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Shin SK, Kim KO, Kim SH, Kwon OS, Choi CS, Jeong SH, Kim YS, Kim JH, Chung MH. Exogenous 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine ameliorates liver fibrosis through the inhibition of Rac1-NADPH oxidase signaling. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 35:1078-1087. [PMID: 31907970 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Exogenous 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was suggested as an inhibitor of Rac1 and NADPH oxidase (NOX). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the exogenous 8-OHdG on hepatic fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo model of liver fibrosis. METHODS Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to sham-operated rats (n = 7), rats that underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) (n = 6), and BDL rats treated with 8-OHdG (60 mg/kg/day by gavage, n = 6). All rats were sacrificed on day 21. Double immunofluorescence staining between either NOX1 or NOX2 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in liver was performed. Hepatic fibrotic contents were assessed by hydroxyproline assay and quantified by Sirius red staining. In vitro, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and HHSteC cells were stimulated by angiotensin II (10 μM). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by confocal microscopy. The expressions of NOX1, NOX2, α-SMA, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and collagen Iα were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or immunoblotting. RESULTS The 8-OHdG treatment in BDL rats reduced the NOX1 and NOX2 protein expression, which overlapped with α-SMA compared with BDL rats. The 8-OHdG treatment in BDL rats significantly decreased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, α-SMA, TGF-β1, and collagen Iα, and fibrotic contents. Increases of ROS production, Rac1 activation, NOX1, NOX2, and fibronectin expression induced by angiotensin II in HSCs were attenuated by 8-OHdG. CONCLUSIONS Rac1 activation and NOX-derived ROS are implicated to liver fibrosis. The 8-OHdG ameliorates liver fibrosis through the inhibition of Rac1 activation and NOX-derived ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kak Shin
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Kyung-Ok Kim
- Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Se-Hee Kim
- Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Oh Sang Kwon
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Cheol Soo Choi
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.,Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Jeong
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yun Soo Kim
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Myung-Hee Chung
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea.,Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
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Exogenous Liposomal Ceramide-C6 Ameliorates Lipidomic Profile, Energy Homeostasis, and Anti-Oxidant Systems in NASH. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051237. [PMID: 32429478 PMCID: PMC7290333 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), many lines of investigation have reported a dysregulation in lipid homeostasis, leading to intrahepatic lipid accumulation. Recently, the role of dysfunctional sphingolipid metabolism has also been proposed. Human and animal models of NASH have been associated with elevated levels of long chain ceramides and pro-apoptotic sphingolipid metabolites, implicated in regulating fatty acid oxidation and inflammation. Importantly, inhibition of de novo ceramide biosynthesis or knock-down of ceramide synthases reverse some of the pathology of NASH. In contrast, cell permeable, short chain ceramides have shown anti-inflammatory actions in multiple models of inflammatory disease. Here, we investigated non-apoptotic doses of a liposome containing short chain C6-Ceramide (Lip-C6) administered to human hepatic stellate cells (hHSC), a key effector of hepatic fibrogenesis, and an animal model characterized by inflammation and elevated liver fat content. On the basis of the results from unbiased liver transcriptomic studies from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients, we chose to focus on adenosine monophosphate activated kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling pathways, which showed an abnormal profile. Lip-C6 administration inhibited hHSC proliferation while improving anti-oxidant protection and energy homeostasis, as indicated by upregulation of Nrf2, activation of AMPK and an increase in ATP. To confirm these in vitro data, we investigated the effect of a single tail-vein injection of Lip-C6 in the methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet mouse model. Lip-C6, but not control liposomes, upregulated phospho-AMPK, without inducing liver toxicity, apoptosis, or exacerbating inflammatory signaling pathways. Alluding to mechanism, mass spectrometry lipidomics showed that Lip-C6-treatment reversed the imbalance in hepatic phosphatidylcholines and diacylglycerides species induced by the MCD-fed diet. These results reveal that short-term Lip-C6 administration reverses energy/metabolic depletion and increases protective anti-oxidant signaling pathways, possibly by restoring homeostatic lipid function in a model of liver inflammation with fat accumulation.
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Schwabe RF, Tabas I, Pajvani UB. Mechanisms of Fibrosis Development in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:1913-1928. [PMID: 32044315 PMCID: PMC7682538 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.11.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent liver disease worldwide, affecting 20%-25% of the adult population. In 25% of patients, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progresses to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which increases the risk for the development of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In patients with NASH, liver fibrosis is the main determinant of mortality. Here, we review how interactions between different liver cells culminate in fibrosis development in NASH, focusing on triggers and consequences of hepatocyte-macrophage-hepatic stellate cell (HSC) crosstalk. We discuss pathways through which stressed and dead hepatocytes instigate the profibrogenic crosstalk with HSC and macrophages, including the reactivation of developmental pathways such as TAZ, Notch, and hedgehog; how clearance of dead cells in NASH via efferocytosis may affect inflammation and fibrogenesis; and insights into HSC and macrophage heterogeneity revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Finally, we summarize options to therapeutically interrupt this profibrogenic hepatocyte-macrophage-HSC network in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, New York.
| | - Ira Tabas
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, New York; Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Utpal B Pajvani
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Isoniazid and Rifampicin Produce Hepatic Fibrosis through an Oxidative Stress-Dependent Mechanism. Int J Hepatol 2020; 2020:6987295. [PMID: 32373368 PMCID: PMC7195633 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6987295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
METHODS A combined dose of INH (50 mg) and RMP (100 mg) per kg body weight per day was administered to mice by oral gavage, 6 days a week, for 4 to 24 weeks for the assessment of liver injury, oxidative stress, and development of hepatic fibrosis, including demonstration of changes in key fibrogenesis linked pathways and mediators. RESULTS Progressive increase in markers of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation associated with changes in matrix turnover was observed between 12 and 24 weeks of INH-RMP treatment along with the elevation of liver collagen content and significant periportal fibrosis. These were associated with concurrent apoptosis of the hepatocytes, increase in hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity, and development of hepatic oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS INH-RMP can activate HSC through generation of NOX-mediated oxidative stress, leading to the development of liver fibrosis.
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Chen X, Li HD, Bu FT, Li XF, Chen Y, Zhu S, Wang JN, Chen SY, Sun YY, Pan XY, Yin NN, Xu JJ, Huang C, Li J. Circular RNA circFBXW4 suppresses hepatic fibrosis via targeting the miR-18b-3p/FBXW7 axis. Theranostics 2020; 10:4851-4870. [PMID: 32308754 PMCID: PMC7163456 DOI: 10.7150/thno.42423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new form of noncoding RNAs that play crucial roles in various pathological processes. However, the expression profile and function of circRNAs in hepatic fibrosis (HF) remain largely unknown. In this study, we show a novel circFBXW4 mediates HF via targeting the miR-18b-3p/FBXW7 axis. Methods: We investigated the expression profile of circRNAs, microRNAs and mRNAs in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from HF progression and regression mice by circRNAs-seq and microarray analysis. We found a significantly dysregulated circFBXW4 in HF. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function analysis of circFBXW4 were performed to assess the role of circFBXW4 in HF. Furthermore, we confirmed that circFBXW4 directly binds to miR-18b-3p by luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull down and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Results: We found that circFBXW4 downregulated in liver fibrogenesis. Enforcing the expression of circFBXW4 inhibited HSCs activation, proliferation and induced apoptosis, attenuated mouse liver fibrogenesis injury and showed anti-inflammation effect. Mechanistically, circFBXW4 directly targeted to miR-18b-3p to regulate the expression of FBXW7 in HF. Conclusions: circFBXW4 may act as a suppressor of HSCs activation and HF through the circFBXW4/miR-18b-3p/FBXW7 axis. Our findings identify that circFBXW4 serves as a potential biomarker for HF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hai-Di Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Fang-Tian Bu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying-Yin Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xue-Yin Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Na-Na Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jie-Jie Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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Endogenous Fluorescence Dissimilarity Assessment of Four Potential Biomarkers of Early Liver Fibrosis by Preservation Media Effect. J Fluoresc 2020; 30:249-257. [DOI: 10.1007/s10895-019-02484-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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57
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Liu X, Rosenthal SB, Meshgin N, Baglieri J, Musallam SG, Diggle K, Lam K, Wu R, Pan SQ, Chen Y, Dorko K, Presnell S, Benner C, Hosseini M, Tsukamoto H, Brenner D, Kisseleva T. Primary Alcohol-Activated Human and Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells Share Similarities in Gene-Expression Profiles. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:606-626. [PMID: 32258954 PMCID: PMC7109347 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of cirrhosis in the United States, which is characterized by extensive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and formation of a fibrous scar. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source of collagen type 1 producing myofibroblasts in ALD fibrosis. However, the mechanism of alcohol-induced activation of human and mouse HSCs is not fully understood. We compared the gene-expression profiles of primary cultured human HSCs (hHSCs) isolated from patients with ALD (n = 3) or without underlying liver disease (n = 4) using RNA-sequencing analysis. Furthermore, the gene-expression profile of ALD hHSCs was compared with that of alcohol-activated mHSCs (isolated from intragastric alcohol-fed mice) or CCl4-activated mouse HSCs (mHSCs). Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that ALD hHSCs, in addition to alcohol-activated and CCl4-activated mHSCs, share the expression of common HSC activation (Col1a1 [collagen type I alpha 1 chain], Acta1 [actin alpha 1, skeletal muscle], PAI1 [plasminogen activator inhibitor-1], TIMP1 [tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1], and LOXL2 [lysyl oxidase homolog 2]), indicating that a common mechanism underlies the activation of human and mouse HSCs. Furthermore, alcohol-activated mHSCs most closely recapitulate the gene-expression profile of ALD hHSCs. We identified the genes that are similarly and uniquely up-regulated in primary cultured alcohol-activated hHSCs and freshly isolated mHSCs, which include CSF1R (macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor), PLEK (pleckstrin), LAPTM5 (lysosmal-associated transmembrane protein 5), CD74 (class I transactivator, the invariant chain), CD53, MMP9 (matrix metallopeptidase 9), CD14, CTSS (cathepsin S), TYROBP (TYRO protein tyrosine kinase-binding protein), and ITGB2 (integrin beta-2), and other genes (compared with CCl4-activated mHSCs). Conclusion: We identified genes in alcohol-activated mHSCs from intragastric alcohol-fed mice that are largely consistent with the gene-expression profile of primary cultured hHSCs from patients with ALD. These genes are unique to alcohol-induced HSC activation in two species, and therefore may become targets or readout for antifibrotic therapy in experimental models of ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Department of Surgery University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA.,Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Sara Brin Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Nairika Meshgin
