Effects of cytokines on the liver

The immunology of sickness metabolism

Everyone knows that an infection can make you feel sick. Although we perceive infection-induced changes in metabolism as a pathology, they are a part of a carefully regulated process that depends on tissue-specific interactions between the immune system and organs involved in the regulation of systemic homeostasis. Immune-mediated changes in homeostatic parameters lead to altered production and uptake of nutrients in circulation, which modifies the metabolic rate of key organs. This is what we experience as being sick. The purpose of sickness metabolism is to generate a metabolic environment in which the body is optimally able to fight infection while denying vital nutrients for the replication of pathogens. Sickness metabolism depends on tissue-specific immune cells, which mediate responses tailored to the nature and magnitude of the threat. As an infection increases in severity, so do the number and type of immune cells involved and the level to which organs are affected, which dictates the degree to which we feel sick. Interestingly, many alterations associated with metabolic disease appear to overlap with immune-mediated changes observed following infection. Targeting processes involving tissue-specific interactions between activated immune cells and metabolic organs therefore holds great potential for treating both people with severe infection and those with metabolic disease. In this review, we will discuss how the immune system communicates in situ with organs involved in the regulation of homeostasis and how this communication is impacted by infection.

Elevated cerebrospinal fluid galectin-3 and associated cytokines after severe traumatic brain injury in patients

This study aimed to investigate the galectin-3 and associated cytokines levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) patients. Temporal CSF expression of galectin-3 and associated cytokines levels in sTBI patients within 1-week post-injury were studied using the multiplex bead array. STBI patient group was stratified using the Modified Rankin Score (mRS) into 3 groups: mRS 6 (died), mRS 5 (severely disabled) and mRS 1-4 (mild-to-moderately disabled) group. Analysis for bead array data using Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc Dunn's multiple comparisons test, and temporal changes and correlation analysis using Spearman's correlation were carried out. At day 1 post-injury, CSF galectin-3 and interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), cysteine-cysteine motif chemokine ligand-2 (CCL-2), and cysteine-cysteine motif chemokine ligand-20 (CCL-20), but not interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were significantly elevated in mRS 5 group compared to non-TBI controls. Temporal correlation analysis at 1-7 days showed decreased IL-10 level in the mRS 6 group, decreased IL-10 and CCL-2 levels in mRS 5 group, and decreased IL-6, CCL-2, and CCL-20 levels in the mRS 1-4 group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed a significant area under the curve for comparison between mRS 6 and mRS 5 groups for galectin-3 and IL-6. No significant differences in sex, age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, C-reactive protein levels and types of TBI-induced hemorrhages were observed between the groups. CSF galectin-3 and associated cytokines, especially IL-6, CCL-2 and CCL-20 levels were different within sub-groups of sTBI patients, suggesting their potential use in sTBI prognostics.

GLP-1R agonist therapy and vaccine response: Neglected implications

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), such as semaglutide (Ozempic®), have emerged as effective treatments for diabetes and weight management. However, recent evidence indicates that GLP-1R signalling influences various tissues, including the immune system. Notably, GLP-1 has a short half-life (< 5 minutes) and exists in the picomolar range, while GLP-1RAs like semaglutide have extended half-lives of several days and are administered at supraphysiological doses. This review explores the potential impact of these medications on vaccine efficacy. We examine evidence suggesting that GLP-1RAs may attenuate vaccine responses through direct effects on immune cells and modulation of other tissues. Additionally, we discuss how GLP-1R signalling may create a tolerogenic environment, potentially reducing vaccine immunogenicity. Given the widespread use of GLP-1RAs, it is crucial to understand their impact on immune responses and the translational implications for vaccination outcomes.

Serum/Plasma Proteome in Non-Malignant Liver Disease

The liver is the central metabolic organ and produces 85-90% of the proteins found in plasma. Accordingly, the plasma proteome is an attractive source of liver disease biomarkers that reflects the different cell types present in this organ, as well as the processes such as responses to acute and chronic injury or the formation of an extracellular matrix. In the first part, we summarize the biomarkers routinely used in clinical evaluations and their biological relevance in the different stages of non-malignant liver disease. Later, we describe the current proteomic approaches, including mass spectrometry and affinity-based techniques, that allow a more comprehensive assessment of the liver function but also require complex data processing. The many approaches of analysis and interpretation and their potential caveats are delineated. While these advances hold the promise to transform our understanding of liver diseases and support the development and validation of new liver-related drugs, an interdisciplinary collaboration is needed.

