551
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Abstract
IL-33, a new member of the IL-1F, is widely expressed throughout the body and can be up-regulated by stimulation with proinflammatory factors. It has been identified as a functional ligand for the plasma membrane receptor complex that is a heterodimer consisting of membrane-bound ST2L, which is a member of the IL-1R family, and IL-1RAcP. IL-33 is crucial for the induction of Th2 immune responses. Additionally, under other circumstances, it can also act as an endogenous danger signal. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that IL-33 may be related to the development and progression of fibrotic diseases. It has proinflammatory effects in some fibrotic diseases but has anti-inflammatory effects in others. In this review, the biologic characteristics of IL-33 and the role of the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway in various fibrotic diseases will be discussed. We hope this overview will provide new insights for the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyan Gao
- Department of Immunology, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Immunology, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, China
| | - Mingcai Li
- Department of Immunology, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, China
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552
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Li J, Li X, Xu W, Wang S, Hu Z, Zhang Q, Deng X, Wang J, Zhang J, Guo C. Antifibrotic effects of luteolin on hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis by targeting AKT/mTOR/p70S6K and TGFβ/Smad signalling pathways. Liver Int 2015; 35:1222-33. [PMID: 25040634 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Luteolin has been reported to exert antifibrogenic effects in CCl4 -induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. However, limited information is available on the cellular and molecular events responsible for this effect. This study focused on the action of luteolin on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the relevant signalling molecules and pathways as well as the antifibrotic efficacy in multiple models of fibrosis. METHODS The in vitro effect of luteolin on rat HSCs and HSC-T6 cells was assessed using proliferation assays, invasion chamber, quantitative real-time PCR analysis and Western blotting. The in vivo effect of luteolin on progression of fibrosis was assessed in three experimental rat models induced by CCl4 , dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) and bile duct ligation (BDL). RESULTS Luteolin inhibited proliferation, migration, collagen synthesis as well as expression of fibrosis-related genes in the activated HSCs and HSC-T6 cells stimulated with or without transforming growth factor-β1(TGFβ1) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Luteolin induced HSC apoptosis associated with the increased caspase 3 activity and p53 expression, and induced G1 arrest with the decreased expression of bcl-2, Cyclin E and p-Cdk-2. Moreover, luteolin significantly inhibited PDGF and TGFβ1-simulated phosphorylation of AKT and Smad pathway. In vivo study showed that luteolin administration markedly alleviated hepatic fibrosis along with reduced elevations of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. HSCs were found to undergo apoptosis and decreased expression of p-Smad2 and p-AKT in luteolin-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that luteolin prevents the progression of liver fibrosis through multiple mechanisms and indicates that luteolin has potential for effective treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
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553
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Zhang Z, Wang C, Zha Y, Hu W, Gao Z, Zang Y, Chen J, Zhang J, Dong L. Corona-directed nucleic acid delivery into hepatic stellate cells for liver fibrosis therapy. ACS Nano 2015; 9:2405-19. [PMID: 25587629 DOI: 10.1021/nn505166x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Strategies to modify nanoparticles with biological ligands for targeted drug delivery in vivo have been widely studied but met with limited clinical success. A possible reason is that, in the blood circulation, serum proteins could rapidly form a layer of protein "corona" on the vehicle surface, which might block the modified ligands and hamper their targeting functions. We speculate that strategies for drug delivery can be designed based upon elegant control of the corona formation on the vehicle surfaces. In this study, we demonstrate a retinol-conjugated polyetherimine (RcP) nanoparticle system that selectively recruited the retinol binding protein 4 (RBP) in its corona components. RBP was found to bind retinol, and direct the antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-laden RcP carrier to hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which play essential roles in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. In both mouse fibrosis models, induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and bile duct ligation (BDL), respectively, the ASO-laden RcP particles effectively suppressed the expression of type I collagen (collagen I), and consequently ameliorated hepatic fibrosis. Such findings suggest that this delivery system, designed to exploit the power of corona proteins, can serve as a promising tool for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengping Zhang
- †State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chunming Wang
- ‡State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yinhe Zha
- †State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wei Hu
- †State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Zhongfei Gao
- †State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuhui Zang
- †State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jiangning Chen
- †State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- †State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Lei Dong
- †State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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554
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Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are involved in the development of mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues and serve as a rapid and early source of the effector cytokines that are typically associated with the T helper cell subsets in response to pathogen-induced changes in the microenvironment. Recent research has implicated ILCs as potential contributing factors to the spectrum of inflammation-related hepatic diseases, particularly hepatitis, fibrosis and carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the roles of ILCs in these hepatic pathogeneses, providing insights into the underlying cellular and signaling mechanisms to help guide the future research to elucidate the ILCs' characters under normal and diseased conditions and provide interventional targets with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Yang
- a Institute of Immunology, PLA , Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , P. R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Tian
- a Institute of Immunology, PLA , Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , P. R. China
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- a Institute of Immunology, PLA , Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , P. R. China
| | | | - Bing Ni
- a Institute of Immunology, PLA , Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , P. R. China
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555
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Xie H, Hou W, Yang Y, Yu Y, Wang F, Mao J. Effects of Shenqi Neijin powder on activation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Int J Clin Exp Med 2015; 8:2226-2232. [PMID: 25932155 PMCID: PMC4402802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Traditional herbal medicine is usually administrated according to experiences and practices. We aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of Shenqi Neijin powder (SQNJP) in hepatic fibrosis rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). A total of 32 rats were divided into control group, model group, and SQNJP group. The hydroxyproline content was assayed. Histological features of liver tissues were determined with different staining methods. Western blotting analysis and immuno-fluorescence staining were performed to determine the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Serial sections were stained with α-SMA immuno-fluorescence staining and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method (TUNEL) in turn to detect the apoptosis of HSCs. Fatty degeneration, deposition of collagen, and interval of fibers were noticed in rats induced by CCl4. After administration of SQNJP, remarkable decrease of fatty degeneration, deposition of collagen, and hydroxyproline content were noticed. Compared with the model group, significant decrease of α-SMA protein was noticed after administration of SQNJP, and remarkable apoptosis of HSCs was noticed after treating with SQNJP. SQNJP showed anti-fibrotic effects through inhibiting HSCs activation and inducing apoptosis of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongdong Xie
- Department of Infectious Disease, Taizhou Municipal Hospital Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Taizhou Municipal Hospital Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Yide Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Taizhou Municipal Hospital Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Taizhou Municipal Hospital Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Fengling Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Taizhou Municipal Hospital Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Juanjuan Mao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Taizhou Municipal Hospital Taizhou 318000, China
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556
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Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) is an isoform of the PDGFR family of tyrosine kinase receptors involved in cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and growth. In this review, we highlight the role of PDGFRα and the current evidence of its expression and activities in liver development, regeneration, and pathology-including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Studies elucidating PDGFRα signaling in processes ranging from profibrotic signaling, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition point toward PDGFRα as a potential therapeutic target in various hepatic pathologies, including hepatic fibrosis and liver cancer. Furthermore, PDGFRα localization and modulation during liver development and regeneration may lend insight into its potential roles in various pathologic states. We will also briefly discuss some of the current targeted treatments for PDGFRα, including multi receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and PDGFRα-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kikuchi
- Department of Pathology and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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557
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Nanashima A, Sakamoto A, Sakamoto I, Hayashi H, Abo T, Wakata K, Murakami G, Arai J, Wada H, Takagi K, Takeshita H, Hidaka S, To K, Nagayasu T. Usefulness of evaluating hepatic elasticity using artificial acoustic radiation force ultrasonography before hepatectomy. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:1308-19. [PMID: 24506195 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate hepatic fibrosis and tumor diagnosis preoperatively, we investigated the elasticity calculated by the new parameter of ultrasonography, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI). METHODS We examined ARFI of the non-tumorous right and left lateral liver and in the tumor by push pulse of probe in 95 patients with hepatic malignancies undergoing hepatectomy. Measurement of ARFI as hepatic stiffness was indicated as the Vs (m/s). RESULTS Measuring the Vs in the non-tumor region was achieved in the right liver in 99% and at the left lateral liver in 94%. The Vs in the right liver was significantly lower than in the left lateral liver, and the Vs of the liver tumor was significantly higher than in the non-tumorous liver. The Vs in the right and left lateral liver was correlated with the platelet count, aspartate aminotransferase, fibrotic indices and indocyanine green test. The Vs in the right liver was significantly correlated with the fibrotic marker or index. The Vs of liver cirrhosis and histological stage 4 in the right and left liver was significantly the highest compared to the others. The Vs in the right liver showed a high area under the receiver-operator curve value predicting histological fibrosis. The Vs in the right was significantly correlated with blood loss and postoperative complications, particularly uncontrolled ascites. CONCLUSION Non-invasive ARFI imaging elastography is useful in evaluating impaired liver function or in the differential diagnosis of liver malignancies, highly hepatic fibrosis and in predicting posthepatectomy morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Nanashima
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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558
