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van de Graaf SFJ, Paulusma CC, In Het Panhuis W. Getting in the zone: Metabolite transport across liver zones. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024:e14239. [PMID: 39364668 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
The liver has many functions including the regulation of nutrient and metabolite levels in the systemic circulation through efficient transport into and out of hepatocytes. To sustain these functions, hepatocytes display large functional heterogeneity. This heterogeneity is reflected by zonation of metabolic processes that take place in different zones of the liver lobule, where nutrient-rich blood enters the liver in the periportal zone and flows through the mid-zone prior to drainage by a central vein in the pericentral zone. Metabolite transport plays a pivotal role in the division of labor across liver zones, being either transport into the hepatocyte or transport between hepatocytes through the blood. Signaling pathways that regulate zonation, such as Wnt/β-catenin, have been shown to play a causal role in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) progression, but the (patho)physiological regulation of metabolite transport remains enigmatic. Despite the practical challenges to separately study individual liver zones, technological advancements in the recent years have greatly improved insight in spatially divided metabolite transport. This review summarizes the theories behind the regulation of zonation, diurnal rhythms and their effect on metabolic zonation, contemporary techniques used to study zonation and current technological challenges, and discusses the current view on spatial and temporal metabolite transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stan F J van de Graaf
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Coen C Paulusma
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wietse In Het Panhuis
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Liu S. AHR regulates liver enlargement and regeneration through the YAP signaling pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37265. [PMID: 39296106 PMCID: PMC11408047 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor activated by ligands that participates in many important physiological processes. Although AHR activation is associated with hepatomegaly, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of AHR activation on liver enlargement and regeneration in various transgenic mice and animal models. Activation of AHR by the non-toxic ligand YH439 significantly induced liver/body weight ratio in wild-type mice (1.37-fold) and AHRfl/fl.ALB-CreERT2 mice (1.54-fold). However, these effects not present in AHRΔHep mice. Additionally, the activation of AHR promotes hepatocyte enlargement (1.43-fold or 1.41-fold) around the central vein (CV) and increases number of Ki67+ cells (42.5-fold or 48.8-fold) around the portal vein (PV) in wild-type mice and AHRfl/fl.ALB-CreERT2 mice. In the 70 % partial hepatectomy (PHx) model, YH439 significantly induced hepatocyte enlargement (1.40-fold) and increased number of Ki67+ cells (3.97-fold) in AHRfl/fl.ALB-CreERT2 mice. However, these effects were not observed in AHRΔHep mice. Co-immunoprecipitation results suggested a potential protein-protein interaction between AHR and Yes-associated protein (YAP). Disruption of the association between YAP and transcription enhancer domain family member (TEAD) significantly inhibited AHR-induced liver enlargement and regeneration. Furthermore, AHR failed to induce liver enlargement and regeneration in YAPΔHep mice. Blocking the YAP signaling pathway effectively eliminated AHR-induced liver enlargement and regeneration. This study revealed the molecular mechanism of AHR regulation of liver size and regeneration through the activation of AHR-TEAD signaling pathway, thereby offering novel insights into the physiological role of AHR. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the prevention and treatment of disorders associated with liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Liu
- Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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3
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Sitte ZR, Miranda AA, DiProspero TJ, Lockett MR. A three-zone hypoxia chamber capable of regulating unique oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures simultaneously. HARDWAREX 2024; 19:e00556. [PMID: 39114295 PMCID: PMC11304062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2024.e00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Oxygen is a vital but often overlooked variable in tissue culture experiments. Physiologically relevant oxygen tensions range from partial pressures of 100 mmHg at the alveolar-capillary interface in the lung to less than 7.6 mmHg in the hypoxic regions of solid tumors. These values are markedly lower than the partial oxygen pressure of ambient air, which is standard experimental practice. Physiologically relevant culture environments are needed to better predict cellular and tissue-level responses to drugs or potential toxins. Three commonly used methods to regulate in vitro oxygen tension involve placing cells in 1) a hypoxia chamber, 2) setups that rely on mass transport-limited microenvironments, and 3) microfabricated devices. Hypoxia chambers have the lowest barrier to entry, as they do not require laboratories to change their tissue culture setups. Here, we present a gas-regulation system for a three-zone hypoxia chamber. Each zone can maintain independent environments, with partial pressure compositions of 1-21 % O2 and 1-10 % CO2. The design incorporates small-scale fabrication techniques (e.g., laser cutting and 3D printing) and off-the-shelf electronic components for simple assembly. The hypoxia chambers are significantly lower in cost than the commercial counterparts: $1,400 for the control system or $4,100 for a complete three-zone chamber system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R. Sitte
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States
| | - Abel A. Miranda
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States
| | - Thomas J. DiProspero
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States
| | - Matthew R. Lockett
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 450 West Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295, United States
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4
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Seubnooch P, Montani M, Dufour JF, Masoodi M. Spatial lipidomics reveals zone-specific hepatic lipid alteration and remodeling in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100599. [PMID: 39032559 PMCID: PMC11388789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Alteration in lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). However, our understanding of alteration in lipid metabolism across liver zonation in MASH remains limited. Within this study, we investigated MASH-associated zone-specific lipid metabolism in a diet and chemical-induced MASH mouse model. Spatial lipidomics using mass spectrometry imaging in a MASH mouse model revealed 130 lipids from various classes altered across liver zonation and exhibited zone-specific lipid signatures in MASH. Triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, sphingolipids and ceramides showed distinct zone-specific changes and re-distribution from pericentral to periportal localization in MASH. Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (FA) were the primary FA composition of increased lipids in MASH, while polyunsaturated FAs were the major FA composition of decreased lipids. We observed elevated fibrosis in the periportal region, which could be the result of observed metabolic alteration across zonation. Our study provides valuable insights into zone-specific hepatic lipid metabolism and demonstrates the significance of spatial lipidomics in understanding liver lipid metabolism. Identifying unique lipid distribution patterns may offer valuable insights into the pathophysiology of MASH and facilitate the discovery of diagnostic markers associated with liver zonation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patcharamon Seubnooch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Montani
- Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Francois Dufour
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mojgan Masoodi
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
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Al Reza H, Santangelo C, Al Reza A, Iwasawa K, Sachiko S, Glaser K, Bondoc A, Merola J, Takebe T. Self-Assembled Generation of Multi-zonal Liver Organoids from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.30.610426. [PMID: 39257824 PMCID: PMC11384014 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.30.610426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Distinct hepatocyte subpopulations are spatially segregated along the portal-central axis and critical to understanding metabolic homeostasis and liver injury. While several bioactive molecules have been described to play a role in directing zonal fates, including ascorbate and bilirubin, in vitro replication of zonal liver architecture has not been achieved to date. In order to evaluate hepatic zonal polarity, we developed a self-assembling zone-specific liver organoid culture by co-culturing ascorbate and bilirubin enriched hepatic progenitors derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. We found that preconditioned hepatocyte-like cells exhibited zone-specific functions associated with urea cycle, glutathione synthesis and glutamate synthesis. Single nucleus RNA sequencing analysis of these zonally patterned organoids identifies hepatoblast differentiation trajectory that mimics periportal-, interzonal-, and pericentral human hepatocytes. Epigenetic and transcriptomic analysis showed that zonal identity is orchestrated by ascorbate or bilirubin dependent binding of histone acetyltransferase p300 (EP300) to methylcytosine dioxygenase TET1 or hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α). Transplantation of the self-assembled zonally patterned human organoids improved survival of immunodeficient rats who underwent bile duct ligation by ameliorating the hyperammonemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Overall, this multi-zonal organoid system serves as an in vitro human model to better recapitulate hepatic architecture relevant to liver development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Al Reza
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Connie Santangelo
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Abid Al Reza
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Kentaro Iwasawa
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Sachiko Sachiko
- Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kathryn Glaser
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Alexander Bondoc
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Jonathan Merola
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Takanori Takebe
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
- Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Communication Design Center, Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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6
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Karnawat K, Parthasarathy R, Sakhrie M, Karthik H, Krishna KV, Balachander GM. Building in vitro models for mechanistic understanding of liver regeneration in chronic liver diseases. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:7669-7691. [PMID: 38973693 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00738g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The liver has excellent regeneration potential and attains complete functional recovery from partial hepatectomy. The regenerative mechanisms malfunction in chronic liver diseases (CLDs), which fuels disease progression. CLDs account for 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Pathophysiological studies with clinical correlation have shown evidence of deviation of normal regenerative mechanisms and its contribution to fueling fibrosis and disease progression. However, we lack realistic in vitro models that can allow experimental manipulation for mechanistic understanding of liver regeneration in CLDs and testing of candidate drugs. In this review, we aim to provide the framework for building appropriate organotypic models for dissecting regenerative responses in CLDs, with the focus on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By drawing parallels with development and hepatectomy, we explain the selection of critical components such as cells, signaling, and, substrate-driven biophysical cues to build an appropriate CLD model. We highlight the organoid-based organotypic models available for NASH disease modeling, including organ-on-a-chip and 3D bioprinted models. With the focus on bioprinting as a fabrication method, we prescribe building in vitro CLD models and testing schemes for exploring the regenerative responses in the bioprinted model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushi Karnawat
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Rithika Parthasarathy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Mesevilhou Sakhrie
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Harikeshav Karthik
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Konatala Vibhuvan Krishna
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Gowri Manohari Balachander
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
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7
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Huong NTC, Hai NP, Van Khanh C, Kamel MG, Vinh Chau NV, Truong NT, Vinh NT, Elsheikh R, Makram AM, Elsheikh A, Canh HN, Iqtadar S, Hirayama K, Le Hoa PT, Huy NT. New biomarkers for liver involvement by dengue infection in adult Vietnamese patients: a case-control study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:800. [PMID: 39118006 PMCID: PMC11308448 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09527-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver injury with marked elevation of aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (AST) is commonly observed in dengue infection. To understand the pathogenesis of this liver damage, we compared the plasma levels of hepatic specific, centrilobular predominant enzymes (glutamate dehydrogenase, GLDH; glutathione S transferase-α, αGST), periportal enriched 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), periportal predominant arginase-1 (ARG-1), and other non-specific biomarkers (paraoxonase-1, PON-1) in patients with different outcomes of dengue infection. This hospital-based study enrolled 87 adult dengue patients, stratified into three groups based on plasma AST levels (< 80, 80-400, > 400 U/L) in a 1:1:1 ratio (n = 40, n = 40, n = 40, respectively. The new liver enzymes in the blood samples from the 4th to 6th days of their illness were measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or colorimetric kits. Based on the diagnosis at discharge days, our patients were classified as 40 (46%) dengue without warning signs (D), 35 (40.2%) dengue with warning signs (DWS), and 11 (12.6%) severe dengue (SD) with either shock (two patients) or AST level over 1000 U/L (nine patients), using the 2009 WHO classification. The group of high AST (> 400 U/L) also had higher ALT, GLDH, ARG-1, and HPPD than the other groups, while the high (> 400 U/L) and moderate (80-400 U/L) AST groups had higher ALT, αGST, ARG-1, and HPPD than the low AST group (< 80 U/L). There was a good correlation between AST, alanine aminotransferase enzyme (ALT), and the new liver biomarkers such as GLDH, αGST, ARG-1, and HPPD. Our findings suggest that dengue-induced liver damage initiates predominantly in the centrilobular area toward the portal area during the dengue progression. Moreover, these new biomarkers should be investigated further to explain the pathogenesis of dengue and to validate their prognostic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thi Cam Huong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Phuong Hai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Chau Van Khanh
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Online Research Club (http://www.onlineresearchclub.org), Nagasaki, Japan
- Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology Quy Nhon, Quy Nhon, Vietnam
| | - Mohamed Gomaa Kamel
- Online Research Club (http://www.onlineresearchclub.org), Nagasaki, Japan
- Ipswich Hospital, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UK
| | | | | | | | - Randa Elsheikh
- Online Research Club (http://www.onlineresearchclub.org), Nagasaki, Japan
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Abdelrahman M Makram
- Online Research Club (http://www.onlineresearchclub.org), Nagasaki, Japan.
