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Babuta M, Szabo G. Extracellular vesicles in inflammation: Focus on the microRNA cargo of EVs in modulation of liver diseases. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:75-92. [PMID: 34755380 PMCID: PMC9235439 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3mir0321-156r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous nanometer-ranged particles that are released by cells under both normal and pathological conditions. EV cargo comprises of DNA, protein, lipids cargo, metabolites, mRNA, and non-coding RNA that can modulate the immune system by altering inflammatory response. EV associated miRNAs contribute to the pathobiology of alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, acetaminophen-induced liver injury, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In context of liver diseases, EVs, via their cargo, alter the inflammatory response by communicating with different cell types within the liver and between liver and other organs. Here, the role of EVs and its associated miRNA in inter-cellular communication in different liver disease and as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrigya Babuta
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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52
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Zhang L, Gao J, Zhou D, Wang X, Li J, Wang J, Chen H, Xie X, Chen T. Profiles of messenger RNAs and MicroRNAs in hypoxia-induced hepatic stellate cells. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1451. [PMID: 34734003 PMCID: PMC8506783 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background MicroRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation and liver fibrosis. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of hypoxia on the differential expression of mRNAs and miRNAs in rat HSCs. Methods HSC-T6 cells were treated with cobalt chloride (CoCl2), and the activity of HSC-T6 cells was measured by the CCK-8 assay. The mRNA expression levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), collagen type I, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and Smad7 were measured by RT-qPCR. The protein expression levels of HIF-1α, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 were assayed by western blot. We used basal medium and 400 µmol/L CoCl2 medium to treat HSC-T6 cells for 48 h. Cells were harvested after 48 h to extract RNA. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to investigate differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs (fold change >2; P<0.05). Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the functions of differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs. Further, we used RT-qPCR to detect the expression of mRNAs and miRNAs to confirm the accuracy of sequencing. Results With the increase of CoCl2 concentration, the activity of HSC-T6 cells decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, collagen I, TGF-β1, and Smad7, and the protein expressions levels of HIF-1α, Bax, caspase-3, and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were increased compared with the control group (P<0.05), while the expression of Bcl-2 decreased. A total of 54 miRNAs (20 upregulated and 34 downregulated) and 1,423 mRNAs (685 upregulated and 738 downregulated) were differentially expressed in the 400 µmol/L CoCl2 medium group compared to the control basal medium group. Further bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were mainly enriched in the synthesis of extracellular matrix. In addition, we used RT-qPCR to detect the expression of mRNAs and miRNAs to confirm the accuracy of sequencing. Conclusions Our results presented the profiles of mRNAs and miRNAs in hypoxia-induced HSC-T6 cells in rats, the signaling pathways, and co-expression networks. These findings may suggest novel insights for the early diagnosis and treatment of HSC activation and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Liver Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junfeng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an International Medical Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an International Medical Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaodong Xie
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tuo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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53
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Yang Z, Zhang T, Kusumanchi P, Tang Q, Sun Z, Radaeva S, Peiffer B, Shah VH, Kamath P, Gores GJ, Sanyal A, Chalasani N, Jiang Y, Huda N, Ma J, Liangpunsakul S. Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the MicroRNAs Responsible for Liver Regeneration Associated With Mortality in Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis. Hepatology 2021; 74:2436-2451. [PMID: 34096637 PMCID: PMC8542623 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We conducted a comprehensive serum transcriptomic analysis to explore the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) pathogenesis and their prognostic significance. APPROACH AND RESULTS Serum miRNA profiling was performed in 15 controls, 20 heavy drinkers without liver disease, and 65 patients with AH and compared to publicly available hepatic miRNA profiling in AH patients. Among the top 26 miRNAs, expression of miR-30b-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-26b-5p were significantly reduced in both serum and liver of AH patients. Pathway analysis of the potential targets of these miRNAs uncovered the genes related to DNA synthesis and cell-cycle progression pathways, including ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2), cyclin D1 (CCND1), cyclin D2 (CCND2), MYC proto-oncogene (MYC), and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1 (PMAIP1). We found a significant increase in the protein expression of RRM2, CCND1, and CCND2, but not MYC and PMAIP1, in AH patients who underwent liver transplantation; miR-26b-5p and miR-30b-5p inhibited the 3'-UTR (untranslated region) luciferase activity of RRM2 and CCND2, and miR-20a-5p reduced the 3'-UTR luciferase activity of CCND1 and CCND2. During a median follow-up of 346 days, 21% of AH patients died; these patients had higher body mass index (BMI), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and serum miR-30b-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-26b-5p than those who survived. Cox regression analysis showed that BMI, MELD score, miR-20a-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-26b-5p predicted mortality. CONCLUSIONS Patients with AH attempt to deal with hepatocyte injury by down-regulating specific miRNAs and up-regulating genes responsible for DNA synthesis and cell-cycle progression. Higher expression of these miRNAs, suggestive of a diminished capacity in liver regeneration, predicts short-term mortality in AH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Ting Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Praveen Kusumanchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Qing Tang
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Zhaoli Sun
- Department of Surgery, John Hopkins University, Rockville, MD
| | - Svetlana Radaeva
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, MD
| | - Brandon Peiffer
- Department of Surgery, John Hopkins University, Rockville, MD
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Patrick Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Greg J. Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Arun Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Yanchao Jiang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Nazmul Huda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Jing Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,,Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN,,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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Shatoor AS, Al Humayed S, Almohiy HM. Astaxanthin attenuates hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed rats by suppressing microRNA-21 via transactivation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. J Physiol Biochem 2021; 78:151-168. [PMID: 34651285 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-021-00850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study examined whether astaxanthin (ASX) could alleviate hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) by modulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/miR-21 axis. Rats (n = 8/group) were fed either a standard diet (3.8 kcal/g; 10% fat) or HFD (4.6 kcal/g; 40% fat) and treated orally with either the vehicle or ASX (6 mg/kg) daily for 8 days. Another group was fed HFD and treated with ASX and brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor) (2 mg/kg/twice per week/i.p.). ASX prevented the gain in body and liver weights and attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation in HFD-fed rats. In the control and HFD-fed rats, ASX did not affect food intake, serum free fatty acid (FFA) content, and glucose and insulin levels and tolerance. However, serum triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels; hepatic levels of TGs and FFAs; and hepatic levels of Srebp1, Srebp2, HMGCR, and fatty acid synthase mRNAs and miR-21 were reduced and the mRNA levels of Pparα were significantly increased in both the groups. These effects were associated with a reduction in the hepatic levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interlukin-6 as well as an increase in superoxide dismutase levels, total glutathione content, and nuclear levels and activity of Nrf2. miR-21 levels were strongly correlated with the nuclear activity of Nrf2. Brusatol completely reversed the effects of ASX. In conclusion, ASX prevents hepatic steatosis mainly by transactivating Nrf2 and is associated with the suppression of miR-21 and Srebp1/2 and upregulation of Pparα expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S Shatoor