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Wang K, Tang Y, Yan F, Zhu J, Li J. Potent inhibition of TGF-β signaling pathway regulator Abl: potential therapeutics for hepatic fibrosis. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2014; 35:410-9. [PMID: 25418123 DOI: 10.3109/10799893.2014.986745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is overly exuberant wound healing in which excessive connective tissue builds up in the liver. The treatment of hepatic fibrosis is still difficult and remains a challenge to the clinician. In recent years, the TGF-β signaling pathway regulator tyrosine kinase Abl has been raised as a new and promising target of hepatic fibrosis therapy. Here, considering that there are numerous drugs and drug-like compounds being approved or under clinical development and experimental investigation, it is expected that some of the existing drugs can be re-exploited as new agents to target Abl with the capability of suppressing hepatic fibrosis. To achieve this, a synthetic protocol that integrated molecular docking, affinity scoring dynamics simulation and free energy analysis was described to systematically profile the inhibitory potency of various drugs and drug-like compounds against the kinase domain of Abl. Consequently, 4 out of 13 tested drug candidates were successfully identified to have high-Abl inhibitory activities. By visually examining the dynamics behavior, structural basis and energetic property of few typical Abl-drug complex cases, a significantly different pattern of non-bonded interactions between the binding of active and inactive drug ligands to Abl receptor was revealed; the former is defined by strong, specific chemical forces, while the latter can only form non-specific hydrophobic contacts with slight atomic collisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuifeng Wang
- a Institute of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou P.R. China and.,b Infectious Department , Taizhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Taizhou , P.R. China
| | - Yongzhi Tang
- b Infectious Department , Taizhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Taizhou , P.R. China
| | - Fei Yan
- b Infectious Department , Taizhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Taizhou , P.R. China
| | - Jiansheng Zhu
- b Infectious Department , Taizhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Taizhou , P.R. China
| | - Jicheng Li
- a Institute of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou P.R. China and
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559
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Nitha A, Prabha SP, Ansil PN, Latha MS. Methanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz flowers ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic hepatic fibrosis in rats. Toxicol Ind Health 2014; 32:1224-36. [PMID: 25415873 DOI: 10.1177/0748233714552120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, characterized by extracellular matrix accumulation, is the common cause of chronic liver failure and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dried flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rat model. Hepatic fibrosis was induced in male Wistar rats by CCl4 administration (150 μl/100 g rat weight, oral) twice a week for 10 weeks. In preventive model, administration of daily doses of methanolic extract of W. fruticosa (MEWF) at two different doses (100 mg/kg, body weight (b.w.) and 200 mg/kg, b.w.) was started 1 week before the onset of CCl4 administration and continued for 10 weeks. In curative model, MEWF at 100 and 200 mg/kg were given for last 2 weeks after the establishment of fibrosis. MEWF at a dose of 200 mg/kg was able to exert a more pronounced effect as evidenced histologically by significant reduction in fibrotic septa formation in liver tissue, immunohistochemically by abridged expression of collagen III, and also biochemically by serum and tissue antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and hydroxyproline level. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of confertin, quercetin methyl ether, ellagic acid, and stigmasterol in MEWF, which could be responsible for its antifibrotic activity. These results indicate the effective protection exerted by MEWF against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nitha
- Biochemistry and Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - S P Prabha
- Biochemistry and Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - P N Ansil
- Biochemistry and Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - M S Latha
- Biochemistry and Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India
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560
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Liang CC, Liu CH, Chung CS, Lin CK, Su TH, Yang HC, Liu CJ, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH. Advanced hepatic fibrosis and steatosis are associated with persistent alanine aminotransferase elevation in chronic hepatitis C patients negative for hepatitis C virus RNA during pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy. J Infect Dis 2014; 211:1429-36. [PMID: 25387585 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical implications of persistent alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation and associated factors in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients who achieved undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA during pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (peg-IFN/RBV) therapy remain unknown. METHODS A total of 1113 CHC patients with undetectable HCV RNA during peg-IFN/RBV therapy were enrolled. Baseline characteristics associated with persistent on-treatment ALT elevation (POAE), and its impact on treatment outcomes, were investigated. RESULTS Of 1113 CHC patients, 254 (22.8%) had POAE. Among patients with HCV genotype 1 (HCV-1) who had complete early virologic response (EVR) and received 48 weeks of therapy, patients with POAE had a lower rate of sustained virologic response (SVR) than those without POAE (44.1% vs 74.0%; P = .0002). Multivariate analyses showed that body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m(2), ALT level ≥3 times the upper limit of normal, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index score ≥1.5, hepatic fibrosis ≥F3, and hepatic steatosis ≥S2 were independent factors associated with POAE after viral clearance. CONCLUSIONS POAE is common in CHC patients during therapy. HCV-1 patients with POAE have a lower SVR rate to 48-week therapy if they achieve complete EVR. Advanced hepatic fibrosis, obesity, and steatosis are factors associated with POAE in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Chao Liang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital Oriental Institute of Technology
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine
| | | | - Cheng-Kuan Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine
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561
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Qu J, Yu Z, Li Q, Chen Y, Xiang D, Tan L, Lei C, Bai W, Li H, Shang Q, Chen L, Hu X, Lu W, Li Z, Chen D, Wang X, Zhang C, Xiao G, Qi X, Chen J, Zhou L, Chen G, Li Y, Zeng Z, Rong G, Dong Z, Chen Y, Lou M, Wang C, Lu Y, Zhang C, Yang Y. Blocking and reversing hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated by traditional Chinese medicine (tablets of biejia ruangan or RGT): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2014; 15:438. [PMID: 25381721 PMCID: PMC4234899 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and ultimately liver-related death. Although oral antiviral therapy for patients with CHB reduces the risk of such complications, once cirrhosis is established, the benefits of antiviral therapy are not robustly demonstrated. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), some Chinese herbal medicines promote blood circulation and soften hard masses, and therefore they may block and reverse hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of TCM tablets of the compound biejia ruangan (RGT) administered for fibrosis, and entecavir (ETV), on the development of HCC in patients with CHB or hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related compensated cirrhosis. METHODS/DESIGN This multicenter, centrally randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study is planned to complete within 5 years. For the study, 1,000 with CHB or HBV-related compensated cirrhosis are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to a treatment group (0.5 mg ETV once daily; 2 g RGT three times daily) or a control group (0.5 mg ETV once daily; 2 g RGT dummy agent three times daily). The primary end points are the development of HCC and liver-related death. Secondary end points include disease progression and overall survival. DISCUSSION Although antiviral therapy can achieve sustained suppression of HBV replication, thereby preventing cirrhosis, patients with CHB treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) retain a higher risk for HCC compared with patients with inactive disease. Although previous clinical trials with RGT have confirmed the efficacy of blocking and reversing hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB or compensated cirrhosis, the long-term risk for HCC or disease progression in these patients treated with combination of RGT and NUCs compared with NUCs alone is unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effects of the RGT blockade and reversal of hepatic fibrosis on the development of HCC in patients with CHB or HBV-related compensated cirrhosis in large, prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trials in China. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01965418. Date registered: 17 October 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Qu
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Zujiang Yu
- />Department of Infectious Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052 China
| | - Qin Li
- />Fuzhou Infectious Diseases Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350025 China
| | - Yongping Chen
- />Department of Infectious and Liver Diseases, Liver Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325000 China
| | - Dedong Xiang
- />Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Lin Tan
- />Liver Disease Department, Fuyang No 2 People’s Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui Province 236015 China
| | - Chunliang Lei
- />Guangzhou No 8 People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060 China
| | - Wenlin Bai
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Hongyan Li
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Qinghua Shang
- />Therapeutic Center for Liver Disease, 88th Hospital of PLA, Taian, Shandong Province 271000 China
| | - Liang Chen
- />Department of Hepatic Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, 201508 China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- />National Integrative Medicine Clinical Base for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610072 China
| | - Wei Lu
- />Tianjin Second People’s Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin, 300192 China
| | - Zhiqin Li
- />Department of Infectious Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052 China
| | - Da Chen
- />Fuzhou Infectious Diseases Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350025 China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- />Department of Infectious and Liver Diseases, Liver Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325000 China
| | - Changjiang Zhang
- />Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Guangming Xiao
- />Guangzhou No 8 People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060 China
| | - Xun Qi
- />Department of Hepatic Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, 201508 China
| | - Jing Chen
- />National Integrative Medicine Clinical Base for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610072 China
| | - Li Zhou
- />Tianjin Second People’s Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin, 300192 China
| | - Guofeng Chen
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Yonggang Li
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Guanghua Rong
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Zheng Dong
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Yan Chen
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Min Lou
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Chunping Wang
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Yinying Lu
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Cuihong Zhang
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Yongping Yang
- />Center of Therapeutic Research for Liver Cancer, the 302 hospital of PLA, 100 Xisi Huan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China
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562
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Wen SL, Gao JH, Yang WJ, Lu YY, Tong H, Huang ZY, Liu ZX, Tang CW. Celecoxib attenuates hepatic cirrhosis through inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of hepatocytes. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 29:1932-42. [PMID: 24909904 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatocytes is a key step for hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Long-term administration of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, can ameliorate hepatic fibrosis. This research aimed to examine the effect of celecoxib on the EMT of hepatocytes during the development of liver cirrhosis. METHODS Cirrhotic liver model of rat was established by peritoneal injection of thiacetamide (TAA). Thirty-six rats were randomly assigned to control, TAA, and TAA + celecoxib groups. Hepatic expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), COX-2, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Phospho-Smad2/3, Snail1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, collagen I, fibroblast-specific protein (FSP-1), E-cadherin and N-cadherin were quantitated. Hepatic fibrosis was assessed by the visible hepatic fibrotic areas and Ishak's scoring system. RESULTS Exposed to TAA treatment, hepatocytes underwent the process of EMT during hepatic fibrosis. Compared with those in TAA group, celecoxib significantly downregulated the hepatic expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, PGE2 , MMP-2, MMP-9, TGF-β1, Phospho-Smad2/3, Snail1, α-SMA, FSP-1, and vimentin while greatly restoring the levels of E-cadherin. The fibrotic areas and collagen I levels of TAA + celecoxib group were much lower than those in TAA group. CONCLUSIONS Celecoxib could ameliorate hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis in TAA-rat model through suppression of the mesenchymal biomarkers in the hepatocytes while restoring the levels of their epithelial biomarkers. The inhibitory effect of celecoxib on the EMT of hepatocytes is associated with reduction of intrahepatic inflammation, preservation of normal basement matrix, and inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Lei Wen
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China; Division of Peptides Related with Human Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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563