- Department of Surgery University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA.,Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Surgery University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA.,Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Sami G Musallam
- Department of Surgery University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Karin Diggle
- Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Kevin Lam
- Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Raymond Wu
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD & Cirrhosis Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA.,Department of Pathology Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA
| | - Stephanie Q Pan
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD & Cirrhosis Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA.,Department of Pathology Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA
| | - Yibu Chen
- Bioinformatics Services Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA
| | | | | | - Chris Benner
- Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Mojgan Hosseini
- Department of Pathology University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Hidekazu Tsukamoto
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD & Cirrhosis Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA.,Department of Pathology Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Great Los Angeles Healthcare System Los Angeles CA
| | - David Brenner
- Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA.,Southern California Research Center for ALPD & Cirrhosis Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA.,Southern California Research Center for ALPD & Cirrhosis Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA
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Xia D, Halder B, Godoy C, Chakraborty A, Singla B, Thomas E, Shuja JB, Kashif H, Miller L, Csanyi G, Sabbatini ME. NADPH oxidase 1 mediates caerulein-induced pancreatic fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 147:139-149. [PMID: 31837426 PMCID: PMC7227077 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory disorders of the pancreas are divided into acute (AP) and chronic (CP) forms. Both states of pancreatitis are a result of pro-inflammatory mediators, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). One of the sources of ROS is NADPH oxidase (Nox). The rodent genome encodes Nox1-4, Duox1 and Duox2. Our purpose was to assess the extent to which Nox enzymes contribute to the pathogenesis of both AP and CP using Nox-deficient mice. Using RT-PCR, Nox1 was found in both isolated mouse pancreatic acini and pancreatic stellate cells (PaSCs). Subsequently, mice with genetically deleted Nox1 were further studied and showed that the histo-morphologic characteristics of caerulein-induced CP, but not caerulein-induced AP, was ameliorated in Nox1 KO mice. We also found that the lack of Nox1 impaired caerulein-induced ROS generation in PaSCs. Using Western blotting, we found that AKT mediates the fibrotic effect of Nox1 in a mouse model of CP. We also found a decrease in phospho-ERK and p38MAPK levels in Nox1 KO mice with CP, but not with AP. Both CP-induced TGF-β up-regulation and NF-ĸB activation were impaired in pancreas from Nox1 KO mice. Western blotting indicated increases in proteins involved in fibrosis and acinar-to-ductal metaplasia in WT mice with CP. No change in those proteins were observed in Nox1 KO mice. The lack of Nox1 lowered mRNA levels of CP-induced matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9 and E-cadherin repressor Twist in PaSCs. CONCLUSION: Nox1-derived ROS in PaSCs mediate the fibrotic process of CP by activating the downstream redox-sensitive signaling pathways AKT and NF-ĸB, up-regulating MMP-9 and Twist, and producing α-smooth muscle actin and collagen I and III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Xia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Bithika Halder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Catalina Godoy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Bhupesh Singla
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Eyana Thomas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jasim B Shuja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Hisham Kashif
- Department of Biological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Laurence Miller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Gabor Csanyi
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Maria E Sabbatini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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Sansoè G, Aragno M, Wong F. Pathways of hepatic and renal damage through non-classical activation of the renin-angiotensin system in chronic liver disease. Liver Int 2020; 40:18-31. [PMID: 31580514 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In liver cirrhosis, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation sustains renal sodium retention and hepatic fibrogenesis. New information has recently enlivened the traditional concept of RAS. For instance, renin and prorenin bind their ubiquitous receptors, resulting in the local production of angiotensin (Ang) II; increased serum calcium and calcimimetic agents, through stimulation of extracellular calcium-sensing receptors (CaSR), blunt renin production and lead to natriuretic effects in human and experimental cirrhosis. Alongside systemic production, there is Ang II tissue production within various organs through RAS enzymes different from angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), that is chymase, tissue plasminogen activator and several cathepsins. In experimental cirrhosis, inhibition of chymase leads to natriuretic and hepatic antifibrotic effects, without changes in systemic haemodynamics. In the kidney, local RAS coordinates proximal and distal tubular sodium reabsorption. However, renalase, whose plasma and tissue levels are severely altered in experimental cirrhosis, degrades systemic and renal tubule catecholamines, antagonizing the effects of renal RAS. Angiotensinogen-derived natriuretic and vasodilating peptides (Ang1-9, Ang1-7, Ang3-8) and their receptors have been described. Receptor agonists or antagonists are available to affect portal hypertension and sodium retention in cirrhosis. ACE2-dependent generation of Ang1-7 may inhibit experimental liver fibrosis. inhibition of Ang1-7 clearance by means of neprilysin blockade has portal hypotensive and natriuretic effects. Ang1-12, whose production renin does not regulate, is converted to several different angiotensin peptides via chymase. Finally, Ang II behaves as either an antinatriuretic or a natriuretic agent, based on the tissue content of AT1 R and AT2 R receptors, their ratio being prone to pharmacological modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sansoè
- Division of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Gradenigo Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Manuela Aragno
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Florence Wong
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Oncostatin M, A Profibrogenic Mediator Overexpressed in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Stimulates Migration of Hepatic Myofibroblasts. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010028. [PMID: 31861914 PMCID: PMC7017087 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic myofibroblasts (MFs) can originate from hepatic stellate cells, portal fibroblasts, or bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and can migrate towards the site of injury by aligning with nascent and established fibrotic septa in response to several mediators. Oncostatin M (OSM) is known to orchestrate hypoxia-modulated hepatic processes involving the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). METHODS In vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to analyze the expression of OSM and OSM-receptor (OSMR) in three murine models of non-alcoholic-fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and -steatohepatitis (NASH) and in human NASH patients as well as the action of OSM on phenotypic responses of human MFs. RESULTS Hepatic OSM and OSMR levels were overexpressed in three murine NASH models and in NASH patients. OSM stimulates migration in human MFs by involving early intracellular ROS generation and activation of Ras/Erk, JNK1/2, PI3K/Akt as well as STAT1/STAT3 pathways and HIF-1α. OSM-dependent migration relies on a biphasic mechanism requiring early intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and late HIF1-dependent expression and release of VEGF. CONCLUSION OSM is overexpressed in experimental and human progressive NAFLD and can act as a profibrogenic factor by directly stimulating migration of hepatic MFs.
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Gao L, Jiang D, Geng J, Dong R, Dai H. Hydrogen inhalation attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1 and relevant oxidative stress and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Exp Physiol 2019; 104:1942-1951. [PMID: 31535412 DOI: 10.1113/ep088028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS • What is the central question of this study? The aim was to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of H2 on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. • What are the main findings and its importance? Our results indicate that, in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, H2 inhalation attenuated oxidative stress and reversed the pulmonary epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process by reducing reactive oxygen species production and inhibiting the expression of transforming growth factor-β1, α-smooth muscle actin and collagen I to improve fibrotic injury and exert anti-fibrogenic effects. Thus, H2 inhalation has promising therapeutic potential as a useful adjuvant treatment for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which deserves further study and evaluation. ABSTRACT Hydrogen (H2 ) can protect against tissue damage. The effect of H2 inhalation therapy on the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis remains unknown. This study was designed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of H2 inhalation on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. A rat model of pulmonary fibrosis was established with BLM. Rats were randomly divided into control and H2 inhalation groups. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining and Mason's Trichrome staining were performed to evaluate pulmonary fibrosis injury, inflammatory cell infiltration, structural disorder and collagen deposition. qRT-PCR and western blot assays were used to determine the expression of TNF-α, TGF-β1, α-SMA, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, VEGF and collagen type I at both mRNA and protein levels. The contents of reactive oxygen species, TGF-β1, TNF-α, malondialdehyde and hydroxyproline were determined with biochemical test kits or ELISA kits. Bleomycin-stimulated rats exhibited typical symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis, which featured an increase in collagen deposition, alveolitis, fibrosis and parenchymal structural disorder in the lung. However, BLM-induced oxidative stress was attenuated by H2 inhalation therapy, which reduced the contents of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and hydroxyproline, enhanced the activity of glutathione peroxidase and decreased the expression of TGF-β1 and TNF-α. In addition, H2 inhalation also inhibited BLM-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting TGF-β1, increasing the expression level of the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin, and decreasing the expression level of the mesenchymal cell marker vimentin in a time-dependent manner. In addition, H2 inhalation downregulated α-SMA expression and suppressed collagen I generation, exerting anti-fibrogenic effects. Hydrogen inhalation therapy attenuates BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1, relevant oxidative stress and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Dingyuan Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Geng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Run Dong
