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Li T, Liu J, Wang Y, Zhou C, Shi Q, Huang S, Yang C, Chen Y, Bai Y, Xiong B. Liver fibrosis promotes immunity escape but limits the size of liver tumor in a rat orthotopic transplantation model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22846. [PMID: 34819565 PMCID: PMC8613241 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis plays a crucial role in promoting tumor immune escape and tumor aggressiveness for liver cancer. However, an interesting phenomenon is that the tumor size of liver cancer patients with liver fibrosis is smaller than that of patients without liver fibrosis. In this study, 16 SD rats were used to establish orthotopic liver tumor transplantation models with Walker-256 cell lines, respectively on the fibrotic liver (n = 8, LF group) and normal liver (n = 8, control group). MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) was used to monitor the size of the tumors. All rats were executed at the third week after modeling, and the immunohistochemical staining was used to reflect the changes in the tumor microenvironment. The results showed that, compared to the control group, the PD-L1 (programmed cell death protein receptor-L1) expression was higher, and the neutrophil infiltration increased while the effector (CD8+) T cell infiltration decreased in the LF group. Additionally, the expression of MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9) of tumor tissue in the LF group increased. Three weeks after modeling, the size of tumors in the LF group was significantly smaller than that in the control group (382.47 ± 195.06 mm3 vs. 1736.21 ± 657.25 mm3, P < 0.001). Taken together, we concluded that liver fibrosis facilitated tumor immunity escape but limited the expansion of tumor size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongqiang Li
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yingliang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qin Shi
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Songjiang Huang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chongtu Yang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yaowei Bai
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Bin Xiong
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Romualdo GR, Leroy K, Costa CJS, Prata GB, Vanderborght B, da Silva TC, Barbisan LF, Andraus W, Devisscher L, Câmara NOS, Vinken M, Cogliati B. In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies for Translational Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5583. [PMID: 34771745 PMCID: PMC8582701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is a complex multistep disease and usually emerges in the setting of chronic liver diseases. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies according to the etiology, mainly caused by chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, chronic alcohol consumption, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. The establishment of HCC models has become essential for both basic and translational research to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and unravel new molecular drivers of this disease. The ideal model should recapitulate key events observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be translated into clinical practice. Despite considerable efforts currently devoted to liver cancer research, only a few anti-HCC drugs are available, and patient prognosis and survival are still poor. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used for translational modeling of HCC with a specific focus on their key molecular hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bacil Prata
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Liver disease (CFLD) as a complication of cystic fibrosis is recognized as a more severe disease phenotype in both children and adults. We review recent advances in understanding the disease mechanism and consider the implications of new strategies for the diagnosis and management of cystic fibrosis in those with evidence of clinically significant liver disease. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence suggests that the prevalence of CFLD has not declined with the introduction of newborn screening. Furthermore, children with CFLD, who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis following newborn screening continue to have a much higher mortality rate compared with those with no liver disease. There is further data suggesting noncirrhotic obliterative portal venopathy as the predominant pathological mechanism in the majority of children and young adults receiving a liver transplantation. Little progress has been made in developing an accurate noninvasive test for early diagnosis or monitoring disease progression in CFLD. The benefit of new modulator therapies is not well understood in those with established CFLD, whereas the risk of hepatotoxicity as a complication of treatment must be carefully monitored. SUMMARY Better understanding of the pathophysiology of CFLD would allow a standardized approach to diagnosis, with the potential to improve outcomes for those with CFLD.
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Pantoprazole ameliorates liver fibrosis and suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation in bile duct ligation rats by promoting YAP degradation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:1808-1820. [PMID: 34465912 PMCID: PMC8563954 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00754-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the most severe pathologic consequences of chronic liver diseases, and effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are H+/K+-ATPase inhibitors and currently used to treat acid-related diseases such as gastric ulcers, which have shown other therapeutic effects in addition to inhibiting acid secretion. However, few studies have focused on PPIs from the perspective of inhibiting hepatic fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of pantoprazole (PPZ), a PPI, against liver fibrosis in a bile duct ligation (BDL) rat model, human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and mouse primary HSCs (pHSCs), and explored the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of PPZ in vitro and in vivo. In BDL rats, administration of PPZ (150 mg· kg-1· d-1, i.p. for 14 d) significantly attenuated liver histopathological injury, collagen accumulation, and inflammatory responses, and suppressed fibrogenesis-associated gene expression including Col1a1, Acta2, Tgfβ1, and Mmp-2. In LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs, PPZ (100-300 μM) dose-dependently suppressed the levels of fibrogenic markers. We conducted transcriptome analysis and subsequent validation in PPZ-treated LX-2 cells, and revealed that PPZ inhibited the expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its downstream targets such as CTGF, ID1, survivin, CYR61, and GLI2. Using YAP overexpression and silencing, we demonstrated that PPZ downregulated hepatic fibrogenic gene expression via YAP. Furthermore, we showed that PPZ promoted the proteasome-dependent degradation and ubiquitination of YAP, thus inhibiting HSC activation. Additionally, we showed that PPZ destabilized YAP by disrupting the interaction between a deubiquitinating enzyme OTUB2 and YAP, and subsequently blocked the progression of hepatic fibrosis.
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105
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De Muynck K, Vanderborght B, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. The Gut-Liver Axis in Chronic Liver Disease: A Macrophage Perspective. Cells 2021; 10:2959. [PMID: 34831182 PMCID: PMC8616442 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112959] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a growing health concern which accounts for two million deaths per year. Obesity, alcohol overconsumption, and progressive cholestasis are commonly characterized by persistent low-grade inflammation and advancing fibrosis, which form the basis for development of end-stage liver disease complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma. CLD pathophysiology extends to the intestinal tract and is characterized by intestinal dysbiosis, bile acid dysregulation, and gut barrier disruption. In addition, macrophages are key players in CLD progression and intestinal barrier breakdown. Emerging studies are unveiling macrophage heterogeneity and driving factors of their plasticity in health and disease. To date, in-depth investigation of how gut-liver axis disruption impacts the hepatic and intestinal macrophage pool in CLD pathogenesis is scarce. In this review, we give an overview of the role of intestinal and hepatic macrophages in homeostasis and gut-liver axis disruption in progressive stages of CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin De Muynck
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (K.D.M.); (B.V.)
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (K.D.M.); (B.V.)
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (K.D.M.); (B.V.)
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Luo N, Li J, Wei Y, Lu J, Dong R. Hepatic Stellate Cell: A Double-Edged Sword in the Liver. Physiol Res 2021; 70:821-829. [PMID: 34717063 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are located in the space of Disse, between liver sinusoidal endothelia cells (LSECs) and hepatocytes. They have surprised and excited hepatologists for their biological characteristics. Under physiological quiescent conditions, HSCs are the major vitamin A-storing cells of the liver, playing crucial roles in the liver development, regeneration, and tissue homeostasis. Upon injury-induced activation, HSCs convert to a pro-fibrotic state, producing the excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) and promoting angiogenesis in the liver fibrogenesis. Activated HSCs significantly contribute to liver fibrosis progression and inactivated HSCs are key to liver fibrosis regression. In this review, we summarize the comprehensive understanding of HSCs features, including their roles in normal liver and liver fibrosis in hopes of advancing the development of emerging diagnosis and treatment for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianan Luo
- Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China. ,
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Primary Human Hepatocyte Spheroids as Tools to Study the Hepatotoxic Potential of Non-Pharmaceutical Chemicals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011005. [PMID: 34681664 PMCID: PMC8537720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury, including cholestasis, is an important clinical issue and economic burden for pharmaceutical industry and healthcare systems. However, human-relevant in vitro information on the ability of other types of chemicals to induce cholestatic hepatotoxicity is lacking. This work aimed at investigating the cholestatic potential of non-pharmaceutical chemicals using primary human hepatocytes cultured in 3D spheroids. Spheroid cultures were repeatedly (co-) exposed to drugs (cyclosporine-A, bosentan, macitentan) or non-pharmaceutical chemicals (paraquat, tartrazine, triclosan) and a concentrated mixture of bile acids for 4 weeks. Cell viability (adenosine triphosphate content) was checked every week and used to calculate the cholestatic index, an indicator of cholestatic liability. Microarray analysis was performed at specific time-points to verify the deregulation of genes related to cholestasis, steatosis and fibrosis. Despite the evident inter-donor variability, shorter exposures to cyclosporine-A consistently produced cholestatic index values below 0.80 with transcriptomic data partially supporting its cholestatic burden. Bosentan confirmed to be hepatotoxic, while macitentan was not toxic in the tested concentrations. Prolonged exposure to paraquat suggested fibrotic potential, while triclosan markedly deregulated genes involved in different types of hepatotoxicity. These results support the applicability of primary human hepatocyte spheroids to study hepatotoxicity of non-pharmaceutical chemicals in vitro.