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Aya Elsheikh
- Online Research Club (http://www.onlineresearchclub.org), Nagasaki, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura Manchester University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hiep Nguyen Canh
- Online Research Club (http://www.onlineresearchclub.org), Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
- Center of Pathology and Cytopathology, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Somia Iqtadar
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kenji Hirayama
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Pham Thi Le Hoa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
- Online Research Club (http://www.onlineresearchclub.org), Nagasaki, Japan.
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
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8
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Huang Y, Liu T, Huang Q, Wang Y. From Organ-on-a-Chip to Human-on-a-Chip: A Review of Research Progress and Latest Applications. ACS Sens 2024; 9:3466-3488. [PMID: 38991227 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) technology, which emulates the physiological environment and functionality of human organs on a microfluidic chip, is undergoing significant technological advancements. Despite its rapid evolution, this technology is also facing notable challenges, such as the lack of vascularization, the development of multiorgan-on-a-chip systems, and the replication of the human body on a single chip. The progress of microfluidic technology has played a crucial role in steering OOC toward mimicking the human microenvironment, including vascularization, microenvironment replication, and the development of multiorgan microphysiological systems. Additionally, advancements in detection, analysis, and organoid imaging technologies have enhanced the functionality and efficiency of Organs-on-Chips (OOCs). In particular, the integration of artificial intelligence has revolutionized organoid imaging, significantly enhancing high-throughput drug screening. Consequently, this review covers the research progress of OOC toward Human-on-a-chip, the integration of sensors in OOCs, and the latest applications of organoid imaging technologies in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisha Huang
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan 610212, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qi Huang
- School of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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van Luyk ME, Krotenberg Garcia A, Lamprou M, Suijkerbuijk SJE. Cell competition in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer. Oncogenesis 2024; 13:28. [PMID: 39060237 PMCID: PMC11282291 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-024-00530-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult tissues set the scene for a continuous battle between cells, where a comparison of cellular fitness results in the elimination of weaker "loser" cells. This phenomenon, named cell competition, is beneficial for tissue integrity and homeostasis. In fact, cell competition plays a crucial role in tumor suppression, through elimination of early malignant cells, as part of Epithelial Defense Against Cancer. However, it is increasingly apparent that cell competition doubles as a tumor-promoting mechanism. The comparative nature of cell competition means that mutational background, proliferation rate and polarity all factor in to determine the outcome of these processes. In this review, we explore the intricate and context-dependent involvement of cell competition in homeostasis and regeneration, as well as during initiation and progression of primary and metastasized colorectal cancer. We provide a comprehensive overview of molecular and cellular mechanisms governing cell competition and its parallels with regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Elise van Luyk
- Division of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Krotenberg Garcia
- Division of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Lamprou
- Division of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Jacoba Elisabeth Suijkerbuijk
- Division of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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10
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Cooper LL, Prescott BR, Xanthakis V, Benjamin EJ, Vasan RS, Hamburg NM, Long MT, Mitchell GF. Association of Aortic Stiffness and Pressure Pulsatility With Noninvasive Estimates of Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis: The Framingham Heart Study. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1704-1715. [PMID: 38752348 PMCID: PMC11209780 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arterial stiffening may contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. We aimed to assess relations of vascular hemodynamic measures with measures of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in the community. METHODS Our sample was drawn from the Framingham Offspring, New Offspring Spouse, Third Generation, Omni-1, and Omni-2 cohorts (N=3875; mean age, 56 years; 54% women). We used vibration-controlled transient elastography to assess controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness measurements as measures of liver steatosis and liver fibrosis, respectively. We assessed noninvasive vascular hemodynamics using arterial tonometry. We assessed cross-sectional relations of vascular hemodynamic measures with continuous and dichotomous measures of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis using multivariable linear and logistic regression. RESULTS In multivariable models adjusting for cardiometabolic risk factors, higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (estimated β per SD, 0.05 [95% CI, 0.01-0.09]; P=0.003), but not forward pressure wave amplitude and central pulse pressure, was associated with more liver steatosis (higher controlled attenuation parameter). Additionally, higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (β=0.11 [95% CI, 0.07-0.15]; P<0.001), forward pressure wave amplitude (β=0.05 [95% CI, 0.01-0.09]; P=0.01), and central pulse pressure (β=0.05 [95% CI, 0.01-0.09]; P=0.01) were associated with more hepatic fibrosis (higher liver stiffness measurement). Associations were more prominent among men and among participants with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (interaction P values, <0.001-0.04). Higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, but not forward pressure wave amplitude and central pulse pressure, was associated with higher odds of hepatic steatosis (odds ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.02-1.31]; P=0.02) and fibrosis (odds ratio, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.19-1.64]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Elevated aortic stiffness and pressure pulsatility may contribute to hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brenton R. Prescott
- Section of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vanessa Xanthakis
- Section of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University and NHLBI’s Framingham Study, Framingham, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Heath, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emelia J. Benjamin
- Boston University and NHLBI’s Framingham Study, Framingham, MA, USA
- Evans Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiology and Preventive Medicine Sections, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ramachandran S. Vasan
- Boston University and NHLBI’s Framingham Study, Framingham, MA, USA
- The University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Naomi M. Hamburg
- Evans Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle T. Long
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Søborg, Denmark
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11
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Parsa S, Dousti M, Mohammadi N, Abedanzadeh M, Dehdari Ebrahimi N, Dara M, Sani M, Nekouee M, Abolmaali SS, Sani F, Azarpira N. The effects of simvastatin-loaded nanoliposomes on human multilineage liver fibrosis microtissue. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18529. [PMID: 38984945 PMCID: PMC11234647 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In this in vitro study, for the first time, we evaluate the effects of simvastatin-loaded liposome nanoparticles (SIM-LipoNPs) treatment on fibrosis-induced liver microtissues, as simvastatin (SIM) has shown potential benefits in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease process. We developed multicellular liver microtissues composed of hepatic stellate cells, hepatoblastoma cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The microtissues were supplemented with a combination of palmitic acid and oleic acid to develop fibrosis models. Subsequently, various groups of microtissues were exposed to SIM and SIM-LipoNPs at doses of 5 and 10 mg/mL. The effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated by analysing cell viability, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), the expression of Kruppel-like factor (KLF) 2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin(IL)-1 α, IL-1 β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α), and the expression of collagen I. Our results indicated that SIM-LipoNPs application showed promising results. SIM-LipoNPs effectively amplified the SIM-klf2-NO pathway at a lower dosage compatible with a high dosage of free SIM, which also led to reduced oxidative stress by decreasing ROS levels. SIM-LipoNPs administration also resulted in a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and Collagen I mRNA levels, as a marker of fibrosis. In conclusion, our study highlights the considerable therapeutic potential of using SIM-LipoNPs to prevent liver fibrosis progress, underscoring the remarkable properties of SIM-LipoNPs in activating the KLF2-NO pathway and anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Parsa
- Shiraz Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Dousti
- Shiraz Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nasim Mohammadi
- Shiraz Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Abedanzadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mahintaj Dara
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Sani
- Shiraz Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Muhammad Nekouee
- Shiraz Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Sadat Abolmaali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farnaz Sani
- Shiraz Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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12
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Song G, Feng G, Li Q, Peng J, Ge W, Long Y, Cui Z. Transcriptomic Characterization of Key Factors and Signaling Pathways for the Regeneration of Partially Hepatectomized Liver in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7212. [PMID: 39000319 PMCID: PMC11241411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy (PHx) has attracted intensive research interests due to the great significance for liver resection and transplantation. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an excellent model to study liver regeneration. In the fish subjected to PHx (the tip of the ventral lobe was resected), the lost liver mass could be fully regenerated in seven days. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the liver regeneration remain largely unknown. In this study, gene expression profiles during the regeneration of PHx-treated liver were explored by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The genes responsive to the injury of PHx treatment were identified and classified into different clusters based on the expression profiles. Representative gene ontology (GO) enrichments for the early responsive genes included hormone activity, ribosome biogenesis and rRNA processing, etc., while the late responsive genes were enriched in biological processes such as glutathione metabolic process, antioxidant activity and cellular detoxification. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichments were also identified for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the time-series samples and the sham controls. The proteasome was overrepresented by the up-regulated genes at all of the sampling time points. Inhibiting proteasome activity by the application of MG132 to the fish enhanced the expression of Pcna (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), an indicator of hepatocyte proliferation after PHx. Our data provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the regeneration of PHx-treated liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guili Song
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Guohui Feng
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Qing Li
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jinrong Peng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Yong Long
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zongbin Cui
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
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13
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Rainu SK, Singh N. 3D microscaffolds with triple-marker sensitive nanoprobes for studying fatty liver disease in vitro. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:10048-10063. [PMID: 38712552 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00434e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a heterogeneous condition that encompasses a wide range of liver diseases that progresses from simple hepatic steatosis to the life-threatening state of cirrhosis. However, due to the heterogeneity of this disease, comprehensive analysis of several physicochemical and biological factors that drive its progression is necessary. Therefore, an in vitro platform is required that would enable real-time monitoring of these changes to better understand the progression of these diseases. The earliest stage of NAFLD, i.e. hepatic steatosis, is characterised by triglyceride accumulation in the form of lipid vacuoles in the cytosol of hepatocytes. This fatty acid accumulation is usually accompanied by hepatic inflammation, leading to tissue acidification and dysregulated expression of certain proteases such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Taking cues from the biological parameters of the disease, we report here a 3D in vitro GelMA/alginate microscaffold platform encapsulating a triple-marker (pH, MMP-3 and MMP-9) sensitive fluorescent nanoprobe for monitoring, and hence, distinguishing the fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) from healthy livers on the basis of pH change and MMP expression. The nanoprobe consists of a carbon nanoparticle (CNP) core, which exhibits intrinsic pH-dependent fluorescence properties, decorated either with an MMP-3 (NpMMP3) or MMP-9 (NpMMP9) sensitive peptide substrate. These peptide substrates are flanked with a fluorophore-quencher pair that separates on enzymatic cleavage, resulting in fluorescence emission. The cocktail of these nanoprobes generated multiple fluorescence signals corresponding to slightly acidic pH (blue) and overexpression of MMP-3 (green) and MMP-9 (red) enzymes in a 3D in vitro fatty liver model, whereas no/negligible fluorescence signals were observed in a healthy liver model. Moreover, this platform enabled us to mimic fatty liver disease in a more realistic manner. Therefore, this 3D in vitro platform encapsulating triple-marker sensitive fluorescent nanoprobes would facilitate the monitoring of the changes in pH and MMP expression, thereby enabling us to distinguish a healthy liver from a diseased liver and to study liver disease stages on the basis of these markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kaur Rainu
