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Hong J, Kim Y. Fatty Liver/Adipose Tissue Dual-Targeting Nanoparticles with Heme Oxygenase-1 Inducer for Amelioration of Obesity, Obesity-Induced Type 2 Diabetes, and Steatohepatitis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203286. [PMID: 36209391 PMCID: PMC9685446 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Persistent uptake of high-calorie diets induces the storage of excessive lipid in visceral adipose tissue. Lipids secreted from obese adipose tissue are accumulated in peripheral tissues such as the liver, pancreas, and muscle, and impair insulin sensitivity causing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, the accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and lipids in the liver induces apoptosis and fibrogenesis, and ultimately causes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). To modulate obese tissue environments, it is challenged to selectively deliver inducers of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) to adipose tissue with the aid of a prohibitin targeting drug delivery system. Prohibitin binding peptide (PBP), an oligopeptide targeting prohibitin rich in adipose tissue, is conjugated on the surface of Hemin- or CoPP-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (PBP-NPs). PBP-NPs efficiently differentiate lipid storing white adipocytes into energy-generating brown adipocytes in T2DM and NASH models. In addition, PBP-NPs are found to target prohibitin overexpressed fatty liver in the NASH model and inhibit hepatic uptake of circulating lipids. Furthermore, PBP-NPs switch phenotypes of inflammatory macrophages in damaged organs and lower inflammation. Taken together, dual-targeted induction of HO-1 in fatty adipose and liver tissues is proven to be a promising therapeutic strategy to ameliorate obesity, insulin resistance, and steatohepatitis by lowering lipids and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhyeong Hong
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute for Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutical Research Hanyang UniversitySeoul04763South Korea
- Education and Research Group for Biopharmaceutical Innovation LeaderHanyang UniversitySeoul04763South Korea
| | - Yong‐Hee Kim
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute for Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutical Research Hanyang UniversitySeoul04763South Korea
- Education and Research Group for Biopharmaceutical Innovation LeaderHanyang UniversitySeoul04763South Korea
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152
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Tracking matricellular protein SPARC in extracellular vesicles as a non-destructive method to evaluate lipid-based antifibrotic treatments. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1155. [PMID: 36310239 PMCID: PMC9618575 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04123-z] [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] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncovering the complex cellular mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrogenesis could expedite the development of effective treatments and noninvasive diagnosis for liver fibrosis. The biochemical complexity of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their role in intercellular communication make them an attractive tool to look for biomarkers as potential alternative to liver biopsies. We developed a solid set of methods to isolate and characterize EVs from differently treated human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2, and we investigated their biological effect onto naïve LX-2, proving that EVs do play an active role in fibrogenesis. We mined our proteomic data for EV-associated proteins whose expression correlated with HSC treatment, choosing the matricellular protein SPARC as proof-of-concept for the feasibility of fluorescence nanoparticle-tracking analysis to determine an EV-based HSCs’ fibrogenic phenotype. We thus used EVs to directly evaluate the efficacy of treatment with S80, a polyenylphosphatidylcholines-rich lipid, finding that S80 reduces the relative presence of SPARC-positive EVs. Here we correlated the cellular response to lipid-based antifibrotic treatment to the relative presence of a candidate protein marker associated with the released EVs. Along with providing insights into polyenylphosphatidylcholines treatments, our findings pave the way for precise and less invasive diagnostic analyses of hepatic fibrogenesis. A method is developed to isolate and characterize extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human hepatic stellate cells and proteomics reveals that the matricellular protein SPARC may be used as an EV marker after lipid-based antifibrotic treatment.
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Dev S, Muchenditsi A, Gottlieb A, Deme P, Murphy S, Gabrielson KL, Dong Y, Hughes R, Haughey NJ, Hamilton JP, Lutsenko S. Oxysterol misbalance critically contributes to Wilson disease pathogenesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadc9022. [PMID: 36260680 PMCID: PMC9581482 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adc9022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is a metabolic disorder caused by inactivation of the copper-transporting ATPase 2 (ATP7B) and copper (Cu) overload in tissues. Excess Cu causes oxidative stress and pathologic changes with poorly understood mechanistic connections. In Atp7b-/- mice with established liver disease, Cu overload activates the stress-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2). Nrf2 targets, especially sulfotransferase 1e1 (Sult1e1), are strongly induced and cause elevation of sulfated sterols, whereas oxysterols are decreased. This sterol misbalance results in inhibition of the liver X receptor (LXR) and up-regulation of LXR targets associated with inflammatory responses. Pharmacological inhibition of Sult1e1 partially reverses oxysterol misbalance and LXR inhibition. Contribution of this pathway to advanced hepatic WD was demonstrated by treating mice with an LXR agonist. Treatment decreased inflammation by reducing expression of proinflammatory molecules, diminished fibrosis by down-regulating the noncanonical transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, and improved liver morphology and function. Thus, the identified pathway is an important driver of WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Som Dev
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Abigael Muchenditsi
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Aline Gottlieb
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Pragney Deme
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sean Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kathleen L. Gabrielson
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yixuan Dong
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Robert Hughes
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Norman J. Haughey
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - James P. Hamilton
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Corresponding author. (S.L.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Svetlana Lutsenko
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Corresponding author. (S.L.); (J.P.H.)
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154
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Mahmoudi A, Atkin SL, Jamialahmadi T, Banach M, Sahebkar A. Effect of Curcumin on Attenuation of Liver Cirrhosis via Genes/Proteins and Pathways: A System Pharmacology Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204344. [PMID: 36297027 PMCID: PMC9609422 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening seqsuel of many chronic liver disorders of varying etiologies. In this study, we investigated protein targets of curcumin in liver cirrhosis based on a bioinformatics approach. Methods: Gene/protein associations with curcumin and liver cirrhosis were probed in drug−gene and gene−diseases databases including STITCH/DGIdb/DisGeNET/OMIM/DISEASES/CTD/Pharos and SwissTargetPrediction. Critical clustering groups (MCODE), hub candidates and critical hub genes in liver cirrhosis were identified, and connections between curcumin and liver cirrhosis-related genes were analyzed via Venn diagram. Interaction of hub genes with curcumin by molecular docking using PyRx-virtual screening tools was performed. Results: MCODE analysis indicated three MCODEs; the cluster (MCODE 1) comprised 79 nodes and 881 edges (score: 22.59). Curcumin database interactions recognized 318 protein targets. Liver cirrhosis genes and curcumin protein targets analysis demonstrated 96 shared proteins, suggesting that curcumin may influence 20 candidate and 13 hub genes, covering 81% of liver cirrhosis critical genes and proteins. Thirteen shared proteins affected oxidative stress regulation, RNA, telomerase activity, cell proliferation, and cell death. Molecular docking analysis showed the affinity of curcumin binding hub genes (Binding affinity: ΔG < −4.9 kcal/mol). Conclusions: Curcumin impacted on several critical liver cirrhosis genes mainly involved in extracellular matrix communication, focal adhesion, and the response to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Stephen L. Atkin
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), 93-338 Lodz, Poland
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (A.S.); Tel.: +98-513-180-1239 (A.S.); Fax: +98-513-800-2287 (A.S.)
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (A.S.); Tel.: +98-513-180-1239 (A.S.); Fax: +98-513-800-2287 (A.S.)
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Potential Therapeutic Implication of Herbal Medicine in Mitochondria-Mediated Oxidative Stress-Related Liver Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11102041. [PMID: 36290765 PMCID: PMC9598588 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11102041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles that play a role in ATP synthesis, calcium homeostasis, oxidation-reduction status, apoptosis, and inflammation. Several human disorders have been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. It has been found that traditional therapeutic herbs are effective on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which are leading causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to oxidative stress is caused by mitochondrial dysfunction and is considered critical for treatment. The role of oxidative stress, lipid toxicity, and inflammation in NAFLD are well known. NAFLD is a chronic liver disease that commonly progresses to cirrhosis and chronic liver disease, and people with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension are at a higher risk of developing NAFLD. NAFLD is associated with a number of pathological factors, including insulin resistance, lipid metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. As a result, the improvement in steatosis and inflammation is enough to entice researchers to look into liver disease treatment. However, antioxidant treatment has not been very effective for liver disease. Additionally, it has been suggested that the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on immunity and inflammation are governed by various mechanisms for lipid metabolism and inflammation control. This review provided a summary of research on herbal medicines for the therapeutic implementation of mitochondria-mediated ROS production in liver disease as well as clinical applications through herbal medicine. In addition, the pathophysiology of common liver disorders such as ALD and NAFLD would be investigated in the role that mitochondria play in the process to open new therapeutic avenues in the management of patients with liver disease.