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Meng F, Khoso MH, Kang K, He Q, Cao Y, Jiang X, Xiao W, Li D. FGF21 ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by multiple mechanisms. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7153-7163. [PMID: 34536190 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06707-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous study reports that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) could ameliorate hepatic fibrosis, but its mechanisms have not been fully investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, three models were used to investigate the mechanism by which FGF21 alleviates liver fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis animal models were respectively induced by CCL4 and dimethylnitrosamine. Our results demonstrated that liver index and liver function were deteriorated in both models. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's staining showed that the damaged tissue architectonics were observed in the mice of both models. Treatment with FGF21 significantly ameliorated these changes. ELISA analysis showed that the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly elevated in both models. However, administration of FGF21 significantly reduced these inflammatory cytokines. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with FGF21 significantly decreased mRNA and protein expressions of collagenI, α-SMA and TGF-β. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) stimulant was used to establish the experimental cell model in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that the expression of collagenI and α-SMA were significantly upregulated by this stimulant in model group. Interestingly, our results showed that mRNA and protein expressions of leptin were also significantly induced in PDGF-BB treated HSCs. Administration of FGF21 significantly reduced leptin expression in a dose dependent manner and these effects were reversed in siRNA (against β-klotho) transfected HSCs. Furthermore, the leptin signaling pathways related protein p-ERK/t-ERK, p-STAT3/STAT3 and TGF-β were significantly downregulated by FGF21 treatment in a dose dependent manner. The expressions of SOCS3 and Nrf-2 were enhanced by treatment with FGF21. The underlying mechanism may be that FGF21 regulates leptin-STAT3 axis via Nrf-2 and SOCS3 pathway in activated HSCs. CONCLUSIONS FGF21 ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanrui Meng
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Mir Hassan Khoso
- Department of Biochemistry, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan
| | - Kai Kang
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Qi He
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yukai Cao
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | | | - Wei Xiao
- Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical CO. LTD, Jiangsu, Lianyungang, State Key Laboratory of New-Tech for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process, Jiangsu, 220000, China.
| | - Deshan Li
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.
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Kim SK, Kim YH, Park S, Cho SW. Organoid engineering with microfluidics and biomaterials for liver, lung disease, and cancer modeling. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:37-51. [PMID: 33711526 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
As life expectancy improves and the number of people suffering from various diseases increases, the need for developing effective personalized disease models is rapidly rising. The development of organoid technology has led to better recapitulation of the in vivo environment of organs, and can overcome the constraints of existing disease models. However, for more precise disease modeling, engineering approaches such as microfluidics and biomaterials, that aid in mimicking human physiology, need to be integrated with the organoid models. In this review, we introduce key elements for disease modeling and recent engineering advances using both liver and lung organoids. Due to the importance of personalized medicine, we also emphasize patient-derived cancer organoid models and their engineering approaches. These organoid-based disease models combined with microfluidics, biomaterials, and co-culture systems will provide a powerful research platform for understanding disease mechanisms and developing precision medicine; enabling preclinical drug screening and drug development. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The development of organoid technology has led to better recapitulation of the in vivo environment of organs, and can overcome the constraints of existing disease models. However, for more precise disease modeling, engineering approaches such as microfluidics and biomaterials, that aid in mimicking human physiology, need to be integrated with the organoid models. In this review, we introduce liver, lung, and cancer organoids integrated with various engineering approaches as a novel platform for personalized disease modeling. These engineered organoid-based disease models will provide a powerful research platform for understanding disease mechanisms and developing precision medicine.
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Lagares D, Hinz B. Animal and Human Models of Tissue Repair and Fibrosis: An Introduction. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2299:277-290. [PMID: 34028750 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1382-5_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Reductionist cell culture systems are not only convenient but essential to understand molecular mechanisms of myofibroblast activation and action in carefully controlled conditions. However, tissue myofibroblasts do not act in isolation and the complexity of tissue repair and fibrosis in humans cannot be captured even by the most elaborate culture models. Over the past five decades, numerous animal models have been developed to study different aspects of myofibroblast biology and interactions with other cells and extracellular matrix. The underlying principles can be broadly classified into: (1) organ injury by trauma such as prototypical full thickness skin wounds or burns; (2) mechanical challenges, such as pressure overload of the heart by ligature of the aorta or the pulmonary vein; (3) toxic injury, such as administration of bleomycin to lungs and carbon tetrachloride to the liver; (4) organ infection with viruses, bacteria, and parasites, such as nematode infections of liver; (5) cytokine and inflammatory models, including local delivery or viral overexpression of active transforming growth factor beta; (6) "lifestyle" and metabolic models such as high-fat diet; and (7) various genetic models. We will briefly summarize the most widely used mouse models used to study myofibroblasts in tissue repair and fibrosis as well as genetic tools for manipulating myofibroblast repair functions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lagares
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Cranberry (Vacinium macrocarpon) phytochemicals inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. FOOD BIOSCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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112
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Wang H, Che J, Cui K, Zhuang W, Li H, Sun J, Chen J, Wang C. Schisantherin A ameliorates liver fibrosis through TGF-β1mediated activation of TAK1/MAPK and NF-κB pathways in vitro and in vivo. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 88:153609. [PMID: 34126414 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUD Schisandra chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine for liver protection, can significantly improve liver fibrosis. However, it is still unclear which active components in Schisandra chinensis play an anti-fibrosis role. PURPOSE The purpose of present study was to observe the anti-fibrosis effect of schisantherin A (SCA) on liver fibrosis and explore its underlying mechanism. METHODS The liver fibrosis model of mice was constructed by the progressive intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA), and SCA (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) was administered by gavage for 5 weeks. The biochemical indicators and inflammatory cytokines were measured, changes in the pathology of the mice liver were observed by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Masson stainings for studying the anti-fibrosis effect of SCA. A hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation model induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was established, and the effect of SCA on the HSCs proliferation was observed by MTT assay. The expressions of target proteins related to transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways were evaluated by western blotting, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence analysis, to explore the potential mechanism of SCA. RESULTS SCA could significantly ameliorate the pathological changes of liver tissue induced by TAA, and reduce the serum transaminase level, the hydroxyproline level and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1A1 (COL1A1) proteins in the liver tissue. SCA could significantly lower the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum and liver tissue, and down-regulate the expression of target proteins related to TAK1/MAPK and NF-κB pathways in the liver tissue. The in vitro studies demonstrated that SCA significantly inhibited the proliferation and activation of HCS-T6 cells induced by TGF-β1, decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and inhibited the TAK1 activation induced by TGF-β1 and then the expression of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins. CONCLUSION Together, SCA can ameliorate the liver fibrosis induced by TAA and the HSC-T6 cell activation induced by TGF-β1 in mice, and its mechanism may be to inhibit the HSCs activation and inflammatory response by inhibiting TGF-β1 mediated TAK1/MAPK and signal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haili Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin Province, 132013, China
| | - Jinying Che
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin Province, 132013, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin Province, 132013, China
| | - Wenyue Zhuang
- Department of Molecular Biology Test Technique, College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin Province, 132013, China
| | - He Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin Province, 132013, China
| | - Jinghui Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin Province, 132013, China
| | - Jianguang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin Province, 132013, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin Province, 132013, China.
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Yang J, Gong Y, Xu W, Li L, Shi Z, Wang Q, He Y, Zhang C, Luo C, Fang Z, Yang Y. Smad3 gene C-terminal phosphorylation site mutation exacerbates CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrogenesis by promoting pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2021; 394:1779-1786. [PMID: 34191114 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-021-02114-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Current researches have confirmed that Smads, mediators of TGF-β signaling, are strictly controlled by domain-specific site phosphorylation in the process of hepatic disease. Usually, Smad3 phospho-isoform pSmad3L and pSmad3C are reversible and antagonistic; pSmad2L/C could act together with pSmad3L by stimulating PAI-1 expression and ECM synthesis to transmit fibrogenic signals. Our recent study found that pSmad3C mutation is supposed to perform a vigorous role on the early phase of liver injury and abates salvianolic acid B's anti-hepatic fibrotic-carcinogenesis. However, whether pSmad3C mutation expedites pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction during hepatic fibrogenesis remains vague. Presently, Smad3 gene C-terminal phosphorylation site mutation heterozygote (pSmad3C+/-) mice were constructed to probe if and how pSmad3C retards CCl4-induced hepatic fibrogenesis by inhibiting pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction. Twelve 6-week-old pSmad3C+/- C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injection with CCl4 for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrogenesis. Results showed that pSmad3C mutation aggravates the relative liver weight, biochemical parameters, collagenous fibers and fibrotic septa formation, contributes to fibrogenesis in HT-CCl4 mice. Furthermore, fibrotic-related proteins TGF-β1, pSmad2C, pSmad2L, and PAI-1 were also increased in CCl4-induced pSmad3C+/- mice. These results suggest that pSmad3C mutation exacerbates hepatic fibrogenesis which relates to intensifying pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhenghao Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yinghao He
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chenchen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhirui Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Vasse GF, Nizamoglu M, Heijink IH, Schlepütz M, van Rijn P, Thomas MJ, Burgess JK, Melgert BN. Macrophage-stroma interactions in fibrosis: biochemical, biophysical, and cellular perspectives. J Pathol 2021; 254:344-357. [PMID: 33506963 PMCID: PMC8252758 DOI: 10.1002/path.5632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis results from aberrant wound healing and is characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix, impairing the function of an affected organ. Increased deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, disruption of matrix degradation, but also abnormal post-translational modifications alter the biochemical composition and biophysical properties of the tissue microenvironment - the stroma. Macrophages are known to play an important role in wound healing and tissue repair, but the direct influence of fibrotic stroma on macrophage behaviour is still an under-investigated element in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In this review, the current knowledge on interactions between macrophages and (fibrotic) stroma will be discussed from biochemical, biophysical, and cellular perspectives. Furthermore, we provide future perspectives with regard to how macrophage-stroma interactions can be examined further to ultimately facilitate more specific targeting of these interactions in the treatment of fibrosis. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenda F Vasse
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenBiomedical Engineering Department‐FB40GroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials ScienceGroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular PharmacologyGroningen Research Institute for PharmacyGroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)GroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)GroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenDepartment of Pathology and Medical BiologyGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Irene H Heijink
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)GroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenDepartment of Pathology and Medical BiologyGroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenDepartment of PulmonologyGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Marco Schlepütz
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases ResearchBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KGBiberach an der RissGermany
| | - Patrick van Rijn
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenBiomedical Engineering Department‐FB40GroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials ScienceGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Matthew J Thomas
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases ResearchBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KGBiberach an der RissGermany
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials ScienceGroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)GroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenDepartment of Pathology and Medical BiologyGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular PharmacologyGroningen Research Institute for PharmacyGroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)GroningenThe Netherlands
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115
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Extracellular Vesicles in Organ Fibrosis: Mechanisms, Therapies, and Diagnostics. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071596. [PMID: 34202136 PMCID: PMC8305303 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the unrelenting deposition of excessively large amounts of insoluble interstitial collagen due to profound matrigenic activities of wound-associated myofibroblasts during chronic injury in diverse tissues and organs. It is a highly debilitating pathology that affects millions of people globally and leads to decreased function of vital organs and increased risk of cancer and end-stage organ disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced within the chronic wound environment have emerged as important vehicles for conveying pro-fibrotic signals between many of the cell types involved in driving the fibrotic response. On the other hand, EVs from sources such as stem cells, uninjured parenchymal cells, and circulation have in vitro and in vivo anti-fibrotic activities that have provided novel and much-needed therapeutic options. Finally, EVs in body fluids of fibrotic individuals contain cargo components that may have utility as fibrosis biomarkers, which could circumvent current obstacles to fibrosis measurement in the clinic, allowing fibrosis stage, progression, or regression to be determined in a manner that is accurate, safe, minimally-invasive, and conducive to repetitive testing. This review highlights the rapid and recent progress in our understanding of EV-mediated fibrotic pathogenesis, anti-fibrotic therapy, and fibrosis staging in the lung, kidney, heart, liver, pancreas, and skin.