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Neetu Singh
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
- Biomedical Engineering Unit, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
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14
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Albadry M, Küttner J, Grzegorzewski J, Dirsch O, Kindler E, Klopfleisch R, Liska V, Moulisova V, Nickel S, Palek R, Rosendorf J, Saalfeld S, Settmacher U, Tautenhahn HM, König M, Dahmen U. Cross-species variability in lobular geometry and cytochrome P450 hepatic zonation: insights into CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1404938. [PMID: 38818378 PMCID: PMC11137285 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1404938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of systematic research exploring cross-species variation in liver lobular geometry and zonation patterns of critical drug-metabolizing enzymes, a knowledge gap essential for translational studies. This study investigated the critical interplay between lobular geometry and key cytochrome P450 (CYP) zonation in four species: mouse, rat, pig, and human. We developed an automated pipeline based on whole slide images (WSI) of hematoxylin-eosin-stained liver sections and immunohistochemistry. This pipeline allows accurate quantification of both lobular geometry and zonation patterns of essential CYP proteins. Our analysis of CYP zonal expression shows that all CYP enzymes (besides CYP2D6 with panlobular expression) were observed in the pericentral region in all species, but with distinct differences. Comparison of normalized gradient intensity shows a high similarity between mice and humans, followed by rats. Specifically, CYP1A2 was expressed throughout the pericentral region in mice and humans, whereas it was restricted to a narrow pericentral rim in rats and showed a panlobular pattern in pigs. Similarly, CYP3A4 is present in the pericentral region, but its extent varies considerably in rats and appears panlobular in pigs. CYP2D6 zonal expression consistently shows a panlobular pattern in all species, although the intensity varies. CYP2E1 zonal expression covered the entire pericentral region with extension into the midzone in all four species, suggesting its potential for further cross-species analysis. Analysis of lobular geometry revealed an increase in lobular size with increasing species size, whereas lobular compactness was similar. Based on our results, zonated CYP expression in mice is most similar to humans. Therefore, mice appear to be the most appropriate species for drug metabolism studies unless larger species are required for other purposes, e.g., surgical reasons. CYP selection should be based on species, with CYP2E1 and CYP2D6 being the most preferable to compare four species. CYP1A2 could be considered as an additional CYP for rodent versus human comparisons, and CYP3A4 for mouse/human comparisons. In conclusion, our image analysis pipeline together with suggestions for species and CYP selection can serve to improve future cross-species and translational drug metabolism studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Albadry
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Experimental Transplantation Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Jonas Küttner
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Experimental Transplantation Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Institute für Biologie, Systems Medicine of the Liver, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Grzegorzewski
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Institute für Biologie, Systems Medicine of the Liver, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Dirsch
- Institute for Pathology, BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva Kindler
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Robert Klopfleisch
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vaclav Liska
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Vladimira Moulisova
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Sandra Nickel
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Richard Palek
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Jachym Rosendorf
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Sylvia Saalfeld
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Ilmenau University of Technology, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Utz Settmacher
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Hans-Michael Tautenhahn
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Experimental Transplantation Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias König
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Institute für Biologie, Systems Medicine of the Liver, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uta Dahmen
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Experimental Transplantation Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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15
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Lyu J, Okada H, Sunagozaka H, Kawaguchi K, Shimakami T, Nio K, Murai K, Shirasaki T, Yoshida M, Arai K, Yamashita T, Tanaka T, Harada K, Takamura T, Kaneko S, Yamashita T, Honda M. Potential utility of l-carnitine for preventing liver tumors derived from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0425. [PMID: 38619434 PMCID: PMC11019826 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent reports have unveiled the potential utility of l-carnitine to alleviate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) by enhancing mitochondrial metabolic function. However, its efficacy at preventing the development of HCC has not been assessed fully. METHODS l-carnitine (2 g/d) was administered to 11 patients with MASH for 10 weeks, and blood liver function tests were performed. Five patients received a serial liver biopsy, and liver histology and hepatic gene expression were evaluated using this tissue. An atherogenic plus high-fat diet MASH mouse model received long-term l-carnitine administration, and liver histology and liver tumor development were evaluated. RESULTS Ten-week l-carnitine administration significantly improved serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels along with a histological improvement in the NAFLD activity score, while steatosis and fibrosis were not improved. Gene expression profiling revealed a significant improvement in the inflammation and profibrotic gene signature as well as the recovery of lipid metabolism. Long-term l-carnitine administration to atherogenic plus high-fat diet MASH mice substantially improved liver histology (inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis) and significantly reduced the incidence of liver tumors. l-carnitine directly reduced the expression of the MASH-associated and stress-induced transcriptional factor early growth response 1. Early growth response 1 activated the promoter activity of neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated protein 9 (NEDD9), an oncogenic protein. Thus, l-carnitine reduced the activation of the NEDD9, focal adhesion kinase 1, and AKT oncogenic signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Short-term l-carnitine administration ameliorated MASH through its anti-inflammatory effects. Long-term l-carnitine administration potentially improved the steatosis and fibrosis of MASH and may eventually reduce the risk of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Lyu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hikari Okada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hajime Sunagozaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kawaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shimakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kouki Nio
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Murai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Shirasaki
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mika Yoshida
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Arai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takuji Tanaka
- Research Center of Diagnostic Pathology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Toshinari Takamura
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shuichi Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Taro Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masao Honda
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
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16
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Santos AA, Delgado TC, Marques V, Ramirez-Moncayo C, Alonso C, Vidal-Puig A, Hall Z, Martínez-Chantar ML, Rodrigues CM. Spatial metabolomics and its application in the liver. Hepatology 2024; 79:1158-1179. [PMID: 36811413 PMCID: PMC11020039 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocytes work in highly structured, repetitive hepatic lobules. Blood flow across the radial axis of the lobule generates oxygen, nutrient, and hormone gradients, which result in zoned spatial variability and functional diversity. This large heterogeneity suggests that hepatocytes in different lobule zones may have distinct gene expression profiles, metabolic features, regenerative capacity, and susceptibility to damage. Here, we describe the principles of liver zonation, introduce metabolomic approaches to study the spatial heterogeneity of the liver, and highlight the possibility of exploring the spatial metabolic profile, leading to a deeper understanding of the tissue metabolic organization. Spatial metabolomics can also reveal intercellular heterogeneity and its contribution to liver disease. These approaches facilitate the global characterization of liver metabolic function with high spatial resolution along physiological and pathological time scales. This review summarizes the state of the art for spatially resolved metabolomic analysis and the challenges that hinder the achievement of metabolome coverage at the single-cell level. We also discuss several major contributions to the understanding of liver spatial metabolism and conclude with our opinion on the future developments and applications of these exciting new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- André A. Santos
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa C. Delgado
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
- Congenital Metabolic Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Vanda Marques
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carmen Ramirez-Moncayo
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK
| | | | - Antonio Vidal-Puig
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centro Investigation Principe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Zoe Hall
- Division of Systems Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - María Luz Martínez-Chantar
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia M.P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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17
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Flory M, Elsayes KM, Kielar A, Harmath C, Dillman JR, Shehata M, Horvat N, Minervini M, Marks R, Kamaya A, Borhani AA. Congestive Hepatopathy: Pathophysiology, Workup, and Imaging Findings with Pathologic Correlation. Radiographics 2024; 44:e230121. [PMID: 38602867 DOI: 10.1148/rg.230121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Liver congestion is increasingly encountered in clinical practice and presents diagnostic pitfalls of which radiologists must be aware. The complex altered hemodynamics associated with liver congestion leads to diffuse parenchymal changes and the development of benign and malignant nodules. Distinguishing commonly encountered benign hypervascular lesions, such as focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH)-like nodules, from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be challenging due to overlapping imaging features. FNH-like lesions enhance during the hepatic arterial phase and remain isoenhancing relative to the background liver parenchyma but infrequently appear to wash out at delayed phase imaging, similar to what might be seen with HCC. Heterogeneity, presence of an enhancing capsule, washout during the portal venous phase, intermediate signal intensity at T2-weighted imaging, restricted diffusion, and lack of uptake at hepatobiliary phase imaging point toward the diagnosis of HCC, although these features are not sensitive individually. It is important to emphasize that the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) algorithm cannot be applied in congested livers since major LI-RADS features lack specificity in distinguishing HCC from benign hypervascular lesions in this population. Also, the morphologic changes and increased liver stiffness caused by congestion make the imaging diagnosis of cirrhosis difficult. The authors discuss the complex liver macro- and microhemodynamics underlying liver congestion; propose a more inclusive approach to and conceptualization of liver congestion; describe the pathophysiology of liver congestion, hepatocellular injury, and the development of benign and malignant nodules; review the imaging findings and mimics of liver congestion and hypervascular lesions; and present a diagnostic algorithm for approaching hypervascular liver lesions. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Flory
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
| | - Khaled M Elsayes
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
| | - Ania Kielar
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
| | - Carla Harmath
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
| | - Jonathan R Dillman
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
| | - Mostafa Shehata
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
| | - Natally Horvat
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
| | - Marta Minervini
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
| | - Robert Marks
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
| | - Aya Kamaya
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
| | - Amir A Borhani
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305 (M.F., A. Kamaya); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.E.); Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A. Kielar, M.S.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (C.H.); Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.R.D.); Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (N.H.); Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (M.M.); Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, Calif (R.M.); and Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill (A.A.B.)