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156
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Oh HT, Heo W, Yoo GD, Kim KM, Hwang JH, Hwang ES, Ko J, Ko YG, Hong JH. CD133-Src-TAZ signaling stimulates ductal fibrosis following DDC diet-induced liver injury. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:4504-4516. [PMID: 36250997 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury follows inflammation and liver fibrosis; however, the molecular mechanism underlying fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the role of ductal WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) was investigated after liver injury. Ductal TAZ-knockout (DKO) mice showed decreased liver fibrosis following a Diethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-trimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (DDC) diet compared to wild-type (WT) mice, as evidenced by decreased expression levels of fibrosis inducers, including connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf)/cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2), cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61/CCN1), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (Tgfb1), in DKO mice. Similarly, TAZ-knockout (KO) cholangiocyte organoids showed decreased expression of fibrosis inducers. Additionally, the culture supernatant of TAZ-KO cholangiocyte organoids decreased the fibrogenic gene expression in liver stellate cells. Further studies revealed that prominin 1 (PROM1/CD133) stimulated TAZ for fibrosis. After the administration of DDC diet, fibrosis was decreased in CD133-KO (CD133-KO) mice compared to that in WT mice. Similarly, CD133-KO cholangiocyte organoids showed decreased Ctgf, Cyr61, and Tgfb1 expression levels compared to WT cholangiocyte organoids. Mechanistically, CD133 stabilized TAZ via Src activation. Inhibition of Src decreased TAZ levels. Similarly, CD133-knockdown HCT116 cells showed decreased TAZ levels, but reintroduction of active Src recovered the TAZ levels. Taken together, our results suggest that TAZ facilitates liver fibrosis after a DDC diet via the CD133-Src-TAZ axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Taek Oh
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Heo
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Don Yoo
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Ha Hwang
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sook Hwang
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jesang Ko
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Gyu Ko
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Hong
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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157
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Femtosecond laser attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver fibrosis in rats: Possible role of PPARγ and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Life Sci 2022; 307:120877. [PMID: 35963297 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that occurs in chronic liver injury. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in fibrogenesis which can develop into cirrhosis and carcinoma. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has promising therapeutic effects against fibrogenesis; however, the specific underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. We investigated the potential of LLLT to attenuate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats, focusing on oxidative injury, inflammatory response, and the possible role of PPARγ and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Rats were given CCl4 and exposed to LLLT twice/week for 6 weeks and blood and liver samples were collected for analysis. CCl4 caused liver injury and fibrosis manifested by hepatocyte injury, steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and accumulation of collagen, elevated serum transaminases and bilirubin, and decreased albumin. ROS, MDA, NO, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, iNOS, TGF-β1, and IL-6 were increased in the liver of CCl4-administered rats. Exposure to LLLT ameliorated histopathological alterations, collagen deposition, and liver function markers, and downregulated hepatic α-SMA, collagen 1A1, and collagen 3A1. In Addition, LLLT decreased ROS, MDA, NO, NF-κB p65, TGF-β1, and pro-inflammatory mediators, and enhanced antioxidant defenses. These effects were associated with upregulated PPARγ, Nrf2, and HO-1, both gene and protein expression. In conclusion, LLLT attenuated liver fibrosis by suppressing ECM production and deposition, oxidative injury and inflammation, and upregulating PPARγ and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.
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158
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Zhou XD, Qu YW, Wang L, Jia FH, Chen P, Wang YP, Liu HF. Identification of potential hub genes of gastric cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30741. [PMID: 36254003 PMCID: PMC9575828 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor originated from gastric mucosa epithelium. It is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in China. The early symptoms are not obvious. When it is discovered, it has developed to the advanced stage, and the prognosis is poor. In order to screen for potential genes for GC development, this study obtained GSE118916 and GSE109476 from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database for bioinformatics analysis. METHODS First, GEO2R was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) and the functional annotation of DEGs was performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) tool was used to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the most important modules and hub genes were mined. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to verify the expression level of hub genes. RESULTS A total of 139 DEGs were identified. The functional changes of DEGs are mainly concentrated in the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix and collagen synthesis. Eleven genes were identified as core genes. Bioinformatics analysis shows that the core genes are mainly enriched in many processes related to cell adhesion and collagen. CONCLUSION In summary, the DEGs and hub genes found in this study may be potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Dong Zhou
- The Clinical College of the General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Wei Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huamei Hospital of China National University of Science and Technology, Ningbo, P.R. China
| | - Fu-Hua Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huamei Hospital of China National University of Science and Technology, Ningbo, P.R. China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Graduate School of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yin-Pu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Baoji Hospital Affiliated to Xi’an Jiaotong University, Baoji, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Feng Liu
- The Clinical College of the General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Feng Liu, The Clinical College of the General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, P.R. China (e-mail: )
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159
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Brudnicki PAP, Gonsalves MA, Spinella SM, Kaufman LJ, Lu HH. Engineering collagenous analogs of connective tissue extracellular matrix. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:925838. [PMID: 36312546 PMCID: PMC9613959 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.925838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of an interwoven network of contiguous collagen fibers that regulate cell activity, direct biological function, and guide tissue homeostasis throughout life. Recently, ECM analogs have emerged as a unique ex vivo culture platform for studying healthy and diseased tissues and in the latter, enabling the screening for and development of therapeutic regimen. Since these tissue models can mitigate the concern that observations from animal models do not always translate clinically, the design and production of a collagenous ECM analogue with relevant chemistry and nano- to micro-scale architecture remains a frontier challenge in the field. Therefore, the objectives of this study are two-fold— first, to apply green electrospinning approaches to the fabrication of an ECM analog with nanoscale mimicry and second, to systematically optimize collagen crosslinking in order to produce a stable, collagen-like substrate with continuous fibrous architecture that supports human cell culture and phenotypic expression. Specifically, the “green” electrospinning solvent acetic acid was evaluated for biofabrication of gelatin-based meshes, followed by the optimization of glutaraldehyde (GTA) crosslinking under controlled ambient conditions. These efforts led to the production of a collagen-like mesh with nano- and micro-scale cues, fibrous continuity with little batch-to-batch variability, and proven stability in both dry and wet conditions. Moreover, the as-fabricated mesh architecture and native chemistry were preserved with augmented mechanical properties. These meshes supported the in vitro expansion of stem cells and the production of a mineralized matrix by human osteoblast-like cells. Collectively these findings demonstrate the potential of green fabrication in the production of a collagen-like ECM analog with physiological relevance. Future studies will explore the potential of this high-fidelity platform for elucidating cell-matrix interactions and their relevance in connective tissue healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A. P. Brudnicki
- Biomaterials and Interface Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Matthew A. Gonsalves
- Biomaterials and Interface Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Laura J. Kaufman
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Helen H. Lu
- Biomaterials and Interface Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Helen H. Lu,
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160
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Gong Q, Zeng Z, Jiang T, Bai X, Pu C, Hao Y, Guo Y. Anti-fibrotic effect of extracellular vesicles derived from tea leaves in hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis mice. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1009139. [PMID: 36276815 PMCID: PMC9582986 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1009139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is essential for the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, there is no effective drug used to prevent or reverse the fibrotic process. Methods With human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 and mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, we investigated the anti-fibrotic effect to liver fibrosis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) extracted from tea leaves through cytological tests such as cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell fibrotic marker. Results It was found that tea-derived EVs (TEVs) inhibited HSCs activation. In CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model, TEVs treatment can significantly improve the pathological changes of liver tissue, inhibit collagen deposition, reduce the number of lipid droplets in liver tissue, and reduce serum AST and ALT levels. In addition, TEVs inhibited TGF-β1 signaling and miR-44 in TEVs had the potential inhibitory effect on liver fibrosis. Conclusions Taken together, our work suggesting that TEVs are novel therapeutic potential for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyuan Gong
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhaoyu Zeng
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Cardiology, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunlan Pu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaying Hao
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanbiao Guo
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Yuanbiao Guo
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161
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Tu T, Alba MM, Datta AA, Hong H, Hua B, Jia Y, Khan J, Nguyen P, Niu X, Pammidimukkala P, Slarve I, Tang Q, Xu C, Zhou Y, Stiles BL. Hepatic macrophage mediated immune response in liver steatosis driven carcinogenesis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:958696. [PMID: 36276076 PMCID: PMC9581256 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.958696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity confers an independent risk for carcinogenesis. Classically viewed as a genetic disease, owing to the discovery of tumor suppressors and oncogenes, genetic events alone are not sufficient to explain the progression and development of cancers. Tumor development is often associated with metabolic and immunological changes. In particular, obesity is found to significantly increase the mortality rate of liver cancer. As its role is not defined, a fundamental question is whether and how metabolic changes drive the development of cancer. In this review, we will dissect the current literature demonstrating that liver lipid dysfunction is a critical component driving the progression of cancer. We will discuss the involvement of inflammation in lipid dysfunction driven liver cancer development with a focus on the involvement of liver macrophages. We will first discuss the association of steatosis with liver cancer. This will be followed with a literature summary demonstrating the importance of inflammation and particularly macrophages in the progression of liver steatosis and highlighting the evidence that macrophages and macrophage produced inflammatory mediators are critical for liver cancer development. We will then discuss the specific inflammatory mediators and their roles in steatosis driven liver cancer development. Finally, we will summarize the molecular pattern (PAMP and DAMP) as well as lipid particle signals that are involved in the activation, infiltration and reprogramming of liver macrophages. We will also discuss some of the therapies that may interfere with lipid metabolism and also affect liver cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taojian Tu
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mario M. Alba
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Aditi A. Datta
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Handan Hong
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brittney Hua
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yunyi Jia
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jared Khan