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhengzhou Central Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huaping Dai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, China
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Nishio T, Hu R, Koyama Y, Liang S, Rosenthal SB, Yamamoto G, Karin D, Baglieri J, Ma HY, Xu J, Liu X, Dhar D, Iwaisako K, Taura K, Brenner DA, Kisseleva T. Activated hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts contribute to cholestatic liver fibrosis in MDR2 knockout mice. J Hepatol 2019; 71:573-585. [PMID: 31071368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic liver injury often results in the activation of hepatic myofibroblasts and the development of liver fibrosis. Hepatic myofibroblasts may originate from 3 major sources: hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), portal fibroblasts (PFs), and fibrocytes, with varying contributions depending on the etiology of liver injury. Here, we assessed the composition of hepatic myofibroblasts in multidrug resistance gene 2 knockout (Mdr2-/-) mice, a genetic model that resembles primary sclerosing cholangitis in patients. METHODS Mdr2-/- mice expressing a collagen-GFP reporter were analyzed at different ages. Hepatic non-parenchymal cells isolated from collagen-GFP Mdr2-/- mice were sorted based on collagen-GFP and vitamin A. An NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1/4 inhibitor was administrated to Mdr2-/- mice aged 12-16 weeks old to assess the therapeutic approach of targeting oxidative stress in cholestatic injury. RESULTS Thy1+ activated PFs accounted for 26%, 51%, and 54% of collagen-GFP+ myofibroblasts in Mdr2-/- mice at 4, 8, and 16 weeks of age, respectively. The remaining collagen-GFP+ myofibroblasts were composed of activated HSCs, suggesting that PFs and HSCs are both activated in Mdr2-/- mice. Bone-marrow-derived fibrocytes minimally contributed to liver fibrosis in Mdr2-/- mice. The development of cholestatic liver fibrosis in Mdr2-/- mice was associated with early recruitment of Gr1+ myeloid cells and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (4 weeks). Administration of a NOX inhibitor to 12-week-old Mdr2-/- mice suppressed the activation of myofibroblasts and attenuated the development of cholestatic fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Activated PFs and activated HSCs contribute to cholestatic fibrosis in Mdr2-/- mice, and serve as targets for antifibrotic therapy. LAY SUMMARY Activated portal fibroblasts and hepatic stellate cells, but not fibrocytes, contributed to the production of the fibrous scar in livers of Mdr2-/- mice, and these cells can serve as targets for antifibrotic therapy in cholestatic injury. Therapeutic inhibition of the enzyme NADPH oxidase (NOX) in Mdr2-/- mice reversed cholestatic fibrosis, suggesting that targeting NOXs may be an effective strategy for the treatment of cholestatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ronglin Hu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yukinori Koyama
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sara B Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gen Yamamoto
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Karin
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hsiao-Yen Ma
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Debanjan Dhar
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Keiko Iwaisako
- Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
| | - Kojiro Taura
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Kong M, Chen X, Lv F, Ren H, Fan Z, Qin H, Yu L, Shi X, Xu Y. Serum response factor (SRF) promotes ROS generation and hepatic stellate cell activation by epigenetically stimulating NCF1/2 transcription. Redox Biol 2019; 26:101302. [PMID: 31442911 PMCID: PMC6831835 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) is a hallmark event in liver fibrosis. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) serves as a driving force for HSC activation. The regulatory subunits of the NOX complex, NCF1 (p47phox) and NCF2 (p67phox), are up-regulated during HSC activation contributing to ROS production and liver fibrosis. The transcriptional mechanism underlying NCF1/2 up-regulation is not clear. In the present study we investigated the role of serum response factor (SRF) in HSC activation focusing on the transcriptional regulation of NCF1/2. We report that compared to wild type littermates HSC-conditional SRF knockout (CKO) mice exhibited a mortified phenotype of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) injection or feeding with a methionine-and-choline deficient diet (MCD). More importantly, SRF deletion attenuated ROS levels in HSCs in vivo. Similarly, SRF knockdown in cultured HSCs suppressed ROS production in vitro. Further analysis revealed that SRF deficiency resulted in repression of NCF1/NCF2 expression. Mechanistically, SRF regulated epigenetic transcriptional activation of NCF1/NCF2 by interacting with and recruiting the histone acetyltransferase KAT8 during HSC activation. In conclusion, we propose that SRF integrates transcriptional activation of NCF1/NCF2 and ROS production to promote liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuyang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangqiao Lv
- Department of Cell Biology and the Municipal Laboratory of Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haozhen Ren
- Department of Hepato-biliary Surgery and Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Hepato-biliary Surgery and Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Hepato-biliary Surgery and Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
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Yang JH, Kim KM, Cho SS, Shin SM, Ka SO, Na CS, Park BH, Jegal KH, Kim JK, Ku SK, Lee HJ, Park SG, Cho IJ, Ki SH. Inhibitory Effect of Sestrin 2 on Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 31:243-259. [PMID: 30909713 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2018.7559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Aims: Hepatic fibrosis results from chronic liver injury and inflammatory responses. Sestrin 2 (Sesn2), an evolutionarily conserved antioxidant enzyme, reduces the severities of acute hepatitis and metabolic liver diseases. However, the role of Sesn2 in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis remains obscure. Here, we used cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and bile duct ligation (BDL) murine models to investigate the effects of Sesn2 on fibrogenesis. Results: Sesn2 protein and mRNA levels were upregulated in activated primary HSCs, and by increasing transcription, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) also increased Sesn2 expression in HSCs. Furthermore, Smad activation was primarily initiated by TGF-β signaling, and Smad3 activation increased Sesn2 luciferase activity. In silico analysis of the 5' upstream region of the Sesn2 gene revealed a putative Smad-binding element (SBE), and its deletion demonstrated that the SBE between -964 and -956 bp within human Sesn2 promoter was critically required for TGF-β-mediated response. Moreover, ectopic expression of Sesn2 reduced gene expressions associated with HSC activation, and this was accompanied by marked decreases in SBE luciferase activity and Smad phosphorylation. Infection of recombinant adenovirus Sesn2 reduced hepatic injury severity, as evidenced by reductions in CCl4- or BDL-induced alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and inhibited collagen accumulation. Furthermore, HSC-specific lentiviral delivery of Sesn2 prevented CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Finally, Sesn2 expression was downregulated in the livers of patients with liver cirrhosis and in mouse models of hepatic fibrosis. Innovation and Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Sesn2 has the potential to inhibit HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hye Yang
- 1 College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.,2 College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Min Kim
- 1 College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sam Seok Cho
- 1 College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Mi Shin
- 1 College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun O Ka
- 3 Department of Biochemistry, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Su Na
- 2 College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Hyun Park
- 3 Department of Biochemistry, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hwan Jegal
- 4 Research Center for Herbal Convergence on Liver Disease, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea.,5 College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Kwang Kim
- 4 Research Center for Herbal Convergence on Liver Disease, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Kwang Ku
- 4 Research Center for Herbal Convergence on Liver Disease, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jeong Lee
- 6 Department of Internal Medicine, Hemato-oncology, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Gon Park
- 6 Department of Internal Medicine, Hemato-oncology, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Je Cho
- 4 Research Center for Herbal Convergence on Liver Disease, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Ki
- 1 College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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Integration of VEGF and α-SMA Expression Improves the Prediction Accuracy of Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Liver Biopsy. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2019; 25:261-270. [PMID: 26990742 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The progression of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a multifactorial process. The high adverse effects and the cost of standard health care increase the demand to discover new predictors for the progression of fibrosis in CHC patients. Our study aims to establish the relation between the angiogenic marker [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) represented by the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and whether these 2 markers can be used as predictors for the progression of fibrosis in patients with CHC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses were used for examining the morphology and the expression of VEGF and α-SMA in 60 CHC biopsies procured from CHC patients. Multivariate analysis was used to correlate the protein expression with staging and grading of liver fibrosis. Cutoff values of α-SMA and VEGF were determined by the receiver operating characteristics curve. RESULTS There was a positive correlation between VEGF and HSCs expressing α-SMA (ρ=0.287, P=0.026) and both factors were correlated with the stage of fibrosis (P<0.001). Using the receiver operating characteristics curve, both VEGF (area under the curve=0.71, P<0.006) and α-SMA (area under the curve=0.82, P<0.001) were positive predictors for moderate and severe fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the relation between VEGF expression and the activated HSCs denoted by the expression of α-SMA in CHC biopsies and together can be used as a predictor for the progression of fibrosis.