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18
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Kashimura M. Blood defense system - Proposal for a new concept of an immune system against blood borne pathogens comprising the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Scand J Immunol 2024; 99:e13363. [PMID: 38605529 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Blood-borne pathogen (BBP) infections can rapidly progress to life-threatening sepsis and must therefore be promptly eliminated by the host's immune system. Intravascular macrophages of the liver sinusoid, splenic marginal zone and red pulp and perisinusoidal macrophage protrusions in the bone marrow (BM) directly phagocytose BBPs in the blood as an innate immune response. The liver, spleen and BM thereby work together as the blood defence system (BDS) in response to BBPs by exerting their different immunological roles. The liver removes the vast majority of these invading organisms via innate immunity, but their complete elimination is not possible without the actions of antibodies. Splenic marginal zone B cells promptly produce IgM and IgG antibodies against BBPs. The splenic marginal zone transports antigenic information from the innate to the adaptive immune systems. The white pulp of the spleen functions as adaptive immune tissue and produces specific and high-affinity antibodies with an immune memory against BBPs. The BM works to maintain immune memory by supporting the survival of memory B cells, memory T cells and long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs), all of which have dedicated niches. Furthermore, BM perisinusoidal naïve follicular B cells promptly produce IgM antibodies against BBPs in the BM sinusoid and the IgG memory B cells residing in the BM rapidly transform to plasma cells which produce high-affinity IgG antibodies upon reinfection. This review describes the complete immune defence characteristics of the BDS against BBPs through the collaboration of the liver, spleen and BM with combined different immunological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kashimura
- Department of Hematology, Shinmatsudo Central General Hospital, Matsudo, Japan
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19
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Soliman BG, Longoni A, Major GS, Lindberg GCJ, Choi YS, Zhang YS, Woodfield TBF, Lim KS. Harnessing Macromolecular Chemistry to Design Hydrogel Micro- and Macro-Environments. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300457. [PMID: 38035637 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell encapsulation within three-dimensional hydrogels is a promising approach to mimic tissues. However, true biomimicry of the intricate microenvironment, biophysical and biochemical gradients, and the macroscale hierarchical spatial organizations of native tissues is an unmet challenge within tissue engineering. This review provides an overview of the macromolecular chemistries that have been applied toward the design of cell-friendly hydrogels, as well as their application toward controlling biophysical and biochemical bulk and gradient properties of the microenvironment. Furthermore, biofabrication technologies provide the opportunity to simultaneously replicate macroscale features of native tissues. Biofabrication strategies are reviewed in detail with a particular focus on the compatibility of these strategies with the current macromolecular toolkit described for hydrogel design and the challenges associated with their clinical translation. This review identifies that the convergence of the ever-expanding macromolecular toolkit and technological advancements within the field of biofabrication, along with an improved biological understanding, represents a promising strategy toward the successful tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram G Soliman
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Alessia Longoni
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584CX, The Netherlands
| | - Gretel S Major
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Gabriella C J Lindberg
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tim B F Woodfield
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Khoon S Lim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
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20
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AlShmmari SK, Fardous RS, Shinwari Z, Cialla-May D, Popp J, Ramadan Q, Zourob M. Hepatic spheroid-on-a-chip: Fabrication and characterization of a spheroid-based in vitro model of the human liver for drug screening applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:034105. [PMID: 38817733 PMCID: PMC11136519 DOI: 10.1063/5.0210955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The integration of microfabrication and microfluidics techniques into cell culture technology has significantly transformed cell culture conditions, scaffold architecture, and tissue biofabrication. These tools offer precise control over cell positioning and enable high-resolution analysis and testing. Culturing cells in 3D systems, such as spheroids and organoids, enables recapitulating the interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix, thereby allowing the creation of human-based biomimetic tissue models that are well-suited for pre-clinical drug screening. Here, we demonstrate an innovative microfluidic device for the formation, culture, and testing of hepatocyte spheroids, which comprises a large array of patterned microwells for hosting hepatic spheroid culture in a reproducible and organized format in a dynamic fluidic environment. The device allows maintaining and characterizing different spheroid sizes as well as exposing to various drugs in parallel enabling high-throughput experimentation. These liver spheroids exhibit physiologically relevant hepatic functionality, as evidenced by their ability to produce albumin and urea at levels comparable to in vivo conditions and the capability to distinguish the toxic effects of selected drugs. This highlights the effectiveness of the microenvironment provided by the chip in maintaining the functionality of hepatocyte spheroids. These data support the notion that the liver-spheroid chip provides a favorable microenvironment for the maintenance of hepatocyte spheroid functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zakia Shinwari
- Cell Therapy and Immunology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Qasem Ramadan
- College of Science & General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Zourob
- College of Science & General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Leaker BD, Sojoodi M, Tanabe KK, Popov YV, Tam J, Anderson RR. Increased susceptibility to ischemia causes exacerbated response to microinjuries in the cirrhotic liver. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23585. [PMID: 38661043 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301438rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Fractional laser ablation is a technique developed in dermatology to induce remodeling of skin scars by creating a dense pattern of microinjuries. Despite remarkable clinical results, this technique has yet to be tested for scars in other tissues. As a first step toward determining the suitability of this technique, we aimed to (1) characterize the response to microinjuries in the healthy and cirrhotic liver, and (2) determine the underlying cause for any differences in response. Healthy and cirrhotic rats were treated with a fractional laser then euthanized from 0 h up to 14 days after treatment. Differential expression was assessed using RNAseq with a difference-in-differences model. Spatial maps of tissue oxygenation were acquired with hyperspectral imaging and disruptions in blood supply were assessed with tomato lectin perfusion. Healthy rats showed little damage beyond the initial microinjury and healed completely by 7 days without scarring. In cirrhotic rats, hepatocytes surrounding microinjury sites died 4-6 h after ablation, resulting in enlarged and heterogeneous zones of cell death. Hepatocytes near blood vessels were spared, particularly near the highly vascularized septa. Gene sets related to ischemia and angiogenesis were enriched at 4 h. Laser-treated regions had reduced oxygen saturation and broadly disrupted perfusion of nodule microvasculature, which matched the zones of cell death. Our results demonstrate that the cirrhotic liver has an exacerbated response to microinjuries and increased susceptibility to ischemia from microvascular damage, likely related to the vascular derangements that occur during cirrhosis development. Modifications to the fractional laser tool, such as using a femtosecond laser or reducing the spot size, may be able to prevent large disruptions of perfusion and enable further development of a laser-induced microinjury treatment for cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben D Leaker
- Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mozhdeh Sojoodi
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kenneth K Tanabe
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yury V Popov
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua Tam
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - R Rox Anderson
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Tian H, Rajbhandari P, Tarolli J, Decker AM, Neelakantan TV, Angerer T, Zandkarimi F, Remotti H, Frache G, Winograd N, Stockwell BR. Multimodal mass spectrometry imaging identifies cell-type-specific metabolic and lipidomic variation in the mammalian liver. Dev Cell 2024; 59:869-881.e6. [PMID: 38359832 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Spatial single-cell omics provides a readout of biochemical processes. It is challenging to capture the transient lipidome/metabolome from cells in a native tissue environment. We employed water gas cluster ion beam secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging ([H2O]n>28K-GCIB-SIMS) at ≤3 μm resolution using a cryogenic imaging workflow. This allowed multiple biomolecular imaging modes on the near-native-state liver at single-cell resolution. Our workflow utilizes desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) to build a reference map of metabolic heterogeneity and zonation across liver functional units at tissue level. Cryogenic dual-SIMS integrated metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics in the same liver lobules at single-cell level, characterizing the cellular landscape and metabolic states in different cell types. Lipids and metabolites classified liver metabolic zones, cell types and subtypes, highlighting the power of spatial multi-omics at high spatial resolution for understanding celluar and biomolecular organizations in the mammalian liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Tian
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Pitt Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Children's Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
| | - Presha Rajbhandari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Aubrianna M Decker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Tina Angerer
- The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Helen Remotti
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gilles Frache
- The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Nicholas Winograd
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Brent R Stockwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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23
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Scheidecker B, Poulain S, Sugimoto M, Arakawa H, Kim SH, Kawanishi T, Kato Y, Danoy M, Nishikawa M, Sakai Y. Mechanobiological stimulation in organ-on-a-chip systems reduces hepatic drug metabolic capacity in favor of regenerative specialization. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:1435-1452. [PMID: 38184801 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic physiology depends on the liver's complex structural composition which among others, provides high oxygen supply rates, locally differential oxygen tension, endothelial paracrine signaling, as well as residual hemodynamic shear stress to resident hepatocytes. While functional improvements were shown by implementing these factors into hepatic culture systems, direct cause-effect relationships are often not well characterized-obfuscating their individual contribution in more complex microphysiological systems. By comparing increasingly complex hepatic in vitro culture systems that gradually implement these parameters, we investigate the influence of the cellular microenvironment to overall hepatic functionality in pharmacological applications. Here, hepatocytes were modulated in terms of oxygen tension and supplementation, endothelial coculture, and exposure to fluid shear stress delineated from oxygen influx. Results from transcriptomic and metabolomic evaluation indicate that particularly oxygen supply rates are critical to enhance cellular functionality-with cellular drug metabolism remaining comparable to physiological conditions after prolonged static culture. Endothelial signaling was found to be a major contributor to differential phenotype formation known as metabolic zonation, indicated by WNT pathway activity. Lastly, oxygen-delineated shear stress was identified to direct cellular fate towards increased hepatic plasticity and regenerative phenotypes at the cost of drug metabolic functionality - in line with regenerative effects observed in vivo. With these results, we provide a systematic evaluation of critical parameters and their impact in hepatic systems. Given their adherence to physiological effects in vivo, this highlights the importance of their implementation in biomimetic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip systems. Considering recent advances in basic liver biology, direct translation of physiological structures into in vitro models is a promising strategy to expand the capabilities of pharmacological models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stéphane Poulain
- Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Sugimoto
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Yamagata, Japan
- Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Arakawa
- Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Soo H Kim
- Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawanishi
- Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yukio Kato
- Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mathieu Danoy
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Nishikawa
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Sakai
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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24
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Lambers L, Waschinsky N, Schleicher J, König M, Tautenhahn HM, Albadry M, Dahmen U, Ricken T. Quantifying fat zonation in liver lobules: an integrated multiscale in silico model combining disturbed microperfusion and fat metabolism via a continuum biomechanical bi-scale, tri-phasic approach. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:631-653. [PMID: 38402347 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01797-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic zonation refers to the spatial separation of metabolic functions along the sinusoidal axes of the liver. This phenomenon forms the foundation for adjusting hepatic metabolism to physiological requirements in health and disease (e.g., metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease/MASLD). Zonated metabolic functions are influenced by zonal morphological abnormalities in the liver, such as periportal fibrosis and pericentral steatosis. We aim to analyze the interplay between microperfusion, oxygen gradient, fat metabolism and resulting zonated fat accumulation in a liver lobule. Therefore we developed a continuum biomechanical, tri-phasic, bi-scale, and multicomponent in silico model, which allows to numerically simulate coupled perfusion-function-growth interactions two-dimensionally in liver lobules. The developed homogenized model has the following specifications: (i) thermodynamically consistent, (ii) tri-phase model (tissue, fat, blood), (iii) penta-substances (glycogen, glucose, lactate, FFA, and oxygen), and (iv) bi-scale approach (lobule, cell). Our presented in silico model accounts for the mutual coupling between spatial and time-dependent liver perfusion, metabolic pathways and fat accumulation. The model thus allows the prediction of fat development in the liver lobule, depending on perfusion, oxygen and plasma concentration of free fatty acids (FFA), oxidative processes, the synthesis and the secretion of triglycerides (TGs). The use of a bi-scale approach allows in addition to focus on scale bridging processes. Thus, we will investigate how changes at the cellular scale affect perfusion at the lobular scale and vice versa. This allows to predict the zonation of fat distribution (periportal or pericentral) depending on initial conditions, as well as external and internal boundary value conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Lambers
- Institute of Structural Mechanics and Dynamics, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 27, Stuttgart, 70191, Germany
| | - Navina Waschinsky
- Institute of Structural Mechanics and Dynamics, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 27, Stuttgart, 70191, Germany
| | - Jana Schleicher
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fürstengraben 27, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Matthias König
- Systems Medicine of Liver, Institute for Theoretical Biology, Institute for Biology, Humboldt-University Berlin, Philippstraße 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Michael Tautenhahn
- Department of Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Mohamed Albadry
- Experimental Transplantation Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Drackendorfer Straße 1, Jena, 07747, Germany
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Uta Dahmen
- Experimental Transplantation Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Drackendorfer Straße 1, Jena, 07747, Germany
| | - Tim Ricken
- Institute of Structural Mechanics and Dynamics, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 27, Stuttgart, 70191, Germany.