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116
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Wu HY, Zhang XC, Jia BB, Cao Y, Yan K, Li JY, Tao L, Jie ZG, Liu QW. Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells alleviate acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure through activating ERK and IGF-1R/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. J Pharmacol Sci 2021; 147:143-155. [PMID: 34294366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes (hUCMSC-Exo) in acute liver failure (ALF) in mice as well as its underlying mechanism. We found that a single tail vein administration of hucMSC-Exo effectively enhanced the survival rate, inhibited apoptosis in hepatocytes, and improved liver function in APAP-induced mouse model of ALF. Furthermore, the deletion of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), generation of malondialdehyde (MDA), and the over production of cytochrome P450 E1 (CYP2E1) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) caused by APAP were also inhibited by hucMSC-Exo, indicating that hucMSC-Exo inhibited APAP-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes by reducing oxidative stress. Moreover, hucMSC-Exo significantly down-regulated the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in APAP-treated livers. Western blot showed that hucMSC-Exo significantly promoted the activation of ERK1/2 and IGF-1R/PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in APAP-injured LO2 cells, resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis of LO2 cells. Importantly, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 could reverse the function of hucMSC-Exo on APAP-injured LO2 cells in some extent. Our results suggest that hucMSC-Exo offer antioxidant hepatoprotection against APAP in vitro and in vivo by inhibitiing oxidative stress-induced apoptosis via upregulation of ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-You Wu
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China
| | - Xiang-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Bing-Bing Jia
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310013, PR China
| | - Ye Cao
- Information Engineering School of NanChang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China
| | - Kai Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of NanChang University, NanChang, 330006, PR China
| | - Jing-Yuan Li
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Science, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Li Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Zhi-Gang Jie
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Quan-Wen Liu
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China.
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117
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Zhang WJ, Chen SJ, Zhou SC, Wu SZ, Wang H. Inflammasomes and Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:643149. [PMID: 34177893 PMCID: PMC8226128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.643149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final common pathway of inflammatory diseases in various organs. The inflammasomes play an important role in the progression of fibrosis as innate immune receptors. There are four main members of the inflammasomes, such as NOD-like receptor protein 1 (NLRP1), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), NOD-like receptor C4 (NLRC4), and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), among which NLRP3 inflammasome is the most studied. NLRP3 inflammasome is typically composed of NLRP3, ASC and pro-caspase-1. The activation of inflammasome involves both "classical" and "non-classical" pathways and the former pathway is better understood. The "classical" activation pathway of inflammasome is that the backbone protein is activated by endogenous/exogenous stimulation, leading to inflammasome assembly. After the formation of "classic" inflammasome, pro-caspase-1 could self-activate. Caspase-1 cleaves cytokine precursors into mature cytokines, which are secreted extracellularly. At present, the "non-classical" activation pathway of inflammasome has not formed a unified model for activation process. This article reviews the role of NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2 inflammasome, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and IL-33 in the fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shu-Juan Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shun-Chang Zhou
- Department of Experimental Animals, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Su-Zhen Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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118
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Wu X, Shu L, Zhang Z, Li J, Zong J, Cheong LY, Ye D, Lam KSL, Song E, Wang C, Xu A, Hoo RLC. Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein Promotes the Onset and Progression of Liver Fibrosis via Mediating the Crosstalk between Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Hepatic Stellate Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2003721. [PMID: 34105268 PMCID: PMC8188197 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Development of liver fibrosis results in drastic changes in the liver microenvironment, which in turn accelerates disease progression. Although the pathological function of various hepatic cells in fibrogenesis is identified, the crosstalk between them remains obscure. The present study demonstrates that hepatic expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) is induced especially in the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in mice after bile duct ligation (BDL). Genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of A-FABP attenuate BDL- or carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice associating with reduced collagen accumulation, LSEC capillarization, and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Mechanistically, elevated A-FABP promotes LSEC capillarization by activating Hedgehog signaling, thus impairs the gatekeeper function of LSEC on HSC activation. LSEC-derived A-FABP also acts on HSCs in paracrine manner to potentiate the transactivation of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) by activating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/c-Jun signaling. Elevated TGFβ1 subsequently exaggerates liver fibrosis. These findings uncover a novel pathological mechanism of liver fibrosis in which LSEC-derived A-FABP is a key regulator modulating the onset and progression of the disease. Targeting A-FABP may represent a potential approach against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Department of Pharmacology and PharmacyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Lingling Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Department of MedicineLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Department of Pharmacology and PharmacyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Pharmacology and PharmacyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Jiuyu Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Department of Pharmacology and PharmacyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Lai Yee Cheong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Department of MedicineLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Dewei Ye
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong and Hong Kong on Metabolic DiseasesGuangdong Pharmaceutical UniversityGuangzhou510000China
| | - Karen S. L. Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Department of MedicineLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Erfei Song
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510630China
| | - Cunchuan Wang
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510630China
| | - Aimin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Department of Pharmacology and PharmacyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Department of MedicineLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Ruby L. C. Hoo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Department of Pharmacology and PharmacyLKS Faculty of Medicinethe University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- HKU‐Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU‐SIRI)Shenzhen518057China
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119
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El-Gendy ZA, El-Marasy SA, Ahmed RF, El-Batran SA, Abd El-Rahman SS, Ramadan A, Youssef SAH. Hepatoprotective effect of Saccharomyces Cervisciae Cell Wall Extract against thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07159. [PMID: 34159266 PMCID: PMC8203708 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis represents a common outcome of almost all chronic liver diseases and leads to an impairment of liver function that requires medical intervention. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of Saccharomyces cervisciae cell wall extract (SCCWE) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats (200mg/kg b.w. i.p. twice weekly for 6 weeks) using Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) as a reference anti-fibrotic product. SCCWE at two doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the rise in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamide transferase (GGT) activities, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin, increased total protein and albumin. SCCWE significantly reduced glutathione depletion (GSH), Nitric oxide (NOx) and malondialdehyde (MDA), thioredoxin (Trx) contents and elevated nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf-2) content. Its anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed by observing a decrease in nuclear factor-κB (NF- κβ), interleukin-1b (IL-1β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) content. The anti-fibrotic effects of SCCWE were explored by assessing fibrosis related markers as it significantly reduced transform growth factor-β (TGF-β) and autotaxin (ATX) contents. Administration of SCCWE significantly decreased matrix metalloproteinase-3 and 9 (MMP-3 and -9). Furthermore, it also decreased alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and caspase-3 as assessed immunohistochemically those results were similar to that of the standard drug UDCA. This study shows that SCCWE protects against TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats, through attenuating oxidative stress, and inflammation, ameliorating MMPs, combating apoptosis and thereby fibrotic biomarkers in addition to improving histopathological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rania F Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Sahar S Abd El-Rahman
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - A Ramadan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - S A H Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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120
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Bram Y, Nguyen DHT, Gupta V, Park J, Richardson C, Chandar V, Schwartz RE. Cell and Tissue Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Liver Disease. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2021; 23:517-546. [PMID: 33974812 PMCID: PMC8864721 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-112619-044026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Liver disease is an important clinical problem, impacting 600 million people worldwide. It is the 11th-leading cause of death in the world. Despite constant improvement in treatment and diagnostics, the aging population and accumulated risk factors led to increased morbidity due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis. Liver transplantation, first established in the 1960s, is the second-most-common solid organ transplantation and is the gold standard for the treatment of liver failure. However, less than 10% of the global need for liver transplantation is met at the current rates of transplantation due to the paucity of available organs. Cell- and tissue-based therapies present an alternative to organ transplantation. This review surveys the approaches and tools that have been developed, discusses the distinctive challenges that exist for cell- and tissue-based therapies, and examines the future directions of regenerative therapies for the treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Bram
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Duc-Huy T Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Vikas Gupta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Jiwoon Park
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chanel Richardson
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Vasuretha Chandar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Robert E Schwartz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; .,Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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121
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Tabernilla A, dos Santos Rodrigues B, Pieters A, Caufriez A, Leroy K, Van Campenhout R, Cooreman A, Gomes AR, Arnesdotter E, Gijbels E, Vinken M. In Vitro Liver Toxicity Testing of Chemicals: A Pragmatic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5038. [PMID: 34068678 PMCID: PMC8126138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22095038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is among the most frequently targeted organs by noxious chemicals of diverse nature. Liver toxicity testing using laboratory animals not only raises serious ethical questions, but is also rather poorly predictive of human safety towards chemicals. Increasing attention is, therefore, being paid to the development of non-animal and human-based testing schemes, which rely to a great extent on in vitro methodology. The present paper proposes a rationalized tiered in vitro testing strategy to detect liver toxicity triggered by chemicals, in which the first tier is focused on assessing general cytotoxicity, while the second tier is aimed at identifying liver-specific toxicity as such. A state-of-the-art overview is provided of the most commonly used in vitro assays that can be used in both tiers. Advantages and disadvantages of each assay as well as overall practical considerations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.T.); (B.d.S.R.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (K.L.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.G.); (E.A.); (E.G.)
