater osteogenic activity, which was accompanied by a significant expansion of the total macrophage population, including both the M1-like and M2-like subtypes. Microcomputed tomographic analysis showed that metakaolin-induced membranes supported bone regeneration more effectively than PMMA-induced membranes through better callus properties (+58%), although this difference was not significant. This study provides the first evidence of the influence of the immune microenvironment on the osteogenic properties of the induced membranes. Full article
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25 pages, 7220 KiB  
Article
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Reduces Neuroinflammation but Does Not Support Long Term Functional Recovery of Rats with Spinal Cord Injury
by Siyu Wu, Concepción García-Rama, Lorenzo Romero-Ramírez, Johannes P. J. M. de Munter, Erik Ch. Wolters, Boris W. Kramer and Jörg Mey
Biomedicines 2022, 10(7), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10071501 - 25 Jun 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1702
Abstract
The bile acid tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) reduces cell death under oxidative stress and inflammation. Implants of bone marrow-derived stromal cells (bmSC) are currently under investigation in clinical trials of spinal cord injury (SCI). Since cell death of injected bmSC limits the efficacy of [...] Read more.
The bile acid tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) reduces cell death under oxidative stress and inflammation. Implants of bone marrow-derived stromal cells (bmSC) are currently under investigation in clinical trials of spinal cord injury (SCI). Since cell death of injected bmSC limits the efficacy of this treatment, the cytoprotective effect of TUDCA may enhance its benefit. We therefore studied the therapeutic effect of TUDCA and its use as a combinatorial treatment with human bmSC in a rat model of SCI. A spinal cord contusion injury was induced at thoracic level T9. Treatment consisted of i.p. injections of TUDCA alone or in combination with one injection of human bmSC into the cisterna magna. The recovery of motor functions was assessed during a surveillance period of six weeks. Biochemical and histological analysis of spinal cord tissue confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of TUDCA. Treatment improved the recovery of autonomic bladder control and had a positive effect on motor functions in the subacute phase, however, benefits were only transient, such that no significant differences between vehicle and TUDCA-treated animals were observed 1–6 weeks after the lesion. Combinatorial treatment with TUDCA and bmSC failed to have an additional effect compared to treatment with bmSC only. Our data do not support the use of TUDCA as a treatment of SCI. Full article
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22 pages, 5803 KiB  
Article
TIRAP/Mal Positively Regulates TLR8-Mediated Signaling via IRF5 in Human Cells
by Kaja Elisabeth Nilsen, Astrid Skjesol, June Frengen Kojen, Terje Espevik, Jørgen Stenvik and Maria Yurchenko
Biomedicines 2022, 10(7), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10071476 - 22 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2735
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) recognizes single-stranded RNA of viral and bacterial origin as well as mediates the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and type I interferons by human monocytes and macrophages. TLR8, as other endosomal TLRs, utilizes the MyD88 adaptor protein for initiation of [...] Read more.
Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) recognizes single-stranded RNA of viral and bacterial origin as well as mediates the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and type I interferons by human monocytes and macrophages. TLR8, as other endosomal TLRs, utilizes the MyD88 adaptor protein for initiation of signaling from endosomes. Here, we addressed the potential role of the Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain-containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) in the regulation of TLR8 signaling in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). To accomplish this, we performed TIRAP gene silencing, followed by the stimulation of cells with synthetic ligands or live bacteria. Cytokine-gene expression and secretion were analyzed by quantitative PCR or Bioplex assays, respectively, while nuclear translocation of transcription factors was addressed by immunofluorescence and imaging, as well as by cell fractionation and immunoblotting. Immunoprecipitation and Akt inhibitors were also used to dissect the signaling mechanisms. Overall, we show that TIRAP is recruited to the TLR8 Myddosome signaling complex, where TIRAP contributes to Akt-kinase activation and the nuclear translocation of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5). Recruitment of TIRAP to the TLR8 signaling complex promotes the expression and secretion of the IRF5-dependent cytokines IFNβ and IL-12p70 as well as, to a lesser degree, TNF. These findings reveal a new and unconventional role of TIRAP in innate immune defense. Full article
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21 pages, 3265 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Anxiety-like Behavior and Microbiota Changes Induced in Mice by Sublethal Doses of Acute Sarin Surrogate Exposure
by Sabine François, Stanislas Mondot, Quentin Gerard, Rosalie Bel, Julie Knoertzer, Asma Berriche, Sophie Cavallero, Rachid Baati, Cyrille Orset, Gregory Dal Bo and Karine Thibault
Biomedicines 2022, 10(5), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10051167 - 18 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1949
Abstract
Anxiety disorder is one of the most reported complications following organophosphorus (OP) nerve agent (NA) exposure. The goal of this study was to characterize the long-term behavioral impact of a single low dose exposure to 4-nitrophenyl isopropyl methylphosphonate (NIMP), a sarin surrogate. We [...] Read more.