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section, College of Medicine, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Suliman Al Humayed
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain M Almohiy
- Depatrtment of Radiology Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Zhang J, Li D, Zhang R, Peng R, Li J. Delivery of microRNA-21-sponge and pre-microRNA-122 by MS2 virus-like particles to therapeutically target hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:2463-2472. [PMID: 34644206 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211035689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are related to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and can serve as potential therapeutic targets. Therapeutic strategies increasing tumor-suppressive microRNAs and reducing oncogenic microRNAs have been developed. Herein, the effects of simultaneously altering two microRNAs using MS2 virus-like particles were studied. The sequences of microRNA-21-sponge and pre-microRNA-122 were connected and cloned into a virus-like particle expression vector. Virus-like particles containing microRNA-21-sponge and pre-microRNA-122 sequences were prepared and crosslinked with a cell-specific peptide targeting hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Delivery effects were studied using RT-qPCR and functional assays to investigate the level of target mRNAs, cell toxicity, and the effects of proliferation, invasion, and migration. Virus-like particles delivered miR-21-sponge into cells, with the Ct value reaching 10 at most. The linked pre-miR-122 was processed into mature miR-122. The mRNA targets of miR-21 were derepressed as predicted and upregulated 1.2-2.8-fold, and the expression of proteins was elevated correspondingly. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were inhibited by miR-21-sponge. Simultaneous delivery of miR-21-sponge and miR-122 further decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion by up to 34%, 63%, and 65%, respectively. And the combination promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells. In conclusion, delivering miR-21-sponge and miR-122 using virus-like particles modified by cell-specific peptides is an effective and convenient strategy to correct microRNA dysregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and is a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Rongxue Peng
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Jinming Li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
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Correia de Sousa M, Calo N, Sobolewski C, Gjorgjieva M, Clément S, Maeder C, Dolicka D, Fournier M, Vinet L, Montet X, Dufour JF, Humar B, Negro F, Sempoux C, Foti M. Mir-21 Suppression Promotes Mouse Hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4983. [PMID: 34638467 PMCID: PMC8508272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The microRNA 21 (miR-21) is upregulated in almost all known human cancers and is considered a highly potent oncogene and potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In the liver, miR-21 was reported to promote hepatic steatosis and inflammation, but whether miR-21 also drives hepatocarcinogenesis remains poorly investigated in vivo. Here we show using both carcinogen (Diethylnitrosamine, DEN) or genetically (PTEN deficiency)-induced mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), total or hepatocyte-specific genetic deletion of this microRNA fosters HCC development-contrasting the expected oncogenic role of miR-21. Gene and protein expression analyses of mouse liver tissues further indicate that total or hepatocyte-specific miR-21 deficiency is associated with an increased expression of oncogenes such as Cdc25a, subtle deregulations of the MAPK, HiPPO, and STAT3 signaling pathways, as well as alterations of the inflammatory/immune anti-tumoral responses in the liver. Together, our data show that miR-21 deficiency promotes a pro-tumoral microenvironment, which over time fosters HCC development via pleiotropic and complex mechanisms. These results question the current dogma of miR-21 being a potent oncomiR in the liver and call for cautiousness when considering miR-21 inhibition for therapeutic purposes in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Correia de Sousa
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.d.S.); (N.C.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Nicolas Calo
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.d.S.); (N.C.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Cyril Sobolewski
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.d.S.); (N.C.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Monika Gjorgjieva
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.d.S.); (N.C.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Sophie Clément
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; (S.C.); (F.N.)
| | - Christine Maeder
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.d.S.); (N.C.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Dobrochna Dolicka
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.d.S.); (N.C.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Margot Fournier
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.d.S.); (N.C.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Laurent Vinet
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; (L.V.); (X.M.)
| | - Xavier Montet
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; (L.V.); (X.M.)
| | - Jean-François Dufour
- Department for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Bostjan Humar
- Department of Visceral & Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Francesco Negro
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; (S.C.); (F.N.)
| | - Christine Sempoux
- Service of Clinical Pathology, University Institute of Pathology, Vaud University Hospital Center, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Michelangelo Foti
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.d.S.); (N.C.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (M.F.)
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Zhu B, Chan SL, Li J, Li K, Wu H, Cui K, Chen H. Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:742382. [PMID: 34557535 PMCID: PMC8452937 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.742382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a rise in the prevalence of non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to the popularity of western diets and sedentary lifestyles. One quarter of NAFLD patients is diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with histological evidence not only of fat accumulation in hepatocytes but also of liver cell injury and death due to long-term inflammation. Severe NASH patients have increased risks of cirrhosis and liver cancer. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis and current methods of diagnosis for NASH, and current status of drug development for this life-threatening liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Siu-Lung Chan
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jack Li
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kathryn Li
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kui Cui
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Abstract
Epigenetics examines heritable changes in DNA and its associated proteins except mutations in gene sequence. Epigenetic regulation plays fundamental roles in kidney cell biology through the action of DNA methylation, chromatin modification via epigenetic regulators and non-coding RNA species. Kidney diseases, including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease and renal fibrosis are multistep processes associated with numerous molecular alterations even in individual kidney cells. Epigenetic alterations, including anomalous DNA methylation, aberrant histone alterations and changes of microRNA expression all contribute to kidney pathogenesis. These changes alter the genome-wide epigenetic signatures and disrupt essential pathways that protect renal cells from uncontrolled growth, apoptosis and development of other renal associated syndromes. Molecular changes impact cellular function within kidney cells and its microenvironment to drive and maintain disease phenotype. In this chapter, we briefly summarize epigenetic mechanisms in four kidney diseases including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease and renal fibrosis. We primarily focus on current knowledge about the genome-wide profiling of DNA methylation and histone modification, and epigenetic regulation on specific gene(s) in the pathophysiology of these diseases and the translational potential of identifying new biomarkers and treatment for prevention and therapy. Incorporating epigenomic testing into clinical research is essential to elucidate novel epigenetic biomarkers and develop precision medicine using emerging therapies.