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122
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Li R, Mao Z, Ye X, Zuo T. Human Gut Microbiome and Liver Diseases: From Correlation to Causation. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051017. [PMID: 34066850 PMCID: PMC8151257 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The important role of human gut microbiota in liver diseases has long been recognized as dysbiosis and the translocation of certain microbes from the gut to liver. With the development of high-throughput DNA sequencing, the complexity and integrity of the gut microbiome in the whole spectrum of liver diseases is emerging. Specific patterns of gut microbiota have been identified in liver diseases with different causes, including alcoholic, non-alcoholic, and virus induced liver diseases, or even at different stages, ranging from steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, to hepatocellular carcinoma. At the same time, the mechanism of how microbiota contributes to liver diseases goes beyond the traditional function of the gut–liver axis which could lead to liver injury and inflammation. With the application of proteomics, metabolomics, and modern molecular technologies, more microbial metabolites and the complicated interaction of microbiota with host immunity come into our understanding in the liver pathogenesis. Germ-free animal models serve as a workhorse to test the function of microbiota and their derivatives in liver disease models. Here, we review the current evidence on the relationship between gut microbiota and liver diseases, and the mechanisms underlying this phenotype. In addition to original liver diseases, gut microbiota might also affect liver injury in systemic disorders involving multiple organs, as in the case of COVID-19 at a severe state. A better understanding of the gut microbial contribution to liver diseases might help us better benefit from this guest–host relationship and pave the way for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (T.Z.); Tel.: +86-13-62-86-35-351 (R.L.); +86-13-24-20-77-365 (T.Z.)
| | - Zhengsheng Mao
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China;
| | - Xujun Ye
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Tao Zuo
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (T.Z.); Tel.: +86-13-62-86-35-351 (R.L.); +86-13-24-20-77-365 (T.Z.)
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Cai S, Wu L, Yuan S, Liu G, Wang Y, Fang L, Xu D. Carvacrol alleviates liver fibrosis by inhibiting TRPM7 and modulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 898:173982. [PMID: 33647257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a compensatory response to the tissue repair process. The activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are thought to be related to the occurrence of hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs is a key step in alleviating liver fibrosis. As a non-specific inhibitor of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), carvacrol has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatic fibrosis activities. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of carvacrol on liver fibrosis and related molecular mechanisms. A CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB)-activated HSC-T6 cells (a rat hepatic stellate cell line) were employed for in vivo and in vitro experiments. C57BL/6J mice were orally administered different concentrations of carvacrol every day for 6 weeks during the development of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The results show that carvacrol could effectively reduce liver damage and the progression of liver fibrosis in mice, which are expressed as fibrotic markers levels were reduced and histopathological characteristics were improved. Moreover, carvacrol inhibited the proliferation and activation of HSC-T6 cells induced by PDGF-BB. In addition, it was found that carvacrol inhibits the expression of TRPM7 and mediated through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Collectively, our study shows that carvacrol can reduce liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, and the MAPK signaling pathway might be involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Cai
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Siyu Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guofang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yalu Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Dujuan Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Yan L, Zhang X, Fu J, Liu Q, Lei X, Cao Z, Zhang J, Shao Y, Tong Q, Qin W, Liu X, Liu C, Liu Z, Li Z, Lu J, Xu X. Inhibition of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 channel attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 558:86-93. [PMID: 33906111 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) is a member of the TRP superfamily. Previous studies have demonstrated that TRPV3 is associated with myocardial fibrosis. However, the role of TRPV3 in hepatic fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying effects of TRPV3 on hepatic fibrosis at multiple biological levels. First, immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine TRPV3 expression in human hepatic cirrhosis tissues. Then, we established a CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model. The TRPV3 selective agonist drofenine and its inhibitor, forsythoside B, were intraperitoneally injected to investigate the relationship between TRPV3 and liver fibrosis progression. Finally, in vitro studies were performed using hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to discover the potential molecular biological mechanisms. Immunohistochemistry revealed TRPV3 overexpression in liver cirrhosis. In the liver fibrosis groups, TRPV3 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced liver fibrosis, while TRPV3 agonist exacerbated its progression. In HSCs, knocking down TRPV3 with siRNA impaired DNA synthesis and cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of TRPV3 could reduce the lectin like oxidized lowdensity lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) protein levels. Our research suggests that lower expression or functional levels of TRPV3 can ameliorate the inflammatory response and fibrotic tissue proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likun Yan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jie Fu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xiaohua Lei
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zhenyu Cao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Ju Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yaoli Shao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Qing Tong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Wei Qin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xinxu Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chun Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zhenghao Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jueliang Lu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xundi Xu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Department of General Surgery. Pinghu Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, China.
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Zhou J, Zhang X, Wan L, Yu J, Li T, Lu Z, Fang N, Sun L, Ye F. Zi Qi Decoction Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)-Related Nuclear Factor kappa b (NF-κB) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Signaling Pathways. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e929438. [PMID: 33850093 PMCID: PMC8054620 DOI: 10.12659/msm.929438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a vital role in hepatic fibrogenesis. Our recent clinical study indicated that the Zi Qi decoction, a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, exhibited good efficacy in alleviating liver fibrosis, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Material/Methods Rats repeatedly injected with CCl4 and cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide were used as in vivo and in vitro models for liver fibrosis, respectively. The viability of LX-2 cells was evaluated with MTT assay. Relative messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of representative extracellular matrix (ECM) components was detected with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Moreover, total and phosphorylation levels of ECM proteins and pathway-related proteins were detected with western blotting. Immunofluorescent staining was used to show the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) p65. Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Masson trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the extent of liver fibrosis. The levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), Hyp, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were tested with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, 7.0T micro-magnetic resonance imaging (micro-MRI) was used to evaluate the severity of hepatic damage. Results The Zi Qi decoction inhibited lipopolysaccharide-mediated upregulation of mRNA and protein levels of representative ECM proteins both in vivo and in vitro. The Zi Qi decoction also suppressed activation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-related NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently inhibited the nuclear translocation of activated NF-κB. Moreover, another TLR4 downstream pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), was simultaneously restrained. The results of liver pathology and MRI in rat models also suggested the efficacy of the Zi Qi decoction in attenuating liver damage. Conclusions The Zi Qi decoction inhibited liver fibrosis by inhibiting the TLR4-related NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways and preventing activation of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaolong Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Lingfeng Wan
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Jun Yu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Tianci Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Ziyu Lu
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Nanyuan Fang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Lixia Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Fang Ye
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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Yang B, Zhang J, Sun L, Huang T, Kong Y, Li L, Sun Z, Yin M, Li X. Mapping Novel Biomarkers of Liver Injury by Tissue Proteomic Analysis. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:7127-7138. [PMID: 33748626 PMCID: PMC7970576 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Liver damage is a dynamic process, and evaluation of liver injury degree is the key step in disease diagnosis. However, few common markers among different types of liver injury have been reported. Herein, we generated three liver injury mouse models, including Con A-induced, CCl4-injected, and subjected bile duct ligation mouse models, to simulate different types of liver damage in humans and then performed a label-free mass spectrometry to identify differentially expressed proteins in liver tissues. Interestingly, two proteins, G3BP and ABCC6, were conserved regulated in different liver injury models and are proposed to be biomarkers in liver injury, with G3BP upregulated and ABCC6 downregulated. Overall, our study identified two novel biomarkers of liver injury, and they might be used as potential drug targets of liver damage research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences,