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Ribera J, Rodríguez-Vita J, Cordoba B, Portolés I, Casals G, Casals E, Jiménez W, Puntes V, Morales-Ruiz M. Functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles mitigate the oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory activity associated to the portal vein endothelium of cirrhotic rats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218716. [PMID: 31233564 PMCID: PMC6590813 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The occurrence of endothelial alterations in the liver and in the splanchnic vasculature of cirrhotic patients and experimental models of liver diseases has been demonstrated. However, the pathological role of the portal vein endothelium in this clinical context is scarcely studied and, therefore, deserves attention. In this context, we aimed to investigate whether pathological endothelial activation occurs in the portal vein of cirrhotic rats. METHODS Cirrhosis was induced in wistar rats by CCl4 inhalation. We generated immortalized endothelial cells from the portal vein of control (CT-iPVEC) and cirrhotic rats (CH-iPVEC) by retroviral transduction of the SV40 T antigen. We assessed differential gene expression and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in iPVECs and in portal veins of control and cirrhotic rats. Finally, we assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NP) on reversing PVEC activation and macrophage polarization. RESULTS CH-iPVECs overexpressed collagen-I, endothelin-1, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, IL-6 and PlGF genes. These results were consistent with the differential expression showed by whole portal veins from cirrhotic rats. In addition, CH-iPVECs showed a significant increase in intracellular ROS and the capacity of potentiating M1 polarization in macrophages. The treatment of CH-iPVECs with CeO2NPs blocked intracellular ROS formation and IL-6 and TIMP-2 gene overexpression. In agreement with the in vitro results, the chronic treatment of cirrhotic rats with CeO2NPs also resulted in the blockade of both ROS formation and IL-6 gene overexpression in whole portal veins. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial cells from portal vein of cirrhotic rats depicted an abnormal phenotype characterized by a differential gene expression and the induction of M1 polarization in macrophages. We identified the excess of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a major contributor to this altered phenotype. In addition, we demonstrated the utility of the nanomaterial cerium oxide as an effective antioxidant capable of reverse some of these pathological features associated with the portal vein in the cirrhosis condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribera
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Rodríguez-Vita
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernat Cordoba
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Portolés
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gregori Casals
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eudald Casals
- Catalan Institute of Nanotechnology (ICN), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine-Biochemistry Unit, School of Medicine University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Puntes
- Catalan Institute of Nanotechnology (ICN), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Manuel Morales-Ruiz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine-Biochemistry Unit, School of Medicine University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Lelis DDF, Freitas DFD, Machado AS, Crespo TS, Santos SHS. Angiotensin-(1-7), Adipokines and Inflammation. Metabolism 2019; 95:36-45. [PMID: 30905634 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays the adipose tissue is recognized as one of the most critical endocrine organs releasing many adipokines that regulate metabolism, inflammation and body homeostasis. There are several described adipokines, including the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components that are especially activated in some diseases with increased production of angiotensin II and several pro-inflammatory hormones. On the other hand, RAS also expresses angiotensin-(1-7), which is now recognized as the main peptide on counteracting Ang II effects. New studies have shown that increased activation of ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR arm can revert and prevent local and systemic dysfunctions improving lipid profile and insulin resistance by modulating insulin actions, and reducing inflammation. In this context, the present review shows the interaction and relevance of Ang-(1-7) effects on regulating adipokines, and as one adipokine itself, modulating body homeostasis, with emphasis on its anti-inflammatory properties, especially in the context of metabolic disorders with focus on obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah de Farias Lelis
- Laboratory of Health Sciences, Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (UNIMONTES), Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela Fernanda de Freitas
- Laboratory of Health Sciences, Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (UNIMONTES), Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Amanda Souto Machado
- Laboratory of Health Sciences, Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (UNIMONTES), Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thaísa Soares Crespo
- Laboratory of Health Sciences, Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (UNIMONTES), Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Henrique Sousa Santos
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Food Engineering College, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratory of Health Sciences, Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (UNIMONTES), Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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El-Sayed RM, Ahmed HI, Abd El-Lateef AELS, Ali AA. Apoptosis perturbations and expression of regulatory inflammatory factors in cisplatin-depleted rat livers under l-arginine protection. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:359-369. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic injury is one of the most common complications associated with cisplatin (CIS) use. Recently, liver protection lines are being discovered to stop the hepatic cell death due to inflammatory and apoptotic perturbations. l-arginine has protective effects in several models of liver injury. This study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of l-arginine against CIS-induced acute hepatic injury in rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: control, l-arginine, CIS, l-arginine + CIS. Liver function, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis markers were assessed. l-arginine pretreatment protected the liver against CIS-induced toxicity as indicated by significantly alleviating the changes in liver function along with restoration of the antioxidant status. This finding was confirmed with the markedly improved pathological changes. l-arginine showed anti-inflammatory effect through the reduction of liver expression of iNOS, TNF-α, and NF-κβ, which were ameliorated to significant levels. Furthermore, l-arginine administration downregulated the liver expression of the apoptotic marker, caspase-3. The results recommend l-arginine as a hepatoprotective agent against CIS toxicity. Mostly, this hepatoprotective effect of l-arginine involved anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab M. El-Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, El-Arish, Egypt
| | - Hebatalla I. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Technology, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Azza A. Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Sturzeneker MCS, de Noronha L, Olandoski M, Wendling LU, Precoma DB. Ramipril significantly attenuates the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in hyperlipidaemic rabbits. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE 2019; 9:8-17. [PMID: 31131153 PMCID: PMC6526354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as the most frequent cause of chronic hepatic disease in adults. It is strictly correlated with insulin resistance, frequently associated with components of metabolic syndrome, and, similarly to the latter, it has been correlated with high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Systemic arterial hypertension has been suggested to be associated with NAFLD in approximately 40% of the cases, and NAFLD has been independently associated with an increased risk of arterial hypertension in observational studies. Therefore, we can infer that treating arterial hypertension in NAFLD carriers will be often necessary and that the potential beneficial effects of the antihypertensive might, in this context, influence the choice of the respective drug. The renin-angiotensin system has been correlated to the whole basic physiopathogenic mechanism of NAFLD in experimental models. Based on these findings, we conducted this study to evaluate the effects of the ACE-inhibitor ramipril, used preventively, in NAFLD induced in rabbits fed hyperlipidaemic diet. METHODS Twenty-nine rabbits were divided into three groups (normal, placebo, and ramipril). The placebo and ramipril groups were fed a ration containing 0.925% cholesterol. The groups were orally administered 0.35 mg/kg/day of ramipril, and an equivalent volume of vehicle was administered to the placebo group. At the end of the 8th week, all rabbits underwent segmental hepatic resection and were euthanized. Blood samples were collected to determine glucose, insulin, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and aminotransferase levels at baseline and euthanasia. Haematoxylin and eosin and Gomori trichrome-stained slides were analysed based on the histological scoring system for NAFLD. Sudan III-stained slides were analysed by morphometry and immunostained based on the Allred scoring system. RESULTS When compared with placebo, ramipril significantly diminished the development of steatosis (P=0.032), lobular inflammation (P=0.006), hepatocellular ballooning (P=0.023), and fibrosis (P=0.02). Based on the NAFLD activity score (NAS), ramipril significantly reduced the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS The preventive use of ramipril in rabbits fed hyperlipidaemic diet, attenuates the development of the whole NAFLD histopathological spectrum and based on NAS, ramipril significantly reduced the development of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Claudio Soares Sturzeneker
- Department of Medicine, Pontificia Universidade Católica do ParanaCuritiba, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Ponta GrossaPonta Grossa, Brazil
| | - Lucia de Noronha
- Department of Medicine, Pontificia Universidade Católica do ParanaCuritiba, Brazil
| | - Marcia Olandoski
- Department of Medicine, Pontificia Universidade Católica do ParanaCuritiba, Brazil
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Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Modulates Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice in a Model-Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061295. [PMID: 30875826 PMCID: PMC6471711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Interleukin-1 (IL-1)β and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) have been proposed as important mediators during chronic liver diseases. We aimed to determine whether the modulation of IL-1β signaling with IL-1Ra impacts on liver fibrosis. Methods: We assessed the effects of IL-1β on human hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and in mouse models of liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) or carbon tetrachloride treatment (CCl-4). Results: Human HSCs treated with IL-1β had increased IL-1β, IL-1Ra, and MMP-9 expressions in vitro. HSCs treated with IL-1β had reduced α-smooth muscle actin expression. These effects were all prevented by IL-1Ra treatment. In the BDL model, liver fibrosis and Kuppfer cell numbers were increased in IL-1Ra KO mice compared to wild type mice and wild type mice treated with IL-1Ra. In contrast, after CCl-4 treatment, fibrosis, HSC and Kupffer cell numbers were decreased in IL-1Ra KO mice compared to the other groups. IL-1Ra treatment provided a modest protective effect in the BDL model and was pro-fibrotic in the CCl-4 model. Conclusions: We demonstrated bivalent effects of IL-1Ra during liver fibrosis in mice. IL-1Ra was detrimental in the CCl-4 model, whereas it was protective in the BDL model. Altogether these data suggest that blocking IL-1-mediated inflammation may be beneficial only in selective liver fibrotic disease.
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Barghi M, Ashrafi M, Aminlari M, Namazi F, Nazifi S. The protective effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil on CCl 4 induced liver fibrosis in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2019; 44:229-237. [PMID: 30746963 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2019.1571502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells by free radicals is an initial step in the development of liver fibrosis. Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZM) essential oil as a natural product has antioxidant activity and maybe a suitable candidate for treatment or prevention of the disease. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the protective effect of ZM oil in CCl4 induced liver fibrosis. Male rats were divided into 5 groups, group C: control rats; CO: vehicle control group; CE: rats that received essential oil (500 µl/kg); F: fibrosis group, rat were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 (1 mL/kg); FE: fibrosis rats that received both CCl4 and ZM essential oil as mentioned above. At the end of the 11th week, serum samples and liver tissues were collected for the evaluation of fibrosis markers, liver enzymes, oxidative stress parameters and histopathological studies. The results showed a significant increase in the activity of serum AST, ALT, total bilirubin, TGF-β1, hyaluronan, and hydroxyproline levels in serum and liver tissues in F group. Also, an abnormality in lipid profile and the existence of oxidative stress was found in serum and liver tissues in F group compared to the control groups. Our study showed that ZM essential oil could ameliorate mentioned parameters. Histopathological examinations confirmed the results of biochemical evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Barghi
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Ashrafi
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Aminlari
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fateme Namazi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Nazifi
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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72
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de Miranda AS, Simões e Silva AC. Liver. ANGIOTENSIN-(1-7) 2019. [PMCID: PMC7121918 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-22696-1_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The discovery that renin–angiotensin system (RAS) components are locally expressed in the liver tissue, pointed out to a role for this system in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. The RAS counter-regulatory axis composed by the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] and Mas receptor mediates pro-inflammatory, pro-thrombotic, and pro-fibrotic processes, frequently opposing the classical RAS arm (ACE-Ang II-AT1 receptor) actions. Therefore, the balance between both RAS axes most likely affects the clinical and histopathological expression of liver diseases. It is worth noticing that liver diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Without proper treatment, all types of chronic hepatitis will progress to end-stage liver diseases, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which ultimately lead to death. In this context, to better comprehend the role of RAS components in liver failure might pave the way for the search of potential predictive biomarkers as well as the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Valuable data have been generated from preclinical and clinical studies. Herein, we summarize the current evidence, mainly focusing in the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor arm, regarding the role of RAS in liver diseases. The therapeutic potential of the modulation of RAS molecules in liver diseases is also discussed.