Long-term physical inactivity induces significant changes in biochemical pathways related to metabolism of proteins and glycerophospholipids in mice

Physical inactivity affects multiple organ systems, including the musculoskeletal system, which upsets the delicate balance of several secretory factors leading to metabolic derailment. This reduces contractile recruitment of the skeletal muscle with dampening of its oxidative capacity resulting in impaired intramuscular lipid metabolism and substrate utilization. We hypothesized that this altered phenotype would also have an indispensable effect on circulatory cytokines and the level of metabolic intermediates. In this study, comparison between sedentary (SED) and exercised (EXER) animal models showed that organismal metabolic parameters (body mass, oxygen utilization and glucose tolerance) are altered based on physical activity. Our data suggest that cytokines linked to glycemic excursions (insulin, c-peptide, glucagon) and their passive regulators (leptin, BDNF, active ghrelin, and GIP) exhibit changes in the SED group. Furthermore, some of the proinflammatory cytokines and myokines were upregulated in SED. Interestingly, serum metabolite analysis showed that the levels of glucogenic amino acids (alanine, glycine, tryptophan, proline and valine), nitrogenous amino acids (ornithine, asparagine, and glutamine) and myogenic metabolites (taurine, creatine) were altered due to the level of physical activity. A pyrimidine nucleoside (uridine), lipid metabolite (glycerol) and ketone bodies (acetoacetate and acetate) were found to be altered in SED. A Spearman rank correlation study between SED and CTRL showed that cytokines build a deformed network with metabolites in SED, indicating significant modifications in amino acids, phosphatidylinositol phosphate and glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways. Overall, long-term physical inactivity reorganizes the profile of proinflammatory cytokines, glucose sensing hormones, and protein and glycerophospholipid metabolism, which might be the initial factors of metabolic diseases due to SED.

Comparative analysis of liver transcriptome reveals adaptive responses to hypoxia environmental condition in Tibetan chicken

OBJECTIVE

Tibetan chickens, which have unique adaptations to extreme high-altitude environments, exhibit phenotypic and physiological characteristics that are distinct from those of lowland chickens. However, the mechanisms underlying hypoxic adaptation in the liver of chickens remain unknown.

METHODS

RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used to assess the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in hypoxia adaptation in highland chickens (native Tibetan chicken [HT]) and lowland chickens (Langshan chicken [LS], Beijing You chicken [BJ], Qingyuan Partridge chicken [QY], and Chahua chicken [CH]).

RESULTS

A total of 352 co-DEGs were specifically screened between HT and four native lowland chicken breeds. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses indicated that these co-DEGs were widely involved in lipid metabolism processes, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, fatty acid metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis. To further determine the relationship from the 352 co-DEGs, protein-protein interaction network was carried out and identified eight genes (ACSL1, CPT1A, ACOX1, PPARC1A, SCD, ACSBG2, ACACA, and FASN) as the potential regulating genes that are responsible for the altitude difference between the HT and other four lowland chicken breeds.

CONCLUSION

This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating hypoxia adaptation via lipid metabolism in Tibetan chickens and other highland animals.

Activating transcription factor (ATF) 6 upregulates cystathionine β synthetase (CBS) expression and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) synthesis to ameliorate liver metabolic damage

Activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) is an endoplasmic reticulum stress responsive gene. We previously reported that conditional knockout of hepatic ATF6 exacerbated liver metabolic damage by repressing autophagy through mTOR pathway. However, the mechanism by which ATF6 influence liver metabolism has not been well established. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous signaling molecule that plays an important role in regulating inflammation, and suppress nonalcoholic fatty liver in mice. Based on the previous study, we assumed that ATF6 may regulate H2S production to participate in liver metabolism. In order to clarify the mechanism by which ATF6 regulates H2S synthesis to ameliorate liver steatosis and inflammatory environment, we conducted the present study. We used the liver specific ATF6 knockout mice and fed on high-fat-diet, and found that H2S level was significantly downregulated in hepatic ATF6 knockout mice. Restoring H2S by the administration of slow H2S releasing agent GYY4137 ameliorated the hepatic steatosis and glucose tolerance. ATF6 directly binds to the promoter of cystathionine β synthetase (CBS), an important enzyme in H2S synthesis. Thus, ATF6 could upregulate H2S production through CBS. Sulfhydrated Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) was downregulated in ATF6 knockout mice. The expression of pro-inflammatory factor IL-17A was upregulated and anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was downregulated in ATF6 knockout mice. Our results suggest that ATF6 can transcriptionally enhance CBS expression as well as H2S synthesis. ATF6 increases SIRT1 sulfhydration and ameliorates lipogenesis and inflammation in the fatty liver. Therefore, ATF6 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for high-fat diet induced fatty liver metabolic abnormalities.

