The Integrin Inhibitor Cilengitide and Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis : Cilengitide and Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-1-2020

Abstract

PURPOSE: Fibroproliferation and excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) are the pathologic hallmarks of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic progressive disorder with high mortality and suboptimal treatment options. Although the etiologic mechanisms responsible for the development and progression of IPF remain unclear, cell-ECM interactions and growth factors are considered important. Cilengitide is a cyclic RGD pentapeptide with anti-angiogenic activity that targets αvβ3, αvβ5 and α5β1, integrins known to mediate cell-ECM interactions and activate the pro-fibrotic growth factor Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-β).

METHODS: Cilengitide was studied in vitro with the use of NIH/3T3 cells and primary lung fibroblasts, and in vivo in the well-characterized bleomycin-induced lung injury model. The extent of ECM deposition was determined by RT-PCR, Western blot, histologic analysis and hydroxyproline assay of lung tissue. Bronchoalveolar lavage analysis was used to determine cell counts.

RESULTS: Cilengitide treatment of cultured fibroblasts showed decreased adhesion to vitronectin and fibronectin, both integrin-dependent events. Cilengitide also inhibited TGF-β-induced fibronectin gene expression and reduced the accumulation of mRNAs and protein for fibronectin and collagen type I. Both preventive and treatment effects of daily injections of cilengitide (20 mg/kg) failed to inhibit the development of pulmonary fibrosis as determined by histological analysis (Ashcroft scoring), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cell counts, and hydroxyproline content.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our data suggest that, despite its in vitro activity in fibroblasts, daily injections of cilengitide (20 mg/kg) did not inhibit the development of or ameliorate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Volume

198

Issue

6

First Page

947

Last Page

955

ISSN

1432-1750

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

33146772

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

Share

COinS