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Phillip Nguyen
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiatoeng Niu
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Pranav Pammidimukkala
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ielyzaveta Slarve
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Qi Tang
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chenxi Xu
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yiren Zhou
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bangyan L. Stiles
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bangyan L. Stiles,
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Wang D, Ruan W, Fan L, Xu H, Song Q, Diao H, He R, Jin Y, Zhang A. Hypermethylation of Mig-6 gene promoter region inactivates its function, leading to EGFR/ERK signaling hyperphosphorylation, and is involved in arsenite-induced hepatic stellate cells activation and extracellular matrix deposition. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 439:129577. [PMID: 35850069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is a widespread naturally contaminant. Previous studies have highlighted the issue of liver fibrosis induced by arsenic exposure, while the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Recent studies suggest that Mig-6/EGFR/ERK signaling appear to play important roles in fibrosis caused by various factors. In this study, we focused on the epigenetic modification combined with the signaling dysregulation to validate the role of Mig-6 in regulating EGFR/ERK signaling in arsenite-induced human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. Our results revealed that arsenite exposure induced HSCs activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. The EGFR/ERK signaling was significantly hyperphosphorylated in arsenite-exposed HSCs, and Mig-6 inactivation was involved in arsenite induced hyperphosphorylation of EGFR and activation of HSCs. Additionally, we further illustrated that hypermethylation of Mig-6 gene promoter region was responsible for the downregulation of Mig-6 induced by arsenite exposure. Moreover, 5-Aza-dC (a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) can efficiently rescue hypermethylation of Mig-6 gene, decrease the hyperphosphorylation of EGFR/ERK signaling, then reverse arsenite induced HSCs activation. Taken together, the present study strongly suggests that inactivating of Mig-6 function by hypermethylation of its promoter region leading to hyperphosphorylation of EGFR/ERK signaling, and is involved in arsenite-induced HSCs activation and ECM deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Wenli Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China; Tongren Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tongren 554300, Guizhou, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Huifen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Qian Song
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Heng Diao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui He
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
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163
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Tang X, Li X, Li M, Zhong X, Fu W, Ao M, Xuan J. Enhanced US/CT/MR imaging of integrin αvβ3 for liver fibrosis staging in rat. Front Chem 2022; 10:996116. [PMID: 36262337 PMCID: PMC9574014 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.996116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a global health challenge with high morbidity and mortality rates, and diagnostic sensitivity of liver fibrosis tests can be increased using multimodal molecular agents. We designed cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (cRGD)-modified nanoparticles (NPs) using ultrasound (US)/computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance (MR) triple-modality imaging to evaluate liver fibrosis stages. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted using primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and a rat model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Our results showed cRGD-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Fe3O4-perfluorocarbon bromide (cRGD-PLGA-Fe3O4-PFOB) NPs were preferentially internalised by activated HSCs (aHSCs). The main cell types expressing integrin αvβ3 during liver fibrogenesis were the aHSCs. The protein levels of αv and β3 expressed on aHSCs increased with the progression of liver fibrosis. After intravenous injection of cRGD-PLGA-Fe3O4-PFOB NPs, the echo intensity (EI) values, CT values, and T2 values of liver parenchyma correlated well with liver fibrosis severity. cRGD-PLGA-Fe3O4-PFOB NPs as multifunction contrast agents showed great potential to reflect the degree of HSC activation and distinguish among different liver fibrotic stages. The ligand-directed and integrin αvβ3-mediated accumulation provides active and passive targeting capabilities, permitting the targeted multimodal imaging of cRGD-PLGA-Fe3O4-PFOB NPs, which delivers accurate non-invasive diagnosis and real-time monitoring of liver fibrosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyao Tang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Clinical College of Southwest Jiao Tong University, The Second Affiliated Chengdu Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenguang Fu
- Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Meng Ao
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jiqing Xuan, ; Meng Ao,
| | - Jiqing Xuan
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jiqing Xuan, ; Meng Ao,
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164
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Hijazi N, Shi Z, Rockey DC. Characterization of focal adhesion proteins in rodent hepatic stellate cells. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:325-334. [PMID: 35960334 PMCID: PMC10824234 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02123-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Ongoing liver injury leads to fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis, a leading cause of death worldwide. The primary mechanism underlying the fibrogenic response is the activation of cells known as hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) which are "quiescent" in the normal liver but become "activated" after injury by transdifferentiating into extracellular matrix-secreting myofibroblasts. Since integrins (extracellular matrix binding receptors) are important mediators of HSC activation and fibrogenesis, we hypothesized that focal adhesion (FA) proteins, which link integrins to the intracellular protein machinery, may be important in the activation process. Therefore, using both an in vitro model of activation in primary rat HSCs and an in vivo model of liver injury, we examined three FA proteins: vinculin, FAK, and talin. All three proteins were significantly upregulated during HSC activation at both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that the proteins had a widespread expression throughout HSCs with prominent localization at the end of actin filaments. Finally, we stimulated HSCs with the profibrotic ligands endothelin-1 (ET-1) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and observed an increase in the size of vinculin-containing FAs and the cell area occupied by them. The data indicate that HSCs possess a broad array of FA proteins, and given their upregulation during activation, this raises the possibility that they play a role in the fibrogenic response to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Hijazi
- Digestive Disease Research Core Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Clinical Sciences Building, Suite 912, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Zengdun Shi
- Digestive Disease Research Core Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Clinical Sciences Building, Suite 912, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Digestive Disease Research Core Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Clinical Sciences Building, Suite 912, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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165
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Devan AR, Pavithran K, Nair B, Murali M, Nath LR. Deciphering the role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 as a diagnostic-prognostic-therapeutic candidate against hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:5250-5264. [PMID: 36185626 PMCID: PMC9521521 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i36.5250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that performs a dual role as a tumor suppressor and tumor promoter during cancer progression. Among different ligands of the TGF-β family, TGF-β1 modulates most of its biological outcomes. Despite the abundant expression of TGF-β1 in the liver, steatosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression triggers elevated TGF-β1 levels, contributing to poor prognosis and survival. Additionally, elevated TGF-β1 levels in the tumor microenvironment create an immunosuppressive stage via various mechanisms. TGF-β1 has a prime role as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in HCC. Moreover, TGF-β1 is widely studied as a therapeutic target either as monotherapy or combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review provides clinical relevance and up-to-date information regarding the potential of TGF-β1 in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathy R Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Keechilat Pavithran
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Maneesha Murali
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
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166
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Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells Promote the M1 to M2 Macrophage Transformation and Liver Fibrosis by Elevating the Histone Acetylation Level. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:9883831. [PMID: 36133436 PMCID: PMC9484931 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9883831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from the formation of fibrous scars of hepatic stellate cells by various chronic liver diseases. Considering that the liver is the most important metabolic organ in the human body, exploring the metabolic characteristics of liver fibrosis is expected to discover new markers and therapeutic targets. In this study, we first used mouse model to verify that both lactate content and histone acetylation levels were significantly increased in hepatic fibrosis mice. At the same time, it was confirmed that activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) cocultured with M1 macrophages can promote their transformation into M2 macrophages in hepatic stellate cell line and primary hepatic stellate cells. In addition, the addition of lactic acid to the medium in which M1 cells are cultured can promote their transformation into M2 macrophages. Therefore, we concluded that activated HSCs can promote the transformation of M1 to M2 macrophages through lactate accumulation, thereby causing liver fibrosis.
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167
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Zhou L, Liang Q, Li Y, Cao Y, Li J, Yang J, Liu J, Bi J, Liu Y. Collagenase-I decorated co-delivery micelles potentiate extracellular matrix degradation and hepatic stellate cell targeting for liver fibrosis therapy. Acta Biomater 2022; 152:235-254. [PMID: 36087869 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process of multiple chronic liver diseases progressing to cirrhosis for which there are currently no effective treatment options. During fibrosis progression, the overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen secreted by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) greatly impedes drug delivery and reduces drug therapeutic effects. In this study, a glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-conjugated prodrug micellar system with collagenase I (COL) decoration (COL-HA-GA, abbreviated as CHG) was designed to codelivery sorafenib (Sora/CHG, abbreviated as S/CHG) for potentiating ECM degradation and HSCs targeting on liver fibrosis therapy. In ECM barrier models established in vitro or in vivo, CHG micelles efficiently degraded pericellular collagen and demonstrated enormous ECM penetration abilities as well as superior HSCs internalization. Moreover, CHG micelles exhibited more Sora & GA accumulations and activated HSCs targeting efficiencies in the fibrotic livers than those in the normal livers. More importantly, S/CHG micelles were more effective in anti-liver fibrosis by lowering the collagen content, inhibiting the HSCs activation, as well as down-regulating the fibrosis-related factors, leading to reverse the fibrotic liver to normal liver through the multi-mechanisms including angiogenesis reduction, liver fibrosis microenvironment regulation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibition. In conclusion, the developed COL decorated nano-codelivery system with fibrotic ECM collagen degradation and activated HSCs targeting dual-functions exhibited great potential for liver fibrosis therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-conjugated prodrug with collagenase I (COL) decoration (CHG) was designed for codelivery with sorafenib (S/CHG), potentiating extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation-penetration and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) targeting on liver fibrosis therapy. In ECM barrier models, CHG micelles efficiently degraded pericellular collagen and demonstrated ECM penetration abilities, as well as displayed superior HSCs internalization. Moreover, S/CHG micelles were more effective in anti-liver fibrosis by lowering the collagen content, inhibiting the HSCs activation, as well as down-regulating cytokines, reversing the fibrotic liver to normal through various mechanisms. In conclusion, the developed fibrotic ECM degradation and HSCs targeting dual-functional nano-codelivery system provided a prospective potentiality in liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Qiangwei Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yongjing Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jiayu Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jiawei Bi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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168