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59
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Petkevich AA, Abramov AA, Pospelov VI, Malinina NA, Kuhareva EI, Mazurchik NV, Tarasova OI. Exosomal and non-exosomal miRNA expression levels in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis and liver cancer. Oncotarget 2021; 12:1697-1706. [PMID: 34434498 PMCID: PMC8378763 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with HCV-related cirrhosis are at risk for liver cancer development. For these patients miRNAs may serve as preclinical markers, which expression levels are deregulated in cancer and which are stable to the damaging factors partly through complex formation with proteins or packaging into exosomes. In this research we have tried to identify what miRNA fraction in plasma – exosomal or not packed into exosomes (non-exosomal) – is stronger associated with primary liver cancer. The second question was whether saliva miRNA expression levels – both exosomal and non-exosomal – are associated with primary liver cancer. We evaluated exosomal and non-exosomal miRNAs – let-7a-5p, -16-5p, -18a-5p, -21-5p, -22-3p, -34a-5p, -103a-3p, -122-5p, -221-3p, -222-3p – in plasma and saliva of patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis (n = 24), primary liver cancer (n = 24) and healthy volunteers (n = 21). Relative expression level was calculated with normalization of exosomal miRNA to exosomal miRNA-16-5p, non-exosomal miRNA to non-exosomal miRNA-16-5p and as a ratio of exosomal miRNA to non-exosomal miRNA. In this study, non-exosomal miRNAs (let-7a, miRNA-21-5p, -22-3p, -103a, -122-5p, -221-3p and 222-3p) normalized to non-exosomal miRNA-16-5p showed strong association with liver cancer in plasma. Three miRNAs, those with the mostly pronounced change of expression levels in plasma, – miRNA-21-5p, 122-5p, 221-3p – were detected in saliva. In contrast, exosomal miRNAs show stronger association with primary liver over non-exosomal miRNAs when working with saliva. Thus, depending on the examined biological material both miRNA fractions may serve as a valuable source for diagnostic and prognostic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa A Petkevich
- Genetic Research Laboratory of Advanced Therapy Department, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Aleksandr A Abramov
- Genetic Research Laboratory of Advanced Therapy Department, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vadim I Pospelov
- Genetic Research Laboratory of Advanced Therapy Department, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Natalya A Malinina
- Advanced Therapy Department, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Elena I Kuhareva
- Advanced Therapy Department, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Natalya V Mazurchik
- Advanced Therapy Department, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Olga I Tarasova
- Advanced Therapy Department, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation
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60
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Otsuka K, Ochiya T. Possible connection between diet and microRNA in cancer scenario. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 73:4-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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61
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Kim HG, Cho JH, Kim J, Kim SJ. The Role of Epigenetic Changes in the Progression of Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Front Physiol 2021; 12:691738. [PMID: 34335299 PMCID: PMC8323660 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.691738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) is a progression hepatitis with severe fatty liver and its mortality rate for 30-days in patients are over 30%. Additionally, ASH is well known for one-fifth all alcoholic related liver diseases in the world. Excessive chronic alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of the progression of ASH and is associated with poor prognosis and liver failure. Alcohol abuse dysregulates the lipid homeostasis and causes oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. Consequently, metabolic pathways stimulating hepatic accumulation of excessive lipid droplets are induced. Recently, many studies have indicated a link between ASH and epigenetic changes, showing differential expression of alcohol-induced epigenetic genes in the liver. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ASH remain elusive. Thus, we here summarize the current knowledge about the roles of epigenetics in lipogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis in the context of ASH pathophysiology. Especially, we highlight the latest findings on the roles of Sirtuins, a conserved family of class-III histone deacetylases, in ASH. Additionally, we discuss the involvement of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs in ASH as well as the ongoing efforts for the clinical translation of the findings in ASH-related epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong Geug Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jung-Hyo Cho
- Department of East & West Cancer Center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jeongkyu Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Jin Kim
- Kangwon Institute of Inclusive Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
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Talib WH, Mahmod AI, Kamal A, Rashid HM, Alashqar AMD, Khater S, Jamal D, Waly M. Ketogenic Diet in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Opportunities. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:558-589. [PMID: 34287243 PMCID: PMC8928964 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cancer is still one of the most significant global challenges facing public health, the world still lacks complementary approaches that would significantly enhance the efficacy of standard anticancer therapies. One of the essential strategies during cancer treatment is following a healthy diet program. The ketogenic diet (KD) has recently emerged as a metabolic therapy in cancer treatment, targeting cancer cell metabolism rather than a conventional dietary approach. The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat and very-low-carbohydrate with adequate amounts of protein, has shown antitumor effects by reducing energy supplies to cells. This low energy supply inhibits tumor growth, explaining the ketogenic diet's therapeutic mechanisms in cancer treatment. This review highlights the crucial mechanisms that explain the ketogenic diet's potential antitumor effects, which probably produces an unfavorable metabolic environment for cancer cells and can be used as a promising adjuvant in cancer therapy. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid background for researchers and physicians to design new combination therapies based on KD and conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wamidh H. Talib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (A.K.); (H.M.R.); (A.M.D.A.); (S.K.); (D.J.)