Anxiety disorder is one of the most reported complications following organophosphorus (OP) nerve agent (NA) exposure. The goal of this study was to characterize the long-term behavioral impact of a single low dose exposure to 4-nitrophenyl isopropyl methylphosphonate (NIMP), a sarin surrogate. We chose two different sublethal doses of NIMP, each corresponding to a fraction of the median lethal dose (one mild and one convulsive), and evaluated behavioral changes over a 6-month period following exposure. Mice exposed to both doses showed anxious behavior which persisted for six-months post-exposure. A longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging examination did not reveal any anatomical changes in the amygdala throughout the 6-month period. While no cholinesterase activity change or neuroinflammation could be observed at the latest timepoint in the amygdala of NIMP-exposed mice, important modifications in white blood cell counts were noted, reflecting a perturbation of the systemic immune system. Furthermore, intestinal inflammation and microbiota changes were observed at 6-months in NIMP-exposed animals regardless of the dose received. This is the first study to identify long-term behavioral impairment, systemic homeostasis disorganization and gut microbiota alterations following OP sublethal exposure. Our findings highlight the importance of long-term care for victims of NA exposure, even in asymptomatic cases. Full article
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Review

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18 pages, 2017 KiB  
Review
Critical Role of Inflammation and Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis
by Subhapradha Rangarajan, Davit Orujyan, Patrida Rangchaikul and Mohamed M. Radwan
Biomedicines 2022, 10(11), 2829; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10112829 - 06 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2518
Abstract
Recent research on how the body resolves this inflammation is gaining traction and has shed light on new avenues for future management of cardiovascular diseases. In this narrative review, we discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of atherosclerosis, the recent development in the understanding of [...] Read more.
Recent research on how the body resolves this inflammation is gaining traction and has shed light on new avenues for future management of cardiovascular diseases. In this narrative review, we discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of atherosclerosis, the recent development in the understanding of a new class of molecules called Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs), and the impact of such findings in the realm of cardiovascular treatment options. We searched the MEDLINE database restricting ourselves to original research articles as much as possible on the complex pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and the role of SPMs. We expect to see further research in translating these findings to bedside clinical trials in treating conditions with a pathophysiological basis of inflammation, such as coronary artery disease, asthma, and periodontal disease. Full article
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19 pages, 1459 KiB  
Review
Wound Healing versus Metastasis: Role of Oxidative Stress
by Tatiana Lopez, Maeva Wendremaire, Jimmy Lagarde, Oriane Duquet, Line Alibert, Brice Paquette, Carmen Garrido and Frédéric Lirussi
Biomedicines 2022, 10(11), 2784; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10112784 - 02 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2190
Abstract
Many signaling pathways, molecular and cellular actors which are critical for wound healing have been implicated in cancer metastasis. These two conditions are a complex succession of cellular biological events and accurate regulation of these events is essential. Apart from inflammation, macrophages-released ROS [...] Read more.