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Yan FZ, Qian H, Liu F, Ding CH, Liu SQ, Xiao MC, Chen SJ, Zhang X, Luo C, Xie WF. Inhibition of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 alleviates liver fibrosis by attenuating the activation of hepatic stellate cells in mice. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22489. [PMID: 35959865 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200238r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) has been reported to be involved in various diseases. The expression of PRMT1 was increased in cirrhotic livers from human patients. However, the role of PRMT1 in hepatic fibrogenesis remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effect of PRMT1 on hepatic fibrogenesis and its underlying mechanism. We found that PRMT1 expression was significantly higher in fibrotic livers of the mice treated with thioacetamide (TAA) or 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) diet. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that PRMT1 expression was augmented in both hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the fibrotic livers. Applying a selective inhibitor of PRMT1, PT1001B, significantly suppressed PRMT1 activity and mitigated liver fibrosis in mice. Hepatocyte-specific Prmt1 knockout did not affect liver fibrosis in mice. PRMT1 overexpression promoted the expression of fibrotic genes in the LX-2 cells, whereas knockdown of PRMT1 or treatment with PT1001B exhibited reversal effects, suggesting that PRMT1 plays an important role in HSC activation. Additionally, HSC-specific Prmt1 knockout attenuated HSC activation and liver fibrosis in TAA-induced fibrotic model. RNA-seq analysis revealed that Prmt1 knockout in HSCs significantly suppressed pro-inflammatory NF-κB and pro-fibrotic TGF-β signals, and also downregulated the expression of pro-fibrotic mediators in mouse livers. Moreover, treatment with PT1001B consistently inhibited hepatic inflammatory response in fibrotic model. In conclusion, PRMT1 plays a vital role in HSC activation. Inhibition of PRMT1 mitigates hepatic fibrosis by attenuating HSC activation in mice. Therefore, targeting PRMT1 could be a feasible therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Zhi Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Hong Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Chao Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University of School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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169
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Sajeev A, Hegde M, Girisa S, Devanarayanan TN, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Sil SK, Sethi G, Chen JT, Kunnumakkara AB. Oroxylin A: A Promising Flavonoid for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1185. [PMID: 36139025 PMCID: PMC9496116 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been magnificent advancements in the understanding of molecular mechanisms of chronic diseases over the past several years, but these diseases continue to be a considerable cause of death worldwide. Most of the approved medications available for the prevention and treatment of these diseases target only a single gene/protein/pathway and are known to cause severe side effects and are less effective than they are anticipated. Consequently, the development of finer therapeutics that outshine the existing ones is far-reaching. Natural compounds have enormous applications in curbing several disastrous and fatal diseases. Oroxylin A (OA) is a flavonoid obtained from the plants Oroxylum indicum, Scutellaria baicalensis, and S. lateriflora, which have distinctive pharmacological properties. OA modulates the important signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, ERK1/2, Wnt/β-catenin, PTEN/PI3K/Akt, and signaling molecules, such as TNF-α, TGF-β, MMPs, VEGF, interleukins, Bcl-2, caspases, HIF-1α, EMT proteins, Nrf-2, etc., which play a pivotal role in the molecular mechanism of chronic diseases. Overwhelming pieces of evidence expound on the anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-cancer potentials of this flavonoid, which makes it an engrossing compound for research. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies also displayed the promising potential of OA against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, neurological disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc. Therefore, the current review focuses on delineating the role of OA in combating different chronic diseases and highlighting the intrinsic molecular mechanisms of its action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Mangala Hegde
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Sosmitha Girisa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Thulasidharan Nair Devanarayanan
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Mohammed S. Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
- BioImaging Unit, Space Research Center, Michael Atiyah Building, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
- Electronics and Communications Department, College of Engineering, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 35712, Egypt
| | - Samir Kumar Sil
- Cell Physiology and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Human Physiology, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar 799022, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Jen-Tsung Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
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170
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Effects of Achieving Sustained Virologic Response after Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents on Long-Term Liver Fibrosis in Diabetics vs. in Non-Diabetic Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092093. [PMID: 36140194 PMCID: PMC9495608 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092093] [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] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of the prevalence of HCV worldwide as well as its undiagnosed population due to a lack of screening, HCV can be considered a modern pandemic disease. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) set goals for HCV’s elimination that included a 65 percent reduction in mortality and an 80 percent reduction in newly infected cases by 2030. This study is a follow-up evaluation of 80 patients who received interferon-free treatment with direct-acting agents (DAA) for chronic HCV infection between the second half of 2017 and the end of 2018. They were assessed using a FibroMax test prior to DAA administration. Two pills/day of Ombitasvir 12.5 mg/Paritaprevir 75 mg/Ritonavir 50 mg and two pills/day of Dasabuvir 250 mg were given to the patients for 8 weeks. After treatment, all 80 patients in this study achieved an SVR (sustained virologic response), and the FibroMax test was performed three years later. Our study found that successfully treating HCV infection can play a significant role in reducing fibrosis in T2DM patients. In comparison to those of ActiTest and SteatoTest, FibroMax scores showed a significantly greater reduction in T2DM patients than in treatment-naive patients.
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Li Q, Wang F, Chen Y, Chen H, Wu S, Farris AB, Jiang Y, Kong J. Virtual liver needle biopsy from reconstructed three-dimensional histopathological images: Quantification of sampling error. Comput Biol Med 2022; 147:105764. [PMID: 35797891 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prevalently considered as the "gold-standard" for diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis, the clinical liver needle biopsy is known to be subject to inadequate sampling and a high mis-sampling rate. However, quantifying such sampling bias has been difficult as generating a large number of needle biopsies from the same living patient is practically infeasible. We construct a three-dimension (3D) virtual liver tissue volume by spatially registered high resolution Whole Slide Images (WSIs) of serial liver tissue sections with a novel dynamic registration method. We further develop a Virtual Needle Biopsy Sampling (VNBS) method that mimics the needle biopsy sampling process. We apply the VNBS method to the reconstructed digital liver volume at different tissue locations and angles. Additionally, we quantify Collagen Proportionate Area (CPA) in all resulting virtual needle biopsies in 2D and 3D. RESULTS The staging score of the center 2D longitudinal image plane from each 3D biopsy is used as the biopsy staging score, and the highest staging score of all sampled needle biopsies is the diagnostic staging score. The Mean Absolute Difference (MAD) in reference to the Scheuer and Ishak diagnostic staging scores are 0.22 and 1.00, respectively. The absolute Scheuer staging score difference in 22.22% of sampled biopsies is 1. By the Ishak staging method, 55.56% and 22.22% of sampled biopsies present score difference 1 and 2, respectively. There are 4 (Scheuer) and 6 (Ishak) out of 18 3D virtual needle biopsies with intra-needle variations. Additionally, we find a positive correlation between CPA and fibrosis stages by Scheuer but not Ishak method. Overall, CPA measures suffer large intra- and inter- needle variations. CONCLUSIONS The developed virtual liver needle biopsy sampling pipeline provides a computational avenue for investigating needle biopsy sampling bias with 3D virtual tissue volumes. This method can be applied to other tissue-based disease diagnoses where the needle biopsy sampling bias substantially affects the diagnostic results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, 30303, GA, USA.
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, 11794, NY, USA.
| | - Yaobing Chen
- Institue of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, 30303, GA, USA; Precision MedCare INC, Atlanta, 30071, GA, USA.
| | - Shengdi Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, 30322, GA, USA.
| | - Yi Jiang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, 30303, GA, USA.
| | - Jun Kong
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, 30303, GA, USA.
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172
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Theel W, Boxma-de Klerk BM, Dirksmeier-Harinck F, van Rossum EFC, Kanhai DA, Apers J, van Dalen BM, de Knegt RJ, Holleboom AG, Tushuizen ME, Grobbee DE, Wiebolt J, Castro Cabezas M. Evaluation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in severe obesity using noninvasive tests and imaging techniques. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13481. [PMID: 35692179 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the more severe and inflammatory type, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is increasing rapidly. Especially in high-risk patients, that is those with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of NAFLD can be as high as 80% while NASH may be present in 20% of these subjects. With the worldwide increase of obesity, it is most likely that these numbers will rise. Since advanced stages of NAFLD and NASH are strongly associated with morbidity and mortality-in particular, cardiovascular disease, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma-it is of great importance to identify subjects at risk. A great variety of noninvasive tests has been published to diagnose NAFLD and NASH, especially using blood- and imaging-based tests. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for NAFLD/NASH. This review aims to summarize the different mechanisms leading to NASH and liver fibrosis, the different noninvasive liver tests to diagnose and evaluate patients with severe obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Theel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca M Boxma-de Klerk
- Department of Statistics and Education, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femme Dirksmeier-Harinck
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth F C van Rossum
- Obesity Center CGG, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danny A Kanhai
- Department of Pediatrics, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Apers
- Department of Bariatric Surgery, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas M van Dalen
- Department of Cardiology, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J de Knegt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maarten E Tushuizen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden UMC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diederick E Grobbee
- Julius Centre for Health Science and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Julius Clinical, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Wiebolt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manuel Castro Cabezas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Julius Clinical, Zeist, The Netherlands
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173
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Hydrophobic Bile Salts Induce Pro-Fibrogenic Proliferation of Hepatic Stellate Cells through PI3K p110 Alpha Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152344. [PMID: 35954188 PMCID: PMC9367387 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152344] [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] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile salts accumulating during cholestatic liver disease are believed to promote liver fibrosis. We have recently shown that chenodeoxycholate (CDC) induces expansion of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vivo, thereby promoting liver fibrosis. Mechanisms underlying bile salt-induced fibrogenesis remain elusive. We aimed to characterize the effects of different bile salts on HSC biology and investigated underlying signaling pathways. Murine HSCs (mHSCs) were stimulated with hydrophilic and hydrophobic bile salts. Proliferation, cell mass, collagen deposition, and activation of signaling pathways were determined. Activation of the human HSC cell line LX 2 was assessed by quantification of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression. Phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent signaling was inhibited both pharmacologically and by siRNA. CDC, the most abundant bile salt accumulating in human cholestasis, but no other bile salt tested, induced Protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation and promoted HSC proliferation and subsequent collagen deposition. Pharmacological inhibition of the upstream target PI3K-inhibited activation of PKB and pro-fibrogenic proliferation of HSCs. The PI3K p110α-specific inhibitor Alpelisib and siRNA-mediated knockdown of p110α ameliorated pro-fibrogenic activation of mHSC and LX 2 cells, respectively. In summary, pro-fibrogenic signaling in mHSCs is selectively induced by CDC. PI3K p110α may be a potential therapeutic target for the inhibition of bile salt-induced fibrogenesis in cholestasis.
