Pharmacologic PPAR-γ Activation Reprograms Bone Marrow Macrophages and Partially Rescues HSPC Mobilization in Human

Serena Tedesco1,2, Stefano Ciciliot1, Lisa Menegazzo1

  • 1Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy.

Diabetes
|April 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Pioglitazone partially rescues hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in diabetes by reprogramming macrophages and reducing Oncostatin M (OSM) signaling. However, sustained CXCL12 from bone marrow adipocytes limits full recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization from bone marrow (BM) is impaired in diabetes.
  • Excess Oncostatin M (OSM) from M1 macrophages in diabetic BM induces CXCL12 in stromal cells, retaining HSPC.
  • Bone marrow adipocytes also contribute to CXCL12 production, further hindering mobilization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate pharmacologic macrophage reprogramming using pioglitazone to restore HSPC mobilization in diabetes.
  • To elucidate the roles of OSM, p66Shc, and CXCL12 in diabetic BM and their modulation by pioglitazone.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies on macrophage polarization and gene expression.
  • In vivo experiments in diabetic mice treated with pioglitazone or subjected to gene deletion (Osm, p66Shc).
  • Analysis of HSPC mobilization, gene expression (Osm, p66Shc, Cxcl12), and bone marrow adipogenesis.
  • Clinical evaluation in diabetic patients receiving pioglitazone and G-CSF therapy.

Main Results:

  • Pioglitazone switched M1 to M2 macrophages in vitro, reducing Osm and preventing CXCL12 induction.
  • In diabetic mice, pioglitazone downregulated Osm, p66Shc, and Cxcl12, partially rescuing HSPC mobilization but increasing BM adipocytes.
  • Osm deletion mimicked pioglitazone's effects on adipogenesis independently of p66Shc.
  • Combined Osm and p66Shc knockout completely rescued HSPC mobilization.
  • In patients, pioglitazone partially rescued G-CSF-induced HSPC mobilization.

Conclusions:

  • Pioglitazone reprograms bone marrow macrophages, suppressing OSM signaling and partially rescuing HSPC mobilization.
  • Sustained CXCL12 expression by bone marrow adipocytes limits the complete recovery of HSPC mobilization.
  • Targeting both macrophage-derived OSM and adipocyte-derived CXCL12 may be necessary for full restoration of HSPC mobilization in diabetes.

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