Many signaling pathways, molecular and cellular actors which are critical for wound healing have been implicated in cancer metastasis. These two conditions are a complex succession of cellular biological events and accurate regulation of these events is essential. Apart from inflammation, macrophages-released ROS arise as major regulators of these processes. But, whatever the pathology concerned, oxidative stress is a complicated phenomenon to control and requires a finely tuned balance over the different stages and responding cells. This review provides an overview of the pivotal role of oxidative stress in both wound healing and metastasis, encompassing the contribution of macrophages. Indeed, macrophages are major ROS producers but also appear as their targets since ROS interfere with their differentiation and function. Elucidating ROS functions in wound healing and metastatic spread may allow the development of innovative therapeutic strategies involving redox modulators. Full article
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16 pages, 323 KiB  
Review
Critical Review on Toxicological Mechanisms Triggered by Inhalation of Alumina Nanoparticles on to the Lungs
by Samir Dekali, Alexandra Bourgois and Sabine François
Biomedicines 2022, 10(10), 2664; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10102664 - 21 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1684
Abstract
Alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) can be released in occupational environments in different contexts such as industry, defense, and aerospace. Workers can be exposed by inhalation to these NPs, for instance, through welding fumes or aerosolized propellant combustion residues. Several clinical [...] Read more.
Alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) can be released in occupational environments in different contexts such as industry, defense, and aerospace. Workers can be exposed by inhalation to these NPs, for instance, through welding fumes or aerosolized propellant combustion residues. Several clinical and epidemiological studies have reported that inhalation of Al2O3 NPs could trigger aluminosis, inflammation in the lung parenchyma, respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath, and probably long-term pulmonary fibrosis. The present review is a critical update of the current knowledge on underlying toxicological, molecular, and cellular mechanisms induced by exposure to Al2O3 NPs in the lungs. A major part of animal studies also points out inflammatory cells and secreted biomarkers in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood serum, while in vitro studies on lung cells indicate contradictory results regarding the toxicity of these NPs. Full article
17 pages, 1575 KiB  
Review
Exogenous Antioxidants in Remyelination and Skeletal Muscle Recovery
by Ricardo Julián Cabezas Perez, Marco Fidel Ávila Rodríguez and Doris Haydee Rosero Salazar
Biomedicines 2022, 10(10), 2557; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10102557 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1749
Abstract
Inflammatory, oxidative, and autoimmune responses cause severe damage to the nervous system inducing loss of myelin layers or demyelination. Even though demyelination is not considered a direct cause of skeletal muscle disease there is extensive damage in skeletal muscles following demyelination and impaired [...] Read more.
Inflammatory, oxidative, and autoimmune responses cause severe damage to the nervous system inducing loss of myelin layers or demyelination. Even though demyelination is not considered a direct cause of skeletal muscle disease there is extensive damage in skeletal muscles following demyelination and impaired innervation. In vitro and in vivo evidence using exogenous antioxidants in models of demyelination is showing improvements in myelin formation alongside skeletal muscle recovery. For instance, exogenous antioxidants such as EGCG stimulate nerve structure maintenance, activation of glial cells, and reduction of oxidative stress. Consequently, this evidence is also showing structural and functional recovery of impaired skeletal muscles due to demyelination. Exogenous antioxidants mostly target inflammatory pathways and stimulate remyelinating mechanisms that seem to induce skeletal muscle regeneration. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe recent evidence related to the molecular mechanisms in nerve and skeletal muscle regeneration induced by exogenous antioxidants. This will be relevant to identifying further targets to improve treatments of neuromuscular demyelinating diseases. Full article
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21 pages, 749 KiB  
Review
Creating an Optimal In Vivo Environment to Enhance Outcomes Using Cell Therapy to Repair/Regenerate Injured Tissues of the Musculoskeletal System
by David A. Hart and Norimasa Nakamura
Biomedicines 2022, 10(7), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10071570 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2283
Abstract
Following most injuries to a musculoskeletal tissue which function in unique mechanical environments, an inflammatory response occurs to facilitate endogenous repair. This is a process that usually yields functionally inferior scar tissue. In the case of such injuries occurring in adults, the injury [...] Read more.
