Apixaban exhibits anti-arthritic effects by inhibiting activated factor X-mediated JAK2/STAT3 and MAPK phosphorylation pathways
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
Authors: Abd El-Ghafar, Omnia Ahmed Mohamed; Helal, Gouda Kamel; Abo-Youssef, Amira M.
Abstract
Activated factor X (FXa) is strongly linked to various inflammatory events. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FXa on janus kinase2/signal transducers and activators of transcription3 (JAK2/STAT3) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in relation to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It also extends its scope to explore the possible anti-arthritic effects of apixaban, a selective FXa inhibitor. Rats were allocated into normal control; complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA, 0.4 ml/4 days/12 days); FXa (120 mu g/kg/day/3 days) and CFA + FXa groups as well as three treated groups including CFA + apixaban; FXa + apixaban and CFA + FXa + apixaban. Apixaban was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/12 h for15 days. By the end of the experimental period, tissue samples were collected for the assessment of phosphorylated (p)-JAK2, STAT3, MAPK, matrixmetalloprotein-1 (MMP-1) and protease-activated receptor 2. Furthermore, Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA), 8-hydroxy-2 '-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), plasma level of FXa and prothrombin time were evaluated. In support, histopathological and macroscopical examinations were performed. FXa activated JAK2, STAT3 and MAPK phosphorylation through activation of PAR 2, PDGF and IL-6 and concomitantly led to a significant elevation in ACPA, MMP-1 and 8-OHdG. Apixaban markedly amended FXa-induced changes. Conclusively, the current study revealed that FXa may have a drastic role in RA progression and pathogenesis at least through stimulation of JAK2/STAT3 and MAPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, apixaban exerted robust arthro-protective effects. These beneficial outcomes could be attributed to its ability to impede JAK2/STAT3 and MAPK activation, as well as to its antioxidant property.
Sex-specific Association of Matrix Metalloproteinases with Secondary Injury and Outcomes after Intracerebral Hemorrhage
JOURNAL OF STROKE & CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES
Authors: Howe, Matthew D.; Furr, J. Weldon; Zhu, Liang; Edwards, Nancy J.; McCullough, Louise D.; Gonzales, Nicole R.
Abstract
Objective: Intracerebral hemorrhage affects approximately 2 million individuals per year. While the incidence is roughly equal in men and women, few studies have examined the influence of sex on secondary injury and associated long-term functional outcomes. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) promote vessel rupture and worsen outcomes by potentiating blood-brain barrier breakdown after injury. We hypothesized that different MMP isoform levels would be predictive of injury severity, secondary injury, and long-term functional outcomes in males and females, respectively. Methods: We examined the levels of MMP isoforms in serum samples from a prospective patient biobank (n = 55). Baseline clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data were also analyzed. Results: We found that MMP-1 (P =.036), MMP-2 (P=.014), MMP-3 (P<.001), and MMP-9 (P=.02) levels gradually increased over time in male patients until 10 DPI. In female patients, we found a different pattern of activation: MMP-8 (P=.02) was the only isoform that significantly changed with time, which reached a peak at 3-5 days postinjury. Several MMP isoforms correlated with markers of secondary injury in female patients (all P<.05). Additionally, serum levels of MMP-3 (P=.011) in males and MMP-10 (P=.044) in females were significantly associated with long-term functional outcomes in a sex-specific manner. Conclusions: This is the first sex-specific study to examine serum MMP levels and their correlation with clinicoradiologic measures after intracerebral hemorrhage, and identifies potential biomarkers of secondary injury and long-term outcomes in both sexes.