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174
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Tamari Y, Takata T, Takeno S, Tanaka H, Yamazaki H, Yamada K, Suzuki M. Influence of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy on Normal Liver Tissue. Radiat Res 2022; 198:368-374. [PMID: 35904430 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00018.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Radiation-induced liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, occurs when radiation damages the liver. Basic research on hepatic fibrosis, which is a late radiation injury, is necessary for evaluating adverse liver events occurring after boron neutron capture therapy. This study was conducted to establish a method for analyzing the negative effect such as fibrosis in the liver tissue after boron neutron capture therapy. Female C57BL6 mice were injected with p-boronophenylalanine solution subcutaneously at 2 h before neutron irradiation. Masson trichrome staining was performed to determine the degree of liver fibrosis. The degree of fat accumulation in mouse normal liver tissue after boron neutron capture therapy was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining and triglyceride quantification. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression level of Sonic Hedgehog. Liver fat accumulation and fibrosis were significantly increased in the neutron irradiation group injected with p-boronophenylalanine compared with control group. In addition, Sonic Hedgehog expression was increased in response to boron neutron capture therapy-induced liver injury and was involved in liver fibrosis. Hepatocellular fat accumulation and Hedgehog signaling activation may be indicators of adverse events related to boron neutron capture therapy associated with liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Tamari
- Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2-1010, Asashiro-nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takushi Takata
- Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2-1010, Asashiro-nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takeno
- Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2-1010, Asashiro-nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2-1010, Asashiro-nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideya Yamazaki
- Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kei Yamada
- Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Minoru Suzuki
- Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2-1010, Asashiro-nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, Japan
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175
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Li YG, Yu ZJ, Li A, Ren ZG. Gut microbiota alteration and modulation in hepatitis B virus-related fibrosis and complications: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic inventions. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3555-3572. [PMID: 36161048 PMCID: PMC9372803 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i28.3555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has posed a threat to public health, mainly resulting in liver damage. With long-term accumulation of extracellular matrix, patients with chronic hepatitis B are at high risk of developing into liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and even life-threatening hepatic carcinoma. The occurrence of complications such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatic encephalopathy greatly increases disability and mortality. With deeper understanding of the bidirectional interaction between the liver and the gut (gut-liver axis), there is a growing consensus that the human health closely relates to the gut microbiota. Supported by animal and human studies, the gut microbiota alters as the HBV-related liver fibrosis initials and progresses, characterized as the decrease of the ratio between “good” and “potentially pathogenic” microbes. When the primary disease is controlled via antiviral treatment, the gut microbiota dysfunction tends to be improved. Conversely, the recovery of gut microbiota can promote the regression of liver fibrosis. Therapeutic strategies targeted on gut microbiota (rifaximin, probiotics, engineered probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation) have been applied to animal models and patients, obtaining satisfactory results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Guang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Zu-Jiang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Ang Li
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
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176
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Liu P, Mao Y, Xie Y, Wei J, Yao J. Stem cells for treatment of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis: clinical progress and therapeutic potential. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:356. [PMID: 35883127 PMCID: PMC9327386 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03041-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cost-effective treatment strategies for liver fibrosis or cirrhosis are limited. Many clinical trials of stem cells for liver disease shown that stem cells might be a potential therapeutic approach. This review will summarize the published clinical trials of stem cells for the treatment of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and provide the latest overview of various cell sources, cell doses, and delivery methods. We also describe the limitations and strengths of various stem cells in clinical applications. Furthermore, to clarify how stem cells play a therapeutic role in liver fibrosis, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of stem cells for treatment of liver fibrosis, including liver regeneration, immunoregulation, resistance to injury, myofibroblast repression, and extracellular matrix degradation. We provide a perspective for the prospects of future clinical implementation of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinyan Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongcui Mao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ye Xie
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiayun Wei
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jia Yao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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177
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Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) Alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis via TGF-β Signaling. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:3100943. [PMID: 35909891 PMCID: PMC9334033 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3100943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a major global health problem and considered a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although previous studies have suggested that transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) is protective against cardiac and renal fibrosis, its functional role in hepatic fibrosis has remained elusive. Herein, we characterize the effects of TRPV1 on carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced mice, in vitro transforming growth factor-β- (TGF-β-) treated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and human fibrosis specimens. Finally, our results demonstrated the significant TRPV1 downregulation in human liver fibrosis tissues. Knocking out TRPV1 significantly increased the expression of various hepatic fibrosis markers, while the expression of these biomarkers declined markedly in capsaicin-activated mice. Moreover, our study revealed that knocking down TRPV1 would enhance the promotive effect of TGF-β on HSC proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and ECM expression. Also, such promotive effect can be partially reversible by capsaicin, an exogenous activator of TRPV1. Collectively, the obtained data suggest that TRPV1 may alleviate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis and attenuate the effect of TGF-β on HSC activation, proliferation, and apoptosis, which overall implies that targeting TRPV1 channel activity may be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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178
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Kimura M, Nishikawa K, Osawa Y, Imamura J, Yamaji K, Harada K, Yatsuhashi H, Murata K, Miura K, Tanaka A, Kanto T, Kohara M, Kamisawa T, Kimura K. Inhibition of CBP/β-catenin signaling ameliorated fibrosis in cholestatic liver disease. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:2732-2747. [PMID: 35855613 PMCID: PMC9512479 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by injury of the bile ducts and hepatocytes caused by accumulated bile acids (BAs) and inflammation. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is implicated in organ fibrosis; however, its role in cholestatic liver fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, we explored the effect of a selective cAMP response element-binding protein-binding protein (CBP)/β-catenin inhibitor, PRI-724, on murine cholestatic liver fibrosis. PRI-724 suppressed liver fibrosis induced by multidrug resistance protein 2 knockout (KO), bile duct ligation, or a 3.5-diethoxycarbonyl-1.4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) diet; it also suppressed BA synthesis and macrophage infiltration. The expression of early growth response-1 (Egr-1), which plays a key role in BA synthesis, was increased in the hepatocytes of patients with cholestatic liver disease. PRI-724 inhibited Egr-1 expression induced by cholestasis, and adenoviral shEgr-1-mediated Egr-1 knockdown suppressed BA synthesis and fibrosis in DDC diet-fed mice, suggesting that PRI-724 exerts its effects, at least in part, by suppressing Egr-1 expression in hepatocytes. Hepatocyte-specific CBP KO in mice suppressed BA synthesis, liver injury, and fibrosis, whereas hepatocyte-specific KO of P300, a CBP homolog, exacerbated DDC-induced fibrosis. Intrahepatic Egr-1 expression was also decreased in hepatocyte-specific CBP-KO mice and increased in P300-KO mice, indicating that Egr-1 is located downstream of CBP/β-catenin signaling. Conclusion: PRI-724 inhibits cholestatic liver injury and fibrosis by inhibiting BA synthesis in hepatocytes. These results highlight the therapeutic effect of CBP/β-catenin inhibition in cholestatic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamichi Kimura
- Department of Hepatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Nishikawa
- Department of Hepatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Osawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Nasushiobara, Japan
| | - Jun Imamura
- Department of Hepatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenzaburo Yamaji
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yatsuhashi
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Murata
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kouichi Miura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kanto
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Terumi Kamisawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiminori Kimura
- Department of Hepatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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179
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Dai YK, Zhao ZM, Liu C. Treatment of Liver Fibrosis: A 20-Year Bibliometric and Knowledge-Map Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:942841. [PMID: 35903335 PMCID: PMC9315937 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.942841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To analyze the research hotspots, evolution, and trends of the treatment of liver fibrosis in the recent 20 years, bibliometric and knowledge-map analysis were used. Methods: Publications associated with the treatment of liver fibrosis were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection on 16 April 2022. CiteSpace 5.8.R3 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 were calculated to perform bibliometric and knowledge-map analysis. Results: A total of 72,686 authors from 200 institutions in 134 countries/regions published 15,237 studies in different academic journals. United States was the most productive country, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University was the most published institution. Trauner Michael had the most published articles, whereas Scott L. Friedman was the most frequently co-cited author. Moreover, there was frequent inter-institution cooperation between countries in the years 2015 and after, but the before years showed rare inter-institution cooperation. The journal HEPATOLOGY was both the most published publication and the most frequently co-cited one in this field. Screened keywords, such as virus infection, inflammation, oxidative stress, activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC), and hepatocellular apoptosis, could be both therapeutic targets and pathological mechanisms in terms of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, long-term suppression of hepatitis B virus replication and the activation of HSC were the latest hotspots and topics related to the treatment of liver fibrosis. Besides, the treatments of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis were also involved in the treatment of liver fibrosis, which were both emerging topics and rapidly developing hot fields. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis conducted a full overview of the treatment of liver fibrosis, which provided important clues and ideas for scholars focusing on this field. Not only that, the field is still in a stage of rapid development and will continue to be a research hotspot in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Kai Dai
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Min Zhao
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chenghai Liu, ; Zhi-Min Zhao,
| | - Chenghai Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chenghai Liu, ; Zhi-Min Zhao,
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180
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Liu G, Wei C, Yuan S, Zhang Z, Li J, Zhang L, Wang G, Fang L. Wogonoside attenuates liver fibrosis by triggering hepatic stellate cell ferroptosis through SOCS1/P53/SLC7A11 pathway. Phytother Res 2022; 36:4230-4243. [PMID: 35817562 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Wogonoside (WG) is a flavonoid chemical component extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis, which exerts therapeutic effects on liver diseases. Ferroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, regulates diverse physiological/pathological processes. In this study, we attempted to investigate a novel mechanism by which WG mitigates liver fibrosis by inducing ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). A CCl4 -induced mouse liver fibrosis model and a rat HSC line were employed for in vivo and in vitro experiments, both treated with WG. Firstly, the levels of the fibrotic markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and α1(I)collagen (COL1α1) were effectively decreased by WG in CCl4 -induced mice and HSC-T6 cells. Additionally, mitochondrial condensation and mitochondrial ridge breakage were observed in WG-treated HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, ferroptotic events including depletion of SLC7A11, GPX4 and GSH, and accumulation of iron, ROS and MDA were discovered in WG-treated HSC-T6 cells. Intriguingly, these ferroptotic events did not appear in hepatocytes or macrophages. WG-elicited HSC ferroptosis and ECM reduction were dramatically abrogated by ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a ferroptosis inhibitor. Importantly, our results confirm that SOCS1/P53/SLC7A11 is a signaling pathway which promotes WG attenuation of liver fibrosis. On the contrary, WG mitigated liver fibrosis and inducted HSC-T6 cell ferroptosis were hindered by SOCS1 siRNA and pifithrin-α (PFT-α). These findings demonstrate that SOCS1/P53/SLC7A11-mediated HSC ferroptosis is associated with WG alleviating liver fibrosis, which provides a new clue for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Can Wei