| | - Asma Ismail Mahmod
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (A.K.); (H.M.R.); (A.M.D.A.); (S.K.); (D.J.)
| | - Ayah Kamal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (A.K.); (H.M.R.); (A.M.D.A.); (S.K.); (D.J.)
| | - Hasan M. Rashid
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (A.K.); (H.M.R.); (A.M.D.A.); (S.K.); (D.J.)
| | - Aya M. D. Alashqar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (A.K.); (H.M.R.); (A.M.D.A.); (S.K.); (D.J.)
| | - Samar Khater
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (A.K.); (H.M.R.); (A.M.D.A.); (S.K.); (D.J.)
| | - Duaa Jamal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (A.K.); (H.M.R.); (A.M.D.A.); (S.K.); (D.J.)
| | - Mostafa Waly
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 34-123, Oman;
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Hepatotoxic potentials of methotrexate: Understanding the possible toxicological molecular mechanisms. Toxicology 2021; 458:152840. [PMID: 34175381 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most effective and widely used drugs in the management of autoimmune and dermatological diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis patients who are under long term MTX-therapy are at high risk of developing a liver injury. Accumulation of intracellular MTX-polyglutamate (MTX-PG), a metabolite of MTX triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, steatosis, fibrosis, and apoptosis in hepatocytes. MTX-PG causes oxidative stress in the liver by inducing lipid peroxidation thereby releasing reactive oxygen species and suppressing antioxidant response elements. MTX-PG induces several pro-inflammatory signaling pathways and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor kappa B and interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL- β1, IL-12. MTX-PG depletes hepatic folate level and decreases RNA and DNA synthesis leading to hepatocyte death. MTX-PG inhibits 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase enzyme and thereby causes accumulation of intracellular adenosine, which causes activation of hepatic stellate cells, extracellular matrix accumulation and hepatic fibrosis. MTX-PG induces hepatocytes apoptosis by activation of caspase 3 via the intrinsic pathway. Clinically, aggravation of underlying fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with fibrosis seems to be an important mechanism of liver injury in MTX-treated RA patients. Therefore, there is a need for monitoring liver injury in RA, psoriatic and cancer patients with NAFLD and fibrosis risk factors during MTX treatment. This review summarizes the possible molecular mechanism of MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. It may pave the way for early detection of liver injury and develop novel strategies for treating MTX mediated hepatotoxicity.
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Ghaderi F, Jokar N, Gholamrezanezhad A, Assadi M, Ahmadzadehfar H. Toward radiotheranostics in cancer stem cells: a promising initial step for tumour eradication. Clin Transl Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-021-00444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Pirfenidone modifies hepatic miRNAs expression in a model of MAFLD/NASH. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11709. [PMID: 34083664 PMCID: PMC8175718 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
miRNAs are involved in the development of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We aimed to evaluate modifications by prolonged-release pirfenidone (PR-PFD) on key hepatic miRNAs expression in a MAFLD/NASH model. First, male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into groups and fed with conventional diet (CVD) or high fat and carbohydrate diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. At the end of the eighth week, HFD mice were divided in two and only one half was treated with 300 mg/kg/day of PR-PFD mixed with food. Hepatic expression of miRNAs and target genes that participate in inflammation and lipid metabolism was determined by qRT-PCR and transcriptome by microarrays. Increased hepatic expression of miR-21a-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-122-5p and miR-103-3p in MAFLD/NASH animals was reduced with PR-PFD. Transcriptome analysis showed that 52 genes involved in lipid and collagen biosynthesis and inflammatory response were downregulated in PR-PFD group. The expression of Il1b, Tnfa, Il6, Tgfb1, Col1a1, and Srebf1 were decreased in PR-PFD treated animals. MAFLD/NASH animals compared to CVD group showed modifications in gene metabolic pathways implicated in lipid metabolic process, inflammatory response and insulin resistance; PR-PFD reversed these modifications.
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Nguyen HT, Kacimi SEO, Nguyen TL, Suman KH, Lemus-Martin R, Saleem H, Do DN. MiR-21 in the Cancers of the Digestive System and Its Potential Role as a Diagnostic, Predictive, and Therapeutic Biomarker. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050417. [PMID: 34066762 PMCID: PMC8151274 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs. They can regulate the expression of their target genes, and thus, their dysregulation significantly contributes to the development of cancer. Growing evidence suggests that miRNAs could be used as cancer biomarkers. As an oncogenic miRNA, the roles of miR-21 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, and its therapeutic applications have been extensively studied. In this review, the roles of miR-21 are first demonstrated via its different molecular networks. Then, a comprehensive review on the potential targets and the current applications as a diagnostic and prognostic cancer biomarker and the therapeutic roles of miR-21 in six different cancers in the digestive system is provided. Lastly, a brief discussion on the challenges for the use of miR-21 as a therapeutic tool for these cancers is added.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Thi Nguyen
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Danang 550000, Vietnam;
- Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Danang 550000, Vietnam
| | | | - Truc Ly Nguyen
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Kamrul Hassan Suman
- Department of Fisheries Biology & Aquatic Environment, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh;
| | | | - Humaira Saleem
- Jamil–ur–Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan;
| | - Duy Ngoc Do
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N5E3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-819-571-5310
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Khanam A, Saleeb PG, Kottilil S. Pathophysiology and Treatment Options for Hepatic Fibrosis: Can It Be Completely Cured? Cells 2021; 10:cells10051097. [PMID: 34064375 PMCID: PMC8147843 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic process that occurs as a wound healing response against liver injury. During fibrosis, crosstalk between parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells, activation of different immune cells and signaling pathways, as well as a release of several inflammatory mediators take place, resulting in inflammation. Excessive inflammation drives hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, which then encounters various morphological and functional changes before transforming into proliferative and extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myofibroblasts. Finally, enormous ECM accumulation interferes with hepatic function and leads to liver failure. To overcome this condition, several therapeutic approaches have been developed to inhibit inflammatory responses, HSC proliferation and activation. Preclinical studies also suggest several targets for the development of anti-fibrotic therapies; however, very few advanced to clinical trials. The pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis is extremely complex and requires comprehensive understanding to identify effective therapeutic targets; therefore, in this review, we focus on the various cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis and discuss potential strategies to control or reverse the fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshi Khanam
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Paul G. Saleeb
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-706-4872