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73
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Ma L, Li X, Bai Z, Lin X, Lin K. AdipoRs- a potential therapeutic target for fibrotic disorders. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 23:93-106. [PMID: 30569772 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1559823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Fibrotic disorders are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality; hence effective treatments are still vigorously sought. AdipoRs (AdipoR1 and Adipo2) are responsible for the antifibrotic effects of adiponectin (APN). APN exerts antifibrotic effects by binding to its receptors. APN concentration and AdipoR expression are closely associated with fibrotic disorders. Decreased AdipoR expression may reduce APN-AdipoR signaling, while the upregulation of AdipoR expression may restore the anti-fibrotic effects of APN. Loss of APN signaling exacerbates fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Areas covered: We assess the relationship between APN and fibrotic disorders, the structure of receptors for APN and the pathways accounting for APN or its analogs blocking fibrotic disorders. This article also discusses designed APN products and their therapeutic prospects for fibrotic disorders. Expert opinion: AdipoRs have a critical role in blocking fibrosis. The development of small-molecule agonists toward this target represents a valid drug development pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingman Ma
- a School of Life Science and Technology , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Xuanyi Li
- b Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Zhaoshi Bai
- c Department of pharmacy , Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Xinhao Lin
- d Department of pharmacy , Class 154010, China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Kejiang Lin
- b Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
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Maeso-Díaz R, Ortega-Ribera M, Fernández-Iglesias A, Hide D, Muñoz L, Hessheimer AJ, Vila S, Francés R, Fondevila C, Albillos A, Peralta C, Bosch J, Tacke F, Cogger VC, Gracia-Sancho J. Effects of aging on liver microcirculatory function and sinusoidal phenotype. Aging Cell 2018; 17:e12829. [PMID: 30260562 PMCID: PMC6260924 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The socioeconomic and medical improvements of the last decades have led to a relevant increase in the median age of worldwide population. Although numerous studies described the impact of aging in different organs and the systemic vasculature, relatively little is known about liver function and hepatic microcirculatory status in the elderly. In this study, we aimed at characterizing the phenotype of the aged liver in a rat model of healthy aging, particularly focusing on the microcirculatory function and the molecular status of each hepatic cell type in the sinusoid. Moreover, major findings of the study were validated in young and aged human livers. Our results demonstrate that healthy aging is associated with hepatic and sinusoidal dysfunction, with elevated hepatic vascular resistance and increased portal pressure. Underlying mechanisms of such hemodynamic disturbances included typical molecular changes in the cells of the hepatic sinusoid and deterioration in hepatocyte function. In a specific manner, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells presented a dysfunctional phenotype with diminished vasodilators synthesis, hepatic macrophages exhibited a proinflammatory state, while hepatic stellate cells spontaneously displayed an activated profile. In an important way, major changes in sinusoidal markers were confirmed in livers from aged humans. In conclusion, our study demonstrates for the first time that aging is accompanied by significant liver sinusoidal deregulation suggesting enhanced sinusoidal vulnerability to chronic or acute injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Maeso-Díaz
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory; IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona Medical School; Barcelona Spain
| | - Martí Ortega-Ribera
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory; IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona Medical School; Barcelona Spain
| | - Anabel Fernández-Iglesias
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory; IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona Medical School; Barcelona Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
| | - Diana Hide
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory; IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona Medical School; Barcelona Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
| | - Leticia Muñoz
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
- Immune System Diseases Laboratory, Department of Medicine; University of Alcalá; Alcalá de Henares Spain
| | - Amelia J. Hessheimer
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
- Liver Surgery and Transplantation Unit; IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Sergi Vila
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory; IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona Medical School; Barcelona Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
| | - Rubén Francés
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL - Fundación FISABIO); Alicante Spain
| | - Constantino Fondevila
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
- Liver Surgery and Transplantation Unit; IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Agustín Albillos
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
- Immune System Diseases Laboratory, Department of Medicine; University of Alcalá; Alcalá de Henares Spain
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Universidad de Alcalá; Madrid Spain
| | - Carmen Peralta
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
- Protective Strategies Against Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Group; IDIBAPS; Barcelona Spain
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory; IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona Medical School; Barcelona Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
- Hepatology, Department of Biomedical Research; Inselspital, Bern University; Bern Switzerland
| | - Frank Tacke
- Dept of Medicine III; University Hospital Aachen; Aachen Germany
| | - Victoria C. Cogger
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing & ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney and Concord Hospital; Sydney Australia
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory; IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona Medical School; Barcelona Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD); Madrid Spain
- Hepatology, Department of Biomedical Research; Inselspital, Bern University; Bern Switzerland
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Andueza A, Garde N, García-Garzón A, Ansorena E, López-Zabalza MJ, Iraburu MJ, Zalba G, Martínez-Irujo JJ. NADPH oxidase 5 promotes proliferation and fibrosis in human hepatic stellate cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 126:15-26. [PMID: 30036633 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
NADPH oxidase (Nox) variants Nox1, Nox2 and Nox4 are implicated in the progression of liver fibrosis. However, the role of Nox5 is not yet known, mainly due to the lack of this enzyme in rat and mouse genomes. Here we describe the expression and functional relevance of Nox5 in the human cell line of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) LX-2. Under basal conditions, three long (Nox5-L: Nox5α, -β, and -δ) and a short (Nox5-S or Nox5ε) splice variants were detected, which were silenced with specific siRNAs for Nox5. The most abundant isoform was Nox5-S, accounting for more than 90% of Nox5 protein. Overexpression of Nox5β generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of calcium, as judged by the production of hydrogen peroxide, L-012 luminescence and cytochrome c reduction. Nox5ε did not generated ROS under these conditions, and a reduced ROS production was observed when co-expressed with Nox5β. In contrast, dihydroethidium oxidation was increased by Nox5β or Nox5ε, suggesting that Nox5ε induced intracellular oxidative stress by an unknown mechanism. Functional studies showed that both Nox5β and Nox5ε stimulated the proliferation of LX-2 cells and the collagen type I levels, while Nox5 siRNAs inhibited these effects. Interestingly, TGF-β and angiotensin II upregulated Nox5 expression, which was reduced in cells pre-incubated with catalase. Further studies silencing Nox5 in TGF-β-treated cells resulted in a reduction of collagen levels via p38 MAPK. Collectively, these results show for the first time that Nox5 can play a relevant role in the proliferation and fibrosis on human HSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Andueza
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Naiara Garde
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Ansorena
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Spain
| | | | - María J Iraburu
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Zalba
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Spain
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You Y, Huang Y, Wang D, Li Y, Wang G, Jin S, Zhu X, Wu B, Du X, Li X. Angiotensin (1-7) inhibits arecoline-induced migration and collagen synthesis in human oral myofibroblasts via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:4668-4680. [PMID: 30246378 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Arecoline induces oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) via promoting the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Angiotensin (1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) protects against fibrosis by counteracting angiotensin II (Ang-II) via the Mas receptor. However, the effects of Ang-(1-7) on OSF remain unknown. NOD-like receptors (NLRs) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is identified as the novel mechanism of fibrosis. Whereas the effects of arecoline on NLRP3 inflammasome remain unclear. We aimed to explore the effect of Ang-(1-7) on NLRP3 inflammasome in human oral myofibroblasts. In vivo, activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes with an increase of Ang-II type 1 receptor (AT1R) protein level and ROS production in human oral fibrosis tissues. Ang-(1-7) improved arecoline-induced rats OSF, reduced protein levels of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and the NLRP3 inflammasome. In vitro, arecoline increased ROS along with upregulation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)/Ang-II/AT1R axis and NLRP3 inflammasome/interleukin-1β axis in human oral myofibroblasts, which were reduced by NOX4 inhibitor VAS2870, ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine, and NOX4 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Furthermore, arecoline induced collagen synthesis or migration via the Smad or RhoA-ROCK pathway respectively, which could be inhibited by NLRP3 siRNA or caspase-1 blocker VX-765. Ang-(1-7) shifted the balance of RAS toward the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis, inhibited arecoline-induced ROS and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, leading to attenuation of migration or collagen synthesis. In summary, Ang-(1-7) attenuates arecoline-induced migration and collagen synthesis via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome in human oral myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua You
- Department of Emergency, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Stomatology, The People's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Emergency, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Cadre's Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Emergency, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Emergency, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guozhen Wang
- Department of Emergency, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyi Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xintao Zhu
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong General Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Stomatology, The People's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinya Du
- Department of Stomatology, The People's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Emergency, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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The Extracellular Matrix and Pancreatic Cancer: A Complex Relationship. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10090316. [PMID: 30200666 PMCID: PMC6162452 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10090316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has an extraordinarily dense fibrotic stroma that impedes tumor perfusion and delivery of anticancer drugs. Since the extracellular matrix (ECM) comprises the bulk of the stroma, it is primarily responsible for the increased interstitial tissue pressure and stiff mechanical properties of the stroma. Besides its mechanical influence, the ECM provides important biochemical and physical cues that promote survival, proliferation, and metastasis. By serving as a nutritional source, the ECM also enables PDAC cells to survive under the nutrient-poor conditions. While therapeutic strategies using stroma-depleting drugs have yielded disappointing results, an increasing body of research indicates the ECM may offer a variety of potential therapeutic targets. As preclinical studies of ECM-targeted drugs have shown promising effects, a number of clinical trials are currently investigating agents with the potential to advance the future treatment of PDAC. Thus, the present review seeks to give an overview of the complex relationship between the ECM and PDAC.