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, China
| | - Siyu Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiahao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guokai Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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181
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Que R, Cao M, Dai Y, Zhou Y, Chen Y, Lin L. Decursin ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis by facilitating ferroptosis of hepatic stellate cells. Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 100:378-386. [PMID: 35785548 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2022-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Decursin possesses the potential to alleviate transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. However, the mechanisms by which decursin alleviates hepatic fibrosis remain not fully understood. Our aim is to explore the function of decursin on regulating HSCs activation and hepatic fibrosis. The anti-fibrotic effect of decursin was evaluated by Masson and Sirius red staining, and immunohistochemical (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis for alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen types I (Col1a1) expression. Ferroptosis was assessed by measuring iron concentration, glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) and Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) expression, glutathione (GSH) level, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. We found that decursin treatment decreased CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The primary HSCs isolated from decursin-treated group showed an increased Fe2+, lipid ROS level, and decreased Gpx4 and GSH levels compared with HSCs from model group. Moreover, decursin promoted ferroptosis in activated HSCs in vitro, as evidenced by declined Gpx4 and GSH levels, increased Fe2+, ROS, and Ptgs2 levels compared with control. More important, ferroptosis inhibitor destroyed the anti-fibrosis effect of decursin on HSCs. In summary, these data suggest that decursin has potential to treat hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renye Que
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 599147, Gastroenterology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Mengxing Cao
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 599147, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Yancheng Dai
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 66322, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai, China;
| | - Yi Zhou
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 66322, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai, China;
| | - Yirong Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 599147, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Liubing Lin
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 599147, Gastroenterology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
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Faccioli LA, Dias ML, Paranhos BA, dos Santos Goldenberg RC. Liver cirrhosis: An overview of experimental models in rodents. Life Sci 2022; 301:120615. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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183
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Chen H, Wang J, Zhang C, Ding P, Tian S, Chen J, Ji G, Wu T. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor, a new therapeutic direction in different diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113341. [PMID: 35785704 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR), as a kind of G protein-coupled receptor, has five subtypes, including S1PR1, S1PR2, S1PR3, S1PR4, and S1PR5. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1P) and S1PR regulate the trafficking of neutrophils and some cells, which has great effects on immune systems, lung tissue, and liver tissue. Presently, many related reports have proved that S1PR has a strong effect on the migration of lymphocytes, tumor cells, neutrophils, and many other cells via the regulation of signals, pathways, and enzymes. In this way, S1PR can regulate the relative response of the organism. Thus, S1PR has become a possible target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, pulmonary disease, liver disease, and cancer. In this review, we mainly focus on the research of the S1PR for the new therapeutic directions of different diseases and is expected to assist support in the clinic and drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201199, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Junmin Wang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Caiyun Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Peilun Ding
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuxia Tian
- Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201199, China
| | - Junming Chen
- Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201199, China.
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Tao Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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184
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Kang SH, Yim HJ, Hwang JW, Kim MJ, Lee YS, Jung YK, Yim H, Kim BH, Park HC, Seo YS, Kim JH, Yeon JE, Um SH, Byun KS. Improved anti-fibrotic effects by combined treatments of simvastatin and NS-398 in experimental liver fibrosis models. Korean J Intern Med 2022; 37:745-756. [PMID: 35811365 PMCID: PMC9271712 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2021.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Efficient anti-fibrotic therapies are required for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors have been reported to have anti-fibrotic effects. Here, we investigated whether combined treatment with a statin and a COX-2 inhibitor has synergistic anti-fibrotic effects. METHODS The effects of treatment strategies incorporating both simvastatin and a COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398, were investigated using an immortalized human hepatic stellate cell line (LX-2) and a hepatic fibrosis mouse model developed using thioacetamide (TAA) in drinking water. Cellular proliferation was investigated via 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine uptake. Pro- and anti-apoptotic factors were investigated through Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS The evaluation of the anti-proliferative effects on LX-2 cells showed that the observed effects were more pronounced with combination therapy than with single-drug therapy. Moreover, hepatic fibrosis and collagen deposition decreased significantly in TAA-treated mice in response to the combined treatment strategy. The mechanisms underlying the anti-fibrotic effects of the combination therapy were investigated. The effects of the combination therapy were correlated with increased expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling molecules, upregulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway, inhibition of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, and inhibition of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2. CONCLUSION The combination of simvastatin and NS-398 resulted in a synergistic anti-fibrotic effect through multiple pathways. These findings offer a theoretical insight into the possible clinical application of this strategy for the treatment of advanced liver diseases with hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Hee Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyung Joon Yim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Ji-won Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Mi-jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Young-Sun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Young Kul Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyungshin Yim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan,
Korea
| | - Baek-Hui Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hae-Chul Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University, Ansan,
Korea
| | - Yeon Seok Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jong Eun Yeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Soon Ho Um
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Kwan Soo Byun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
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185
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Qian Y, Shang Z, Gao Y, Wu H, Kong X. Liver Regeneration in Chronic Liver Injuries: Basic and Clinical Applications Focusing on Macrophages and Natural Killer Cells. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:971-981. [PMID: 35738473 PMCID: PMC9489753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver regeneration is a necessary but complex process involving multiple cell types besides hepatocytes. Mechanisms underlying liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and acute liver injury have been well-described. However, in patients with chronic and severe liver injury, the remnant liver cannot completely restore the liver mass and function, thereby involving liver progenitor-like cells (LPLCs) and various immune cells. RESULTS Macrophages are beneficial to LPLCs proliferation and the differentiation of LPLCs to hepatocytes. Also, cells expressing natural killer (NK) cell markers have been studied in promoting both liver injury and liver regeneration. NK cells can promote LPLC-induced liver regeneration, but the excessive activation of hepatic NK cells may lead to high serum levels of interferon-γ, thus inhibiting liver regeneration. CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes the recent research on 2 important innate immune cells, macrophages and NK cells, in LPLC-induced liver regeneration and the mechanisms of liver regeneration during chronic liver injury, as well as the latest macrophage- and NK cell-based therapies for chronic liver injury. These novel findings can further help identify new treatments for chronic liver injury, saving patients from the pain of liver transplantations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Qian
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Shang
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailong Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoni Kong
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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186
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Lefeuvre C, Roux M, Blanchard S, Le Guillou-Guillemette H, Boursier J, Lunel-Fabiani F, Jeannin P, Pivert A, Ducancelle A. Analysis of hepatic fibrosis markers in the serum of chronic hepatitis B patients according to basal core promoter/precore mutants. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10261. [PMID: 35715541 PMCID: PMC9205978 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14285-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The A1762T/G1764A double mutant in the basal core promoter (BCP) region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with severe hepatic lesions while the G1899A mutation with the double mutant is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of severe fibrosis. This study aims to measure a number of markers in the serum of patients with chronic HBV infection and to assess relationships between these markers and BCP/precore mutants with consideration of the stage of fibrosis. The serum levels of resistin, TGF-β1, MMP-1, TIMP-1, collagen IA1 and PDGF-BB, which are markers that are known to be involved in the process of hepatic fibrosis, were assayed. The serum levels of PDGF-BB and TIMP-1, and the mutation profile were independently associated with advanced fibrosis. A higher level of TIMP-1 was associated with advanced fibrosis regardless of the mutation status, and a higher level of PDGF-BB was associated with nonsevere fibrosis in patients infected with viruses harboring the A1762T/G1764A or A1762T/G1764A/G1899A mutations. Our results suggest an impact of the A1762T/G1764A mutant on the biological pathway related to TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB. In vitro studies are needed to understand the impact of these mutants on the serum secretion of markers involved in fibrosis severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marine Roux
- Univ Angers, HIFIH, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Simon Blanchard
- Univ Angers, INSERM Unité 892, CNRS Unit 6299, F-49000, Angers, France
| | | | - Jérôme Boursier
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, HIFIH, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France
| | | | - Pascale Jeannin
- Univ Angers, INSERM Unité 892, CNRS Unit 6299, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Adeline Pivert
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, HIFIH, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France
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187
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Zhu S, Chen X, Chen SY, Wang A, Wu S, Wu YY, Cheng M, Xu JJ, Li XF, Huang C, Li J. Hesperetin derivative decreases CCl 4 -induced hepatic fibrosis by Ptch1-dependent mechanisms. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2022; 36:e23149. [PMID: 35712856 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF), a continuous wound-healing response of the liver to repeated injuries, is characterized by abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered a major cell type for ECM production. However, recent evidence indicates the lack of effective treatments for HF. Hesperetin, a Traditional Chinese Medicine monomer, has been isolated from the fruit peel of Citrusaurantium L. (Rutaceae). Growing evidence suggests the partial function of hesperetin in HF treatment. A hesperetin derivative (HD) was synthesized in our laboratory to increase the bioavailability and the water solubility of hesperetin. In this study, we detected the functions of HD in a mouse model of CCl4 -induced HF and transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated HSC-T6 cells, in vivo and in vitro. HD reduced histological damage and CCl4 -induced HF. Moreover, HD interference was associated with the activation of indicators in HSC-T6 cells, showing that HD is involved in HSCs activation in HF. Mechanistically, the Hedgehog pathway is involved in the HD treatment of HF, and HD may attenuate the aberrant expression of patched1. In conclusion, the studies indicate that HD may function as a potential antifibrotic Traditional Chinese Medicine monomer in HF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Ao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Sha Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Miao Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Jin-Jin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