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Alshammari GM, Al-Qahtani WH, AlFaris NA, Alzahrani NS, Alkhateeb MA, Yahya MA. Quercetin prevents cadmium chloride-induced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by downregulating the transcription of miR-21. Biofactors 2021; 47:489-505. [PMID: 33733575 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated if cadmium chloride (CdCl2 )-induced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis and the protective effect of quercetin (QUR) are mediated modulating the activity of miR-21, a known hepatic lipogenic and fibrotic miRNA. Male rats (n = 8/group) were divided as control, control + QUR (50 mg/kg; orally), CdCl2 (10 moml/L; drinking water), CdCl2 + miR-21 antagomir (inhibitor) (16 mg/kg/first 3 days), and CdCl2 + QUR (50 mg/kg). Treatments were conducted for 20 weeks, daily. All treatments showed no effect on fasting glucose and insulin levels. Administration of either miR-21 or QUR prevented CdCl2 -induced hepatic damage, as well as lipid droplets and collagen deposition. They also reduced serum levels of ALT and AST and decreased serum and hepatic levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins in CdCl2 -treated rats. Concomitantly, they reduced hepatic levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, suppressed the activation of NF-kb P65, and increased hepatic levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). These effects were associated with reduced expression of SREBP1, TGF-β1, Smad3, and collagen1 A and increased expression of PPARα, CPT1, and smad7. Interestingly, QUR significantly lowered levels of miR-21 and increased the protein levels and activity of Nrf2, as well as levels of GSH and SOD in the livers of both the control and CdCl2 -treated rats. Of note, levels of Nrf2 were negatively correlated with the transcription of miR-21. In conclusion: QUR prevents CdCl2 -induced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis mainly through attenuating its ability to upregulate miR-21, at least, by upregulation of Nrf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghedeir M Alshammari
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wahidah H Al-Qahtani
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora A AlFaris
- Nutrition and Food Science, Department of Physical Sport Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadiah S Alzahrani
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud A Alkhateeb
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Abdo Yahya
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Fang Z, Dou G, Wang L. MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:1851-1863. [PMID: 33994867 PMCID: PMC8120467 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.59588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or, more accurately, metabolic associated fatty liver disease, accounts for a large proportion of chronic liver disorders worldwide and is closely associated with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and can progress to cirrhosis and, eventually, also hepatocellular carcinoma. The morbidity and mortality associated with NAFLD are increasing rapidly year on year. Consequently, there is an urgent need to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of NAFLD and identify effective therapeutic targets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), important epigenetic factors, have recently been proposed to participate in NAFLD pathogenesis. Here, we review the roles of miRNAs in lipid metabolism, inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell activation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, key factors that contribute to the occurrence and progression of NAFLD. Additionally, we summarize the role of miRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles in NAFLD. These miRNAs may comprise suitable therapeutic targets for the treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Guorui Dou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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70
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Wang X, He Y, Mackowiak B, Gao B. MicroRNAs as regulators, biomarkers and therapeutic targets in liver diseases. Gut 2021; 70:784-795. [PMID: 33127832 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-322526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by binding to specific mRNA targets and promoting their degradation and/or translational inhibition. miRNAs regulate both physiological and pathological liver functions. Altered expression of miRNAs is associated with liver metabolism dysregulation, liver injury, liver fibrosis and tumour development, making miRNAs attractive therapeutic strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. Here, we review recent advances regarding the regulation and function of miRNAs in liver diseases with a major focus on miRNAs that are specifically expressed or enriched in hepatocytes (miR-122, miR-194/192), neutrophils (miR-223), hepatic stellate cells (miR-29), immune cells (miR-155) and in circulation (miR-21). The functions and target genes of these miRNAs are emphasised in alcohol-associated liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well liver fibrosis and liver failure. We touch on the roles of miRNAs in intercellular communication between hepatocytes and other types of cells via extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. We provide perspective on the application of miRNAs as biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis and assessment of liver diseases and discuss the challenges in miRNA-based therapy for liver diseases. Further investigation of miRNAs in the liver will help us better understand the pathogeneses of liver diseases and may identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Wang
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yong He
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bryan Mackowiak
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Abstract
This review provides epidemiological and translational evidence for milk and dairy intake as critical risk factors in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Large epidemiological studies in the United States and Europe identified total dairy, milk and butter intake with the exception of yogurt as independent risk factors of HCC. Enhanced activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a hallmark of HCC promoted by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). mTORC1 is also activated by milk protein-induced synthesis of hepatic insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), abundant constituents of milk proteins. Over the last decades, annual milk protein-derived BCAA intake increased 3 to 5 times in Western countries. In synergy with HBV- and HCV-induced secretion of hepatocyte-derived exosomes enriched in microRNA-21 (miR-21) and miR-155, exosomes of pasteurized milk as well deliver these oncogenic miRs to the human liver. Thus, milk exosomes operate in a comparable fashion to HBV- or HCV- induced exosomes. Milk-derived miRs synergistically enhance IGF-1-AKT-mTORC1 signaling and promote mTORC1-dependent translation, a meaningful mechanism during the postnatal growth phase, but a long-term adverse effect promoting the development of HCC. Both, dietary BCAA abundance combined with oncogenic milk exosome exposure persistently overstimulate hepatic mTORC1. Chronic alcohol consumption as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), two HCC-related conditions, increase BCAA plasma levels. In HCC, mTORC1 is further hyperactivated due to RAB1 mutations as well as impaired hepatic BCAA catabolism, a metabolic hallmark of T2DM. The potential HCC-preventive effect of yogurt may be caused by lactobacilli-mediated degradation of BCAAs, inhibition of branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase via production of intestinal medium-chain fatty acids as well as degradation of milk exosomes including their oncogenic miRs. A restriction of total animal protein intake realized by a vegetable-based diet is recommended for the prevention of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodo C Melnik
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
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Shakeri A, Ghanbari M, Tasbandi A, Sahebkar A. Regulation of microRNA-21 expression by natural products in cancer. Phytother Res 2021; 35:3732-3746. [PMID: 33724576 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Natural products have been of much interest in research studies owing to their wide pharmacological applications, chemical diversity, low side effects, and multitarget activities. Examples of these compounds include matrine, sulforaphane, silibinin, curcumin, berberin, resveratrol, and quercetin. Some of the present anticancer drugs, such as taxol, vincristine, vinblastine, and doxorubicin are also derived from natural products. The anti-carcinogenic effects of these products are partly mediated through modulation of microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression. To date, numerous downstream targets of miR-21 have been recognized, which include phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), ras homolog gene family member B (RHOB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. These signaling pathways, their regulation by oncomiR-21 in cancer, and the modulating impact of natural products are the main focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Shakeri