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25
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Grayck MR, McCarthy WC, Solar M, Golden E, Balasubramaniyan N, Zheng L, Sherlock LG, Wright CJ. GSK3β/NF-κB -dependent transcriptional regulation of homeostatic hepatocyte Tnf production. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2024; 326:G374-G384. [PMID: 38193163 PMCID: PMC11211040 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00229.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Maintenance of hepatocyte homeostasis plays an important role in mediating the pathogenesis of many diseases. A growing body of literature has established a critical role played by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in maintaining hepatocyte homeostasis; however, the transcriptional mechanisms underlying constitutive Tnf expression are unknown. Whole liver fractions and primary hepatocytes from adult control C57BL/6 mice and the murine hepatocyte cell line AML12 were assessed for constitutive Tnf expression. Impacts of glycogen synthase kinase-3 β (GSK3β) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) inhibition on constitutive Tnf expression were assessed in AML12 cells. Finally, AML12 cell proliferation following GSK3β and NF-κB inhibition was evaluated. Constitutive Tnf gene expression is present in whole liver, primary hepatocytes, and cultured AML12 hepatocytes. Cytokine-induced Tnf gene expression is regulated by NF-κB activation. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK3β resulted in a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of Tnf gene expression. GSK3β inhibition decreased nuclear levels of the NF-κB subunits p65 and p50. We determined that NF-κB transcription factor subunit p65 binds to consensus sequence elements present in the murine TNFα promoter and inhibition of GSK3β decreases binding and subsequent Tnf expression. Finally, AML12 cell growth was significantly reduced following GSK3β and NF-κB inhibition. These results demonstrate that GSK3β and NF-κB are essential for mediating Tnf expression and constitutive hepatocyte cell growth. These findings add to a growing body of literature on TNFα mediated hepatocyte homeostasis and identify novel molecular mechanisms involved in mediating response to various disease states in the liver.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maintenance of hepatocyte homeostasis plays an important role in controlling the pathogenesis of many diseases. Our findings add to a growing body of literature on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-mediated hepatocyte homeostasis and identify novel molecular mechanisms involved in regulating this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R Grayck
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - William C McCarthy
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Mack Solar
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Emma Golden
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Natarajan Balasubramaniyan
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Lijun Zheng
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Laura G Sherlock
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Clyde J Wright
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
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Asadollahi N, Hajari MA, Alipour Choshali M, Ajoudanian M, Ziai SA, Vosough M, Piryaei A. Bioengineering scalable and drug-responsive in vitro human multicellular non-alcoholic fatty liver disease microtissues encapsulated in the liver extracellular matrix-derived hydrogel. EXCLI JOURNAL 2024; 23:421-440. [PMID: 38741724 PMCID: PMC11089098 DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a high-prevalence and progressive disorder. Due to lack of reliable in vitro models to recapitulate the consecutive phases, the exact pathogenesis mechanism of this disease and approved therapeutic medications have not been revealed yet. It has been proven that the interplay between multiple hepatic cell types and liver extracellular matrix (ECM) are critical in NAFLD initiation and progression. Herein, a liver microtissue (LMT) consisting of Huh-7, THP-1, and LX-2 cell lines and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), which could be substituted for the main hepatic cells (hepatocyte, Kupffer, stellate, and sinusoidal endothelium, respectively), encapsulated in liver derived ECM-Alginate composite, was bioengineered. When the microtissues were treated with free fatty acids (FFAs) including Oleic acid (6.6×10-4M) and Palmitic acid (3.3×10-4M), they displayed the key features of NAFLD, including similar pattern of transcripts for genes involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, insulin-resistance, and fibrosis, as well as pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines' secretions and intracellular lipid accumulation. Continuing FFAs supplementation, we demonstrated that the NAFLD phenomenon was established on day 3 and progressed to the initial fibrosis stage by day 8. Furthermore, this model was stable until day 12 post FFAs withdrawal on day 3. Moreover, administration of an anti-steatotic drug candidate, Liraglutide (15 μM), on the NAFLD microtissues significantly ameliorated the NAFLD phenomenon. Overall, we bioengineered a drug-responsive, cost-benefit liver microtissues which can simulate the initiation and progression of NAFLD. It is expected that this platform could potentially be used for studying molecular pathogenesis of NAFLD and high-throughput drug screening. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Asadollahi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Hajari
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Alipour Choshali
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ajoudanian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Ziai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Scheidecker B, Poulain S, Sugimoto M, Kido T, Kawanishi T, Miyajima A, Kim SH, Arakawa H, Kato Y, Nishikawa M, Danoy M, Sakai Y, Leclerc E. Dynamic, IPSC-derived hepatic tissue tri-culture system for the evaluation of liver physiology in vitro. Biofabrication 2024; 16:025037. [PMID: 38447229 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad30c5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Availability of hepatic tissue for the investigation of metabolic processes is severely limited. While primary hepatocytes or animal models are widely used in pharmacological applications, a change in methodology towards more sustainable and ethical assays is highly desirable. Stem cell derived hepatic cells are generally regarded as a viable alternative for the above model systems, if current limitations in functionality and maturation can be overcome. By combining microfluidic organ-on-a-chip technology with individually differentiated, multicellular hepatic tissue fractions, we aim to improve overall functionality of hepatocyte-like cells, as well as evaluate cellular composition and interactions with non-parenchymal cell populations towards the formation of mature liver tissue. Utilizing a multi-omic approach, we show the improved maturation profiles of hepatocyte-like cells maintained in a dynamic microenvironment compared to standard tissue culture setups without continuous perfusion. In order to evaluate the resulting tissue, we employ single cell sequencing to distinguish formed subpopulations and spatial localization. While cellular input was strictly defined based on established differentiation protocols of parenchyma, endothelial and stellate cell fractions, resulting hepatic tissue was shown to comprise a complex mixture of epithelial and non-parenchymal fractions with specific local enrichment of phenotypes along the microchannel. Following this approach, we show the importance of passive, paracrine developmental processes in tissue formation. Using such complex tissue models is a crucial first step to develop stem cell-derivedin vitrosystems that can compare functionally with currently used pharmacological and toxicological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Scheidecker
- CNRS UMI 2820, Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 153-8505 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Stéphane Poulain
- Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 153-8505 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Sugimoto
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 997-0035 Yamagata, Japan
- Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, 160-8402 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taketomo Kido
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 113-0032 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawanishi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 920-1102 Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyajima
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 113-0032 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soo Hyeon Kim
- Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 153-8505 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Arakawa
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 920-1102 Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yukio Kato
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 920-1102 Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masaki Nishikawa
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, University of Tokyo, 113-8654 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mathieu Danoy
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, University of Tokyo, 113-8654 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Sakai
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, University of Tokyo, 113-8654 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eric Leclerc
- CNRS UMI 2820, Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 153-8505 Tokyo, Japan
- CNRS UMR 7338, Laboratoire de Biomécanique et Bioingénierie, Université de Technologies de Compiègne, 60203 Compiègne, France
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Yang S, Liu C, Jiang M, Liu X, Geng L, Zhang Y, Sun S, Wang K, Yin J, Ma S, Wang S, Belmonte JCI, Zhang W, Qu J, Liu GH. A single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas of primate liver aging uncovers the pro-senescence role of SREBP2 in hepatocytes. Protein Cell 2024; 15:98-120. [PMID: 37378670 PMCID: PMC10833472 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging increases the risk of liver diseases and systemic susceptibility to aging-related diseases. However, cell type-specific changes and the underlying mechanism of liver aging in higher vertebrates remain incompletely characterized. Here, we constructed the first single-nucleus transcriptomic landscape of primate liver aging, in which we resolved cell type-specific gene expression fluctuation in hepatocytes across three liver zonations and detected aberrant cell-cell interactions between hepatocytes and niche cells. Upon in-depth dissection of this rich dataset, we identified impaired lipid metabolism and upregulation of chronic inflammation-related genes prominently associated with declined liver functions during aging. In particular, hyperactivated sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) signaling was a hallmark of the aged liver, and consequently, forced activation of SREBP2 in human primary hepatocytes recapitulated in vivo aging phenotypes, manifesting as impaired detoxification and accelerated cellular senescence. This study expands our knowledge of primate liver aging and informs the development of diagnostics and therapeutic interventions for liver aging and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yang
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Chengyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengmeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoqian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lingling Geng
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuhui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jian Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Si Wang
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | | | - Weiqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jing Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing 100101, China
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Chen C, Cai H, Shen J, Zhang X, Peng W, Li C, Lv H, Wen T. Exploration of a hypoxia-immune-related microenvironment gene signature and prediction model for hepatitis C-induced early-stage fibrosis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:116. [PMID: 38287425 PMCID: PMC10826039 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04912-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in Western nations, primarily attributed to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hypoxia and immune status have been reported to be significantly correlated with the progression of liver fibrosis. The current research aimed to investigate the gene signature related to the hypoxia-immune-related microenvironment and identify potential targets for liver fibrosis. METHOD Sequencing data obtained from GEO were employed to assess the hypoxia and immune status of the discovery set utilizing UMAP and ESTIMATE methods. The prognostic genes were screened utilizing the LASSO model. The infiltration level of 22 types of immune cells was quantified utilizing CIBERSORT, and a prognosis-predictive model was established based on the selected genes. The model was also verified using qRT-PCR with surgical resection samples and liver failure samples RNA-sequencing data. RESULTS Elevated hypoxia and immune status were linked to an unfavorable prognosis in HCV-induced early-stage liver fibrosis. Increased plasma and resting NK cell infiltration were identified as a risk factor for liver fibrosis progression. Additionally, CYP1A2, CBS, GSTZ1, FOXA1, WDR72 and UHMK1 were determined as hypoxia-immune-related protective genes. The combined model effectively predicted patient prognosis. Furthermore, the preliminary validation of clinical samples supported most of the conclusions drawn from this study. CONCLUSION The prognosis-predictive model developed using six hypoxia-immune-related genes effectively predicts the prognosis and progression of liver fibrosis. The current study opens new avenues for the future prediction and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuwen Chen
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haozheng Cai
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Junyi Shen
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chuan Li
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haopeng Lv
- Department of General Surgery, ChengDu Shi Xinjin Qu Renmin Yiyuan: People's Hospital of Xinjin District, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianfu Wen
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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30
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Mahdavi R, Hashemi-Najafabadi S, Ghiass MA, Adiels CB. Microfluidic design for in-vitro liver zonation-a numerical analysis using COMSOL Multiphysics. Med Biol Eng Comput 2024; 62:121-133. [PMID: 37733153 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-023-02936-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The liver is one of the most important organs, with a complex physiology. Current in-vitro approaches are not accurate for disease modeling and drug toxicity research. One of those features is liver zonation, where cells display different physiological states due to different levels of oxygen and nutrient supplements. Organ-on-a-chip technology employs microfluidic platforms that enable a controlled environment for in-vitro cell culture. In this study, we propose a microfluidic design embedding a gas channel (of ambient air), creating an oxygen gradient. We numerically simulate different flow rates and cell densities with the COMSOL Multiphysics package considering cell-specific consumption rates of oxygen and glucose. We establish the cell density and flow rate for optimum oxygen and glucose distribution in the cell culture chamber. Furthermore, we show that a physiologically relevant concentration of oxygen and glucose in the chip is reached after 24 h and 30 min, respectively. The proposed microfluidic design and optimal parameters we identify in this paper provide a tool for in-vitro liver zonation studies. However, the microfluidic design is not exclusively for liver cell experiments but is foreseen to be applicable in cell studies where different gas concentration gradients are critical, e.g., studying hypoxia or toxic gas impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Mahdavi
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, P.O. Box 14115-114, Iran
| | - Sameereh Hashemi-Najafabadi
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, P.O. Box 14115-114, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Adel Ghiass
- Tissue Engineering Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, P.O. Box 14115-114, Iran
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31
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Yoshihara T. [Imaging of In Vivo Oxygen Tension Based on Phosphorescence Lifetime Microscopy]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2024; 144:275-283. [PMID: 38432937 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.23-00168-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Molecular oxygen plays essential roles in aerobic organisms as a terminal electron acceptor in the electron transport chain in mitochondria. The intracellular oxygen concentration of the entire body is strictly regulated by a balance between the supply of oxygen from blood vessels and the consumption of oxygen in mitochondria. The disruption of oxygen homeostasis in the body often results in serious pathologies such as cancer, cerebral infarction, and chronic kidney disease, and thus considerable effort has been devoted to the development of suitable techniques allowing the qualitative and quantitative detection of tissue oxygen levels. This review focuses on recent advances in the visualization of oxygen levels in tissue based on phosphorescence lifetime measurements using exogenously small molecular oxygen probes. Specially, I introduce the principle of oxygen sensing by means of phosphorescence quenching, recent advances in intracellular and intravascular oxygen probes based on iridium(III) complexes, a system for measuring phosphorescence lifetime combined with confocal scanning microscopy, and the applications of these technologies to in vivo oxygen measurements, emphasizing the usefulness of iridium(III) complexes as biological oxygen probes.