Multi-omics reveals aspirin eugenol ester alleviates neurological disease

BACKGROUND

Exosomes play an essential role in maintaining normal brain function due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) is a new medicinal compound synthesized by the esterification of aspirin with eugenol using the prodrug principle. Aspirin has been reported to have neuroprotective effects and may be effective against neurodegenerative diseases.

PURPOSE

This study wanted to investigate how AEE affected neurological diseases in vivo and in vitro.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

A multi-omics approach was used to explore the effects of AEE on the nervous system. Gene and protein expression changes of BDNF and NEFM in SY5Y cells after AEE treatment were detected using RT-qPCR and Western Blot.

KEY RESULTS

The multi-omics results showed that AEE could regulate neuronal synapses, neuronal axons, neuronal migration, and neuropeptide signaling by affecting transport, inflammatory response, and regulating apoptosis. Exosomes secreted by AEE-treated Caco-2 cells could promote the growth of neurofilaments in SY5Y cells and increased the expression of BDNF and NEFM proteins in SY5Y cells. miRNAs in the exosomes of AEE-treated Caco-2 cells may play an important role in the activation of SY5Y neuronal cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, AEE could play positive effects on neurological-related diseases.

Differentially Expressed Hepatic Genes Revealed by Transcriptomics in Pigs with Different Liver Lipid Contents

The liver is the center for uptake, synthesis, packaging, and secretion of lipids and lipoproteins. The research on lipid metabolism in pigs is limited. The objective of the present study is to identify the genes related to lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in pigs by using transcriptomic analysis. Liver segments were collected from 60 Jinhua pigs for the determination of liver lipid content. The 7 pigs with the highest and lowest liver lipid content were set as group H and group L, respectively. Liver segments and serum samples were collected from each pig of the H and L groups for RNA sequencing and the determination of triglycerides (TG) content and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) content, respectively. The HDL content in the serum of pigs in the H group was significantly higher than the L group ( $P<0.05$ ). From transcriptomic sequencing, 6162 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, among which 2962 were upregulated and 3200 downregulated genes with the increase in the liver content of Jinhua pigs. After GO enrichment and KEGG analyses, lipid modification, cellular lipid metabolic process, cholesterol biosynthetic process, fatty acid metabolic process, oxidoreduction coenzyme metabolic process, oxidoreductase activity, acting on CH-OH group of donors, response to oxidative stress, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), sphingolipid metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways were involved in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in Jinhua pigs. For further validation, we selected 10 DEGs including 7 upregulated genes (APOE, APOA1, APOC3, LCAT, CYP2E1, GPX1, and ROMO1) and 4 downregulated genes (PPARA, PPARGC1A, and TXNIP) for RT-qPCR verification. To validate these results in other pig species, we analyzed these 10 DEGs in the liver of Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire pigs. Similar expression patterns of these 10 DEGs were observed. These data would provide an insight to understand the gene functions regulating lipid metabolism and oxidative stress and would potentially provide theoretical basis for the development of strategies to modulate lipid metabolism and even control human diabetes and obesity by gene regulations.

The connection of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein inflammatory marker with anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic characteristic of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

AIM

To investigate the connection of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein inflammatory biomarker with clinical, hormonal, and metabolic characteristics in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and normal cycling controls.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 235 women with PCOS and 92 normal cycling controls attended between 2008 and 2018. Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein levels were correlated with clinical, anthropometric, anthropometric-metabolic indexes, and hormones of women with PCOS and controls. Simple and multivariate stepwise linear regression, matched for age and body mass index confounding variables, was performed.

RESULTS

Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein levels were higher in women with PCOS (p = 0.0016). In controls, it was positively correlated with waist circumference, fat mass, body adiposity index, and lipid accumulation product, and negatively correlated with sex hormone-binding globulin (p < 0.005 for all comparisons). In PCOS, it was positively correlated with testosterone, most biomarkers of central adiposity, homeostatic model assessment of insulin-resistant, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and negatively correlated with sex hormone-binding globulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose/insulin ratio, and lymphocytes (p < 0.055 for all comparisons). After multivariate regression in women with PCOS, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein retained a significant positive correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein.