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78
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Abd El-Moneim OM, Abd El-Rahim AH, Hafiz NA. Evaluation of selenium nanoparticles and doxorubicin effect against hepatocellular carcinoma rat model cytogenetic toxicity and DNA damage. Toxicol Rep 2018; 5:771-776. [PMID: 30094191 PMCID: PMC6071579 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to demonstrate the potent role of nanoselenium and Doxorubicin in retrogression of genotoxicity induced in hepatocellular carcinoma rat model by studying chromosomal aberration, micronuclei formation, DNA fragmentation as well as comet assay. Male rats hepatocellular carcinoma model were treated with Se-Nanoparticles, Doxurobicin (DOX) and the combination of both. The results revealed the protective effect of nanoselenium, Doxorubicin and their combination on bone marrow cytogenetic toxicity by decreasing chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei formation as well as their effects on rat's liver by decreasing DNA damage. Nevertheless, the treatment with nanoselenium either alone or in combination with Doxorubicin was more effective than treatment with doxorubicin alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omaima M. Abd El-Moneim
- Cell Biology Department, National Research Centre, El Tahrir Street, 12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
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79
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Mortezaee K. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) and liver fibrosis: A review. Cell Biochem Funct 2018; 36:292-302. [PMID: 30028028 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs) are key producer of reactive oxygen species in liver cells. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Kupffer cells (KCs) are the two key cells for expression of NOX in liver. KCs produce only NOX2, while HSCs produce NOX1, 2, and 4, all of which play essential roles in the process of fibrogenesis within liver. These NOX subtypes are contributed to induction of liver fibrosis by acting through multiple pathways including induction of HSC activation, proliferation, survival and migration, stimulation of hepatocyte apoptosis, enhancement of fibrogenic mediators, and mediation of an inflammatory cascade in both KCs and HSCs. SIGNIFICANCE KCs and HSCs are two key cells for production of NOX in liver in relation to the pathology of liver fibrosis. NOX subtypes 1, 2, and 4 are inducers of fibrogenesis in liver. NOX activation favors hepatocyte apoptosis, HSC activation, and KC-mediated inflammatory cascade in liver, all of which are responsible for generation of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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80
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Rajapaksha IG, Mak KY, Huang P, Burrell LM, Angus PW, Herath CB. The small molecule drug diminazene aceturate inhibits liver injury and biliary fibrosis in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10175. [PMID: 29977014 PMCID: PMC6033899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28490-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no established medical therapy to treat biliary fibrosis resulting from chronic inflammation in the biliary tree. We have recently shown that liver-specific over-expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) ameliorated liver fibrosis in mice. Diminazene aceturate (DIZE), a small molecule drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, which is used to treat human trypanosomiasis, has been shown to have antifibrotic properties by enhancing ACE2 activity. In this study we sought to determine the therapeutic potential of DIZE in biliary fibrosis using bile duct ligated and multiple drug resistant gene-2 knockout mice. Additionally, human hepatic stellate (LX-2) and mouse Kupffer (KUP5) cell lines were used to delineate intracellular pathways. DIZE treatment, both in vivo and in vitro, markedly inhibited the activation of fibroblastic stellate cells which was associated with a reduced activation of Kupffer cells. Moreover, DIZE-inhibited NOX enzyme assembly and ROS generation, activation of profibrotic transcription factors including p38, Erk1/2 and Smad2/3 proteins and proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokine release. These changes led to a major reduction in biliary fibrosis in both models without affecting liver ACE2 activity. We conclude that DIZE has a potential to treat biliary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu G Rajapaksha
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kai Y Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise M Burrell
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter W Angus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Chandana B Herath
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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81
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Caparrós E, Francés R. The Interleukin-20 Cytokine Family in Liver Disease. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1155. [PMID: 29892294 PMCID: PMC5985367 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The three main causes of inflammation and chronic injury in the liver are viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, all of which can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which in turn may prompt the need for liver transplant. The interleukin (IL)-20 is a subfamily part of the IL-10 family of cytokines that helps the liver respond to damage and disease, they participate in the control of tissue homeostasis, and in the immunological responses developed in this organ. The best-studied member of the family in inflammatory balance of the liver is the IL-22 cytokine, which on the one hand may have a protective role in fibrosis progression but on the other may induce liver tissue susceptibility in hepatocellular carcinoma development. Other members of the family might also carry out this dual function, as some of them share IL receptor subunits and signal through common intracellular pathways. Investigators are starting to consider the potential for targeting IL-20 subfamily members in liver disease. The recently explored role of miRNA in the transcriptional regulation of IL-22 and IL-24 opens the door to promising new approaches for controlling the local immune response and limiting organ injury. The IL-20RA cytokine receptor has also been classified as being under miRNA control in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Moreover, researchers have proposed combining anti-inflammatory drugs with IL-22 as a hepatoprotective IL for alcoholic liver disease (ALD) treatment, and clinical trials of ILs for managing severe alcoholic-derived liver degeneration are ongoing. In this review, we focus on exploring the role of the IL-20 subfamily of cytokines in viral hepatitis, ALD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as delineating the main strategies explored so far in terms of therapeutic possibilities of the IL-20 subfamily of cytokines in liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Caparrós
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Instituto ISABIAL-FISABIO, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Rubén Francés
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Instituto ISABIAL-FISABIO, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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NADPH Oxidase Signaling Pathway Mediates Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Induced Inhibition of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:1239143. [PMID: 29861737 PMCID: PMC5971305 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1239143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have blossomed into an effective approach with great potential for the treatment of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying antifibrosis mechanisms by which the BMSC inhibit activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vivo and in vitro. Methods To study the effect of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) on activated HSCs, we used HSCs and the coculture systems to evaluate the inhibition of activated HSCs from the aspects of the apoptosis of activated HSCs. In addition, activation of NADPH oxidase pathway and the changes in liver histopathology were tested by using the carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver fibrosis in mice. Results Introduction of hBM-MSCs significantly inhibited the proliferation of activated HSCs by inducing the apoptosis process of activated HSCs. The effect of hBM-MSCs reduced the signaling pathway of NADPH oxidase in activated HSCs. Besides, the signaling pathway of NADPH oxidase mediated hBM-MSC upregulation of the expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and downregulation of the expression of α1(I) collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in activated HSCs. Moreover, the hBM-MSC-induced decrease in the signaling pathway of NADPH oxidase was accompanied by the decrease of the activated HSC number and liver fibrosis in a mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Conclusion The hBM-MSCs act as a promising drug source against liver fibrosis development with respect to hepatopathy as a therapeutic target.
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Shim KY, Eom YW, Kim MY, Kang SH, Baik SK. Role of the renin-angiotensin system in hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension. Korean J Intern Med 2018; 33:453-461. [PMID: 29462546 PMCID: PMC5943664 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2017.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important regulator of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. As hepatic fibrosis progresses, levels of the RAS components angiotensin (Ang) II, Ang-(1-7), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) are increased. The primary effector Ang II regulates vasoconstriction, sodium homoeostasis, fibrosis, cell proliferation, and inflammation in various diseases, including liver cirrhosis, through the ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis in the classical RAS. The ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor and ACE2/Ang-(1-9)/AT2R axes make up the alternative RAS and promote vasodilation, antigrowth, proapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects; thus, countering the effects of the classical RAS axis to reduce hepatic fibrogenesis and portal hypertension. Patients with portal hypertension have been treated with RAS antagonists such as ACE inhibitors, Ang receptor blockers, and aldosterone antagonists, with very promising hemodynamic results. In this review, we examine the RAS, its roles in hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension, and current therapeutic approaches based on the use of RAS antagonists in patients with portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Yong Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Young Woo Eom
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Moon Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Seong Hee Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Soon Koo Baik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Institute of Evidence Based Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Correspondence to Soon Koo Baik, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, 20 Ilsan-ro, Wonju 26426, Korea Tel: +82-33-741-1223 Fax: +82-33-745-6782 E-mail:
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84
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Activin-A causes Hepatic stellate cell activation via the induction of TNFα and TGFβ in Kupffer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:891-899. [PMID: 29287776 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS TGFβ superfamily member Activin-A is a multifunctional hormone/cytokine expressed in multiple tissues and cells, where it regulates cellular differentiation, proliferation, inflammation and tissue architecture. High activin-A levels have been reported in alcoholic cirrhosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our aim was to identify the cell types involved in the fibrotic processes induced by activin-A in liver and verify the liver diseases that this molecule can be found increased. METHODS We studied the effect of activin-A on mouse primary Kupffer cells (KCs) and Hepatic Stellate cells (HSCs) and the levels of activin-A and its inhibitor follistatin in the serum of patients from a large panel of liver diseases. RESULTS Activin-A is expressed by mouse hepatocytes, HSCs and Liver Sinusoid Endothelial cells but not KCs. Each cell type expresses different activin receptor combinations. HSCs are unresponsive to activin-A due to downregulation/desensitization of type-II activin receptors, while KCs respond by increasing the expression/production of TNFα και TGFβ1. In the presence of KCs or conditioned medium from activin-A treated KCs, HSCs switch to a profibrogenic phenotype, including increased collagen and αSMA expression and migratory capacity. Incubation of activin-A treated KC conditioned medium with antibodies against TNFα and TGFβ1 partially blocks its capacity to activate HSCs. Only patients with alcoholic liver diseases and NASH cirrhosis have significantly higher activin-A levels and activin-A/follistatin ratio. CONCLUSIONS Activin-A may induce fibrosis in NASH and alcoholic cirrhosis via activation of KCs to express pro-inflammatory molecules that promote HSC-dependent fibrogenesis and could be a target for future anti-fibrotic therapies.
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85
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Carpino G, Pastori D, Baratta F, Overi D, Labbadia G, Polimeni L, Di Costanzo A, Pannitteri G, Carnevale R, Del Ben M, Arca M, Violi F, Angelico F, Gaudio E. PNPLA3 variant and portal/periportal histological pattern in patients with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a possible role for oxidative stress. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15756. [PMID: 29150621 PMCID: PMC5693899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15943-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is influenced by predisposing genetic variations, dysmetabolism, systemic oxidative stress, and local cellular and molecular cross-talks. Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene I148M variant is a known determinant of NAFLD. Aims were to evaluate whether PNPLA3 I148M variant was associated with a specific histological pattern, hepatic stem/progenitor cell (HpSC) niche activation and serum oxidative stress markers. Liver biopsies were obtained from 54 NAFLD patients. The activation of HpSC compartment was evaluated by the extension of ductular reaction (DR); hepatic stellate cells, myofibroblasts (MFs), and macrophages were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Systemic oxidative stress was assessed measuring serum levels of soluble NOX2-derived peptide (sNOX2-dp) and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α). PNPLA3 carriers showed higher steatosis, portal inflammation and HpSC niche activation compared to wild-type patients. DR was correlated with NAFLD activity score (NAS) and fibrosis score. Serum 8-iso-PGF2α were significantly higher in I148M carriers compared to non-carriers and were correlated with DR and portal inflammation. sNox2-dp was correlated with NAS and with HpSC niche activation. In conclusion, NAFLD patients carrying PNPLA3 I148M are characterized by a prominent activation of HpSC niche which is associated with a more aggressive histological pattern (portal fibrogenesis) and increased oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Pastori
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, I Clinica Medica, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Baratta
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, I Clinica Medica, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Diletta Overi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Labbadia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, I Clinica Medica, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Licia Polimeni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, I Clinica Medica, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Costanzo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, I Clinica Medica, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Pannitteri
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrologic, Anaesthesiologic and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Carnevale
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, I Clinica Medica, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Maria Del Ben
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, I Clinica Medica, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Arca
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, I Clinica Medica, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Violi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, I Clinica Medica, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Angelico
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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86
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Singh A, Koduru B, Carlisle C, Akhter H, Liu RM, Schroder K, Brandes RP, Ojcius DM. NADPH oxidase 4 modulates hepatic responses to lipopolysaccharide mediated by Toll-like receptor-4. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14346. [PMID: 29085012 PMCID: PMC5662726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14574-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation plays a key role in development of many liver diseases. Stimulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) initiates inflammation and promotes development of hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver diseases. NADPH oxidases contribute to LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and modulate TLR responses, but whether these enzymes function in TLR4 responses of hepatocytes is unknown. In the present work, we examined the role of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) in LPS-induced TLR4 responses in human hepatoma cells and wildtype and Nox4-deficient mice. We found that LPS increased expression of Nox4, TNF-α, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Nox4 silencing suppressed LPS-induced TNF-α and PCNA increases in human cells. The LPS-induced TNF-α increases were MyD88-dependent, and were attenuated in primary hepatocytes isolated from Nox4-deficient mice. We found that Nox4 mediated LPS-TLR4 signaling in hepatocytes via NF-ĸB and AP-1 pathways. Moreover, the effect of Nox4 depletion was time-dependent; following six weeks of repeated LPS stimulation in vivo, hepatic TNF-α and PCNA responses subsided in Nox4-deficient mice compared with wildtype mice. Therefore, our data suggest that Nox4 mediates LPS-TLR4 signaling in human hepatoma cells and murine hepatocytes and may contribute to the ability of LPS to stimulate liver pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Singh
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Bhargav Koduru
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Cameron Carlisle
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Hasina Akhter
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rui-Ming Liu
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Katrin Schroder
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ralf P Brandes
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David M Ojcius
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA. .,University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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87
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Lee SH, Song YS, Jeong Y, Ko KS. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Akebia quinata Extracts in an In Vitro Model of Acute Alcohol-Induced Hepatotoxicity. J Med Food 2017; 20:912-922. [DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2017.3920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hoon Lee
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Sun Song
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoonhwa Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
- Research Center for Industrialization of Nutraceuticals, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Kwang Suk Ko
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
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88
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Angiotensin II induces connective tissue growth factor expression in human hepatic stellate cells by a transforming growth factor β-independent mechanism. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7841. [PMID: 28798388 PMCID: PMC5552744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes hepatic fibrosis by increasing extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and emerges as downstream of the profibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We aimed to investigate the molecular events that lead from the Ang II receptor to CTGF upregulation in human hepatic stellate cells, a principal fibrogenic cell type. Ang II produced an early, AT1 receptor-dependent stimulation of CTGF expression and induced a rapid activation of PKC and its downstream p38 MAPK, thereby activating a nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Smad2/3 cross-talk pathway. Chemical blockade of NF-κB and Smad2/3 signaling synergistically diminished Ang II-mediated CTGF induction and exhibited an additive effect in abrogating the ECM accumulation caused by Ang II. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CTGF expression was essential for Ang II-mediated ECM synthesis. Interestingly, the ability of dephosphorylated, but not phosphorylated JNK to activate Smad2/3 signaling revealed a novel role of JNK in Ang II-mediated CTGF overexpression. These results suggest that Ang II induces CTGF expression and ECM accumulation through a special TGF-β-independent interaction between the NF-κB and Smad2/3 signals elicited by the AT1/PKCα/p38 MAPK pathway.