School of Life Sciences, East China Normal
University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic
Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jianan Zhang
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic
Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Le Sun
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic
Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tingmei Huang
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences,
School of Life Sciences, East China Normal
University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yaqi Kong
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences,
School of Life Sciences, East China Normal
University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lei Li
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences,
School of Life Sciences, East China Normal
University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhengwang Sun
- Department
of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fudan University
Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mengchen Yin
- Department
of Orthopaedics, LongHua Hospital, Shanghai
University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaotao Li
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences,
School of Life Sciences, East China Normal
University, Shanghai 200241, China
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Yan L, Messner CJ, Zhang X, Suter-Dick L. Assessment of fibrotic pathways induced by environmental chemicals using 3D-human liver microtissue model. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110679. [PMID: 33387535 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental chemicals, particularly those with persistent and bioaccumulative properties have been linked to liver diseases. Induction of fibrotic pathways is considered as a pre-requirement of chemical induced liver fibrosis. Here, we applied 3D in vitro human liver microtissues (MTs) composed of HepaRG, THP-1 and hTERT-HSC that express relevant hepatic pathways (bile acid, sterol, and xenobiotic metabolism) and can recapitulate key events of liver fibrosis (e.g. extracellular matrix-deposition). The liver MTs were exposed to a known profibrotic chemical, thioacetamide (TAA) and three representative environmental chemicals (TCDD, benzo [a] pyrene (BaP) and PCB126). Both TAA and BaP triggered fibrotic pathway related events such as hepatocellular damage (cytotoxicity and decreased albumin release), hepatic stellate cell activation (transcriptional upregulation of α-SMA and Col1α1) and extracellular matrix remodelling. TCDD or PCB126 at measured concentrations did not elicit these responses in the 3D liver MTs system, though they caused cytotoxicity in HepaRG monoculture at high concentrations. Reduced human transcriptome (RHT) analysis captured molecular responses involved in liver fibrosis when MTs were treated with TAA and BaP. The results suggest that 3D, multicellular, human liver microtissues represent an alternative, human-relevant, in vitro liver model for assessing fibrotic pathways induced by environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Catherine Jane Messner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, 4132, Switzerland; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, 4003, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), 4056, Switzerland
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
| | - Laura Suter-Dick
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, 4132, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), 4056, Switzerland
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Abstract
Since it was first described by the German anatomist and histologist, Joseph Hugo Vincenz Disse, the structure and functions of the space of Disse, a thin perisinusoidal area between the endothelial cells and hepatocytes filled with blood plasma, have acquired great importance in liver disease. The space of Disse is home for the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the major fibrogenic players in the liver. Quiescent HSCs (qHSCs) store vitamin A, and upon activation they lose their retinol reservoir and become activated. Activated HSCs (aHSCs) are responsible for secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) into the space of Disse. This early event in hepatic injury is accompanied by loss of the pores—known as fenestrations—of the endothelial cells, triggering loss of balance between the blood flow and the hepatocyte, and underlies the link between fibrosis and organ dysfunction. If the imbalance persists, the expansion of the fibrotic scar followed by the vascularized septae leads to cirrhosis and/or end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, researchers have been focused on finding therapeutic targets that reduce fibrosis. The space of Disse provides the perfect microenvironment for the stem cells niche in the liver and the interchange of nutrients between cells. In the present review article, we focused on the space of Disse, its components and its leading role in liver disease development.
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Apigenin Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Autophagy via TGF- β1/Smad3 and p38/PPAR α Pathways. PPAR Res 2021; 2021:6651839. [PMID: 33574836 PMCID: PMC7861947 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6651839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to confirm the hepatocellular protective functions of apigenin and the molecular mechanism on liver fibrosis in mice. Methods Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and bile duct ligature (BDL) mouse fibrosis models were used to investigate the effects of apigenin on liver fibrosis. Sixty-six male C57 mice were randomly divided into eight groups, including the vehicle group, CCl4 group, CCl4+L-apigenin (20 mg/kg) group, CCl4+H-apigenin (40 mg/kg) group, sham group, BDL group, BDL+L-apigenin(20 mg/kg) group, and BDL+H-apigenin(40 mg/kg) group. Serum liver enzymes (ALT and AST), proteins associated with autophagy, and indicators linked with the TGF-β1/Smad3 and p38/PPARα pathways were detected using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting. Results Our findings confirmed that apigenin could decrease the levels of ALT and AST, suppress the generation of ECM, inhibit the activation of HSCs, regulate the balance of MMP2 and TIMP1, reduce the expression of autophagy-linked protein, and restrain the TGF-β1/Smad3 and p38/PPARα pathways. Conclusion Apigenin could alleviate liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and autophagy via TGF-β1/Smad3 and p38/PPARα pathways.
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Wang X, Hu Y, Lu X, Cai Y, Shu J. Quantitative T2 mapping of rats with chronic hepatitis. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:225. [PMID: 33603834 PMCID: PMC7851601 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore the diagnostic value of T2 mapping in an experimental rat model of chronic liver disease. Chronic hepatitis was induced in Sprague-Dawley male rats (n=88) by intraperitoneal and abdominal subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride in olive oil. The normal control rats (n=12) were similarly injected with the same dose of normal saline. All rats were randomly selected and subjected to T2-weighted/spectral adiabatic inversion recovery and multiple gradient- and spin-echo sequence. After scanning, rats were sacrificed immediately and livers removed for staining with hematoxylin and eosin, as well as Masson's trichrome, to determine the pathological stage of hepatic fibrosis, necroinflammatory activity and steatosis. The T2 values were measured and associated with histopathological findings. The T2 values were significantly associated with hepatic fibrosis (P<0.05), but not with hepatitis (P>0.05) or steatosis (P>0.05). By partial correlation analysis, a significant positive correlation was observed between the T2 values and stages of liver fibrosis (r=0.820; P<0.05). T2 values increased with progressive hepatic fibrosis. The differences between T2 values and stages of liver fibrosis were statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were observed between different stages of liver fibrosis (P<0.05), with an area under the curve value of 0.944 for predicting stage F1 or greater, 0.942 for stage F2 or greater, 0.958 for stage F3 or greater, and 0.948 for F4. Thus, the T2 value is one of the quantitative indices of imaging and accurately reflects the stages of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yu Cai
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Shu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
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Yasmin A, Regan DP, Schook LB, Gaba RC, Schachtschneider KM. Transcriptional regulation of alcohol induced liver fibrosis in a translational porcine hepatocellular carcinoma model. Biochimie 2021; 182:73-84. [PMID: 33444661 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 5th most common and 2nd deadliest cancer worldwide. HCC risk factors include alcohol induced liver cirrhosis, which prompts hepatic inflammation, cell necrosis, and fibrosis deposition. As 25% of HCC cases are associated with alcohol induced liver disease, understanding the effects of the cirrhotic liver microenvironment on HCC tumor biology and therapeutic responses are critical. This study utilized the Oncopig Cancer Model-a transgenic pig model that recapitulates human HCC through induced expression of KRASG12D and TP53R167H driver mutations-to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol induced liver disease. Oncopigs (n = 5) underwent fibrosis induction via infusion of ethanol and ethiodized oil (1:3 v/v dosed at 0.75 mL/kg) into the hepatic arterial circulation. Eight-weeks post induction, liver tissue samples from fibrotic and age-matched control (n = 5) Oncopigs were collected for histological evaluation and transcriptional profiling. Increased hepatic inflammation and fibrosis was observed in fibrotic Oncopigs via pathological assessment. Transcriptional profiling (RNA-seq) resulted in the identification of 4387 differentially expressed genes between Oncopig fibrotic and control livers. GO term enrichment analysis identified pathway alterations associated with cirrhosis progression in humans, including cell proliferation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix deposition, and oxidation-reduction. Key alterations include activation of hepatic stellate cells, increased matrix metalloproteinase production, and altered expression of ABC and SLC transporter genes involved in transport of anticancer drugs.These results demonstrate Oncopig liver fibrosis recapitulates transcriptional hallmarks of human cirrhosis, making the Oncopig an ideal model for studying the effects of the cirrhotic liver microenvironment on HCC tumor biology and therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvi Yasmin
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Daniel P Regan
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University, United States
| | - Lawrence B Schook
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Ron C Gaba
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Kyle M Schachtschneider
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States.