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Carvalho AM, Bansal R, Barrias CC, Sarmento B. The Material World of 3D-Bioprinted and Microfluidic-Chip Models of Human Liver Fibrosis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307673. [PMID: 37961933 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials are extensively used to mimic cell-matrix interactions, which are essential for cell growth, function, and differentiation. This is particularly relevant when developing in vitro disease models of organs rich in extracellular matrix, like the liver. Liver disease involves a chronic wound-healing response with formation of scar tissue known as fibrosis. At early stages, liver disease can be reverted, but as disease progresses, reversion is no longer possible, and there is no cure. Research for new therapies is hampered by the lack of adequate models that replicate the mechanical properties and biochemical stimuli present in the fibrotic liver. Fibrosis is associated with changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix that directly influence cell behavior. Biomaterials could play an essential role in better emulating the disease microenvironment. In this paper, the recent and cutting-edge biomaterials used for creating in vitro models of human liver fibrosis are revised, in combination with cells, bioprinting, and/or microfluidics. These technologies have been instrumental to replicate the intricate structure of the unhealthy tissue and promote medium perfusion that improves cell growth and function, respectively. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of material hints and cell-material interactions in a tridimensional context is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Carvalho
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell Biophysics, Technical Medical Center, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina C Barrias
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- IUCS - Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, CESPU, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, Gandra, 4585-116, Portugal
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Kandori H, Aoki M, Miyamoto Y, Nakamura S, Kobayashi R, Matsumoto M, Yokoyama K. Lobular distribution of enhanced expression levels of heat shock proteins using in-situ hybridization in the mouse liver treated with a single administration of CCl4. J Toxicol Pathol 2024; 37:29-37. [PMID: 38283376 PMCID: PMC10811382 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2023-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to visualize the lobular distribution of enhanced mRNA expression levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in liver samples from carbon tetra chloride (CCl4)-treated mice using in-situ hybridization (ISH). Male BALB/c mice given a single oral administration of CCl4 were euthanized 6 hours or 1 day after the administration (6 h or 1 day). Paraffin-embedded liver samples were obtained, ISH for HSPs was conducted, as well as hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). At 6 h, centrilobular hepatocellular vacuolization was observed, and increased signals for Hspa1a, Hspa1b, and Grp78, which are HSPs, were noted in the centrilobular area using ISH. At 1 day, zonal hepatocellular necrosis was observed in the centrilobular area, but mRNA signal increases for HSPs were no longer observed there. Some discrepancies between ISH and IHC for HSPs were observed, and they might be partly caused by post-transcriptional gene regulation, including the ribosome quality control mechanisms. It is known that CCl4 damages centrilobular hepatocytes through metabolization by cytochrome P450, mainly located in the centrilobular region, and HSPs are induced under cellular stress. Therefore, our ISH results visualized increased mRNA expression levels of HSPs in the centrilobular hepatocytes of mice 6 hours after a single administration of CCl4 as a response to cellular stress, and it disappeared 1 day after the treatment when remarkable necrosis was observed there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Kandori
- Integrated Pathology, Frontier Technology, Integrated &
Translational Science, Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi
2-chome, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Masami Aoki
- Integrated Pathology, Frontier Technology, Integrated &
Translational Science, Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi
2-chome, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Yumiko Miyamoto
- Integrated Pathology, Frontier Technology, Integrated &
Translational Science, Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi
2-chome, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Sayuri Nakamura
- Integrated Pathology, Frontier Technology, Integrated &
Translational Science, Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi
2-chome, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kobayashi
- Integrated Pathology, Frontier Technology, Integrated &
Translational Science, Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi
2-chome, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Matsumoto
- Integrated Biology, Kidney/Liver Disease, Integrated &
Translational Science, Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi
2-chome, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Kotaro Yokoyama
- Integrated Pathology, Frontier Technology, Integrated &
Translational Science, Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi
2-chome, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
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Martins RX, Souza JACR, Maia ME, Carvalho M, Souza T, Farias D. Biochemical Markers for Liver Injury in Zebrafish Larvae. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2753:469-482. [PMID: 38285360 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3625-1_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Liver plays a crucial role in detoxification processes and metabolism of xenobiotics, and therefore, it is a target organ of toxicity of different classes of chemicals. In this context, some key enzymes present in liver are considered to be good biochemical markers of hepatic damage and can have their activities determined via spectrophotometry. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glutathione peroxidase are enzymes that have activities often changed in response to hepatotoxic compounds and can be accessed through the larval period of zebrafish (Danio rerio). In this chapter, we described methodologies for analyses of these five biomarkers in pooled zebrafish larvae through spectrophotometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Xavier Martins
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alves Costa Ribeiro Souza
- Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Maia
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Matheus Carvalho
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Souza
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Davi Farias
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.
- Post-Graduation Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.
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Bellanti F, Mangieri D, Vendemiale G. Redox Biology and Liver Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:410. [PMID: 38203581 PMCID: PMC10778611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a complex process that develops in chronic liver diseases. Even though the initiation and progression of fibrosis rely on the underlying etiology, mutual mechanisms can be recognized and targeted for therapeutic purposes. Irrespective of the primary cause of liver disease, persistent damage to parenchymal cells triggers the overproduction of reactive species, with the consequent disruption of redox balance. Reactive species are important mediators for the homeostasis of both hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells. Indeed, other than acting as cytotoxic agents, reactive species are able to modulate specific signaling pathways that may be relevant to hepatic fibrogenesis. After a brief introduction to redox biology and the mechanisms of fibrogenesis, this review aims to summarize the current evidence of the involvement of redox-dependent pathways in liver fibrosis and focuses on possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellanti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Domenica Mangieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
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Sasikumar S, Chameettachal S, K N V, Kingshott P, Cromer B, Pati F. Strategic Replication of the Hepatic Zonation In Vitro Employing a Biomimetic Approach. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:5224-5234. [PMID: 38014618 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The varied functions of the liver are dependent on the metabolic heterogeneity exhibited by the hepatocytes within the liver lobule spanning the porto-central axis. This complex phenomenon plays an important role in maintaining the physiological homeostasis of the liver. Standard in vitro culture models fail to mimic this spatial heterogeneity of hepatocytes, assuming a homogeneous population of cells, which leads to inaccurate translation of results. Here, we demonstrate the development of an in vitro model of hepatic zonation by mimicking the microarchitecture of the liver using a 3D printed mini bioreactor and decellularized liver matrix to provide the native microenvironmental cues. There was a differential expression of hypoxic and metabolic markers across the developed mini bioreactor, showing the establishment of gradients of oxygen, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and other metabolic pathways. The model also showed the establishment of zone-dependent toxicity on treatment with acetaminophen. The developed model would thus be a promising avenue in the field of tissue engineering for understanding the liver physiology and pathophysiology and for drug screening to evaluate the potential of new pharmaceutical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyama Sasikumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Shibu Chameettachal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
| | - Vijayasankar K N
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
| | - Peter Kingshott
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
- ARC Training Centre Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM), School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Brett Cromer
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Falguni Pati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
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Li G, Zhu L, Guo M, Wang D, Meng M, Zhong Y, Zhang Z, Lin Y, Liu C, Wang J, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Cao Y, Xia Z, Qiu J, Li Y, Liu S, Chen H, Liu W, Han Y, Zheng M, Ma X, Xu L. Characterisation of forkhead box protein A3 as a key transcription factor for hepatocyte regeneration. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100906. [PMID: 38023606 PMCID: PMC10679869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Liver regeneration is vital for the recovery of liver function after injury, yet the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), a member of the forkhead box family, plays important roles in endoplasmic reticulum stress sensing, and lipid and glucose homoeostasis, yet its functions in liver regeneration are unknown. Methods Here, we explored whether Foxa3 regulates liver regeneration via acute and chronic liver injury mice models. We further characterised the molecular mechanism by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and rescue experiments in vivo and in vitro. Then, we assessed the impact of Foxa3 pharmacological activation on progression and termination of liver regeneration. Finally, we confirmed the Foxa3-Cebpb axis in human liver samples. Results Foxa3 is dominantly expressed in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes and is induced upon partial hepatectomy (PH) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. Foxa3 deficiency in mice decreased cyclin gene levels and delayed liver regeneration after PH, or acute or chronic i.p. CCl4 injection. Conversely, hepatocyte-specific Foxa3 overexpression accelerated hepatocytes proliferation and attenuated liver damage in an CCl4-induced acute model. Mechanistically, Foxa3 directly regulates Cebpb transcription, which is involved in hepatocyte division and apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Of note, Cebpb overexpression in livers of Foxa3-deficient mice rescued their defects in cell proliferation and regeneration upon CCl4 treatment. In addition, pharmacological induction of Foxa3 via cardamonin speeded up hepatocyte proliferation after PH, without interfering with liver regeneration termination. Finally, Cebpb and Ki67 levels had a positive correlation with Foxa3 expression in human chronic disease livers. Conclusions These data characterise Foxa3 as a vital regulator of liver regeneration, which may represent an essential factor to maintain liver mass after liver injury by governing Cebpb transcription. Impact and Implications Liver regeneration is vital for the recovery of liver function after chemical insults or hepatectomy, yet the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, via in vitro and in vivo models and analysis, we demonstrated that Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), a Forkhead box family member, maintained normal liver regeneration progression by governing Cebpb transcription and proposed cardamonin as a lead compound to induce Foxa3 and accelerate liver repair, which signified that FOXA3 may be a potential therapeutic target for further preclinical study on treating liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingwei Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiyao Meng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinzhao Zhong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijian Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caizhi Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yahui Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yining Gao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxiang Cao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhirui Xia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Qiu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibing Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyue Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Minghua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinran Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingyan Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Nejak-Bowen K, Monga SP. Wnt-β-catenin in hepatobiliary homeostasis, injury, and repair. Hepatology 2023; 78:1907-1921. [PMID: 37246413 PMCID: PMC10687322 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Wnt-β-catenin signaling has emerged as an important regulatory pathway in the liver, playing key roles in zonation and mediating contextual hepatobiliary repair after injuries. In this review, we will address the major advances in understanding the role of Wnt signaling in hepatic zonation, regeneration, and cholestasis-induced injury. We will also touch on some important unanswered questions and discuss the relevance of modulating the pathway to provide therapies for complex liver pathologies that remain a continued unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Pouyabahar D, Chung SW, Pezzutti OI, Perciani CT, Wang X, Ma XZ, Jiang C, Camat D, Chung T, Sekhon M, Manuel J, Chen XC, McGilvray ID, MacParland SA, Bader GD. A rat liver cell atlas reveals intrahepatic myeloid heterogeneity. iScience 2023; 26:108213. [PMID: 38026201 PMCID: PMC10651689 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The large size and vascular accessibility of the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) make it an ideal hepatic animal model for diseases that require surgical manipulation. Often, the disease susceptibility and outcomes of inflammatory pathologies vary significantly between strains. This study uses single-cell transcriptomics to better understand the complex cellular network of the rat liver, as well as to unravel the cellular and molecular sources of inter-strain hepatic variation. We generated single-cell and single-nucleus transcriptomic maps of the livers of healthy Dark Agouti and Lewis rat strains and developed a factor analysis-based bioinformatics analysis pipeline to study data covariates, such as strain and batch. Using this approach, we discovered transcriptomic variation within the hepatocyte and myeloid populations that underlie distinct cell states between rat strains. This finding will help provide a reference for future investigations on strain-dependent outcomes of surgical experiment models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Pouyabahar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sai W. Chung