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Oono T, Yamasaki T, Zaitsu J, Saeki I, Iwamoto T, Harima Y, Marumoto Y, Hidaka I, Urata Y, Ishikawa T, Takami T, Segawa M, Uchida K, Terai S, Kunitugu I, Tanabe T, Sakaida I. Association of tyrosine with insulin resistance in hepatitis C virus-related chronic liver disease. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:E54-62. [PMID: 23905687 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM Insulin resistance (IR) increases during the early stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease and is a sign of poor prognosis as well as a risk factor for hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to determine the factors affecting IR in HCV-related chronic liver disease. METHODS We retrospectively examined 71 patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease and analyzed various parameters, including amino acids, as possible predictors of IR. IR was assessed using the Homeostasis Model of Assessment - Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Amino acids were assayed by examining branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), tyrosine level, and the ratio of BCAA to tyrosine level (BTR). RESULTS HOMA-IR was significantly correlated with body mass index, platelet count, prothrombin time, hemoglobin, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, BTR (r = -0.46, P = 0.0001) and tyrosine (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001). However, BCAA were not significantly correlated with HOMA-IR (r = -0.21, P = 0.082). In multivariate analysis, only two factors were identified as independent parameters contributing to a HOMA-IR of 2.5 or more: total cholesterol (odds ratio [OR], 6.511; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.554-27.284; P = 0.010) and tyrosine (OR, 4.839; 95% CI, 1.087-21.549; P = 0.039). CONCLUSION Serum tyrosine levels may be associated with IR in patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Oono
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
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Martínez AK, Maroni L, Marzioni M, Ahmed ST, Milad M, Ray D, Alpini G, Glaser SS. Mouse models of liver fibrosis mimic human liver fibrosis of different etiologies. Curr Pathobiol Rep 2014; 2:143-153. [PMID: 25396098 DOI: 10.1007/s40139-014-0050-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The liver has the amazing capacity to repair itself after injury; however, the same processes that are involved in liver regeneration after acute injury can cause serious consequences during chronic liver injury. In an effort to repair damage, activated hepatic stellate cells trigger a cascade of events that lead to deposition and accumulation of extracellular matrix components causing the progressive replacement of the liver parenchyma by scar tissue, thus resulting in fibrosis. Although fibrosis occurs as a result of many chronic liver diseases, the molecular mechanisms involved depend on the underlying etiology. Since studying liver fibrosis in human subjects is complicated by many factors, mouse models of liver fibrosis that mimic the human conditions fill this void. This review summarizes the general mouse models of liver fibrosis and mouse models that mimic specific human disease conditions that result in liver fibrosis. Additionally, recent progress that has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the fibrogenic processes of each of the human disease conditions is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson K Martínez
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas
| | - Luca Maroni
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Marzioni
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Syed T Ahmed
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas ; Baylor Scott & White, Texas A&M Internal Medicine Residency Program, Temple, TX
| | - Mena Milad
- Baylor Scott & White, Texas A&M Internal Medicine Residency Program, Temple, TX
| | - Debolina Ray
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas ; Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Scott & White, Temple, Texas ; Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas
| | - Shannon S Glaser
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas ; Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Scott & White, Temple, Texas ; Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas
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565
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Ichikawa S, Motosugi U, Morisaka H, Sano K, Ichikawa T, Enomoto N, Matsuda M, Fujii H, Onishi H. MRI-based staging of hepatic fibrosis: Comparison of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging with magnetic resonance elastography. J Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 42:204-10. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Utaroh Motosugi
- Department of Radiology; University of Yamanashi; Yamanashi Japan
| | | | - Katsuhiro Sano
- Department of Radiology; University of Yamanashi; Yamanashi Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ichikawa
- Department of Radiology; University of Yamanashi; Yamanashi Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Enomoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine; University of Yamanashi; Yamanashi Japan
| | - Masanori Matsuda
- First Department of Surgery; University of Yamanashi; Yamanashi Japan
| | - Hideki Fujii
- First Department of Surgery; University of Yamanashi; Yamanashi Japan
| | - Hiroshi Onishi
- Department of Radiology; University of Yamanashi; Yamanashi Japan
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566
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Liu Q, Wang CY, Liu Z, Ma XS, He YH, Chen SS, Bai XY. Hydroxysafflor yellow A suppresses liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride with high-fat diet by regulating PPAR-γ/p38 MAPK signaling. Pharm Biol 2014; 52:1085-1093. [PMID: 24618007 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2013.877491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT One approach to protect against liver fibrosis is the use of herb-derived natural compounds, such as hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA). The antifibrosis effect of HYSA against liver fibrosis has been investigated; however, its mechanisms have not yet been entirely revealed. OBJECTIVES To study the protective effects of HSYA on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and a high-fat diet (HFD), and to determine the mechanism of action of HSYA. MATERIALS AND METHODS CCl4 and HFD were used to mimic liver fibrosis in rats, and serum biochemical indicators were determined. The antifibrosis effects of HSYA were evaluated and its mechanisms were investigated by histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, real-time-PCR, and western blotting. RESULTS HSYA reduced CCl4- and HFD-mediated liver fibrosis and ameliorated serum biochemical indicator, downregulated the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) (0.31 ± 0.03 protein, 0.59 ± 0.02 mRNA) and transformin growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (0.81 ± 0.02 protein, 0.58 ± 0.04 mRNA), and upregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) (1.57 ± 0.13 protein, 2.48 ± 0.19 mRNA) and matrix metallopeptidases-2 (MMP-2) (2.31 ± 0.16 protein, 2.79 ± 0.22 mRNA) (p < 0.01, versus model group). These effects were significantly attenuated by PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 via blocking the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These data demonstrate a novel role for HSYA in inhibiting CCl4- and HFD-mediated liver fibrosis, and reveal that PPAR-γ and p38 MAPK signaling play pivotal roles in the prevention of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 and HFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University , Yantai, Shandong , PR China
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567
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Heinrichs D, Berres ML, Coeuru M, Knauel M, Nellen A, Fischer P, Philippeit C, Bucala R, Trautwein C, Wasmuth HE, Bernhagen J. Protective role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. FASEB J 2014; 28:5136-47. [PMID: 25122558 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-256776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MIF is an inflammatory cytokine but is hepatoprotective in models of hepatotoxin-induced liver fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis can also develop from metabolic liver disease, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). We investigated the role of MIF in high-fat or methionine- and choline-deficient diet mouse models of NASH. Mif(-/-) mice showed elevated liver triglyceride levels (WT, 53±14 mg/g liver; Mif(-/-), 103±7 mg/g liver; P<0.05) and a 2-3-fold increased expression of lipogenic genes. Increased fatty degeneration in the livers of Mif(-/-) mice was associated with increased hepatic inflammatory cells (1.6-fold increase in F4/80(+) macrophages) and proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., 2.3-fold increase in Tnf-α and 2-fold increase in Il-6 expression). However, inflammatory cells and cytokines were decreased by 50-90% in white adipose tissue (WAT) of Mif(-/-) mice. Subset analysis showed that macrophage phenotypes in livers of Mif(-/-) mice were skewed toward M2 (e.g., 1.7-fold and 2.5-fold increase in Arg1 and Il-13, respectively, and 2.5-fold decrease in iNos), whereas macrophages were generally reduced in WAT of these mice (70% reduction in mRNA expression of F4/80(+) macrophages). The protective MIF effect was scrutinized in isolated hepatocytes. MIF reversed inflammation-induced triglyceride accumulation in Hepa1-6 cells and primary hepatocytes and also attenuated oleic acid-elicited triglyceride increase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Protection from fatty hepatocyte degeneration was paralleled by a 2- to 3-fold reduction by MIF of hepatocyte proinflammatory cytokine production. Blockade of MIF receptor cluster of differentiation 74 (CD74) but not of CXCR2 or CXCR4 fully reverted the protective effect of MIF, comparable to AMPK inhibition. In summary, we demonstrate that MIF mediates hepatoprotection through the CD74/AMPK pathway in hepatocytes in metabolic models of liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Heinrichs
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology and Department of Internal Medicine III, Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; and
| | - Marie-Luise Berres
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; and
| | - Melanie Coeuru
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology and
| | - Meike Knauel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology and
| | - Andreas Nellen
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; and
| | - Petra Fischer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; and
| | | | - Richard Bucala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; and
| | - Hermann E Wasmuth
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; and
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568
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Abstract
Hepatic involvement in aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) is relatively common, and the main clinical features of this disease include hepatomegaly, portal hypertension, ascites, and fibrosis. Cirrhosis is a rare ASM symptom. We report an ASM case that initially mimicked cirrhosis based on clinical and radiographic analyses. The portal tract was expanded by mononuclear inflammatory cells, and an increase in collagen amount was observed in routine histological sections of the biopsied liver. A diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis (SM) was made after ancillary tests for mast cells using bone marrow aspirates. Extensive involvement of the liver and gastrointestinal tract was observed. Clinicians and pathologists need to consider ASM as a diagnosis or differential diagnosis in a clinical case of cirrhosis with unknown etiology. The diagnosis can be confirmed or disregarded by immunohistochemical staining and molecular analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yang Zhang
- 1 Department of Pathology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China ; 2 Department of Dermatology, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao 276000, China
| | - Wei-Hua Zhang
- 1 Department of Pathology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China ; 2 Department of Dermatology, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao 276000, China
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569
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Ichikawa S, Motosugi U, Nakazawa T, Morisaka H, Sano K, Ichikawa T, Enomoto N, Matsuda M, Fujii H, Onishi H. Hepatitis activity should be considered a confounder of liver stiffness measured with MR elastography. J Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 41:1203-8. [PMID: 24889753 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of hepatitis activity on liver stiffness measurements and the role of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in liver fibrosis staging by MR elastography (MRE). MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured liver stiffness (kPa) in 135 patients by MRE and histologically assessed fibrosis and hepatitis activity within 2 months. Stepwise multiple linear regression was performed to determine the maximum adjusted R(2) against liver stiffness, after adjusting for nothing (model 1), ALT/upper limit of normal categories (model 2), and hepatitis activity (A grade) by METAVIR (model 3). Logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with pathologically proven cirrhosis. RESULTS Platelet count and METAVIR F score were strongly associated with liver stiffness. The adjusted R(2) value of model 3 (0.7026) was higher than those of models 1 (0.6472) and 2 (0.6564), showing that hepatitis activity affected liver stiffness measurement. High ALT levels (odds ratio, 0.0066; P = 0.0003) as well as MRE (odds ratio, 9.91; P < 0.0001) were independently associated with cirrhosis. CONCLUSION Hepatitis activity may be a confounder of liver stiffness measurement during liver fibrosis staging using MRE. MRE can potentially make an overdiagnosis of liver cirrhosis if the patient has high ALT levels.