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Yu Q, Cheng P, Wu J, Guo C. PPARγ/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad pathway are involved in the anti-fibrotic effects of levo-tetrahydropalmatine on liver fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1645-1660. [PMID: 33438347 PMCID: PMC7875896 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a necessary stage in the development of chronic liver diseases to liver cirrhosis. This study aims to investigate the anti‐fibrotic effects of levo‐tetrahydropalmatine (L‐THP) on hepatic fibrosis in mice and cell models and its underlying mechanisms. Two mouse hepatic fibrosis models were generated in male C57 mice by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 2 months and bile duct ligation (BDL) for 14 days. Levo‐tetrahydropalmatine was administered orally at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg. An activated LX2 cell model induced by TGF‐β1 was also generated. The results showed that levo‐tetrahydropalmatine alleviated liver fibrosis by inhibiting the formation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulating the balance between TIMP1 and MMP2 in the two mice liver fibrosis models and cell model. Levo‐tetrahydropalmatine inhibited activation and autophagy of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by modulating PPARγ/NF‐κB and TGF‐β1/Smad pathway in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, levo‐tetrahydropalmatine attenuated liver fibrosis by inhibiting ECM deposition and HSCs autophagy via modulation of PPARγ/NF‐κB and TGF‐β1/Smad pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- Department of Gerontology, Shanghai Minhang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Ge H, Wang A, Su Y, Yu C, Gao L, Li Y. Ameliorative effects of Qingganjiuwei powder, a traditional Mongolian medicine, against CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 264:113226. [PMID: 32829054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qingganjiuwei powder (QGJWS) is a well-known traditional drug containing nine kinds of medicinal materials. This drug is commonly used in the Inner Mongolia region and exerts remarkable clinical effects on hepatic protection. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate whether QGJWS inhibits liver fibrosis in rats and to reveal its potential mechanisms. METHODS Liver fibrosis model was induced by CCl4 for 8 weeks in SD rats. Next, rats were intragastrically administered quantum satis doses of QGJWS (0.525, 1.575, 4.725 g/kg per day) or Silymarin (SIL; 120 mg/kg per day) for 8 weeks. Afterwards, the rats were sacrificed, and serum aminotransferase (ALT and AST) levels, histopathological changes as well as the mRNA and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase1 (TIMP1), collagen type Ⅰ(COL1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), combined with phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), C-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNKs) and stress-activated protein kinase-2 (p38) protein in liver tissues were measured in each groups, respectively. RESULTS The symptoms and signs of the model rats were consistent with the diagnostic criteria of liver fibrosis. By contrast, treatment with QGJWS clearly improved the general condition of rats. Also, the morphology and structure of liver can be ameliorated, there are fewer hepatocyte necrosis and lymphocytic infiltration and pseudolobuli in QGJWS treatment groups as demonstrated by histopathological analysis, thus helping bring about lower METAVIR scores. QGJWS administration also dramatically decreased serum ALT and AST levels. Further immunohistochemistry, western blotting and Real-Time PCR analysis revealed that QGJWS significantly enhanced the mRNA and protein expression of MMP2, MMP9, and downregulated the expression levels of COL1, TIMP1 and α-SMA. Furthermore, QGJWS reduced the activities of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway in liver by inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK, JNKs and p38 proteins. CONCLUSIONS QGJWS offers notable protection against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats, which may be due to its ability to inhibited the MAPKs signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China; XiuZheng Pharmaceutical Group Company Limited, Changchun, China
| | - Anqing Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Ya Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao, China
| | - ChunLei Yu
- Research Center of Agriculture and Medicine Gene Engineering of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.
| | - Lu Gao
- XiuZheng Pharmaceutical Group Company Limited, Changchun, China.
| | - Yuxin Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.
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Carmona-Hidalgo B, González-Mariscal I, García-Martín A, Prados ME, Ruiz-Pino F, Appendino G, Tena-Sempere M, Muñoz E. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid markedly alleviates liver fibrosis and inflammation in mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 81:153426. [PMID: 33341026 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the Western world, and it is closely associated to obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Medicinal cannabis and some neutral cannabinoids have been suggested as a potential therapy for liver diseases. HYPOTHESIS Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), the non-psychotropic precursor of Δ9-THC, is one of the most abundant cannabinoids presents in Cannabis Sativa. However, its biological activities have been poorly investigated. Herein, we studied the antifibrotic and antiinflammatory activities of Δ9-THCA in two different animal models of liver injury, providing a rationale for additional studies on the medicinal use of this cannabinoid in the treatment of liver fibrosis and the management of NAFLD. STUDY DESIGN The antifibrotic activity of Δ9-THCA in vitro was investigated in the cell lines LX-2 and NIH-3T3-Col1A2-luc. Non-alcoholic liver fibrosis was induced in mice by CCl4 treatment or, alternatively, by 23-week high fat diet (HFD) feeding. Δ9-THCA was administered daily intraperitoneally during the CCl4 treatment or during the last 3 weeks in HFD-fed mice. METHODS TGFβ-induced profibrotic gene expression was analyzed by luciferase and qPCR assays. Liver fibrosis and inflammation were assessed by immunochemistry and qPCR. Blood glucose, insulin, leptin and triglyceride levels were measured in HFD mice. RESULTS Δ9-THCA inhibited the expression of Tenascin C (TNC) and Col3A1 induced by TGFβ in LX-2 cells and the transcriptional activity of the Col1A2 promoter in fibroblasts. Δ9-THCA significantly attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and inflammation and reduced T cell and macrophage infiltration. Mice fed HFD for 23 weeks developed severe obesity (DIO), fatty liver and marked liver fibrosis, accompanied by immune cell infiltration. Δ9-THCA, significantly reduced body weight and adiposity, improved glucose tolerance, and drastically attenuated DIO-induced liver fibrosis and immune cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS Δ9-THCA prevents TGFβ-induced fibrotic markers in vitro and liver inflammation and fibrogenesis in vivo, providing a rationale for additional studies on the medicinal use of this cannabinoid, as well as cannabis preparations containing it, for the treatment of liver fibrosis and the management of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Carmona-Hidalgo
- Emerald Health Biotechnology, Astrónoma Cecilia Payne (ed Centauro) s/n. floor 1. 14014. Córdoba, Spain
| | - Isabel González-Mariscal
- Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), UGC Endocrinology and Nutrition. Regional Hospital of Málaga, Hospital Civil s/n. 29009. Málaga, Spain
| | - Adela García-Martín
- Emerald Health Biotechnology, Astrónoma Cecilia Payne (ed Centauro) s/n. floor 1. 14014. Córdoba, Spain
| | - María E Prados
- Emerald Health Biotechnology, Astrónoma Cecilia Payne (ed Centauro) s/n. floor 1. 14014. Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Pino
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Menéndez Pidal s/n. 14004. Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, Km. 396. 14071. Córdoba, Spain; University Hospital Reina Sofía, Menéndez Pidal s/n. 14004. Córdoba, Spain
| | - Giovanni Appendino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani, 2. 28100. Novara, Italy
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Menéndez Pidal s/n. 14004. Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, Km. 396. 14071. Córdoba, Spain; University Hospital Reina Sofía, Menéndez Pidal s/n. 14004. Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition, Carlos III Health Institute, Menéndez Pidal s/n. 14004. Córdoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Menéndez Pidal s/n. 14004. Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, Km. 396. 14071. Córdoba, Spain; University Hospital Reina Sofía, Menéndez Pidal s/n. 14004. Córdoba, Spain.
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Liu Y, Cavallaro PM, Kim BM, Liu T, Wang H, Kühn F, Adiliaghdam F, Liu E, Vasan R, Samarbafzadeh E, Farber MZ, Li J, Xu M, Mohad V, Choi M, Hodin RA. A role for intestinal alkaline phosphatase in preventing liver fibrosis. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:14-26. [PMID: 33391458 PMCID: PMC7681079 DOI: 10.7150/thno.48468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Liver fibrosis is frequently associated with gut barrier dysfunction, and the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) -TLR4 pathway is common to the development of both. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) has the ability to detoxify LPS, as well as maintain intestinal tight junction proteins and gut barrier integrity. Therefore, we hypothesized that IAP may function as a novel therapy to prevent liver fibrosis. Methods: Stool IAP activity from cirrhotic patients were determined. Common bile duct ligation (CBDL) and Carbon Tetrachloride-4 (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis models were used in WT, IAP knockout (KO), and TLR4 KO mice supplemented with or without exogenous IAP in their drinking water. The gut barrier function and liver fibrosis markers were tested. Results: Human stool IAP activity was decreased in the setting of liver cirrhosis. In mice, IAP activity and genes expression decreased after CBDL and CCl4 exposure. Intestinal tight junction related genes and gut barrier function were impaired in both models of liver fibrosis. Oral IAP supplementation attenuated the decrease in small intestine tight junction protein gene expression and gut barrier function. Liver fibrosis markers were significantly higher in IAP KO compared to WT mice in both models, while oral IAP rescued liver fibrosis in both WT and IAP KO mice. In contrast, IAP supplementation did not attenuate fibrosis in TLR4 KO mice in either model. Conclusions: Endogenous IAP is decreased during liver fibrosis, perhaps contributing to the gut barrier dysfunction and worsening fibrosis. Oral IAP protects the gut barrier and further prevents the development of liver fibrosis via a TLR4-mediated mechanism.