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olivia I. Pezzutti
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catia T. Perciani
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xinle Wang
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xue-Zhong Ma
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chao Jiang
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Damra Camat
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor Chung
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Manmeet Sekhon
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Justin Manuel
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xu-Chun Chen
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ian D. McGilvray
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sonya A. MacParland
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gary D. Bader
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Multiscale Human Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
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40
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Wesseler MF, Taebnia N, Harrison S, Youhanna S, Preiss LC, Kemas AM, Vegvari A, Mokry J, Sullivan GJ, Lauschke VM, Larsen NB. 3D microperfusion of mesoscale human microphysiological liver models improves functionality and recapitulates hepatic zonation. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:336-349. [PMID: 37734628 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic in vitro models that accurately replicate phenotypes and functionality of the human liver are needed for applications in toxicology, pharmacology and biomedicine. Notably, it has become clear that liver function can only be sustained in 3D culture systems at physiologically relevant cell densities. Additionally, drug metabolism and drug-induced cellular toxicity often follow distinct spatial micropatterns of the metabolic zones in the liver acinus, calling for models that capture this zonation. We demonstrate the manufacture of accurate liver microphysiological systems (MPS) via engineering of 3D stereolithography printed hydrogel chips with arrays of diffusion open synthetic vasculature channels at spacings approaching in vivo capillary distances. Chip designs are compatible with seeding of cell suspensions or preformed liver cell spheroids. Importantly, primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and hiPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells remain viable, exhibit improved molecular phenotypes compared to isogenic monolayer and static spheroid cultures and form interconnected tissue structures over the course of multiple weeks in perfused culture. 3D optical oxygen mapping of embedded sensor beads shows that the liver MPS recapitulates oxygen gradients found in the acini, which translates into zone-specific acet-ami-no-phen toxicity patterns. Zonation, here naturally generated by high cell densities and associated oxygen and nutrient utilization along the flow path, is also documented by spatial proteomics showing increased concentration of periportal- versus perivenous-associated proteins at the inlet region and vice versa at the outlet region. The presented microperfused liver MPS provides a promising platform for the mesoscale culture of human liver cells at phenotypically relevant densities and oxygen exposures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A full 3D tissue culture platform is presented, enabled by massively parallel arrays of high-resolution 3D printed microperfusion hydrogel channels that functionally mimics tissue vasculature. The platform supports long-term culture of liver models with dimensions of several millimeters at physiologically relevant cell densities, which is difficult to achieve with other methods. Human liver models are generated from seeded primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) cultured for two weeks, and from seeded spheroids of hiPSC-derived human liver-like cells cultured for two months. Both model types show improved functionality over state-of-the-art 3D spheroid suspensions cultured in parallel. The platform can generate physiologically relevant oxygen gradients driven by consumption rather than supply, which was validated by visualization of embedded oxygen-sensitive microbeads, which is exploited to demonstrate zonation-specific toxicity in PHH liver models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Finn Wesseler
- Department of Health Technology, DTU Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nayere Taebnia
- Department of Health Technology, DTU Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sean Harrison
- Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sonia Youhanna
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena C Preiss
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Aurino M Kemas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Akos Vegvari
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jaroslav Mokry
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Hradec, Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Gareth J Sullivan
- Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany; University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Niels B Larsen
- Department of Health Technology, DTU Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark.
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Singh-Varma A, Shah AM, Liu S, Zamora R, Monga SP, Vodovotz Y. Defining spatiotemporal gene modules in liver regeneration using Analytical Dynamic Visual Spatial Omics Representation (ADViSOR). Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0289. [PMID: 37889540 PMCID: PMC10615476 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The liver is the only organ with the ability to regenerate following surgical or toxicant insults, and partial hepatectomy serves as an experimental model of liver regeneration (LR). Dynamic changes in gene expression occur from the periportal to pericentral regions of the liver following partial hepatectomy; thus, spatial transcriptomics, combined with a novel computational pipeline (ADViSOR [Analytic Dynamic Visual Spatial Omics Representation]), was employed to gain insights into the spatiotemporal molecular underpinnings of LR. METHODS ADViSOR, comprising Time-Interval Principal Component Analysis and sliding dynamic hypergraphs, was applied to spatial transcriptomics data on 100 genes assayed serially through LR, including key components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway at critical timepoints after partial hepatectomy. RESULTS This computational pipeline identified key functional modules demonstrating cell signaling and cell-cell interactions, inferring shared regulatory mechanisms. Specifically, ADViSOR analysis suggested that macrophage-mediated inflammation is a critical component of early LR and confirmed prior studies showing that Ccnd1, a hepatocyte proliferative gene, is regulated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These findings were subsequently validated through protein localization, which provided further confirmation and novel insights into the spatiotemporal changes in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway during LR. CONCLUSIONS Thus, ADViSOR may yield novel insights in other complex, spatiotemporal contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Singh-Varma
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ashti M. Shah
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ruben Zamora
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Inflammation and Regeneration Modeling, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoram Vodovotz
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Inflammation and Regeneration Modeling, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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42
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Farhan F, Trivedi M, Di Wu P, Cui W. Extracellular matrix modulates the spatial hepatic features in hepatocyte-like cells derived from human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:314. [PMID: 37907977 PMCID: PMC10619266 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03542-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) can provide a valuable in vitro model for disease modelling and drug development. However, generating HLCs with characteristics comparable to hepatocytes in vivo is challenging. Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in supporting liver development and hepatocyte functions, but their impact on hepatocyte differentiation and maturation during hPSC differentiation remains unclear. Here, we investigate the effects of two ECM components-Matrigel and type I collagen on hepatic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). METHODS hESC-derived HLCs were generated through multistage differentiation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures, incorporating either type I collagen or Matrigel during hepatic specification and maturation. The resulting HLCs was characterized for their gene expression and functionality using various molecular and cellular techniques. RESULTS Our results showed that HLCs cultured with collagen exhibited a significant increase in albumin and alpha-1 anti-trypsin expression with reduced AFP compared to HLCs cultured with Matrigel. They also secreted more urea than Matrigel cultures. However, these HLCs exhibited lower CYP3A4 activity and glycogen storage than those cultured with Matrigel. These functional differences in HLCs between collagen and Matrigel cultures closely resembled the hepatocytes of periportal and pericentral zones, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that Matrigel and collagen have differential effects on the differentiation and functionality of HLCs, which resemble, to an extent, hepatic zonation in the liver lobules. Our finding has an important impact on the generation of hPSC-HLCs for biomedical and medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Farhan
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Manjari Trivedi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Priscilla Di Wu
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Wei Cui
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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Rajan SAP, Sherfey J, Ohri S, Nichols L, Smith JT, Parekh P, Kadar EP, Clark F, George BT, Gregory L, Tess D, Gosset JR, Liras J, Geishecker E, Obach RS, Cirit M. A Novel Milli-fluidic Liver Tissue Chip with Continuous Recirculation for Predictive Pharmacokinetics Applications. AAPS J 2023; 25:102. [PMID: 37891356 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-023-00870-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A crucial step in lead selection during drug development is accurate estimation and optimization of hepatic clearance using in vitro methods. However, current methods are limited by factors such as lack of physiological relevance, short culture/incubation times that are not consistent with drug exposure patterns in patients, use of drug absorbing materials, and evaporation during long-term incubation. To address these technological needs, we developed a novel milli-fluidic human liver tissue chip (LTC) that was designed with continuous media recirculation and optimized for hepatic cultures using human primary hepatocytes. Here, we characterized the LTC using a series of physiologically relevant metrics and test compounds to demonstrate that we could accurately predict the PK of both low- and high-clearance compounds. The non-biological characterization indicated that the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC)-based LTC exhibited negligible evaporation and minimal non-specific binding of drugs of varying ionic states and lipophilicity. Biologically, the LTC exhibited functional and polarized hepatic culture with sustained metabolic CYP activity for at least 15 days. This long-term culture was then used for drug clearance studies for low- and high-clearance compounds for at least 12 days, and clearance was estimated for a range of compounds with high in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC). We also demonstrated that LTC can be induced by rifampicin, and the culture age had insignificant effect on depletion kinetic and predicted clearance value. Thus, we used advances in bioengineering to develop a novel purpose-built platform with high reproducibility and minimal variability to address unmet needs for PK applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason Sherfey
- Javelin Biotech Inc, 299 Washington street, Woburn, Massachusetts, 01801, USA
| | - Shivam Ohri
- Javelin Biotech Inc, 299 Washington street, Woburn, Massachusetts, 01801, USA
| | - Lauren Nichols
- Javelin Biotech Inc, 299 Washington street, Woburn, Massachusetts, 01801, USA
| | - J Tyler Smith
- Javelin Biotech Inc, 299 Washington street, Woburn, Massachusetts, 01801, USA
| | - Paarth Parekh
- Javelin Biotech Inc, 299 Washington street, Woburn, Massachusetts, 01801, USA
| | - Eugene P Kadar
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, USA
| | - Frances Clark
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, USA
| | - Billy T George
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, USA
| | - Lauren Gregory
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, USA
| | - David Tess
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, USA
| | - James R Gosset
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Jennifer Liras
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Emily Geishecker
- Javelin Biotech Inc, 299 Washington street, Woburn, Massachusetts, 01801, USA
| | - R Scott Obach
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, USA
| | - Murat Cirit
- Javelin Biotech Inc, 299 Washington street, Woburn, Massachusetts, 01801, USA.