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89
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Vilaseca M, García-Calderó H, Lafoz E, Ruart M, López-Sanjurjo CI, Murphy MP, Deulofeu R, Bosch J, Hernández-Gea V, Gracia-Sancho J, García-Pagán JC. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mitoquinone deactivates human and rat hepatic stellate cells and reduces portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats. Liver Int 2017; 37:1002-1012. [PMID: 28371136 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In cirrhosis, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a major role in increasing intrahepatic vascular resistance and developing portal hypertension. We have shown that cirrhotic livers have increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and that antioxidant therapy decreases portal pressure. Considering that mitochondria produce many of these ROS, our aim was to assess the effects of the oral mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mitoquinone on hepatic oxidative stress, HSC phenotype, liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. METHODS Ex vivo: Hepatic stellate cells phenotype was analysed in human precision-cut liver slices in response to mitoquinone or vehicle. In vitro: Mitochondrial oxidative stress was analysed in different cell type of livers from control and cirrhotic rats. HSC phenotype, proliferation and viability were assessed in LX2, and in primary human and rat HSC treated with mitoquinone or vehicle. In vivo: CCl4 - and thioacetamide-cirrhotic rats were treated with mitoquinone (5 mg/kg/day) or the vehicle compound, DecylTPP, for 2 weeks, followed by measurement of oxidative stress, systemic and hepatic haemodynamic, liver fibrosis, HSC phenotype and liver inflammation. RESULTS Mitoquinone deactivated human and rat HSC, decreased their proliferation but with no effects on viability. In CCl4 -cirrhotic rats, mitoquinone decreased hepatic oxidative stress, improved HSC phenotype, reduced intrahepatic vascular resistance and diminished liver fibrosis. These effects were associated with a significant reduction in portal pressure without changes in arterial pressure. These results were further confirmed in the thioacetamide-cirrhotic model. CONCLUSION We propose mitochondria-targeted antioxidants as a novel treatment approach against portal hypertension and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vilaseca
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona Medical School, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor García-Calderó
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona Medical School, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Erica Lafoz
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona Medical School, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Ruart
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona Medical School, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Isabel López-Sanjurjo
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona Medical School, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ramon Deulofeu
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Chromatography, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona Medical School, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Hernández-Gea
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona Medical School, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona Medical School, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos García-Pagán
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona Medical School, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
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90
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Simões e Silva AC, Miranda AS, Rocha NP, Teixeira AL. Renin angiotensin system in liver diseases: Friend or foe? World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:3396-3406. [PMID: 28596676 PMCID: PMC5442076 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i19.3396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last three decades, the understanding of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) has been changed by the discoveries of functional local systems, novel biologically active peptides, additional specific receptors, alternative pathways of angiotensin (Ang) II generation, and new roles for enzymes and precursor components other than those in Ang II synthesis. In this regard, the discovery that Ang-(1-7) opposes the pressor, proliferative, pro-fibrotic, and pro-inflammatory effects mediated by Ang II has contributed to the realization that the RAS is composed of two axes. The first axis consists of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), with Ang II as the end product, and the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor as the main effector mediating the biological actions of Ang II. The second axis results from ACE2-mediated hydrolysis of Ang II, leading to the production of Ang-(1-7), with the Mas receptor as the main effector conveying the vasodilatory, anti-proliferative, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of Ang-(1-7). Experimental and clinical studies have shown that both axes of the RAS may take part in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. In this manuscript, we summarize the current evidence regarding the role of RAS in hepatic cirrhosis and its complications, including hemodynamic changes and hepatorenal syndrome. The therapeutic potential of the modulation of RAS molecules in liver diseases is also discussed.
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91
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NOX4 Regulates CCR2 and CCL2 mRNA Stability in Alcoholic Liver Disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46144. [PMID: 28383062 PMCID: PMC5382722 DOI: 10.1038/srep46144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recruitment of inflammatory cells is a major feature of alcoholic liver injury however; the signals and cellular sources regulating this are not well defined. C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) is expressed by active hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and is a key monocyte recruitment signal. Activated HSC are also important sources of hydrogen peroxide resulting from the activation of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4). As the role of this NOX in early alcoholic liver injury has not been addressed, we studied NOX4-mediated regulation of CCR2/CCL2 mRNA stability. NOX4 mRNA was significantly induced in patients with alcoholic liver injury, and was co-localized with αSMA-expressing activated HSC. We generated HSC-specific NOX4 KO mice and these were pair-fed on alcohol diet. Lipid peroxidation have not changed significantly however, the expression of CCR2, CCL2, Ly6C, TNFα, and IL-6 was significantly reduced in NOX4HSCKO compared to fl/fl mice. NOX4 promoter was induced in HSC by acetaldehyde treatment, and NOX4 has significantly increased mRNA half-life of CCR2 and CCL2 in conjunction with Ser221 phosphorylation and cytoplasmic shuttling of HuR. In conclusion, NOX4 is induced in early alcoholic liver injury and regulates CCR2/CCL2 mRNA stability thereby promoting recruitment of inflammatory cells and production of proinflammatory cytokines.
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92
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Hepatoprotective effects of curcumin in rats after bile duct ligation via downregulation of Rac1 and NOX1. Nutrition 2017; 36:72-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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93
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Stickel F, Datz C, Hampe J, Bataller R. Pathophysiology and Management of Alcoholic Liver Disease: Update 2016. Gut Liver 2017; 11:173-188. [PMID: 28274107 PMCID: PMC5347641 DOI: 10.5009/gnl16477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and acute and chronic liver failure and as such causes significant morbidity and mortality. While alcohol consumption is slightly decreasing in several European countries, it is rising in others and remains high in many countries around the world. The pathophysiology of ALD is still incompletely understood but relates largely to the direct toxic effects of alcohol and its main intermediate, acetaldehyde. Recently, novel putative mechanisms have been identified in systematic scans covering the entire human genome and raise new hypotheses on previously unknown pathways. The latter also identify host genetic risk factors for significant liver injury, which may help design prognostic risk scores. The diagnosis of ALD is relatively easy with a panel of well-evaluated tests and only rarely requires a liver biopsy. Treatment of ALD is difficult and grounded in abstinence as the pivotal therapeutic goal; once cirrhosis is established, treatment largely resembles that of other etiologies of advanced liver damage. Liver transplantation is a sound option for carefully selected patients with cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis because relapse rates are low and prognosis is comparable to other etiologies. Still, many countries are restrictive in allocating donor livers for ALD patients. Overall, few therapeutic options exist for severe ALD. However, there is good evidence of benefit for only corticosteroids in severe alcoholic hepatitis, while most other efforts are of limited efficacy. Considering the immense burden of ALD worldwide, efforts of medical professionals and industry partners to develop targeted therapies in ALF has been disappointingly low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Stickel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich,
Switzerland
| | - Christian Datz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Private University of Salzburg, Oberndorf,
Austria
| | - Jochen Hampe
- Medical Department 1, University Hospital Dresden, TU Dresden, Dresden,
Germany
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC,
USA
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94
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Tang Y, Zhang Q, Zhu Y, Chen G, Yu F. Low concentrations of bilirubin inhibit activation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:1647-1653. [PMID: 28260031 PMCID: PMC5364989 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation serves a key role in liver fibrosis, and is associated with chronic liver diseases. Bilirubin, a product of heme degradation, has been demonstrated to have antioxidant properties. The present study investigated the effects of physiological concentrations of bilirubin on rat HSC activation. Rat HSCs were isolated and cultured for several generations to induce activation. The activated HSCs were subsequently treated with 0, 1, 10 or 20 mg/l bilirubin and assayed for parameters of cell activation. As the bilirubin concentration increased, HSCs demonstrated reduced production of reactive oxygen species, reduced protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin, a decreased mRNA expression ratio of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1/matrix metalloproteinase-2, decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis. In conclusion, elevated bilirubin levels, within its physiological concentration range, appeared to inhibit HSC activation. These findings suggested a potential role for bilirubin in the treatment of fibrosis that requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhe Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yefan Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Fuxiang Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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95
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Kabirifar R, Ghoreshi ZAS, Safari F, Karimollah A, Moradi A, Eskandari-Nasab E. Quercetin protects liver injury induced by bile duct ligation via attenuation of Rac1 and NADPH oxidase1 expression in rats. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2017; 16:88-95. [PMID: 28119263 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(16)60164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bile duct ligation (BDL) and subsequent cholestasis are correlated with oxidative stress, hepatocellular injury and fibrosis. Quercetin is a flavonoid with antifibrotic, and hepatoprotective properties. However, the molecular mechanism underlying quercetin-mediated hepatoprotection is not fully understood. The current study was to evaluate mechanisms of hepatoprotective effect of quercetin in BDL rat model. METHODS We divided male Wistar rats into 4 groups (n=8 for each): sham, sham+quercetin (30 mg/kg per day), BDL, and BDL+quercetin (30 mg/kg per day). Four weeks later, the rats were sacrificed, the blood was collected for liver enzyme measurements and liver for the measurement of Rac1, Rac1-GTP and NOX1 mRNA and protein levels by quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS Quercetin significantly alleviated liver injury in BDL rats as evidenced by histology and reduced liver enzymes. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression of Rac1, Rac1-GTP and NOX1 were significantly increased in BDL rats compared with those in the sham group (P<0.05); quercetin treatment reversed these variables back toward normal (P<0.05). Another interesting finding was that the antioxidant markers e.g. superoxide dismutase and catalase were elevated in quercetin-treated BDL rats compared to BDL rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Quercetin demonstrated hepatoprotective activity against BDL-induced liver injury through increasing antioxidant capacity of the liver tissue, while preventing the production of Rac1, Rac1-GTP and NOX1 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Kabirifar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran.