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570
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Zhang X, Zhang F, Kong D, Wu X, Lian N, Chen L, Lu Y, Zheng S. Tetramethylpyrazine inhibits angiotensin II-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells associated with interference of platelet-derived growth factor β receptor pathways. FEBS J 2014; 281:2754-68. [PMID: 24725506 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis represents a frequent event following chronic insult to trigger wound healing responses in the liver. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a pivotal event during liver fibrogenesis. Compelling evidence indicates that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) takes part in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Angiotensin II (Ang II), the primary effector peptide of the RAS, has been demonstrated to be a potent pro-fibrogenic molecule for HSC activation. In this study we investigated the effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on HSC activation induced by Ang II in order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that Ang II significantly promoted cell growth, upregulated the expression of the fibrotic markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and α1(I) procollagen, and enhanced the invasion capacity in HSCs. TMP inhibited proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M checkpoint associated with altering several cell cycle regulatory proteins in Ang II-treated HSCs. TMP also modulated Bcl-2 family proteins and activated the caspase cascade leading to apoptosis in Ang II-treated HSCs. Moreover, TMP reduced the expression of α-SMA and α1(I) procollagen at mRNA and protein levels, and these effects were associated with interference of the platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGF-βR) mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in HSCs exposed to Ang II. Furthermore, Ang II-enhanced HSC invasion capacity was diminished by TMP, which was associated with interference of PDGF-βR/FAK signaling. These data collectively indicated that interference of PDGF-βR-mediated fibrotic pathways was involved in TMP inhibition of HSC activation caused by Ang II, providing novel mechanistic insights into TMP as a potential therapeutic remedy for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Zhang
- School of Hanlin, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Taizhou, China
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571
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Aher JS, Khan S, Jain S, Tikoo K, Jena G. Valproate ameliorates thioacetamide-induced fibrosis by hepatic stellate cell inactivation. Hum Exp Toxicol 2014; 34:44-55. [PMID: 24812151 DOI: 10.1177/0960327114531992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) has been reported as inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs). Several reports indicated that HDACs play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effect of VPA against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis and activation of the HSC in rat. VPA and TAA were administrated intraperitoneally at the dose of 400 and 200 mg/kg each at 2 days interval, respectively for a period of 6 weeks. Administration of TAA significantly increased the absolute and relative liver weight, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, which were significantly decreased by VPA treatment as compared to TAA control. VPA treatment prevents the TAA-induced activation of HSC and decreases collagen deposition and infiltration of inflammatory cells as revealed by Sirius red and H&E staining. Interestingly, VPA co-treatment led to significantly increase the DNA damage and apoptosis in the activated HSC as compared to TAA control. Further, TAA decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), while VPA co-treatment significantly increased the expression of MMP-2 as compared to respective control. The present study clearly demonstrated that VPA treatment significantly alleviates TAA-induced activation of HSC and subsequent hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Aher
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India These two authors contributed equally
| | - S Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India These two authors contributed equally
| | - S Jain
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - K Tikoo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - G Jena
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India
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572
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Tang Y, Chen A. Curcumin eliminates the effect of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) on the divergent regulation of gene expression of receptors of AGEs by interrupting leptin signaling. J Transl Med 2014; 94:503-16. [PMID: 24614199 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2014.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a major risk factor for hepatic fibrogenesis. NASH is often found in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia induces non-enzymatic glycation of proteins, yielding advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Effects of AGEs are mainly mediated by two categories of cytoplasmic membrane receptors. Receptor for AGEs (RAGE) is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, whereas AGE receptor-1 (AGE-R1) is involved in detoxification and clearance of AGEs. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) is crucial to the development of hepatic fibrosis. We recently reported that AGEs stimulated HSC activation likely by inhibiting gene expression of AGE-R1 and inducing gene expression of RAGE in HSC, which were eliminated by the antioxidant curcumin. This study is to test our hypothesis that curcumin eliminates the effects of AGEs on the divergent regulation of the two receptors of AGEs in HSC by interrupting the AGE-caused activation of leptin signaling, leading to the inhibition of HSC activation. We observed herein that AGEs activated leptin signaling by inducing gene expression of leptin and its receptor in HSC. Like AGEs, leptin differentially regulated gene expression of RAGE and AGE-R1. Curcumin eliminated the effects of AGEs in HSC by interrupting leptin signaling and activating transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), leading to the elevation of cellular glutathione and the attenuation of oxidative stress. In conclusions, curcumin eliminated the effects of AGEs on the divergent regulation of gene expression of RAGE and AGE-R1 in HSC by interrupting the AGE-caused activation of leptin signaling, leading to the inhibition of HSC activation.
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573
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Valenti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan, Italy; Internal Medicine; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico Milano; Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Dongiovanni
- Internal Medicine; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico Milano; Milan, Italy
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574
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBP-rP1) in the development of hepatic fibrogenesis in experimental disease models and human liver samples. METHODS Cellular distribution patterns of IGFBP-rP1 were assessed by immunohistochemistry in fibrotic and cirrhotic human liver specimens. Gene silencing of IGFBP-rP1 was performed on cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the silencing effect was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. We also determined the effects of siRNA-mediated gene silencing of IGFBP-rP1 on the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components by Western blot. The expression of ECM components and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 was studied by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in C57BL/6 wild-type mice treated with recombinant IGFBP-rP1 (rIGFBP-rP1). RESULTS Expression of IGFBP-rP1 was significantly elevated in fibrotic and cirrhotic human liver specimens, and this increase was positively correlated with the number of collagen fibers observed. siRNA-mediated gene silencing of IGFBP-rP1 resulted in significantly decreased levels of collagen I and fibronectin in HSCs. Moreover, IGFBP-rP1 overexpression significantly increased the production of collagen, fibronectin and TGF-β1 in rIGFBP-rP1-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS IGFBP-rP1 contributes to the development of liver fibrosis and may be a novel molecule involved in the progression of hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Hong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Provincial Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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575
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Qiu W, Guo K, Yi L, Gong Y, Huang L, Zhong W. Resolvin E1 reduces hepatic fibrosis in mice with Schistosoma japonicum infection. Exp Ther Med 2014; 7:1481-1485. [PMID: 24926330 PMCID: PMC4043616 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2014.1641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether resolvin E1 (RvE1) protects against hepatic fibrosis in a murine model of liver fibrosis induced by Schistosoma japonicum infection. A total of 30 pathogen-free Kunming mice were randomly and equally divided into three groups: Control (uninfected, untreated), model (infected, untreated) and RvE1 intervention (infected, RvE1-treated; 100 ng daily). The mice were infected with Schistosoma japonicum by inoculating the abdominal skin with 20±2 cercariae to induce models of liver fibrosis. The area and numbers of the granulomas in the livers were assessed through histopathology after 70 days of treatment. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ were evaluated in the serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of TNF-α were detected in the hepatic tissue by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The activity levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were determined in the serum by ELISA. The expression levels of laminin (LN), hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type III (PC-III) and type IV collagen (IV-C) were detected in the serum by radioimmunoassays. The results revealed that the mean area of the granulomas was smaller in the RvE1 intervention group compared with that in the model group. Following RvE1 treatment, the serum levels of TNF-α were lower than those in the model group, while the serum levels of IFN-γ were higher compared with those in the model group. The expression levels of TNF-α were lower in the hepatic tissue following RvE1 treatment compared with those in the model group. The indicators of liver fibrosis, the levels of LN, HA, PC-III and IV-C in the serum, were lower following RvE1 treatment than those in the model group. In conclusion, RvE1 treatment may reduce the growth of granulomas, thereby slowing the process of hepatic fibrosis, and this effect may be the result of anti-inflammatory and immune system adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhong Qiu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430056, P.R. China
| | - Kaiwen Guo
- Department of Immunology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430080, P.R. China
| | - Luyang Yi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430056, P.R. China
| | - Yeli Gong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430056, P.R. China
| | - Lixia Huang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430056, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430056, P.R. China
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576
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Peng Y, Yang H, Wang N, Ouyang Y, Yi Y, Liao L, Shen H, Hu G, Wang Z, Tao L. Fluorofenidone attenuates hepatic fibrosis by suppressing the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2014; 306:G253-63. [PMID: 24337009 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00471.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) is a novel pyridone agent. The purpose of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effects of AKF-PD on liver fibrosis in rats and the involved molecular mechanism related to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Rats treated with dimethylnitrosamine or CCl4 were randomly divided into normal, model, AKF-PD treatment, and pirfenidone (PFD) treatment groups. The isolated primary rat HSCs were treated with AKF-PD and PFD respectively. Cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by bromodeoxyuridine and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were determined by Western blot, immunohistochemical staining, and real-time RT-PCR. The expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, and p27(kip1) and phosphorylation of MEK, ERK, Akt, and 70-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K) were detected by Western blot. AKF-PD significantly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced HSC proliferation and activation by attenuating the expression of collagen I and α-SMA, causing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, reducing expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E, and promoting expression of p27(kip1). AKF-PD also downregulated PDGF-BB-induced MEK, ERK, Akt, and p70S6K phosphorylation in HSCs. In rat liver fibrosis, AKF-PD alleviated hepatic fibrosis by decreasing necroinflammatory score and semiquantitative score, and reducing expression of collagen I and α-SMA. AKF-PD attenuated the progression of hepatic fibrosis by suppressing HSCs proliferation and activation via the ERK/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. AKF-PD may be used as a potential novel therapeutic agent against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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577
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Kang KH, Qian ZJ, Ryu B, Karadeniz F, Kim D, Kim SK. Hepatic Fibrosis Inhibitory Effect of Peptides Isolated from Navicula incerta on TGF-β1 Induced Activation of LX-2 Human Hepatic Stellate Cells. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2014; 18:124-32. [PMID: 24471121 PMCID: PMC3892505 DOI: 10.3746/pnf.2013.18.2.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, novel peptides (NIPP-1, NIPP-2) derived from Navicula incerta (microalgae) protein hydrolysate were explored for their inhibitory effects on collagen release in hepatic fibrosis with the investigation of its underlying mechanism of action. TGF-β1 activated fibrosis in LX-2 cells was examined in the presence or absence of purified peptides NIPP-1 and NIPP-2. Besides the mechanisms of liver cell injury, protective effects of NIPP-1 and NIPP-2 were studied to show the protective mechanism against TGF-β1 stimulated fibrogenesis. Our results showed that the core protein of NIPP-1 peptide prevented fibril formation of type I collagen, elevated the MMP level and inhibited TIMP production in a dose-dependent manner. The treatment of NIPP-1 and NIPP-2 on TGF-β1 induced LX-2 cells alleviated hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, α-SMA, TIMPs, collagen and PDGF in the NIPP-1 treated groups were significantly decreased. Therefore, it could be suggested that NIPP-1 has potential to be used in anti-fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyong-Hwa Kang
- Marine Bioprocess Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Korea
| | - Zhong-Ji Qian
- Oceanic Life Research Center, Chosun University, Jeonnam 543-700, Korea
| | - Bomi Ryu
- Marine Bioprocess Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Korea
| | - Fatih Karadeniz
- Marine Bioprocess Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Korea
| | - Daekyung Kim
- Marine Bio Research Team, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Jeju 690-140, Korea
| | - Se-Kwon Kim
- Marine Bioprocess Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Korea ; Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Korea
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578