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Saha M, Manna K, Das Saha K. Melatonin Suppresses NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via TLR4/NF-κB and P2X7R Signaling in High-Fat Diet-Induced Murine NASH Model. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:3235-3258. [PMID: 35668917 PMCID: PMC9166960 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s343236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays a critical role in mediating inflammation and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) progression that ultimately leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Melatonin (MLT) controls high-fat diet-induced NASH in the murine model by modulating NLRP3 mediated inflammation. P2X7R-mediated inflammasome activation is reported in several inflammatory models including NASH. Objective The role of MLT in P2X7R-mediated inflammation in the NASH model has not yet been explored. The present study investigated the role of MLT in amending high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in the murine liver. Methods To evaluate the hepatological changes, mice were divided into four groups to investigate the improvement potential of this MLT (10 and 20 mg/kg) and to assess the experimental findings. Histology, biochemical assays, ELISA, FACS analysis, Western blotting, and IF were performed to assess the physical and molecular changes upon melatonin treatment. Results The result demonstrated that MLT administration reduced HFD (high-fat diet)-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitic indices, which successively restored the hepatic morphological architecture and other pathophysiological features too. Moreover, the application of MLT suppressed HFD-induced activation of the inflammasome and through TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Herein, we report that MLT significantly suppresses P2X7R expression and calcium influx along with inflammasome in both in vitro and in vivo. The docking study revealed a strong binding affinity of MLT with P2X7R. Moreover, the results also showed that the Nrf2 level was boosted which may normalize the expression of antioxidant proteins that safeguard against oxidative damage triggered by inflammation. Furthermore, some matrix metalloproteinases like MMP 2 and MMP 9 were repressed and TIMP-1 level was increased, which also signifies that MLT could improve liver fibrosis in this model. Conclusion Based on our findings, this study may conclude that MLT could be used as a therapeutic agent in the high-fat diet-induced NASH model as it has persuasive anti-inflammatory potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Saha
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Krishnendu Manna
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Krishna Das Saha
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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189
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Mikołajczyk-Korniak N, Bączkowska T, Tronina O, Durlik M. Noninvasive Diagnostic Methods for the Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis in Liver Transplant Recipients. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:1042-1048. [PMID: 35660278 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis in liver transplant recipients is the main predictive factor for graft function. Diagnostic methods for hepatic fibrosis staging should be available, reproducible, and noninvasive, if possible. We aimed to compare diagnostic methods for the assessment of hepatic fibrosis in transplant recipients: liver biopsy as a reference method, dynamic elastography, and direct and indirect blood markers (the ELF test [Enhanced Liver Fibrosis] test and the FibroTest). We sought to set a cutoff value for each method in order to assess significant liver fibrosis (F ≥2). METHODS The study involved 62 patients after liver transplantation. Fibrosis was assessed in biopsy specimens using the METAVIR Score System (F0-F4). To identify clinically significant cutoff values of hepatic fibrosis (F ≥2, F ≥3, F = 4) for each method compared, a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used. RESULTS Area under ROC for the prediction of significant fibrosis (F ≥2), advanced fibrosis (F ≥3), and cirrhosis (F = 4) for the study group was 0.5938, 0.8952, and 0.9583 for dynamic elastography; 0.7295, 0.7072, and 0.8409 for the ELF test; and 0.4863, 0.8049, and 0.8723 for the FibroTest. The cutoff value for F ≥2 for dynamic elastography was 4.65 kPa; for the ELF test, 9.27; and for the FibroTest, 0.72. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity and specificity of the tests studied, as compared with biopsy results, increase with increasing severity of hepatic fibrosis. The noninvasive diagnostic methods are of limited value in the diagnosis of early fibrosis stages. In the diagnostic assessment of hepatic fibrosis in its advanced stages, dynamic elastography can be used in conjunction with ELF test as a noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Mikołajczyk-Korniak
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Teresa Bączkowska
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Olga Tronina
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Durlik
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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190
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Chiang JYL, Ferrell JM. Discovery of farnesoid X receptor and its role in bile acid metabolism. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 548:111618. [PMID: 35283218 PMCID: PMC9038687 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In 1995, the nuclear hormone orphan receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) was identified as a farnesol receptor expressed mainly in liver, kidney, and adrenal gland of rats. In 1999, bile acids were identified as endogenous FXR ligands. Subsequently, FXR target genes involved in the regulation of hepatic bile acid synthesis, secretion, and intestinal re-absorption were identified. FXR signaling was proposed as a mechanism of feedback regulation of the rate-limiting enzyme for bile acid synthesis, cholesterol 7⍺-hydroxylase (CYP7A1). The primary bile acids synthesized in the liver are transformed to secondary bile acids by the gut microbiota. The gut-to-liver axis plays a critical role in the regulation of bile acid synthesis, composition and circulating bile acid pool size, which in turn regulates glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism. Dysregulation of bile acid metabolism and FXR signaling in the gut-to-liver axis contributes to metabolic diseases including obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This review will cover the discovery of FXR as a bile acid sensor in the regulation of bile acid metabolism and as a metabolic regulator of lipid, glucose, and energy homeostasis. It will also provide an update of FXR functions in the gut-to-liver axis and the drug therapies targeting bile acids and FXR for the treatment of liver metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Y L Chiang
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4029 SR 44, P.O. Box 95, Rootstown, OH, 44272, United States.
| | - Jessica M Ferrell
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4029 SR 44, P.O. Box 95, Rootstown, OH, 44272, United States
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191
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Modulation of Inflammation by Plant-Derived Nutraceuticals in Tendinitis. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14102030. [PMID: 35631173 PMCID: PMC9143056 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendinitis (tendinopathy) is a pro-inflammatory and painful tendon disease commonly linked with mechanical overuse and associated injuries, drug abuse, and lifestyle factors (including poor diet and physical inactivity) that causes significant healthcare expenditures due to its high incidence. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is one of the major pro-inflammatory transcription factors, along with other inflammation signaling pathways, triggered by a variety of stimuli, including cytokines, endotoxins, physical and chemical stressors, hypoxia, and other pro-inflammatory factors. Their activation is known to regulate the expression of a multitude of genes involved in inflammation, degradation, and cell death. The pathogenesis of tendinitis is still poorly understood, whereas efficient and sustainable treatment is missing. Targeting drug suppression of the key inflammatory regulators represents an effective strategy for tendinitis therapy, but requires a comprehensive understanding of their principles of action. Conventional monotherapies are often ineffective and associated with severe side effects in patients. Therefore, agents that modulate multiple cellular targets represent therapeutic treatment potential. Plant-derived nutraceuticals have been shown to act as multi-targeting agents against tendinitis via various anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, whereat they were able to specifically modulate numerous signaling pathways, including NF-κB, p38/MAPK, JNK/STAT3, and PI3K/Akt, thus down-regulating inflammatory processes. This review discusses the utility of herbal nutraceuticals that have demonstrated safety and tolerability as anti-inflammatory agents for the prevention and treatment of tendinitis through the suppression of catabolic signaling pathways. Limitations associated with the use of nutraceuticals are also described.
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192
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Huang Q, Xu J, Ge Y, Shi Y, Wang F, Zhu M. NR4A1 inhibits the epithelial–mesenchymal transition of hepatic stellate cells: Involvement of TGF-β–Smad2/3/4–ZEB signaling. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:447-454. [PMID: 35600274 PMCID: PMC9070444 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine whether nuclear receptor 4a1 (NR4A1) is involved in inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis through the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). HSC-T6 cells were divided into the control group, the acetaldehyde (200 μM, an EMT activator) group, and the NR4A1 activation group (Cytosporone B; 1 μM). The expression levels of the epithelial marker E-cadherin, the mesenchymal markers fibronectin (FN), vimentin, smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA), and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1), and the components of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Compared with the control group, E-cadherin in the acetaldehyde group was downregulated, whereas FN, FSP-1, vimentin, α-SMA, and COL1A1/COL1A2 were upregulated (P < 0.05). Compared with the acetaldehyde group, NR4A1 agonist upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated FN, FSP-1, vimentin, α-SMA, and COL1A1/COL1A2 (P < 0.05). After acetaldehyde stimulation, TGF-β, Smad2/3/4, and zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB) were upregulated, while Smad7 mRNA levels were downregulated (all P < 0.05). Compared with acetaldehyde alone, NR4A1 agonist increased Smad7 mRNA levels and reduced TGF-β, Smad2/3/4, and ZEB mRNA levels (all P < 0.05). NR4A1 activation suppresses acetaldehyde-induced EMT, as shown by epithelial and mesenchymal marker expression. The inhibition of the TGF-β–Smad2/3/4–ZEB signaling during HSC activation might be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Hangzhou , 310023 , China
| | - Jingying Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Hangzhou , 310023 , China
| | - Yanyan Ge
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Hangzhou , 310009 , China
| | - Yue Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Hangzhou , 310023 , China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Hangzhou , 310023 , China
| | - Mingli Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Hangzhou , 310023 , China
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193
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Li C, Zhan Y, Zhang R, Tao Q, Lang Z, Zheng J. 20(S)- Protopanaxadiol suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation via WIF1 demethylation-mediated inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. J Ginseng Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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194
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Kuang J, Sun W, Zhang M, Kang L, Yang S, Zhang H, Wang Y, Hu P. A three-dimensional biomimetic microfluidic chip to study the behavior of hepatic stellate cell under the tumor microenvironment. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.05.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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195
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Chen J, Ge SJ, Feng HJ, Wu SZ, Ji R, Huang WR, Huang W, Lu CH. KRT17 Promotes the Activation of HSCs via EMT in Liver Fibrosis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:207-218. [PMID: 35528988 PMCID: PMC9039702 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a central role in the development of liver fibrosis, the mechanism underlying the activation of HSCs remains unclear. Keratin 17 (KRT17), a member of the intermediate filament family, can regulate tumor cell proliferation and migration. The current study aimed to elucidate the role of KRT17 in the activation of HSCs and the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis. METHODS The expression of KRT17 was determined using immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray. Western blotting and qRT-PCR assays were used to determine the KRT17 expression in fibrotic liver tissues obtained from human subjects and mice. LX-2 cells were treated with TGF-β1 recombinant protein and adipocyte differentiation mixture (MDI) mix to induce and reverse LX-2 cell activation, respectively, in order to explore the correlation between KRT17 and HSC activation. Additionally, cell proliferation and migration abilities of LX-2 cells transfected with KRT17-overexpressing plasmid or small interfering RNA were determined using CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell, and wound healing assays. Finally, rescue assay was used to explore the role of KRT17 in HSC activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). RESULTS The expression of KRT17 was higher in the human and mouse fibrotic liver tissues than in healthy liver tissues, and it was positively correlated with HSC activation. Upregulated KRT17 enhanced proliferation, migration, HSC activation and EMT in LX-2 cells, while knockdown of KRT17 reversed these effects. TGF-β1 recombinant protein accelerated KRT17-mediated EMT, HSC activation and proliferation, while TGF-β1 inhibitor counteracted the effect of KRT17 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS KRT17 promoted HSC activation, proliferation and EMT in hepatic fibrosis probably via TGF-β1 signaling, and KRT17 might serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Si-Jia Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hai-Juan Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shu-Zhen Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ran Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wei-Rong Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Correspondence to: Wei Huang and Cui-Hua Lu, Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8471-530X (WH), https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1377-5820 (CHL). Tel: +86-13962991839 (WH), +86-13962801685 (CHL), Fax: +86-513-8116-1826, E-mail: (WH), (CHL)
| | - Cui-Hua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Correspondence to: Wei Huang and Cui-Hua Lu, Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8471-530X (WH), https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1377-5820 (CHL). Tel: +86-13962991839 (WH), +86-13962801685 (CHL), Fax: +86-513-8116-1826, E-mail: (WH), (CHL)
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196
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Mechanism of cancer stemness maintenance in human liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:394. [PMID: 35449193 PMCID: PMC9023565 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04848-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer mainly includes the following four types: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), hepatoblastoma (HB), and combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA). Recent studies have indicated that there are differences in cancer stem cell (CSC) properties among different types of liver cancer. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), also called liver tumor-initiating cells, have been viewed as drivers of tumor initiation and metastasis. Many mechanisms and factors, such as mitophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, epigenetic modifications, the tumor microenvironment, and tumor plasticity, are involved in the regulation of cancer stemness in liver cancer. In this review, we analyze cancer stemness in different liver cancer types. Moreover, we further evaluate the mechanism of cancer stemness maintenance of LCSCs and discuss promising treatments for eradicating LCSCs.