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Hu Y, Wang R, Liu J, Wang Y, Dong J. Lipid droplet deposition in the regenerating liver: A promoter, inhibitor, or bystander? Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0267. [PMID: 37708445 PMCID: PMC10503682 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver regeneration (LR) is a complex process involving intricate networks of cellular connections, cytokines, and growth factors. During the early stages of LR, hepatocytes accumulate lipids, primarily triacylglycerol, and cholesterol esters, in the lipid droplets. Although it is widely accepted that this phenomenon contributes to LR, the impact of lipid droplet deposition on LR remains a matter of debate. Some studies have suggested that lipid droplet deposition has no effect or may even be detrimental to LR. This review article focuses on transient regeneration-associated steatosis and its relationship with the liver regenerative response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelei Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- Department of Cadre’s Wards Ultrasound Diagnostics. Ultrasound Diagnostic Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahong Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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45
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Yuan Z, Yao J. Harnessing computational spatial omics to explore the spatial biology intricacies. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 95:25-41. [PMID: 37400044 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) has unlocked new dimensions in our understanding of intricate tissue architectures. However, this rapidly expanding field produces a wealth of diverse and voluminous data, necessitating the evolution of sophisticated computational strategies to unravel inherent patterns. Two distinct methodologies, gene spatial pattern recognition (GSPR) and tissue spatial pattern recognition (TSPR), have emerged as vital tools in this process. GSPR methodologies are designed to identify and classify genes exhibiting noteworthy spatial patterns, while TSPR strategies aim to understand intercellular interactions and recognize tissue domains with molecular and spatial coherence. In this review, we provide a comprehensive exploration of SRT, highlighting crucial data modalities and resources that are instrumental for the development of methods and biological insights. We address the complexities and challenges posed by the use of heterogeneous data in developing GSPR and TSPR methodologies and propose an optimal workflow for both. We delve into the latest advancements in GSPR and TSPR, examining their interrelationships. Lastly, we peer into the future, envisaging the potential directions and perspectives in this dynamic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yuan
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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46
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Cai CL, Marcelino M, Aranda JV, Beharry KD. Comparison of hyperoxia or normoxia resolution of intermittent hypoxia and intermittent hyperoxia episodes on liver histopathology, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and GHBP in neonatal rats. Growth Horm IGF Res 2023; 72-73:101559. [PMID: 37708588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2023.101559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extremely low gestational age neonates requiring oxygen therapy for chronic lung disease experience repeated fluctuations in arterial oxygen saturation, or intermittent hypoxia (IH), during the first few weeks of life. These events are associated with a high risk for reduced growth, hypertension, and insulin resistance in later life. This study tested the hypothesis that IH, or intermittent hyperoxia have similar negative effects on the liver; somatic growth; and liver insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF binding protein (BP)-3, and growth hormone binding protein (GHBP), regardless of resolution in normoxia or hyperoxia between episodes. DESIGN Newborn rats on the first day of life (P0) were exposed to two IH paradigms: 1) hyperoxia (50% O2) with brief hypoxia (12% O2); or 2) normoxia (21% O2) with hypoxia (12% O2); intermittent hypoxia (50% O2/21% O2); hyperoxia only (50% O2); or room air (RA, 21% O2). Pups were euthanized on P14 or placed in RA until P21. Controls remained in RA from P0-P21. Growth, liver histopathology, apoptosis, IGFI, IGFBP-3, and GHBP were assessed. RESULTS Pathological findings of the liver hepatocytes, including cellular swelling, steatosis, apoptosis, necrosis and focal sinusoid congestion were seen in the IH and intermittent hyperoxia groups, and were particularly severe in the 21-12% O2 group during exposure (P14) with no significant improvements during recovery/reoxygenation (P21). These effects were associated with induction of HIF1α, and reductions in liver IGFI, IGFBP-3, and GHBP. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to IH or intermittent hyperoxia during the first few weeks of life regardless of resolution in RA or hyperoxia is detrimental to the immature liver. These findings may suggest that interventions to prevent frequent fluctuations in oxygen saturation during early neonatal life remain a high priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles L Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Matthew Marcelino
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Jacob V Aranda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; Department of Ophthalmology; State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Kay D Beharry
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; Department of Ophthalmology; State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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47
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Hassan GS, Flores Molina M, Shoukry NH. The multifaceted role of macrophages during acute liver injury. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1237042. [PMID: 37736102 PMCID: PMC10510203 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1237042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is situated at the interface of the gut and circulation where it acts as a filter for blood-borne and gut-derived microbes and biological molecules, promoting tolerance of non-invasive antigens while driving immune responses against pathogenic ones. Liver resident immune cells such as Kupffer cells (KCs), a subset of macrophages, maintain homeostasis under physiological conditions. However, upon liver injury, these cells and others recruited from circulation participate in the response to injury and the repair of tissue damage. Such response is thus spatially and temporally regulated and implicates interconnected cells of immune and non-immune nature. This review will describe the hepatic immune environment during acute liver injury and the subsequent wound healing process. In its early stages, the wound healing immune response involves a necroinflammatory process characterized by partial depletion of resident KCs and lymphocytes and a significant infiltration of myeloid cells including monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) complemented by a wave of pro-inflammatory mediators. The subsequent repair stage includes restoring KCs, initiating angiogenesis, renewing extracellular matrix and enhancing proliferation/activation of resident parenchymal and mesenchymal cells. This review will focus on the multifaceted role of hepatic macrophages, including KCs and MoMFs, and their spatial distribution and roles during acute liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada S. Hassan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Manuel Flores Molina
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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48
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Zhang J, Qiu Z, Zhang Y, Wang G, Hao H. Intracellular spatiotemporal metabolism in connection to target engagement. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115024. [PMID: 37516411 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
The metabolism in eukaryotic cells is a highly ordered system involving various cellular compartments, which fluctuates based on physiological rhythms. Organelles, as the smallest independent sub-cell unit, are important contributors to cell metabolism and drug metabolism, collectively designated intracellular metabolism. However, disruption of intracellular spatiotemporal metabolism can lead to disease development and progression, as well as drug treatment interference. In this review, we systematically discuss spatiotemporal metabolism in cells and cell subpopulations. In particular, we focused on metabolism compartmentalization and physiological rhythms, including the variation and regulation of metabolic enzymes, metabolic pathways, and metabolites. Additionally, the intricate relationship among intracellular spatiotemporal metabolism, metabolism-related diseases, and drug therapy/toxicity has been discussed. Finally, approaches and strategies for intracellular spatiotemporal metabolism analysis and potential target identification are introduced, along with examples of potential new drug design based on this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhixia Qiu
- Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangji Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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49
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Duchemin NJ, Loonawat R, Yeakle K, Rosenkranz A, Bouchard MJ. Hypoxia-inducible factor affects hepatitis B virus transcripts and genome levels as well as the expression and subcellular location of the hepatitis B virus core protein. Virology 2023; 586:76-90. [PMID: 37490813 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Globally, a chronic-hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) is often elevated in HCC, including HBV-associated HCC. Previous studies have suggested that the expression of the HIF1 subunit, HIF1α, is elevated in HBV-infected hepatocytes; however, whether HIF1 activity affects the HBV lifecycle has not been fully explored. We used a liver-derived cell line and ex vivo cultured primary hepatocytes as models to determine how HIF1 affects the HBV lifecycle. We observed that HIF1 elevates HBV RNA transcript levels, core protein levels, core protein localization to the cytoplasm, and HBV genome replication. Attenuating the transcription activity of HIF1 blocked HIF1-mediated effects on the HBV lifecycle. Our studies show that HIF1 regulates various stages of the HBV lifecycle in hepatocytes and could be a therapeutic target for blocking HBV replication and the development of HBV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Duchemin
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetic Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Ronak Loonawat
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Kyle Yeakle
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetic Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Andrea Rosenkranz
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetic Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Michael J Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
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50
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Li Y, Kong MW, Jiang N, Ye C, Yao XW, Zou XJ, Hu HM, Liu HT. Vine tea extract ameliorated acute liver injury by inhibiting hepatic autophagy and reversing abnormal bile acid metabolism. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20145. [PMID: 37809393 PMCID: PMC10559920 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota disturbance, autophagy dysregulation, and accumulation of hepatic bile acids (BAs) are essential features of liver injury. Therefore, regulating autophagy and BA metabolism are potential strategies for treating liver diseases. Vine tea has been seen beyond a pleasant tea in food science. Our previous study found that vine tea extract (VTE) intervention alleviated acute liver injury (ALI) by restoring gut microbiota dysbiosis. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of VTE on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic autophagy and BA metabolism disorder in mice. The results showed that VTE effectively suppressed CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and hepatic autophagy. LC-MS/MS assay suggested that VTE affected fecal BA production by reducing the fecal BA levels and improving cholestasis in ALI mice. Besides, VTE inhibited BA synthesis, promoted BA transport in the liver, and enhanced BA reabsorption in the ileum through the farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-related signaling pathway. The hepatic expressions of Fxr and Abca1 were elevated by VTE. Finally, the depletion of gut microbiota in ALI mice had a negative impact on abnormal autophagy and BA metabolism. It was also noted that the administration of VTE did not provide any additional improvement in this regard. Overall, VTE ameliorated ALI by reversing hepatic autophagy and abnormal BA metabolism, and the beneficial effects of VTE on liver injury depended on the existence of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Ming-Wang Kong
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, PR China
- Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Chen Ye
- Wuhan Customs Technology Center, Qintai Avenue 588, Wuhan 430050, PR China
| | - Xiao-Wei Yao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Xiao-Juan Zou
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Hai-Ming Hu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Hong-Tao Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
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