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Wei Y, Kang XL, Wang X. The peripheral cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist VD60 efficiently inhibits carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated hepatic fibrosis progression. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:183-92. [PMID: 24459189 DOI: 10.1177/1535370213514922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated a peripheral selective CB₁ antagonist 3,4,22-3-demethoxycarbonyl-3-hydroxylmethyl-4-deacetyl-vindoline 3,4-thionocarbonate (VD60) that efficiently inhibited hepatic fibrosis with lower psychological side effects. A competitive radiolabeled ligand binding experiment and 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-driven luciferase analysis were performed to evaluate the antagonistic activity of VD60. Cell viability and collagen production were examined in the human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and primary cultured rat HSCs. The antifibrotic effects of VD60 were investigated in a CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. The concentration of VD60 in the blood and the brain was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrum analysis. Furthermore, the potential underlying mechanisms of VD60 were investigated by Western blot. VD60 selectively competed with the radiolabeled CB1 agonist to bind to CB1. VD60 antagonized CB1 agonist-induced Akt phosphorylation and increased the accumulation of intracellular cAMP. VD60 strongly reduced the expression of α₂(I) pro-collagen mRNA and exerted potent antiproliferative effects on primary HSCs and LX-2 cells. The inhibition of reactive oxygen species production and phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and Smad3 may explain the underlying mechanisms behind the antiproliferative effect of VD60. Moreover, the in vivo antifibrotic activity of VD60 was confirmed in a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Most importantly, the concentration of VD60 in the peripheral blood was much higher than in the brain, suggesting that VD60 could act as a novel peripheral CB1 antagonist to efficiently inhibit hepatic fibrosis and could be used as a lead compound with low brain side effects in peripheral antifibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200093, People's Republic of China
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579
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Zhang W, Wu R, Zhang F, Xu Y, Liu B, Yang Y, Zhou H, Wang L, Wan K, Xiao X, Zhang X. Thiazolidinediones improve hepatic fibrosis in rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signalling pathway. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2014; 39:1026-33. [PMID: 23127227 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 09/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) markedly reduce hepatic steatosis in both rodents and humans. However, the effects and mechanisms of action of TZDs on hepatic fibrosis remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of TZDs on histological changes in the liver and on the modulation by adiponectin via the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway in rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Forty rats were divided into normal control, high-fat diet (HFD), pioglitazone control and pioglitazone intervention groups. After 24 weeks treatment with pioglitazone (10 mg/kg per day by gavage), changes in liver histology, serum aminotransaminase, triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), glucose, insulin, adiponectin and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 concentrations and hepatic adiponectin, AMPK, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I expression were evaluated. The degree of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis was significantly higher in HFD-induced NASH rats compared with normal controls, as were serum concentrations of aminotransaminase, TG, FFA, glucose, insulin and TGF-β1 and hepatic expression of α-SMA and collagen I protein. Serum adiponectin concentrations and hepatic expression of adiponectin mRNA and AMPK protein were significantly lower in the HFD-induced NASH rats compared with the normal control. Pioglitazone significantly reduced the degree of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, as well as serum concentrations of aminotransaminase, TG, FFA, glucose, insulin and TGF-β1 and hepatic expression of α-SMA and collagen I protein. In addition, pioglitazone significantly increased serum adiponectin concentrations and hepatic expression of adiponectin mRNA and AMPK protein. In conclusion, the TZD pioglitazone improved hepatic fibrosis in rats with NASH by upregulating adiponectin expression and activating AMPK, thus subsequently inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells and the overproduction of extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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580
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Jang YO, Kim YJ, Baik SK, Kim MY, Eom YW, Cho MY, Park HJ, Park SY, Kim BR, Kim JW, Soo Kim H, Kwon SO, Choi EH, Kim YM. Histological improvement following administration of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for alcoholic cirrhosis: a pilot study. Liver Int 2014; 34:33-41. [PMID: 23782511 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In experimental models, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into hepatocytes and exhibit antifibrotic effects. However, there have been no studies in humans with alcoholic cirrhosis. AIM The aim of this study was to elucidate the antifibrotic effect of BM-MSCs in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, as a phase II clinical trial. METHODS Twelve patients (11 males, 1 female) with baseline biopsy-proven alcoholic cirrhosis who had been alcohol free for at least 6 months were enrolled. BM-MSCs were isolated from each patient's BM and amplified for 1 month, and 5 × 10(7) cells were then injected twice, at weeks 4 and 8, through the hepatic artery. One patient was withdrawn because of ingestion of alcohol. Finally, 11 patients completed the follow-up biopsy and laboratory tests at 12 weeks after the second injection. The primary outcome was improvement in the patients' histological features. RESULTS According to the Laennec fibrosis system, histological improvement was observed in 6 of 11 patients (54.5%). The Child-Pugh score improved in ten patients (90.9%) and the levels of transforming growth factor-β1, type 1 collagen and α-smooth muscle actin significantly decreased (as assessed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) after BM-MSCs therapy (P < 0.05). No significant complications or side effects were observed during this study. CONCLUSIONS Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells therapy in alcoholic cirrhosis induces a histological and quantitative improvement of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Ok Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea; Department of Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
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581
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Bonekamp D, Bonekamp S, Ou HY, Torbenson MS, Corona-Villalobos CP, Mezey E, Kamel IR. Assessing liver fibrosis: Comparison of arterial enhancement fraction and diffusion-weighted imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 40:1137-46. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Bonekamp
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science; The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Susanne Bonekamp
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science; The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Hsin-You Ou
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science; The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore Maryland USA
- Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College; Niao-Sung Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Michael S. Torbenson
- Department of Pathology; Johns Hopkins University; School of Medicine; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | | | - Esteban Mezey
- Department of Medicine; Johns Hopkins University, Sheikh Zayed Tower, School of Medicine; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Ihab R. Kamel
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science; The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore Maryland USA
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582
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Tsubouchi N, Uto H, Kumagai K, Sasaki F, Kanmura S, Numata M, Moriuchi A, Oketani M, Ido A, Hayashi K, Kusumoto K, Shimoda K, Stuver SO, Tsubouchi H. Impact of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen on the clinical course of hepatitis C virus carriers in a hyperendemic area in Japan: A community-based cohort study. Hepatol Res 2013; 43:1130-8. [PMID: 23413835 PMCID: PMC3710530 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM Subjects positive for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb) and negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are considered to have occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of occult HBV infection on aggravation of the clinical course in hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers. METHODS A prospective cohort study was performed in 400 subjects who were positive for anti-HCV antibody and negative for HBsAg. Among these subjects, 263 were HCV core antigen positive or HCV RNA positive (HCV carriers). We examined whether the presence of HBcAb affected the clinical course in these HCV carriers from 1996-2005. RESULTS The HBcAb positive rates were 53.6% and 52.6% in HCV carriers and HCV RNA negative subjects, respectively. There were no differences in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cumulative mortality associated with liver-related death between HCV carriers who were positive and negative for HBcAb. In multivariate analysis, age (≥65 years) and alanine aminotransferase level (≥31 IU/L) emerged as independent risk factors for HCC development and liver-related death, but the HBcAb status was not a risk factor. In addition, increased serum hepatic fibrosis markers (measured from 2001-2004) were not associated with HBcAb status. CONCLUSION In our cohort study, the presence of HBcAb had no impact on HCC development, liver-related death and hepatic fibrosis markers in HCV carriers. Thus, our results indicate that occult HBV infection has no impact on the clinical course in HCV carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Tsubouchi
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and
Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental
Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Uto
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and
Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental
Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kumagai
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and
Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental
Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Fumisato Sasaki
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and
Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental
Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Shuji Kanmura
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and
Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental
Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Numata
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and
Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental
Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Akihiro Moriuchi
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and
Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental
Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Makoto Oketani
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and
Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental
Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Akio Ido
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and
Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental
Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Hayashi
- Center for Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kusumoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology, Department of Internal
Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kazuya Shimoda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology, Department of Internal
Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Sherri O Stuver
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public
Health, Boston, MA
| | - Hirohito Tsubouchi
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and
Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental
Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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583
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Ishimoto T, Lanaspa MA, Rivard CJ, Roncal-Jimenez CA, Orlicky DJ, Cicerchi C, McMahan RH, Abdelmalek MF, Rosen HR, Jackman MR, MacLean PS, Diggle CP, Asipu A, Inaba S, Kosugi T, Sato W, Maruyama S, Sánchez-Lozada LG, Sautin YY, Hill JO, Bonthron DT, Johnson RJ. High-fat and high-sucrose (western) diet induces steatohepatitis that is dependent on fructokinase. Hepatology 2013; 58:1632-43. [PMID: 23813872 PMCID: PMC3894259 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fructose intake from added sugars has been implicated as a cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Here we tested the hypothesis that fructose may interact with a high-fat diet to induce fatty liver, and to determine if this was dependent on a key enzyme in fructose metabolism, fructokinase. Wild-type or fructokinase knockout mice were fed a low-fat (11%), high-fat (36%), or high-fat (36%) and high-sucrose (30%) diet for 15 weeks. Both wild-type and fructokinase knockout mice developed obesity with mild hepatic steatosis and no evidence of hepatic inflammation on a high-fat diet compared to a low-fat diet. In contrast, wild-type mice fed a high-fat and high-sucrose diet developed more severe hepatic steatosis with low-grade inflammation and fibrosis, as noted by increased CD68, tumor necrosis factor alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and collagen I and TIMP1 expression. These changes were prevented in the fructokinase knockout mice. CONCLUSION An additive effect of high-fat and high-sucrose diet on the development of hepatic steatosis exists. Further, the combination of sucrose with high-fat diet may induce steatohepatitis. The protection in fructokinase knockout mice suggests a key role for fructose (from sucrose) in this development of steatohepatitis. These studies emphasize the important role of fructose in the development of fatty liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuji Ishimoto
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Miguel A. Lanaspa
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Christopher J. Rivard
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Carlos A. Roncal-Jimenez
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - David J. Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Christina Cicerchi
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rachel H. McMahan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80045, USA
| | | | - Hugo R. Rosen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Matthew R. Jackman
- Division of Endocrinology, Colorado Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Paul S. MacLean
- Division of Endocrinology, Colorado Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Christine P. Diggle
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Aruna Asipu
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Shinichiro Inaba
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Tomoki Kosugi
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Waichi Sato
- Departments of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shoichi Maruyama
- Departments of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Laura G. Sánchez-Lozada
- Lab. of Renal Physiopathology & Dept. of Nephrology. INC Ignacio Chavez, Mexico City, 14080, Mexico
| | - Yuri Y. Sautin
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - James O. Hill
- Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - David T. Bonthron
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Richard J. Johnson
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA,Address correspondence and reprint requests to Richard J Johnson, M.D.. Current address: University of Colorado Denver, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Box C281, 12700 E 19th Ave, Research 2 Room P15-7006, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. Tel: 303 724 4898 Fax: 303 724 4831.