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ghanbari
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Aida Tasbandi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Lai CY, Yeh KY, Lin CY, Hsieh YW, Lai HH, Chen JR, Hsu CC, Her GM. MicroRNA-21 Plays Multiple Oncometabolic Roles in the Process of NAFLD-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma via PI3K/AKT, TGF-β, and STAT3 Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:940. [PMID: 33668153 PMCID: PMC7956552 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is one of the most frequently upregulated miRNAs in liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, mechanistic pathways that connect NAFLD and HCC remain elusive. We developed a doxycycline (Dox)-inducible transgenic zebrafish model (LmiR21) which exhibited an upregulation of miR-21 in the liver, which in turn induced the full spectrum of NAFLD, including steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and HCC, in the LmiR21 fish. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) treatment led to accelerated liver tumor formation and exacerbated their aggressiveness. Moreover, prolonged miR-21 expression for up to ten months induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related HCC (NAHCC). Immunoblotting and immunostaining confirmed the presence of miR-21 regulatory proteins (i.e., PTEN, SMAD7, p-AKT, p-SMAD3, and p-STAT3) in human nonviral HCC tissues and LmiR21 models. Thus, we demonstrated that miR-21 can induce NAHCC via at least three mechanisms: First, the occurrence of hepatic steatosis increases with the decrease of ptenb, pparaa, and activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway; second, miR-21 induces hepatic inflammation (or NASH) through an increase in inflammatory gene expression via STAT3 signaling pathways, and induces liver fibrosis through hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and collagen deposition via TGF-β/Smad3/Smad7 signaling pathways; finally, oncogenic activation of Smad3/Stat3 signaling pathways induces HCC. Our LmiR21 models showed similar molecular pathology to the human cancer samples in terms of initiation of lipid metabolism disorder, inflammation, fibrosis and activation of the PI3K/AKT, TGF-β/SMADs and STAT3 (PTS) oncogenic signaling pathways. Our findings indicate that miR-21 plays critical roles in the mechanistic perspectives of NAHCC development via the PTS signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yu Lai
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; (C.-Y. L.); (C.-Y. L.); (Y.-W.H.)
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Yun Yeh
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 204, Taiwan;
| | - Chiu-Ya Lin
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; (C.-Y. L.); (C.-Y. L.); (Y.-W.H.)
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Wen Hsieh
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; (C.-Y. L.); (C.-Y. L.); (Y.-W.H.)
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hung Lai
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Jim-Ray Chen
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 204, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Chun Hsu
- Department of Radiology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Taichung Branch, Taichung 427, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Guor Mour Her
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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Zhao W, Ning L, Wang L, Ouyang T, Qi L, Yang R, Wu Y. miR-21 inhibition reverses doxorubicin-resistance and inhibits PC3 human prostate cancer cells proliferation. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14016. [PMID: 33598946 DOI: 10.1111/and.14016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many approaches have been examined to reversing multidrug resistance (MDR), but sub-optimal target-based strategies have limited their efficacy. Herein, we investigate microRNA (miR-21) suppression on the doxorubicin (DOX)-sensitisation of the DOX-resistant (PC3/DOX) cell line in prostate cancer (PCa). Expression levels of miR-21, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), MDR-1 and PTEN evaluated in PC3/DOX cancer cells by qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. The cytotoxic effects of transfected of miR-21 were assessed by MTT assay for 72 hr. Rhodamine123 (Rh123) assay was employed to define the activity of P-gp. Apoptosis was detected by Flow cytometry. As expected, miR-21 was expressed highly in PC3/DOX cells (p < 0.05). It was shown that miRNA-21 suppression considerably hindered PC3/DOX cell viability. miR-21 suppression dramatically downregulated P-gp expression and activity in DOX-resistance cells and abolished MDR by an increment of intracellular accumulation of DOX in PC3/DOX cells (p < 0.05). PTEN is a key modulator of the PI3K/Akt/P-gp cascade, which miR-21 suppression led to the upregulation of PTEN and sequentially lower-expression of P-gp that reversed MDR. Also, miR-21 repression enhanced the apoptosis rate of PC3/DOX cells. The findings of this paper contribute to the current understanding of the functions of miR-21 in MDR-reversing in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichong Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lei Ning
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lihui Wang
- Health Physical Examination Department, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tao Ouyang
- Department of Urology Surgery, Pingyin County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lei Qi
- Intensive Care Unit, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ruihong Yang
- Intensive Care Unit, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanlin Wu
- Department of Urology Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
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75
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Mohr R, Özdirik B, Lambrecht J, Demir M, Eschrich J, Geisler L, Hellberg T, Loosen SH, Luedde T, Tacke F, Hammerich L, Roderburg C. From Liver Cirrhosis to Cancer: The Role of Micro-RNAs in Hepatocarcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1492. [PMID: 33540837 PMCID: PMC7867354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In almost all cases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops as the endpoint of a sequence that starts with chronic liver injury, progresses to liver cirrhosis, and finally, over years and decades, results in liver cancer. Recently, the role of non-coding RNA such as microRNA (miRNA) has been demonstrated in the context of chronic liver diseases and HCC. Moreover, data from a phase II trial suggested a potential role of microRNAs as therapeutics in hepatitis-C-virus infection, representing a significant risk factor for development of liver cirrhosis and HCC. Despite progress in the clinical management of chronic liver diseases, pharmacological treatment options for patients with liver cirrhosis and/or advanced HCC are still limited. With their potential to regulate whole networks of genes, miRNA might be used as novel therapeutics in these patients but could also serve as biomarkers for improved patient stratification. In this review, we discuss available data on the role of miRNA in the transition from liver cirrhosis to HCC. We highlight opportunities for clinical translation and discuss open issues applicable to future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Mohr
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Burcin Özdirik
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Joeri Lambrecht
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Münevver Demir
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Johannes Eschrich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Lukas Geisler
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Teresa Hellberg
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Sven H. Loosen
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (S.H.L.); (T.L.)