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Zhang H, Zahid A, Ismail H, Tang Y, Jin T, Tao J. An overview of disease models for NLRP3 inflammasome over-activation. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:429-446. [PMID: 33131335 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1844179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Inflammatory reactions, including those mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome, maintain the body's homeostasis by removing pathogens, repairing damaged tissues, and adapting to stressed environments. However, uncontrolled activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome tends to cause various diseases using different mechanisms. Recently, many inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome have been reported and many are being developed. In order to assess their efficacy, specificity, and mechanism of action, the screening process of inhibitors requires various types of cell and animal models of NLRP3-associated diseases.Areas covered: In the following review, the authors give an overview of the cell and animal models that have been used during the research and development of various inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome.Expert opinion: There are many NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, but most of the inhibitors have poor specificity and often influence other inflammatory pathways. The potential risk for cross-reaction is high; therefore, the development of highly specific inhibitors is essential. The selection of appropriate cell and animal models, and combined use of different models for the evaluation of these inhibitors can help to clarify the target specificity and therapeutic effects, which is beneficial for the development and application of drugs targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ayesha Zahid
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hazrat Ismail
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Anhui Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science. Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale. University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yujie Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhui Tao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Nathwani R, Mullish BH, Kockerling D, Forlano R, Manousou P, Dhar A. A Review of Liver Fibrosis and Emerging Therapies. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/10310892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasing burden of liver cirrhosis, the most advanced stage of hepatic fibrosis, there is a need to better understand the pathological processes and mechanisms to target specific treatments to reverse or cease fibrosis progression. Antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C has effectively treated underlying causes of chronic liver disease and has induced fibrosis reversal in some; however, this has not been targeted for the majority of aetiologies for cirrhosis including alcohol or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Fibrosis, characterised by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, is caused by chronic injury from toxic, infectious, or metabolic causes. The primary event of fibrogenesis is increased matrix production and scar formation mediated by the hepatic stellate cell, which is the principal cell type involved. Experimental models using rodent and human cell lines of liver injury have assisted in better understanding of fibrogenesis, especially in recognising the role of procoagulant factors. This has led to interventional studies using anticoagulants in animal models with reversal of fibrosis as the primary endpoint. Though these trials have been encouraging, no antifibrotic therapies are currently licenced for human use. This literature review discusses current knowledge in the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis, including characteristics of the extracellular matrix, signalling pathways, and hepatic stellate cells. Current types of experimental models used to induce fibrosis, as well as up-to-date anticoagulant therapies and agents targeting the hepatic stellate cell that have been trialled in animal and human studies with antifibrotic properties, are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rooshi Nathwani
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin H. Mullish
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Kockerling
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Roberta Forlano
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Pinelopi Manousou
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ameet Dhar
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Li M, Chen L, Gao Y, Li M, Wang X, Qiang L, Wang X. Recent advances targeting C-C chemokine receptor type 2 for liver diseases in monocyte/macrophage. Liver Int 2020; 40:2928-2936. [PMID: 33025657 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14687] [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: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver plays a critical role in metabolism, nutrient storage and detoxification. Emergency signals or appropriate immune response leads to pathological inflammation and breaks the steady state when liver dysfunction appears, which makes body more susceptible to chronic liver infection, autoimmune diseases and tumour. Compelling proof has illustrated the non-redundant importance of C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), one of G-protein-coupled receptors, in different diseases. Selectively expressed on the surface of cells, CCR2 is involved in various signalling pathways and regulates the migration of cells. Especially, a peculiar role of CCR2 has been identified within decades in the onset and progression of hepatic diseases, which led to particular focusing on CCR2 as a new therapeutic and diagnostic target for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the effect of CCR2 in monocytes/macrophages on liver diseases. The application and translation of the decades of discoveries into therapies promise novel approaches in the treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Biomedical Informatics Research Lab, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Big Data Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaosheng Wang
- Biomedical Informatics Research Lab, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Big Data Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Li Y, Jin C, Shen M, Wang Z, Tan S, Chen A, Wang S, Shao J, Zhang F, Zhang Z, Zheng S. Iron regulatory protein 2 is required for artemether -mediated anti-hepatic fibrosis through ferroptosis pathway. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 160:845-859. [PMID: 32947011 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the existing treatments have not cured the liver fibrosis thoroughly. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered way of cell death, which is closely related to many diseases. Previous studies have shown that ferroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis, but the further mechanism remains to be discovered. METHODS LX-2 cells were used as the research object, fibrosis activation index was detected by Western blot, PCR and Immunofluorescence, ferroptosis was detected by kits, the binding and interaction between IRP2 (iron regulatory protein 2) and STUB1 (STIP1 homology and U-box containing protein 1) were detected by Immunoprecipitation and ubiquitin test, and IRP2 knockdown mice were constructed by interfering plasmid to verify the results of in vitro experiment. RESULT Our research showed that ART (artemether) had a good anti-fibrosis effect in vivo and in vitro, and ferroptosis played an important role in this process. Further studies have found that ART could lead to the accumulation of IRP 2 a in hepatic stellate cell by inhibiting the ubiquitination of it, thus inducing the increase of iron in HSC (hepatic stellate cell), which could product a large number of ROS (reactive oxide species), resulting the occurrence of ferroptosis in cells. Our findings provided an experimental basis for ART to become a drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION Our results show that IRP2-Iron-ROS axis is necessary for ART to induce ferroptosis in HSC and play an anti-fibrotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Jin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenyi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, USA
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shandong Co-innovation Center of TCM Formula, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Myocardial Dysfunction in Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy is Associated with Alterations of Phospholamban Phosphorylation and IL-6 Levels. Arch Med Res 2020; 52:284-293. [PMID: 33220932 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreased cardiac contractility has been observed in cirrhosis, but the mechanisms that initiate and maintain cardiac dysfunction are not entirely understood. AIM OF THE STUDY We test the hypothesis that cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is related to deterioration of myocardial contractility due to alterations in calcium-handling proteins expression. In addition, we evaluated whether cardiac pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are associated with this process. METHODS Cirrhosis was induced by thioacetamide (TAA, 100 mg/kg/i.p., twice weekly for eight weeks). The myocardial performance was evaluated in isolated left ventricle papillary muscles under basal conditions and after inotropic challenge. The cardiac calcium handling protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Cardiac TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Thioacetamide induced liver cirrhosis, which was associated with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy characterized by in vivo left ventricular diastolic and systolic dysfunction as well as cardiac hypertrophy. In vitro baseline myocardial contractility was lower in cirrhosis. Also, myocardial responsiveness to post-rest contraction stimulus was declined. Protein expression for RYR2, SERCA2, NCX, pPBL Ser16 and L-type calcium channel was quantitatively unchanged; however, pPBL Thr17 was significantly lower while IL-6 was higher. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is associated with decreased cardiac contractility with alteration of phospholamban phosphorylation in association with higher cardiac pro-inflammatory IL-6 levels. These findings provided molecular and functional insights about the effects of liver cirrhosis on cardiac function.
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Tang G, Seume N, Häger C, Kumstel S, Abshagen K, Bleich A, Vollmar B, Talbot SR, Zhang X, Zechner D. Comparing distress of mouse models for liver damage. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19814. [PMID: 33188220 PMCID: PMC7666197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76391-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to foster animal welfare as well as high quality of research, many countries regulate by law that the severity of animal experiments must be evaluated and considered when performing biomedical research. It is well accepted that multiple parameters rather than a single readout parameter should be applied to describe animal distress or suffering. However, since the performance of readout parameters for animal distress is rarely defined and methods for multivariate analysis have only in rare cases been used, it is not known which methodology is most appropriate to define animal distress. This study used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to quantify the performance of burrowing activity, body weight change and a distress score of mice after induction of liver damage by bile duct ligation or carbon tetrachloride. In addition, Support Vector Machine classification was used to compare the distress of these mouse models. This approach demonstrated that bile duct ligation causes much more distress than carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. This study, therefore, provides a prototype how to compare two animal models by considering several readout parameters. In the future these or similar methods for multivariate analysis will be necessary, when assessing and comparing the severity of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Tang
- Rudolf-Zenker, Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Nico Seume
- Rudolf-Zenker, Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christine Häger
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Simone Kumstel
- Rudolf-Zenker, Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Kerstin Abshagen
- Rudolf-Zenker, Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - André Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Rudolf-Zenker, Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Steven R Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Rudolf-Zenker, Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Dietmar Zechner
- Rudolf-Zenker, Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.