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584
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Ibusuki R, Uto H, Arima S, Mawatari S, Setoguchi Y, Iwashita Y, Hashimoto S, Maeda T, Tanoue S, Kanmura S, Oketani M, Ido A, Tsubouchi H. Transgenic expression of human neutrophil peptide-1 enhances hepatic fibrosis in mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined diet. Liver Int 2013; 33:1549-56. [PMID: 23682724 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neutrophils infiltrate the livers of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) induce cytokine and chemokine production under inflammatory conditions, which may contribute to the progression of NASH. In this study, we focused on the effects of HNP-1 on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a mouse model of NASH induced by a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet. MATERIALS & METHODS We generated transgenic mice expressing HNP-1 under the control of a β-actin-based promoter. HNP-1 transgenic and wild-type C57BL/6N mice were fed a CDAA diet for 16 weeks to induce hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Serological and histological features were examined, and the effects of HNP-1 on hepatic stellate cell lines were assessed. RESULTS HNP-1 transgenic and wild-type mice fed the CDAA diet showed no significant differences in serum alanine aminotransferase levels or the degree of hepatic steatosis based on Oil red O staining and hepatic triglyceride content. In contrast, Sirius Red and Azan staining showed significantly more severe hepatic fibrosis in HNP-1 transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice. In addition, significantly more α-smooth muscle actin-positive hepatic stellate cells were observed in the transgenic mice than in the wild-type mice. Finally, the proliferation of the LI90 hepatic stellate cell line increased in response to HNP-1. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that HNP-1 enhances hepatic fibrosis in fatty liver by inducing hepatic stellate cell proliferation. Thus, neutrophil-derived HNP-1 may contribute to the progression of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Ibusuki
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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585
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Youssef NA, Abdelmalek MF, Binks M, Guy CD, Omenetti A, Smith AD, Diehl AME, Suzuki A. Associations of depression, anxiety and antidepressants with histological severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Liver Int 2013; 33:1062-70. [PMID: 23560860 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are common in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, their associations with histological severity of NAFLD are unknown. AIM This study examined the association(s) of depression, anxiety and antidepressant pharmacotherapy with severity of histological features in patients with NAFLD. METHODS We analysed 567 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD enrolled in the Duke NAFLD Clinical Database. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS). The associations of depression and anxiety with severity of histological features of NAFLD were analysed using multiple logistic (or ordinal logistic) regression models with and without adjusting for confounding factors. RESULT Subclinical and clinical depression was noted in 53% and 14% of patients respectively. Subclinical and clinical anxiety was noted in 45% and 25% of patients respectively. After adjusting for confounders, depression was significantly associated with more severe hepatocyte ballooning in a dose-dependent manner (likelihood ratio test, P = 0.0201); adjusted cumulative odds ratio (COR) of subclinical and clinical depression for having a higher grade of hepatocyte ballooning were 2.1 [95% CI, 1.0, 4.4] and 3.6 [95% CI, 1.4, 8.8]. CONCLUSIONS In patients with NAFLD, depression was associated with more severe hepatocyte ballooning. Further investigation exploring pathobiological mechanisms underlying the observed associations and potential effects of antidepressant pharmacotherapy on NAFLD liver histology is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagy A Youssef
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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586
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Li R, Dai G, Zhao M, Zhang Y, Hui L, Zhang X, Jin B. Preventative effect of Astragalus flavescens on hepatic fibrosis in rats and its mechanism of action. Exp Ther Med 2013; 6:904-908. [PMID: 24137287 PMCID: PMC3797310 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2013.1232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the preventative effect of Astragalus flavescens on hepatic fibrosis in rats and its mechanism of action. A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into normal control, model control, high-dose treatment and low-dose treatment groups, and a hepatic fibrosis model was established. The high- and low-dose treatment groups were treated with 2 g/100 g and 0.5 g/100 g Astragalus flavescens, respectively, once a day. Eight weeks following the initiation of treatment, the liver specimens of the rats were stained and observed under a light microscope. Hepatic fibrosis indices, specifically, type III precollagen (PC III), type IV collagen (C IV), hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN), were detected. Furthermore, the expression and localization of the hepatic fibrosis-related factors transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) were determined. The serum levels of hepatic fibrosis indices, and the liver tissue levels of hepatic fibrosis-related factors and collagen surface density in the model control group and the high- and low-dose treatment groups were significantly higher compared with those of the normal control group (P<0.05). In addition, the values in the two treatment groups were significantly lower compared with those of the model control group (P<0.05). The present study demonstrated that Astragalus flavescens effectively prevents hepatic fibrosis in rats. A possible mechanism for this is that it may reduce the expression levels of TGF-β1, PDGF-BB and CTGF, thereby inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells and specifically blocking the signal transduction pathway of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Xi'an City, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710002; ; The Third Department of Internal Medicine, The Fifth Hospital of Xi'an City, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710082
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587
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Iroezindu MO, Agbaji OO, Daniyam CA, Isiguzo GC, Isichei C, Akanbi MO. Liver function test abnormalities in Nigerian patients with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus co-infection. Int J STD AIDS 2013; 24:461-7. [PMID: 23970749 DOI: 10.1177/0956462412473889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Data on baseline hepatic function of HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infected patients are limited in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed liver function test (LFT) abnormalities in Nigerian patients with HIV/HBV co-infection to highlight the impact of HIV on HBV-related liver disease in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study involving 100 HIV/HBV co-infected patients and 100 age- and sex-matched HBV mono-infected controls. Blood testing for HIV antibodies, CD4+ cell count, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), LFTs, platelet count, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were carried out. Non-invasive hepatic fibrosis scores (aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index [APRI] and FIB-4) were also calculated. Co-infected patients had deranged liver enzymes more than the controls (77% versus 64%, P = 0.04). The predominant patterns of enzyme derangement in co-infected patients were either predominantly ↑ALP (30% versus 4%, P < 0.0001) or mixed (30% versus 15%, P = 0.01) but predominantly ↑AST/ALT in the controls (25% versus 9%, P = 0.003). Co-infected patients had higher fibrosis scores for both APRI (P = 0.002) and FIB-4 (P = 0.0001). On further analysis, LFT abnormalities and fibrosis scores were only significantly higher in co-infected patients in the immune clearance and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis phases. LFT abnormalities are common in Nigerians with HBV infection and co-infection with HIV negatively impacts on hepatic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O Iroezindu
- Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
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588
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Chen A, Tang Y, Davis V, Hsu FF, Kennedy SM, Song H, Turk J, Brunt EM, Newberry EP, Davidson NO. Liver fatty acid binding protein (L-Fabp) modulates murine stellate cell activation and diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatology 2013; 57:2202-12. [PMID: 23401290 PMCID: PMC3665693 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is crucial to the development of fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Quiescent HSCs contain lipid droplets (LDs), whose depletion upon activation induces a fibrogenic gene program. Here we show that liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-Fabp), an abundant cytosolic protein that modulates fatty acid (FA) metabolism in enterocytes and hepatocytes, also modulates HSC FA utilization and in turn regulates the fibrogenic program. L-Fabp expression decreased 10-fold following HSC activation, concomitant with depletion of LDs. Primary HSCs isolated from L-FABP(-/-) mice contain fewer LDs than wild-type (WT) HSCs, and exhibit up-regulated expression of genes involved in HSC activation. Adenoviral L-Fabp transduction inhibited activation of passaged WT HSCs and increased both the expression of prolipogenic genes and also augmented intracellular lipid accumulation, including triglyceride and FA, predominantly palmitate. Freshly isolated HSCs from L-FABP(-/-) mice correspondingly exhibited decreased palmitate in the free FA pool. To investigate whether L-FABP deletion promotes HSC activation in vivo, we fed L-FABP(-/-) and WT mice a high-fat diet supplemented with trans-fatty acids and fructose (TFF). TFF-fed L-FABP(-/-) mice exhibited reduced hepatic steatosis along with decreased LD abundance and size compared to WT mice. In addition, TFF-fed L-FABP(-/-) mice exhibited decreased hepatic fibrosis, with reduced expression of fibrogenic genes, compared to WT mice. CONCLUSION L-FABP deletion attenuates both diet-induced hepatic steatosis and fibrogenesis, despite the observation that L-Fabp paradoxically promotes FA and LD accumulation and inhibits HSC activation in vitro. These findings highlight the importance of cell-specific modulation of hepatic lipid metabolism in promoting fibrogenesis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. (Hepatology 2013).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anping Chen
- Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO. 63104
| | - Youcai Tang
- Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO. 63104
| | - Victoria Davis
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. 63110
| | - Fong-Fu Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. 63110
| | - Susan M. Kennedy
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. 63110
| | - Haowei Song
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. 63110
| | - John Turk
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. 63110
| | - Elizabeth M. Brunt
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. 63110
| | - Elizabeth P. Newberry
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. 63110
| | - Nicholas O. Davidson
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. 63110,Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. 63110,Corresponding author: Tel: 314-362-2027; Fax: 314-362-2033;
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589
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Rajanna DK, Reddy A, Srinivas NS, Aneja A. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease: antenatal diagnosis and histopathological correlation. J Clin Imaging Sci 2013; 3:13. [PMID: 23814685 PMCID: PMC3690676 DOI: 10.4103/2156-7514.109733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is one of the most common inheritable disease manifesting in infancy and childhood with a frequency of 1:6,000 to 1:55,000 births. The patient in her second trimester presented with a history of amenorrhea. Ultrasound examination revealed bilateral, enlarged, hyperechogenic kidneys, placentomegaly, and severe oligohydramnios. The pregnancy was terminated. An autopsy was performed on the fetus. Both the kidneys were found to be enlarged and the cut surface showed numerous cysts. The liver sections showed changes due to fibrosis. The final diagnosis of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease was made based on these findings. In this article, we correlate the ante-natal ultrasound and histopathological findings in autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.