Following most injuries to a musculoskeletal tissue which function in unique mechanical environments, an inflammatory response occurs to facilitate endogenous repair. This is a process that usually yields functionally inferior scar tissue. In the case of such injuries occurring in adults, the injury environment no longer expresses the anabolic processes that contributed to growth and maturation. An injury can also contribute to the development of a degenerative process, such as osteoarthritis. Over the past several years, researchers have attempted to use cellular therapies to enhance the repair and regeneration of injured tissues, including Platelet-rich Plasma and mesenchymal stem/medicinal signaling cells (MSC) from a variety of tissue sources, either as free MSC or incorporated into tissue engineered constructs, to facilitate regeneration of such damaged tissues. The use of free MSC can sometimes affect pain symptoms associated with conditions such as OA, but regeneration of damaged tissues has been challenging, particularly as some of these tissues have very complex structures. Therefore, implanting MSC or engineered constructs into an inflammatory environment in an adult may compromise the potential of the cells to facilitate regeneration, and neutralizing the inflammatory environment and enhancing the anabolic environment may be required for MSC-based interventions to fulfill their potential. Thus, success may depend on first eliminating negative influences (e.g., inflammation) in an environment, and secondly, implanting optimally cultured MSC or tissue engineered constructs into an anabolic environment to achieve the best outcomes. Furthermore, such interventions should be considered early rather than later on in a disease process, at a time when sufficient endogenous cells remain to serve as a template for repair and regeneration. This review discusses how the interface between inflammation and cell-based regeneration of damaged tissues may be at odds, and outlines approaches to improve outcomes. In addition, other variables that could contribute to the success of cell therapies are discussed. Thus, there may be a need to adopt a Precision Medicine approach to optimize tissue repair and regeneration following injury to these important tissues. Full article
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Other

20 pages, 8139 KiB  
Technical Note
Macrophages Characterization in an Injured Bone Tissue
by Krisztina Nikovics, Marjorie Durand, Cédric Castellarin, Julien Burger, Emma Sicherre, Jean-Marc Collombet, Myriam Oger, Xavier Holy and Anne-Laure Favier
Biomedicines 2022, 10(6), 1385; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10061385 - 11 Jun 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1921
Abstract
Biomaterial use is a promising approach to facilitate wound healing of the bone tissue. Biomaterials induce the formation of membrane capsules and the recruitment of different types of macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that produce diverse combinations of cytokines playing an important role [...] Read more.
Biomaterial use is a promising approach to facilitate wound healing of the bone tissue. Biomaterials induce the formation of membrane capsules and the recruitment of different types of macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that produce diverse combinations of cytokines playing an important role in bone healing and regeneration, but the exact mechanism remains to be studied. Our work aimed to identify in vivo macrophages in the Masquelet induced membrane in a rat model. Most of the macrophages in the damaged area were M2-like, with smaller numbers of M1-like macrophages. In addition, high expression of IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines were detected in the membrane region by RT-qPCR. Using an innovative combination of two hybridization techniques (in situ hybridization and in situ hybridization chain reaction (in situ HCR)), M2b-like macrophages were identified for the first time in cryosections of non-decalcified bone. Our work has also demonstrated that microspectroscopical analysis is essential for macrophage characterization, as it allows the discrimination of fluorescence and autofluorescence. Finally, this work has revealed the limitations of immunolabelling and the potential of in situ HCR to provide valuable information for in vivo characterization of macrophages. Full article
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14 pages, 4423 KiB  
Technical Note
In Situ Gene Expression in Native Cryofixed Bone Tissue
by Krisztina Nikovics, Cédric Castellarin, Xavier Holy, Marjorie Durand, Halima Morin, Abdelhafid Bendahmane and Anne-Laure Favier
Biomedicines 2022, 10(2), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10020484 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2250
Abstract
Bone is a very complex tissue that is constantly changing throughout the lifespan. The precise mechanism of bone regeneration remains poorly understood. Large bone defects can be caused by gunshot injury, trauma, accidents, congenital anomalies and tissue resection due to cancer. Therefore, understanding [...] Read more.
Bone is a very complex tissue that is constantly changing throughout the lifespan. The precise mechanism of bone regeneration remains poorly understood. Large bone defects can be caused by gunshot injury, trauma, accidents, congenital anomalies and tissue resection due to cancer. Therefore, understanding bone homeostasis and regeneration has considerable clinical and scientific importance in the development of bone therapy. Macrophages are well known innate immune cells secreting different combinations of cytokines and their role in bone regeneration during bone healing is essential. Here, we present a method to identify mRNA transcripts in cryosections of non-decalcified rat bone using in situ hybridization and hybridization chain reaction to explore gene expression in situ for better understanding the gene expression of the bone tissues. Full article
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