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197
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Liu Z, Zhou S, Zhang Y, Zhao M. Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) inhibit liver fibrosis by activating GSK3β and inhibiting the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:17. [PMID: 35440002 PMCID: PMC9017036 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can effectively alleviate liver fibrosis, which is a pathological injury caused by various chronic liver diseases. This study aimed to investigate the antifibrotic effects of BMSCs and elucidate the underlying mechanism by which BMSCs affect liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Methods After the rat liver fibrosis model was induced by continuous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), BMSCs were administered for 4 weeks, and histopathological analysis and liver function tests were performed. T6 hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6 cells) were stimulated by TGF-β1, and the activation and proliferation of cells were analyzed by CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Our data demonstrated that BMSCs effectively reduced the accumulation of collagen, enhanced liver functionality and ameliorated liver fibrosis in vivo. BMSCs increased the sub-G1 population in HSC-T6 cells. In addition, coculture with BMSCs reduced the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, cyclin-D1, and c-Myc in HSC-T6 cells and activated the phosphorylation of GSK3β. The GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 reversed the effect of BMSCs. The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway was involved in BMSC-mediated inhibition of HSC-T6 cell activation. Conclusions Our data suggested that BMSCs exerted antifibrotic effects by activating the expression of GSK3β and inhibiting the Wnt3a/β-catenin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoguo Liu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Song Zhou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. .,Department of Organ Transplantation, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong Province, China.
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198
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Vargas-Pozada EE, Ramos-Tovar E, Acero-Hernández C, Cardoso-Lezama I, Galindo-Gómez S, Tsutsumi V, Muriel P. Caffeine mitigates experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and the progression of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis by blocking the MAPK and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathways. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100671. [PMID: 35065262 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Caffeine consumption is associated with beneficial effects on hepatic disorders. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antifibrotic effects of caffeine on experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) induced with a high-fat, high-sucrose, high-cholesterol diet (HFSCD), as well as to evaluate the ability of caffeine to prevent the progression of experimental liver fibrosis induced by the administration of thioacetamide (TAA) in rats and explore the mechanisms of action. METHODS NASH and fibrosis were induced in rats by the administration of an HFSCD for 15 weeks, and liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 200 mg/kg TAA 3 times per week, for 6 weeks. Caffeine was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. The effects of diet, TAA, and caffeine on fibrosis were evaluated by biochemical and histological examinations. The profibrotic pathways were analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Rats exhibited liver fibrosis after HFSCD feeding and the administration of TAA. Caffeine could reduce the hepatic level of collagen and the fibrotic area in the liver. Caffeine prevented the progression of liver fibrosis by decreasing transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and by inhibiting the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Smad3 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Caffeine attenuates NASH and the progression of liver fibrosis due to its antifibrotic effects and modulating the MAPK and TGF-β pathways. Therefore, caffeine could be a suitable candidate for treating liver diseases associated with fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo E Vargas-Pozada
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado 14-740 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Erika Ramos-Tovar
- Postgraduate Studies and Research Section, School of Higher Education in Medicine-IPN, Apartado 11340 Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Consuelo Acero-Hernández
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado 14-740 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Irina Cardoso-Lezama
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado 14-740 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Silvia Galindo-Gómez
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado 14-740 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Víctor Tsutsumi
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado 14-740 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado 14-740 Mexico City, Mexico.
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Abu Helal R, Muturi HT, Lee AD, Li W, Ghadieh HE, Najjar SM. Aortic Fibrosis in Insulin-Sensitive Mice with Endothelial Cell-Specific Deletion of Ceacam1 Gene. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4335. [PMID: 35457157 PMCID: PMC9027102 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Mice with global Ceacam1 deletion developed plaque-like aortic lesions even on C57BL/6J background in the presence of increased endothelial cell permeability and insulin resistance. Loss of endothelial Ceacam1 gene caused endothelial dysfunction and reduced vascular integrity without affecting systemic insulin sensitivity. Because endothelial cell injury precedes atherosclerosis, we herein investigated whether the loss of endothelial Ceacam1 initiates atheroma formation in the absence of insulin resistance. (2) Methods: Endothelial cell-specific Ceacam1 null mice on C57BL/6J.Ldlr-/- background (Ldlr-/-VECadCre+Cc1fl/fl) were fed an atherogenic diet for 3-5 months before metabolic, histopathological, and en-face analysis of aortae were compared to their control littermates. Sirius Red stain was also performed on liver sections to analyze hepatic fibrosis. (3) Results: These mice displayed insulin sensitivity without significant fat deposition on aortic walls despite hypercholesterolemia. They also displayed increased inflammation and fibrosis. Deleting Ceacam1 in endothelial cells caused hyperactivation of VEGFR2/Shc/NF-κB pathway with resultant transcriptional induction of NF-κB targets. These include IL-6 that activates STAT3 inflammatory pathways, in addition to endothelin-1 and PDGF-B profibrogenic effectors. It also induced the association between SHP2 phosphatase and VEGFR2, downregulating the Akt/eNOS pathway and reducing nitric oxide production, a characteristic feature of endothelial dysfunction. Similarly, hepatic inflammation and fibrosis developed in Ldlr-/-VECadCre+Cc1fl/fl mice without an increase in hepatic steatosis. (4) Conclusions: Deleting endothelial cell Ceacam1 caused hepatic and aortic inflammation and fibrosis with increased endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the presence of hypercholesterolemia. However, this did not progress into frank atheroma formation. Because these mice remained insulin sensitive, the study provides an in vivo demonstration that insulin resistance plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of frank atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghd Abu Helal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA; (R.A.H.); (H.T.M.); (H.E.G.)
| | - Harrison T. Muturi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA; (R.A.H.); (H.T.M.); (H.E.G.)
| | - Abraham D. Lee
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, College of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA;
- School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA;
| | - Hilda E. Ghadieh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA; (R.A.H.); (H.T.M.); (H.E.G.)
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, College of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, El-Koura P.O. Box 100, Lebanon
| | - Sonia M. Najjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA; (R.A.H.); (H.T.M.); (H.E.G.)
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, College of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA;
- Diabetes Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
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Hepatic Steatosis Is Associated with High White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040892. [PMID: 35453642 PMCID: PMC9025046 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatic steatosis is increasing globally, and it is important to identify those at risk to prevent comorbidities. Complete blood count is a simple, convenient, and inexpensive laboratory examination which can be used to obtain white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationships between WBC and platelet counts with hepatic steatosis, and whether WBC and platelet counts were associated with the severity of hepatic steatosis. We enrolled 1969 participants residing in southern Taiwan who took part in a health survey from June 2016 to September 2018 in this cross-sectional study. None of the participants were heavy alcohol users or had a history of hepatitis B or C. We collected laboratory data, and the severity of hepatic steatosis was determined by abdominal ultrasound. The overall prevalence rate of hepatic steatosis was 42.0%. There were significant trends of stepwise increases in WBC count (p < 0.001) corresponding to the severity of hepatic steatosis. After multivariable linear regression analysis, hepatic steatosis was significantly associated with high WBC count (coefficient β, 0.209; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.055 to 0.364; p = 0.008) and high platelet count (coefficient β, 12.213; 95% CI, 6.092 to 18.334; p < 0.001); also, higher WBC counts corresponded with the severity of hepatic steatosis.
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