| | - Tom Luedde
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (S.H.L.); (T.L.)
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Christoph Roderburg
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (S.H.L.); (T.L.)
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Morishita A, Oura K, Tadokoro T, Fujita K, Tani J, Masaki T. MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030514. [PMID: 33572780 PMCID: PMC7866004 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequently occurring cancers, and the prognosis for late-stage HCC remains poor. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of HCC is expected to improve outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs that regulate the expression of various target genes, including those in cancer-associated genomic regions or fragile sites in various human cancers. We summarize the central roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC and discuss their potential utility as valuable biomarkers and new therapeutic agents for HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most frequent cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Despite substantial advances in therapeutic strategies, the prognosis of late-stage HCC remains dismal because of the high recurrence rate. A better understanding of the etiology of HCC is therefore necessary to improve outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs that modulate the expression of their target genes at the posttranscriptional and translational levels. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has frequently been detected in cancer-associated genomic regions or fragile sites in various human cancers and has been observed in both HCC cells and tissues. The precise patterns of aberrant miRNA expression differ depending on disease etiology, including various causes of hepatocarcinogenesis, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and the association of miRNAs with the pathogenesis of HCC of various etiologies. In the present review, we summarize the key mechanisms of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC and emphasize their potential utility as valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as innovative therapeutic targets, in HCC diagnosis and treatment.
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Wu J, Nagy LE, Liangpunsakul S, Wang L. Non-coding RNA crosstalk with nuclear receptors in liver disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166083. [PMID: 33497819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The dysregulation of nuclear receptors (NRs) underlies the pathogenesis of a variety of liver disorders. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are defined as RNA molecules transcribed from DNA but not translated into proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two types of ncRNAs that have been extensively studied for regulating gene expression during diverse cellular processes. NRs as therapeutic targets in liver disease have been exemplified by the successful application of their pharmacological ligands in clinics. MiRNA-based reagents or drugs are emerging as flagship products in clinical trials. Advancing our understanding of the crosstalk between NRs and ncRNAs is critical to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes recent findings on the reciprocal regulation between NRs and ncRNAs (mainly on miRNAs and lncRNAs) and their implication in liver pathophysiology, which might be informative to the translational medicine of targeting NRs and ncRNAs in liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Wu
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America; Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America.
| | - Laura E Nagy
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America; Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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Molecular and Functional Roles of MicroRNAs in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218362. [PMID: 33171811 PMCID: PMC7664704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths globally, of which hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major subtype. Viral hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol abuse, and metabolic disorders are multiple risk factors for liver cirrhosis and HCC development. Although great therapeutic advances have been made in recent decades, the prognosis for HCC patients remains poor due to late diagnosis, chemotherapy failure, and frequent recurrence. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding RNAs that regulate various molecular biological phenomena by suppressing the translation of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). miRNAs, which often become dysregulated in malignancy, control cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and development in HCC by promoting or suppressing tumors. Exploring the detailed mechanisms underlying miRNA-mediated HCC development and progression can likely improve the outcomes of patients with HCC. This review summarizes the molecular and functional roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC. Further, it elucidates the utility of miRNAs as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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79
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The miR-21 potential of serving as a biomarker for liver diseases in clinical practice. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:2295-2305. [PMID: 33119045 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The role of miR-21 in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases, together with the possibility of detecting microRNA in the circulation, makes miR-21 a potential biomarker for noninvasive detection. In this review, we summarize the potential utility of extracellular miR-21 in the clinical management of hepatic disease patients and compared it with the current clinical practice. MiR-21 shows screening and prognostic value for liver cancer. In liver cirrhosis, miR-21 may serve as a biomarker for the differentiating diagnosis and prognosis. MiR-21 is also a potential biomarker for the severity of hepatitis. We elucidate the disease condition under which miR-21 testing can reach the expected performance. Though miR-21 is a key regulator of liver diseases, microRNAs coordinate with each other in the complex regulatory network. As a result, the performance of miR-21 is better when combined with other microRNAs or classical biomarkers under certain clinical circumstances.