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Alsina-Sanchis E, Mülfarth R, Moll I, Mogler C, Rodriguez-Vita J, Fischer A. Intraperitoneal Oil Application Causes Local Inflammation with Depletion of Resident Peritoneal Macrophages. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:288-300. [PMID: 33139505 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Oil is frequently used as a solvent to inject lipophilic substances into the peritoneum of laboratory animals. Although mineral oil causes chronic peritoneal inflammation, little is known whether other oils are better suited. We show that olive, peanut, corn, or mineral oil causes xanthogranulomatous inflammation with depletion of resident peritoneal macrophages. However, there were striking differences in the severity of the inflammatory response. Peanut and mineral oil caused severe chronic inflammation with persistent neutrophil and monocyte recruitment, expansion of the vasculature, and fibrosis. Corn and olive oil provoked no or only mild signs of chronic inflammation. Mechanistically, the vegetal oils were taken up by macrophages leading to foam cell formation and induction of cell death. Olive oil triggered caspase-3 cleavage and apoptosis, which facilitate the resolution of inflammation. Peanut oil and, to a lesser degree, corn oil, triggered caspase-1 activation and macrophage pyroptosis, which impair the resolution of inflammation. As such, intraperitoneal oil administration can interfere with the outcome of subsequent experiments. As a proof of principle, intraperitoneal peanut oil injection was compared with its oral delivery in a thioglycolate-induced peritonitis model. The chronic peritoneal inflammation due to peanut oil injection impeded the proper recruitment of macrophages and the resolution of inflammation in this peritonitis model. In summary, the data indicate that it is advisable to deliver lipophilic substances, like tamoxifen, by oral gavage instead of intraperitoneal injection. IMPLICATIONS: This work contributes to the reproducibility of animal research by helping to understand some of the undesired effects observed in animal experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisenda Alsina-Sanchis
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer (A270), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ronja Mülfarth
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer (A270), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Iris Moll
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer (A270), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Juan Rodriguez-Vita
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer (A270), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Fischer
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer (A270), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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144
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Sharma A, Verma AK, Kofron M, Kudira R, Miethke A, Wu T, Wang J, Gandhi CR. Lipopolysaccharide Reverses Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation Through Modulation of cMyb, Small Mothers Against Decapentaplegic, and CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein C/EBP Transcription Factors. Hepatology 2020; 72:1800-1818. [PMID: 32064648 PMCID: PMC8009050 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS During liver injury, quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs) transdifferentiate into proliferative and fibrogenic activated myofibroblastic phenotype (activated hepatic stellate cell; aHSCs) expressing smooth muscle α-actin (αSMA) and platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor (PDGFβR). Their interactions with gut-derived bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are implicated in hepatic fibrogenesis. However, LPS can also attenuate fibrogenic characteristics of aHSCs. APPROACH AND RESULTS We examined molecular mechanisms of antifibrogenic effects of LPS on aHSCs in vitro and in vivo. Culture-activated rat HSCs were exposed to 0-100 ng/mL of LPS or its active component, diphosphoryl-lipid A (DPLA), and parameters of fibrosis and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were determined by qRT-PCR, western, and immunohistochemical analyses. In vivo, HSCs were activated by repeated CCl4 administration to rats every 3 days for 3 or 8 weeks, then challenged with LPS (5 mg/kg; IP). HSCs were isolated 24 hours later, and fibrogenic/inflammatory parameters were analyzed. LPS induced phenotypic changes in aHSCs (rounding, size reduction) and loss of proliferation. LPS down-regulated expression of αSMA, PDGFβR, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFβR1), collagen 1α1 (Col1α1), and fibronectin while up-regulating tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 expression. LPS did not increase peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma expression or lipid accumulation typical of qHSCs. DPLA elicited the same effects as LPS on aHSCs, indicating specificity, and monophosphoryl lipid A down-regulated fibrogenic markers, but elicited very weak inflammatory response. LPS down-regulated the expression of cMyb, a transcription factor for αSMA, and up-regulated small mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD)7 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)δ, the transcriptional inhibitors of Col1α1 expression. In vivo LPS treatment of aHSCs inhibited their proliferation, down-regulated PDGFβR, αSMA, TGFβR1, Col1α1, and cMyb expression, and increased expression of SMAD7, C/EBPα, and C/EBPδ. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, LPS induces a unique phenotype in aHSCs associated with down-regulation of key fibrogenic mechanisms and thus may have an important role in limiting fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Alok K. Verma
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Matthew Kofron
- Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ramesh Kudira
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Alexander Miethke
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Jiang Wang
- Deparment of Pathology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Chandrashekhar R. Gandhi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
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145
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Structure-Activity Relationship of Aloperine Derivatives as New Anti-Liver Fibrogenic Agents. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25214977. [PMID: 33121156 PMCID: PMC7663597 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty-seven novel 12N-substituted aloperine derivatives were synthesized and investigated for their inhibitory effects on collagen α1 (I) (COL1A1) promotor in human hepatic stellate LX-2 cells, taking aloperine (1) as the hit. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study disclosed that the introduction of suitable substituents on the 12N atom might enhance the activity. Compound 4p exhibited a good promise on down-regulating COL1A1 expression with the IC50 value of 16.5 μM. Its inhibitory activity against COL1A1 was further confirmed on both mRNA and protein levels. Meanwhile, it effectively inhibited the expression of other fibrogenic proteins, such as transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). It also exhibited good in vivo safety profile with the oral LD50 value of 400 mg kg-1 in mice. The results initiated the anti-liver fibrogenic study of aloperine derivatives, and the key compound 4p was selected as a novel lead for further investigation against liver fibrogenesis.
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146
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Song LJ, Yin XR, Mu SS, Li JH, Gao H, Zhang Y, Dong PP, Mei CJ, Hua ZC. The Differential and Dynamic Progression of Hepatic Inflammation and Immune Responses During Liver Fibrosis Induced by Schistosoma japonicum or Carbon Tetrachloride in Mice. Front Immunol 2020; 11:570524. [PMID: 33117360 PMCID: PMC7575768 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.570524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis can result from various causes and could progress to cirrhosis and cancer; however, there are no effective treatments due to that its molecular mechanism is unclear. liver fibrosis model made by Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection or Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneal injection is a conventional model used in liver fibrosis-related studies for mechanism or pharmaceutical research purposes. But the differences in the pathological progression, immune responses and the underlying mechanism between the two liver fibrosis model have not been carefully compared and characterized, which hinders us from correctly understanding and making better use of the two models. In the present study, the pathological changes to the liver, and the cytokines, inflammatory factors, macrophages, and lymphocytes subsets involved were analyzed in the liver fibrosis model of S. japonicum infection or CCl4 intraperitoneal injection. Additionally, the pathological progression, immune responses and the underlying injury mechanism in these two models were compared and characterized. The results showed that the changing trend of interleukin-13 (IL-13), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), inflammatory factors, and M1, M2 macrophages, were consistent with the development trend of fibrosis regardless of whether liver fibrosis was caused by S. japonicum or CCl4. For lymphocyte subsets, the proportions of CD3+ T cells and CD4+ T cells decreased gradually, while proportion of CD8+ T cells peaked at 6 weeks in mice infected with S. japonicum and at 12 weeks in mice injected with CCl4. With prolonged S. japonicum infection time, Th1 (CD4+IFN-γ+) immunity converted to Th2 (CD4+IL-4+)/Th17 (CD4+IL-17+) with weaker regulatory T cell (Treg) (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+) immunity. However, in liver fibrosis caused by CCl4, Th1 cells occupied the dominant position, while proportions of Th2, Th17, and Treg cells decreased gradually. In conclusion, liver fibrosis was a complex pathological process that was regulated by a series of cytokines and immune cells. The pathological progressions and immune responses to S. japonicum or CCl4 induced liver fibrosis were different, possibly because of their different injury mechanisms. The appropriate animal model should be selected according to the needs of different experiments and the pathogenic factors of liver fibrosis in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Song
- School of Life Sciences and the State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China.,Public Health Research Center, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xu-Ren Yin
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Sha-Sha Mu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Jia-Huang Li
- School of Life Sciences and the State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu TargetPharma Laboratories Inc., Changzhou High-Tech Research Institute of Nanjing University, Changzhou, China
| | - Hong Gao
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Pan-Pan Dong
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Cong-Jin Mei
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Zi-Chun Hua
- School of Life Sciences and the State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu TargetPharma Laboratories Inc., Changzhou High-Tech Research Institute of Nanjing University, Changzhou, China
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147
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Lurje I, Hammerich L, Tacke F. Dendritic Cell and T Cell Crosstalk in Liver Fibrogenesis and Hepatocarcinogenesis: Implications for Prevention and Therapy of Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197378. [PMID: 33036244 PMCID: PMC7583774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic, highly prevalent disease that may progress to cirrhosis and substantially increases the risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fibrotic livers are characterized by an inflammatory microenvironment that is composed of various immunologically active cells, including liver-resident populations (e.g., Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells and sinusoidal endothelium) and infiltrating leukocytes (e.g., monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes). While inflammatory injury drives both fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis, the tolerogenic microenvironment of the liver conveys immunosuppressive effects that encourage tumor growth. An insufficient crosstalk between dendritic cells (DCs), the professional antigen presenting cells, and T cells, the efficient anti-tumor effector cells, is one of the main mechanisms of HCC tumor tolerance. The meticulous analysis of patient samples and mouse models of fibrosis-HCC provided in-depth insights into molecular mechanisms of immune interactions in liver cancer. The therapeutic modulation of this multifaceted immunological response, e.g., by inhibiting immune checkpoint molecules, in situ vaccination, oncolytic viruses or combinations thereof, is a rapidly evolving field that holds the potential to improve the outcome of patients with HCC. This review aims to highlight the current understanding of DC–T cell interactions in fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis and to illustrate the potentials and pitfalls of therapeutic clinical translation.
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148
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Liver Biopsy Hydroxyproline Content Is a Diagnostic for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Murine Models of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10100784. [PMID: 33020436 PMCID: PMC7601536 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the absence of cirrhosis, a phenomenon termed noncirrhotic HCC. Early diagnosis of HCC is critical to a favorable prognosis. We tested the hypothesis that hydroxyproline content of liver biopsy samples is diagnostic for HCC in murine models of NASH induced by diet or by diet and chemicals. The training set comprised mice fed a standard diet or a fast-food diet with or without administration of thioacetamide. At harvest, livers from the modified diet cohort exhibited NASH with a subset of NASH livers exhibiting HCC. Hydroxyproline content was measured in liver biopsy samples with tissue in the NASH+HCC cohort sampled from the remote, nontumor parenchyma. Plotting the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) with hydroxyproline as the continuous variable against the absence or presence of HCC yielded an area under ROC of 0.87, a threshold of >0.18 μg hydroxyproline/mg liver and sensitivity of 91% with a specificity of 83.3%. The use of liver hydroxyproline content as a diagnostic for HCC in a test set comprising healthy, NASH and NASH+HCC livers proved 87% accurate.
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149
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Dawood RM, El-Meguid MA, Salum GM, El Awady MK. Key Players of Hepatic Fibrosis. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2020; 40:472-489. [DOI: 10.1089/jir.2020.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reham M. Dawood
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mai A. El-Meguid
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ghada Maher Salum
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mostafa K. El Awady
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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150
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Design and evaluation of bioenhanced oral tablets of Dunaliella salina microalgae for treatment of liver fibrosis. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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