Abdulaziz H Alanazi, Mohamed S Selim, Yin Zhu, Duo Zhang, S Priya Narayanan, Payaningal R Somanath
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, persistent inflammation, and oxidative stress. While the vascular complications of diabetes are well-documented, their impact on lung barrier integrity remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which advanced glycation end-products (AGE) compromise the integrity of lung endothelial and epithelial barriers. Using human lung microvascular endothelial cells and epithelial (A549) cells, we assessed the impact of AGE on the tight junction protein claudin-5, adherens junction protein VE-cadherin, and key signaling molecules including the receptor for AGE (RAGE), phosphorylated Akt, and p38 MAPK as well as a panel of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our findings demonstrated that AGE exposure (50 μg/mL) significantly activated Akt and p38 MAPK, upregulated Claudin-5 and RAGE, and downregulated VE-cadherin, correlating with reduced transendothelial electrical resistance in vitro. Notably, we observed similar effects on lung epithelial cells. Moreover, AGE-treated conditioned media from THP-1 macrophages induced a pronounced increase in inflammatory cytokines, amplifying the disruption of lung barrier integrity. These findings reveal a potential mechanism linking diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction and immune activation to compromised lung barrier function, emphasizing the need for further research into diabetes-associated lung complications.
期刊介绍:
Tissue Barriers is the first international interdisciplinary journal that focuses on the architecture, biological roles and regulation of tissue barriers and intercellular junctions. We publish high quality peer-reviewed articles that cover a wide range of topics including structure and functions of the diverse and complex tissue barriers that occur across tissue and cell types, including the molecular composition and dynamics of polarized cell junctions and cell-cell interactions during normal homeostasis, injury and disease state. Tissue barrier formation in regenerative medicine and restoration of tissue and organ function is also of interest. Tissue Barriers publishes several categories of articles including: Original Research Papers, Short Communications, Technical Papers, Reviews, Perspectives and Commentaries, Hypothesis and Meeting Reports. Reviews and Perspectives/Commentaries will typically be invited. We also anticipate to publish special issues that are devoted to rapidly developing or controversial areas of research. Suggestions for topics are welcome. Tissue Barriers objectives: Promote interdisciplinary awareness and collaboration between researchers working with epithelial, epidermal and endothelial barriers and to build a broad and cohesive worldwide community of scientists interesting in this exciting field. Comprehend the enormous complexity of tissue barriers and map cross-talks and interactions between their different cellular and non-cellular components. Highlight the roles of tissue barrier dysfunctions in human diseases. Promote understanding and strategies for restoration of tissue barrier formation and function in regenerative medicine. Accelerate a search for pharmacological enhancers of tissue barriers as potential therapeutic agents. Understand and optimize drug delivery across epithelial and endothelial barriers.