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80
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Gao W, Chen X, Chi W, Xue M. Long non‑coding RNA MKLN1‑AS aggravates hepatocellular carcinoma progression by functioning as a molecular sponge for miR‑654‑3p, thereby promoting hepatoma‑derived growth factor expression. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:1743-1754. [PMID: 33000222 PMCID: PMC7521589 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently gained attention due to their important roles in human cancer types, such as breast and gastric cancer. The present study measured alterations in muskelin 1 antisense RNA (MKLN1‑AS) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluated its clinical value in patients with HCC. Additionally, the current study investigated the effects of MKLN1‑AS on the malignant features of HCC cells. The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the cancer‑promoting activities of MKLN1‑AS in HCC cells were also elucidated. MKLN1‑AS expression in HCC tissues and cell lines was detected using reverse‑transcription quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR). Cell Counting Kit‑8 assays and flow cytometry were used to determine the roles of MKLN1‑AS in HCC cell proliferation and apoptosis. Migration and invasion assays, as well as tumor xenograft experiments were conducted to analyze migration and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, respectively. The interaction among microRNA‑654‑3p (miR‑654‑3p), MKLN1‑AS and hepatoma‑derived growth factor (HDGF) in HCC was investigated using luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, RT‑qPCR, western blotting and rescue experiments. MKLN1‑AS was upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and a high MKLN1‑AS expression was associated with shorter overall survival and disease‑free survival in patients with HCC. Functionally, the knockdown of MKLN1‑AS impaired HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as induced cell apoptosis in vitro. Knockdown of MKLN1‑AS expression also inhibited cell proliferation in vivo. The results indicated that MKLN1‑AS functioned as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR‑654‑3p in HCC cells. Additionally, miR‑654‑3p targeting of HDGF was positively modulated by MKLN1‑AS, and miR‑654‑3p knockdown partially abrogated this effect. Rescue experiments demonstrated that knockdown of miR‑654‑3p and overexpression of HDGF both abolished MKLN1‑AS knockdown‑induced cellular processes in HCC. In summary, MKLN1‑AS induced pro‑oncogenic effects during HCC progression by serving as a molecular sponge for miR‑654‑3p to increase HDGF expression. Therefore, the MKLN1‑AS/miR‑654‑3p/HDGF axis may offer a novel target for the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjun Gao
- Third Department of Cancer Clinical Medicine Center, Shibo High‑Tech Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255086, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Oncology, PKUCare Luzhong Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255400, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chi
- Department of Oncology, PKUCare Luzhong Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255400, P.R. China
| | - Ming Xue
- Department of Oncology, PKUCare Luzhong Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255400, P.R. China
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Ezhilarasan D. MicroRNA interplay between hepatic stellate cell quiescence and activation. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 885:173507. [PMID: 32858048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation play a significant role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. During chronic liver diseases, hepatocytes are damaged severely and secrete several pro-inflammatory markers and profibrogenic cytokines via modulation of a variety of signaling pathways that are responsible for the activation of HSCs. The microRNAs (miRNA or miR) have the potential to modulate fibrogenic signaling pathways in HSCs. A variety of miRNAs are identified as profibrogenic and are capable of activating HSCs by modulating fibrosis-associated signaling pathways such as transforming growth factor-β/Smad, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, Snail and Notch in the injured liver. On the other hand, HSCs also have certain antifibrotic miRNAs and these include miR-16, miR-19b, miR-29, miR-30, miR-101, miR-122, miR-133a, miR-144, miR-146a, miR-150-5p, miR-155, miR-195, miR-200a, miR-214, miR-335, miR-370, miR-454, miR-483, etc. are responsible for maintenance of the quiescent phenotype of normal HSCs, apoptosis induction and phenotypic reversion of activated HSCs, inhibition of HSCs proliferation, suppression of the extracellular matrix-associated gene expressions, etc. Thus, understanding of HSCs specific miRNAs regulation may provide new ideas for the targeted therapy of hepatic fibrosis at molecular level in the near future. Therefore, this review focusses on the modulation of miRNAs profile during the HSCs activation in the fibrotic liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), No.162, PH Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 077, India.
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Han S, Zhang T, Kusumanchi P, Huda N, Jiang Y, Liangpunsakul S, Yang Z. Role of microRNA-7 in liver diseases: a comprehensive review of the mechanisms and therapeutic applications. J Investig Med 2020; 68:1208-1216. [PMID: 32843369 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2020-001420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA-7 (miR-7) is a small non-coding RNA, which plays critical roles in regulating gene expression of multiple key cellular processes. MiR-7 exhibits a tissue-specific pattern of expression, with abundant levels found in the brain, spleen, and pancreas. Although it is expressed at lower levels in other tissues, including the liver, miR-7 is involved in both the development of organs and biological functions of cells. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms by which miR-7 controls cell growth, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, metabolism, and inflammation. We also summarize the specific roles of miR-7 in liver diseases. MiR-7 is considered as a tumor suppressor miRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma and is involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and hepatitis. Future studies to further define miR-7 functions and its mechanism in association with other types of liver diseases should be explored. An improved understanding from these studies will provide us a useful perspective leading to mechanism-based intervention by targeting miR-7 for the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Han
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Praveen Kusumanchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nazmul Huda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yanchao Jiang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA .,Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Zhihong Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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The Effect of Methylselenocysteine and Sodium Selenite Treatment on microRNA Expression in Liver Cancer Cell Lines. Pathol Oncol Res 2020; 26:2669-2681. [PMID: 32656599 PMCID: PMC7471166 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-020-00870-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The unique character of selenium compounds, including sodium selenite and Se-methylselenocysteine (MSC), is that they exert cytotoxic effects on neoplastic cells, providing a great potential for treating cancer cells being highly resistant to cytostatic drugs. However, selenium treatment may affect microRNA (miRNA) expression as the pattern of circulating miRNAs changed in a placebo-controlled selenium supplement study. This necessitates exploring possible changes in the expression profiles of miRNAs. For this, miRNAs being critical for liver function were selected and their expression was measured in hepatocellular carcinoma (HLE and HLF) and cholangiocarcinoma cell lines (TFK-1 and HuH-28) using individual TaqMan MicroRNA Assays following selenite or MSC treatments. For establishing tolerable concentrations, IC50 values were determined by performing SRB proliferation assays. The results revealed much lower IC50 values for selenite (from 2.7 to 11.3 μM) compared to MSC (from 79.5 to 322.6 μM). The treatments resulted in cell line-dependent miRNA expression patterns, with all miRNAs found to show fold change differences; however, only a few of these changes were statistically different in treated cells compared to untreated cells below IC50. Namely, miR-199a in HLF, miR-143 in TFK-1 upon MSC treatment, miR-210 in HLF and TFK-1, miR-22, -24, -122, -143 in HLF upon selenite treatment. Fold change differences revealed that miR-122 with both selenium compounds, miR-199a with MSC and miR-22 with selenite were affected. The miRNAs showing minimal alterations included miR-125b and miR-194. In conclusion, our results revealed moderately altered miRNA expression in the cell lines (less alterations following MSC treatment), being miR-122, -199a the most affected and miR-125b, -194 the least altered miRNAs upon selenium treatment.
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