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96
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Federico A, Dallio M, Loguercio C. Silymarin/Silybin and Chronic Liver Disease: A Marriage of Many Years. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22020191. [PMID: 28125040 PMCID: PMC6155865 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Silymarin is the extract of Silybum marianum, or milk thistle, and its major active compound is silybin, which has a remarkable biological effect. It is used in different liver disorders, particularly chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic power. Indeed, the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of silymarin is oriented towards the reduction of virus-related liver damages through inflammatory cascade softening and immune system modulation. It also has a direct antiviral effect associated with its intravenous administration in hepatitis C virus infection. With respect to alcohol abuse, silymarin is able to increase cellular vitality and to reduce both lipid peroxidation and cellular necrosis. Furthermore, silymarin/silybin use has important biological effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These substances antagonize the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, by intervening in various therapeutic targets: oxidative stress, insulin resistance, liver fat accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Silymarin is also used in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma that represent common end stages of different hepatopathies by modulating different molecular patterns. Therefore, the aim of this review is to examine scientific studies concerning the effects derived from silymarin/silybin use in chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Federico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Marcello Dallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Carmelina Loguercio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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97
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Klein S, Rick J, Lehmann J, Schierwagen R, Schierwagen IG, Verbeke L, Hittatiya K, Uschner FE, Manekeller S, Strassburg CP, Wagner KU, Sayeski PP, Wolf D, Laleman W, Sauerbruch T, Trebicka J. Janus-kinase-2 relates directly to portal hypertension and to complications in rodent and human cirrhosis. Gut 2017; 66:145-155. [PMID: 26385087 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2015-309600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Angiotensin II (AngII) activates via angiotensin-II-type-I receptor (AT1R) Janus-kinase-2 (JAK2)/Arhgef1 pathway and subsequently RHOA/Rho-kinase (ROCK), which induces experimental and probably human liver fibrosis. This study investigated the relationship of JAK2 to experimental and human portal hypertension. DESIGN The mRNA and protein levels of JAK2/ARHGEF1 signalling components were analysed in 49 human liver samples and correlated with clinical parameters of portal hypertension in these patients. Correspondingly, liver fibrosis (bile duct ligation (BDL), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)) was induced in floxed-Jak2 knock-out mice with SM22-promotor (SM22Cre+-Jak2f/f). Transcription and contraction of primary myofibroblasts from healthy and fibrotic mice and rats were analysed. In two different cirrhosis models (BDL, CCl4) in rats, the acute haemodynamic effect of the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 was assessed using microsphere technique and isolated liver perfusion experiments. RESULTS Hepatic transcription of JAK2/ARHGEF1 pathway components was upregulated in liver cirrhosis dependent on aetiology, severity and complications of human liver cirrhosis (Model for End-stage Liver disease (MELD) score, Child score as well as ascites, high-risk varices, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis). SM22Cre+- Jak2f/f mice lacking Jak2 developed less fibrosis and lower portal pressure (PP) than SM22Cre--Jak2f/f upon fibrosis induction. Myofibroblasts from SM22Cre+-Jak2f/f mice expressed less collagen and profibrotic markers upon activation. AG490 relaxed activated hepatic stellate cells in vitro. In cirrhotic rats, AG490 decreased hepatic vascular resistance and consequently the PP in vivo and in situ. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic JAK2/ARHGEF1/ROCK expression is associated with portal hypertension and decompensation in human cirrhosis. The deletion of Jak2 in myofibroblasts attenuated experimental fibrosis and acute inhibition of JAK2 decreased PP. Thus, JAK2 inhibitors, already in clinical use for other indications, might be a new approach to treat cirrhosis with portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johanna Rick
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Lehmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Len Verbeke
- Department of Liver and Biliopancreatic Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Steffen Manekeller
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Kay-Uwe Wagner
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Peter P Sayeski
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Medical Clinic III, Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wim Laleman
- Department of Liver and Biliopancreatic Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tilman Sauerbruch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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98
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Ramalho FN, Sanches SC, Foss MC, Augusto MJ, Silva DM, Oliveira AM, Ramalho LN. Aliskiren effect on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in metabolic syndrome. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2017; 9:82. [PMID: 29046730 PMCID: PMC5640954 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-017-0282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is highly associated with metabolic syndrome, a major cause of morbidity in the globalized society. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) influences hepatic fatty acid metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, on metabolic syndrome-related NASH. METHODS C57BL/6 male mice (n = 45) were divided into three groups: controls; animals inoculated with streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg/day) for 5 days and fed with high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks; and animals inoculated with STZ for 5 days, fed with HFD for 8 weeks and treated with aliskiren (100 mg/kg/day) for the final 2 weeks. Glycemic and insulin levels, hepatic lipid profile, histological parameters and inflammatory protein expression were analyzed. RESULTS Aliskiren normalized plasma glucose and insulin levels, reduced cholesterol, triglycerides and total fat accumulation in liver and diminished hepatic injury, steatosis and fibrosis. These results could be explained by the ability of aliskiren to block angiotensin-II, lowering oxidative stress and inflammation in liver. Also, it exhibited a beneficial effect in increasing insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION These findings support the use of aliskiren in the treatment of metabolic syndrome underlying conditions. However, clinical studies are indispensable to test its effectiveness in the treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. N. Ramalho
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - S. C. Sanches
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - M. C. Foss
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - M. J. Augusto
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - D. M. Silva
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - A. M. Oliveira
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - L. N. Ramalho
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
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99
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Mueller S. Does pressure cause liver cirrhosis? The sinusoidal pressure hypothesis. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:10482-10501. [PMID: 28082801 PMCID: PMC5192260 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i48.10482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Independent of their etiology, all chronic liver diseases ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis, which is a major health problem worldwide. The underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood and no efficient treatment strategies are available. This paper introduces the sinusoidal pressure hypothesis (SPH), which identifies an elevated sinusoidal pressure (SP) as cause of fibrosis. SPH has been mainly derived from recent studies on liver stiffness. So far, pressure changes have been exclusively seen as a consequence of cirrhosis. According to the SPH, however, an elevated SP is the major upstream event that initiates fibrosis via biomechanic signaling by stretching of perisinusoidal cells such as hepatic stellate cells or fibroblasts (SPH part I: initiation). Fibrosis progression is determined by the degree and time of elevated SP. The SPH predicts that the degree of extracellular matrix eventually matches SP with critical thresholds > 12 mmHg and > 4 wk. Elevated arterial flow and final arterialization of the cirrhotic liver represents the self-perpetuating key event exposing the low-pressure-organ to pathologically high pressures (SPH part II: perpetuation). It also defines the “point of no return” where fibrosis progression becomes irreversible. The SPH is able to explain the macroscopic changes of cirrhotic livers and the uniform fibrotic response to various etiologies. It also opens up new views on the role of fat and disease mechanisms in other organs. The novel concept will hopefully stimulate the search for new treatment strategies.
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100
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Hepatocyte TAZ/WWTR1 Promotes Inflammation and Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Cell Metab 2016; 24:848-862. [PMID: 28068223 PMCID: PMC5226184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. However, the molecular basis of how benign steatosis progresses to NASH is incompletely understood, which has limited the identification of therapeutic targets. Here we show that the transcription regulator TAZ (WWTR1) is markedly higher in hepatocytes in human and murine NASH liver than in normal or steatotic liver. Most importantly, silencing of hepatocyte TAZ in murine models of NASH prevented or reversed hepatic inflammation, hepatocyte death, and fibrosis, but not steatosis. Moreover, hepatocyte-targeted expression of TAZ in a model of steatosis promoted NASH features, including fibrosis. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies revealed that a key mechanism linking hepatocyte TAZ to NASH fibrosis is TAZ/TEA domain (TEAD)-mediated induction of Indian hedgehog (Ihh), a secretory factor that activates fibrogenic genes in hepatic stellate cells. In summary, TAZ represents a previously unrecognized factor that contributes to the critical process of steatosis-to-NASH progression.
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