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590
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Dzyubak B, Venkatesh SK, Glaser K, Yin M, Talwalkar J, Chen J, Manduca A, Ehman RL. Stable Automated Segmentation of Liver MR Elastography Images for Clinical Stiffness Measurement. Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng 2013; 8672:86721I. [PMID: 26346196 PMCID: PMC4560351 DOI: 10.1117/12.2006943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is an MRI-based technique that is used for the clinical diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis by quantitatively measuring the stiffness of the liver. Due to the complexity of the signal characteristics and the presence of artifacts both in the acquired images and in the resulting stiffness images, the selection of the ROI for the stiffness measurement is currently performed manually, which may lead to significant inter- and intrareader variability. An algorithm has been developed to fully automate this analysis for liver MRE images. Automated segmentation of liver MRE images is challenging due to signal inhomogeneity, low contrast, and variability in patient anatomy. An initial liver contour is found by fitting Gaussian peaks to the image histogram and selecting the peak that comprises intensities in the expected range and produces a mask near the expected location of the liver. After correction to reduce intensity inhomogeneity, an active contour based on intensity, with morphology used to implicitly enforce smoothness, is used to segment liver tissue while avoiding blood vessels. The resulting mask is used to initialize another segmentation which splits the region of the elastogram belonging to the liver into homogeneous liver tissue and areas with inclusions, partial volume effects, and artifacts. In a set of 88 cases the algorithm had a -6.0 ± 14.2% stiffness difference from an experienced reader, which was superior to the 6.8 ± 22.8% difference between two readers. The segmentation was run on an additional 200 cases and the final ROIs were subjectively rated by a radiologist. The ROIs in 98% of cases received an average rating of "good" or "acceptable."
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Dzyubak
- Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | | | - Kevin Glaser
- Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Meng Yin
- Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Jayant Talwalkar
- Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Jun Chen
- Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
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591
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Dzyubak B, Glaser K, Yin M, Talwalkar J, Chen J, Manduca A, Ehman RL. Automated liver stiffness measurements with magnetic resonance elastography. J Magn Reson Imaging 2012; 38:371-9. [PMID: 23281171 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.23980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a fully automated algorithm for obtaining stiffness measurements from hepatic magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) images that are consistent with measurements performed by expert readers. MATERIALS AND METHODS An initial liver contour was found using an adaptive threshold and expanded using an active contour to select a homogeneous area of the liver. The confidence map generated during the stiffness calculation was used to select a region of reliable wave propagation. The average stiffness within the automatically generated region of interest (ROI) was compared to measurements by two trained readers in a set of 88 clinical test cases ranging from healthy to severely fibrotic. RESULTS The stiffness measurements reported by the readers differed by -6.76% ± 22.8% (95% confidence) and had an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.972 (P < 0.05). The algorithm and the more experienced reader differed by 4.32% ± 14.9 with an ICC of 0.987. CONCLUSION The automated algorithm performed reliably, even though MRE acquisitions often have motion artifacts present. The correlation between the automated measurements and those from the trained readers was superior to the correlation between the readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Dzyubak
- Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
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592
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Krishnan A, Li X, Kao WWY, Viker K, Butters K, Masuoka H, Knudsen B, Gores G, Charlton M. Lumican, an extracellular matrix proteoglycan, is a novel requisite for hepatic fibrosis. J Transl Med 2012; 92:1712-25. [PMID: 23007134 PMCID: PMC3810270 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2012.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lumican, an extracellular matrix proteoglycan was previously shown to be upregulated with increasing severity of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Although lumican is involved in collagen fibrillogenesis in extra-hepatic tissues, little is known about the role of lumican in hepatic disease. We therefore determined lumican expression in etiologies other than clinical NASH. Our results indicated that lumican is upregulated in clinical samples of hepatitis C virus infection, in experimental rodent models of chronic and acute liver injury and could additionally be induced in vitro in response to the pro-fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and to lipotoxic palmitic acid. Together, these results suggested a role for lumican in hepatic fibrosis. To investigate the functional role of lumican in hepatic fibrosis, lumican null (Null) and wild-type (WT) littermates were administered carbon tetrachloride intra-peritoneally. Serum and liver tissue were analyzed for indices of liver injury, fibrosis, matrix turnover, and proliferation. Hepatic fibrosis was greatly reduced in null animals (P<0.05). Paradoxically, gene expression of fibrosis-related genes such as TGFβ1 and collagen 1 was numerically higher in null animals though statistically insignificant from WT animals. On the other hand, α smooth muscle actin expression (α-SMA), a marker for activated fibroblasts, the main contributors of collagen production was significantly higher (P<0.05) in null animals as compared with WT littermates. Among the matrix metalloproteases (MMP), MMP13 was significantly increased (P<0.05) in null animals. Ultra-structural imaging indicated differences in the organization and spatial distribution of hepatic collagen fibrils of null and WT mice. Cell proliferation was significantly increased (P<0.05) in null animals. We conclude that lumican is a prerequisite for hepatic fibrosis. The protective effect of lumican deficiency in hepatic fibrosis appears to be downstream of collagen production and mediated through the combined effects of impaired collagen fibrillogenesis, increased matrix turnover, and an enhanced proliferative response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Krishnan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Xia Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Kimberly Viker
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kim Butters
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Howard Masuoka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bruce Knudsen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gregory Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michael Charlton
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Fausther M, Sheung N, Saiman Y, Bansal MB, Dranoff JA. Activated hepatic stellate cells upregulate transcription of ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 via specific SP1 and SMAD promoter elements. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2012; 303:G904-14. [PMID: 22899823 PMCID: PMC3469697 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00015.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine is a potent modulator of liver fibrosis and inflammation. Adenosine has been shown to regulate such diverse activities as chemotaxis, contraction, and matrix production in hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 [EC 3.1.3.5] is the rate-limiting enzyme in adenosine production. Cd73-deficient mice are resistant to experimental liver fibrosis and have impaired adenosine generation. However, cell-specific expression and regulation of CD73 within the fibrotic liver have not been defined. In particular, prior evidence demonstrating that liver myofibroblasts, the cells believed to be responsible for matrix formation in the liver, express CD73 is lacking. Thus we tested the hypothesis that HSC and portal fibroblasts (PF), cells that undergo differentiation into liver myofibroblasts, express CD73 in a regulated fashion. We found that CD73 is weakly expressed in quiescent HSC and PF but is markedly upregulated at the transcriptional level in myofibroblastic HSC and PF. We furthermore found that CD73 protein and its functional activity are strongly increased in fibrous septa in rats subjected to experimental fibrosis. To determine the mechanism for the upregulation of Cd73 gene, we cloned the rat Cd73 promoter and then used serial truncation and site-directed mutagenesis to identify key regulatory elements. We identified two consensus SP1 motifs and one SMAD binding site, each of which was necessary for Cd73 gene upregulation. In conclusion, activated HSC upregulate Cd73 gene expression, via specific SP1 and SMAD promoter elements, after myofibroblastic differentiation. The ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 enzyme is a novel cellular marker of activated liver myofibroblasts in vivo and in vitro and thus represents a promising molecular target for antifibrotic therapies in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Fausther
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas; ,2Yale Liver Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; and
| | - Nina Sheung
- 2Yale Liver Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; and
| | - Yedidya Saiman
- 3Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Meena B. Bansal
- 3Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jonathan A. Dranoff
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas; ,2Yale Liver Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; and
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594
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Zhan YT, Li L, Weng J, Song X, Yang SQ, An W. Serum autofluorescence, a potential serum marker for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in rats. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:12130-12139. [PMID: 23109905 PMCID: PMC3472797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms130912130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2012] [Revised: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in serum autofluorescence (AF) intensity have recently been widely used as markers of certain diseases such as cancer. To determine the diagnostic value of serum AF intensity for liver fibrosis in rats, we induced liver fibrosis by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride into rats. The rat serum AF intensities were detected at the excitation wavelength of 337 nm and the emission wavelength of 512 nm. The degree of liver fibrosis was evaluated by Van Gieson’s staining. The relationship between serum AF intensity and the degree of liver fibrosis was analyzed by Spearman and Pearson Correlation. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the serum AF was determined by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Our results show that the serum AF intensity in the rat liver fibrosis model increased when compared with control rats eight weeks and twelve weeks post induction of liver fibrosis. However, there was no significant difference in serum AF intensity between fibrotic and control rats at four week post induction. Furthermore, serum AF intensity correlated positively with the severity of the degree of hepatic fibrosis. ROC analysis further suggested that serum AF intensity is a valid marker for staging fibrosis. Therefore, it may potentially be developed as a novel diagnostic tool for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Tao Zhan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China; E-Mail:
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: (Y.-T.Z.); (W.A.); Tel.: +86-10-58268473 (Y.-T.Z.); +86-10-83911495 (W.A.); Fax: +86-10-83911480 (Y.-T.Z.); +86-10-83911496 (W.A.)
| | - Li Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China; E-Mail:
| | - Jing Weng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; E-Mail:
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Clinic Laboratory, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China; E-Mail:
| | - Shao-Qi Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, China; E-Mail:
| | - Wei An
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: (Y.-T.Z.); (W.A.); Tel.: +86-10-58268473 (Y.-T.Z.); +86-10-83911495 (W.A.); Fax: +86-10-83911480 (Y.-T.Z.); +86-10-83911496 (W.A.)
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Morishima C, Shiffman ML, Dienstag JL, Lindsay KL, Szabo G, Everson GT, Lok AS, Di Bisceglie AM, Ghany MG, Naishadham D, Morgan TR, Wright EC; HALT-C Trial Group. Reduction in Hepatic Inflammation Is Associated With Less Fibrosis Progression and Fewer Clinical Outcomes in Advanced Hepatitis C. Am J Gastroenterol 2012; 107:1388-98. [PMID: 22688849 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2012.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES During the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-term Treatment against Cirrhosis Trial, 3.5 years of maintenance peginterferon-alfa-2a therapy did not affect liver fibrosis progression or clinical outcomes among 1,050 previous interferon nonresponders with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. We investigated whether reduced hepatic inflammation was associated with clinical benefit in 834 patients with a baseline and follow-up biopsy 1.5 years after randomization to peginterferon or observation. METHODS Relationships between change in hepatic inflammation (Ishak hepatic activity index, (HAI)) and serum alanine aminotransferase level, fibrosis progression and clinical outcomes after randomization, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA decline before and after randomization were evaluated. Histological change was defined as a ≥ 2-point difference in HAI or Ishak fibrosis score between biopsies. RESULTS Among 657 patients who received full-dose peginterferon/ribavirin "lead-in" therapy before randomization, year-1.5 HAI improvement was associated with lead-in HCV RNA suppression in both the randomized treated (P<0.0001) and control (P=0.0001) groups, even in the presence of recurrent viremia. This relationship persisted at year 3.5 in both the treated (P=0.001) and control (P=0.01) groups. Among 834 patients followed for a median of 6 years, fewer clinical outcomes occurred in patients with improved HAI at year 1.5 compared with those without such improvement in both the treated (P=0.03) and control (P=0.05) groups. Among patients with Ishak 3-4 fibrosis at baseline, those with improved HAI at year 1.5 had less fibrosis progression at year 1.5 in both the treated (P=0.0003) and control (P=0.02) groups. CONCLUSIONS Reduced hepatic inflammation (measured 1.5 and 3.5 years after randomization) was associated with profound virological suppression during lead-in treatment with full-dose peginterferon/ribavirin and with decreased fibrosis progression and clinical outcomes, independent of randomized treatment.
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596
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Tzeng JI, Chen MF, Chung HH, Cheng JT. Silymarin decreases connective tissue growth factor to improve liver fibrosis in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride. Phytother Res 2012; 27:1023-8. [PMID: 22933420 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 07/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Silymarin is an herbal product showing potential as protection against hepatic disorders. In an attempt to develop the agent for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis, we screened the effects of silymarin on a rat model of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Intraperitoneal administration of CCl₄ to rats for 8 weeks not only increased the plasma levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) but also induced a marked increase in the formation of hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also reduced in the liver of rats treated with CCl₄. Oral administration of silymarin (200 mg/kg, three times daily), in parallel, decreased the plasma levels of GOT and GPT. Furthermore, in addition to the improvement of hepatic fibrosis, the hepatic levels of hydroxyproline and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were both markedly decreased by silymarin. Silymarin also elevated the activities of SOD and GPx in liver isolated from CCl₄-treated rats. The results suggest that oral administration of silymarin protects against CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, likely due to the decrease in fibrotic parameters such as CTGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jann-Inn Tzeng
- Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Sciences, Jen-Te, Tainan City, Taiwan 71701
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597
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Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as one of the most common chronic liver diseases in developed western countries. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most severe form of NAFLD, and can progress to more severe forms of liver disease, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. The activation of hepatic stellate cells plays a critical role in NASH-related fibrogenesis. Multiple factors, such as insulin resistance, oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, and innate immune responses, are known to contribute to the development of NASH-related fibrogenesis. Furthermore, these factors may share synergistic interactions, which could contribute to the process of liver fibrosis. Given the complex etiology of NASH, combined treatment regimes that target these different factors provide potential treatment strategies for NASH-related liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolian Bian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai, China
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598
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Zhou J, Liang Y, Lin XM, Ma RJ, Fang JQ. Acupuncture in treating hepatic fibrosis: a review with recommendation for future studies. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 2012; 9:452-458. [PMID: 23983380 PMCID: PMC3746655 DOI: 10.4314/ajtcam.v9i4.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, as a major medical problem, is characterized with significant morbidity and mortality. Acupuncture has potential advantages in treating hepatic fibrosis as acupuncture functions well to reduce Qi and Blood stagnation, resolve stasis and enhance body immunity, which are important factors in treating hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this review was to appraise the current limited evidence of acupuncture in treating hepatic fibrosis from both animal experiments and clinical trials by using both Chinese and western databases and to provide recommendations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Zhou
- College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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599
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Rasmussen AL, Tchitchek N, Susnow NJ, Krasnoselsky AL, Diamond DL, Yeh MM, Proll SC, Korth MJ, Walters KA, Lederer S, Larson AM, Carithers RL, Benecke A, Katze MG. Early transcriptional programming links progression to hepatitis C virus-induced severe liver disease in transplant patients. Hepatology 2012; 56:17-27. [PMID: 22278598 PMCID: PMC3349763 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Liver failure resulting from chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause for liver transplantation worldwide. Recurrent infection of the graft is universal in HCV patients after transplant and results in a rapid progression to severe fibrosis and end-stage liver disease in one third of all patients. No single clinical variable, or combination thereof, has, so far, proven accurate in identifying patients at risk of hepatic decompensation in the transplant setting. A combination of longitudinal, dimensionality reduction and categorical analysis of the transcriptome from 111 liver biopsy specimens taken from 57 HCV-infected patients over time identified a molecular signature of gene expression of patients at risk of developing severe fibrosis. Significantly, alterations in gene expression occur before histologic evidence of liver disease progression, suggesting that events that occur during the acute phase of infection influence patient outcome. Additionally, a common precursor state for different severe clinical outcomes was identified. CONCLUSION Based on this patient cohort, incidence of severe liver disease is a process initiated early during HCV infection of the donor organ. The probable cellular network at the basis of the initial transition to severe liver disease was identified and characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L. Rasmussen
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Seattle, WA
| | - Nicolas Tchitchek
- Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques & Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Bures-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Nathan J. Susnow
- University of Washington Medical Center, Hepatology Section, Seattle, WA,Meriter Medical Group, Madison, WI
| | | | - Deborah L. Diamond
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Seattle, WA
| | - Matthew M. Yeh
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Seattle, WA
| | - Sean C. Proll
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Seattle, WA
| | - Marcus J. Korth
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Seattle, WA
| | - Kathie-Anne Walters
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Seattle, WA,Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
| | - Sharon Lederer
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Seattle, WA
| | - Anne M. Larson
- University of Washington Medical Center, Hepatology Section, Seattle, WA,The Liver Center, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Arndt Benecke
- Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques & Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Bures-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michael G. Katze
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Seattle, WA
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600
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Lin J, Tang Y, Kang Q, Chen A. Curcumin eliminates the inhibitory effect of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) on gene expression of AGE receptor-1 in hepatic stellate cells in vitro. J Transl Med 2012; 92:827-41. [PMID: 22449800 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2012.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is featured by hyperglycemia, which facilitates the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs are a causal factor in development of diabetic complications. AGE receptor-1 (AGE-R1) is responsible for detoxification and clearance of AGEs. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is commonly accompanied by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which could cause hepatic fibrosis. Little attention has been paid to effects of AGEs on hepatic fibrogenesis. Curcumin, a phytochemical from turmeric, has been reported to inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the major effectors during hepatic fibrogenesis, and to protect against hepatic fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The current study was designed to evaluate the effects of AGEs on inducing HSC activation, to assess the role of curcumin in diminishing the AGE effects, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that AGEs stimulated HSC activation by inducing cell proliferation and expression of genes relevant to HSC activation, which were abrogated by curcumin. Curcumin induced gene expression of AGE-R1 in passaged HSCs, which might facilitate the attenuation of the stimulatory effects of AGEs on the activation of HSCs. Further experiments revealed that curcumin inhibited the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and induced gene expression and the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), leading to the induction of the AGE-R1 gene expression. In summary, AGEs stimulated HSC activation. Curcumin eliminated the AGE effects at least partially by inducing the AGE-R1 gene expression. The process was mediated by inhibiting ERK activity, inducing gene expression of PPARγ and stimulating its transactivity.
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