CONCLUSIONS

In PCOS, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein is correlated with biomarkers of adiposity, carbohydrate metabolism, and total testosterone. This inflammatory marker is also correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, frequent markers of an inflammation state.

Novel microwell with a roof capable of buoyant spheroid culture

Microwells are used in studies to mimic the in vivo environment through an in vitro environment by generating three-dimensional cell spheroids. These microwells have been fabricated in various shapes using different methods according to the research purpose. However, because all microwells up to now have an open top, it has been difficult to culture spheroids of floating cells due to their low density, such as human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) that differentiate into adipocytes. Therefore, the labor-intensive hanging droplet method has been mainly used for the study of adipocytes. Here, we introduce a sigma-well, which is a microwell in the shape of the Greek letter sigma (σ) with a roof. Because of its unique shape, the sigma-well is advantageous for the culture of floating cells by reducing cell loss and external interference. The sigma-well was fabricated using the principle of surface tension of polydimethylsiloxane as well as air trapping and thermal expansion. Unlike conventional microwells, because the center of the bottom surface and the inlet of the sigma-well are not located on the same line and have a difference of approximately 218 μm, the spheroids are cultured more stably and may not escape the cavity. In this study, hASC and adipocyte spheroids differentiated using these sigma-wells were successfully cultured. In addition, through cytokine diffusion simulation, it was confirmed that the diffusion and mass transfer in the sigma-well was lower than that in the conventional microwell. It is expected that the morphological features of the sigma-well, which cannot be easily obtained by other methods, can be beneficial for the study of buoyant cell types such as adipocytes.

RYGB Is More Effective than VSG at Protecting Mice from Prolonged High-Fat Diet Exposure: An Occasion to Roll Up Our Sleeves?

PURPOSE

Understanding the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) on adipose tissue physiology is important for the treatment of obesity-related metabolic disorders. By using robust mouse models of bariatric surgery that closely resemble those performed in humans, we can compare the effects of RYGB and VSG on adipose physiology in the absence of post-operative confounds such as diet and lifestyle changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RYGB and VSG were compared using a diet-induced mouse model of obesity. High-fat diet (HFD) was administered post-operatively and changes to white and brown adipose tissue were evaluated, along with alterations to weight, glucose homeostasis, dyslipidemia, and insulin sensitivity.

RESULTS

After prolonged exposure to high-fat diet post-operatively, RYGB was effective in achieving sustained weight loss, while VSG unexpectedly accelerated weight gain rates. The resolution of obesity-related comorbidities such as glucose and insulin intolerance, dyslipidemia, and insulin sensitivity was improved after RYGB, but not for VSG. In RYGB, there were improvements to the function and health of white adipose tissue, enhanced brown adipose metabolism, and the browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue, with no comparable changes seen for these factors after VSG. Some markers of systemic inflammation improved after both RYGB and VSG.

CONCLUSION

There are significantly different effects between RYGB and VSG when HFD is administered post-operatively and robust mouse models of bariatric surgery are used. RYGB resulted in lasting physiological and metabolic changes but VSG showed little difference from that of its sham-operated, DIO counterpart.

Enamel matrix derivative stabilizes blood clot and improves clinical healing in deep pockets after flapless periodontal therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

AIM

An acute phase response is induced after non-surgical periodontal treatment (SRP). The main aim of this study was to compare acute phase (24-hr) and medium-term (3-months) inflammation and clinical outcomes after SRP with or without application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in sites with probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 6 mm.

METHODS

Thirty-eight periodontitis-affected subjects were randomized to SRP or SRP + EMD. Periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline and 3 months. Serum samples were collected at baseline, 1 and 90 days after treatment.

RESULTS

Both treatments triggered an intense acute inflammation on day 1, which regressed to baseline values at 3 months. D-dimer and cystatin C levels did not show sharp increases in SRP + EMD group 24 hr after treatment, compared to SRP. Significant difference between groups was observed for D-dimer (p < 0.001). EMD application was also associated with better periodontal healing as shown by greater PPD reduction and clinical attachment level gain in sites with PPD ≥ 6 mm, and higher number of cases with no residual PPD ≥ 6 mm (p < 0.05) at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

EMD application after non-SRP resulted in lower fibrinolysis, and better periodontal healing of deep pockets. These initial observations warrant further investigations on the potential to modulate both local and systemic outcomes of non-SRP. NCT03544931.

The Gut-Liver Axis in the Control of Energy Metabolism and Food Intake in Animals

Recent research has convincingly demonstrated a bidirectional communication axis between the gut and liver that enables the gut microbiota to strongly affect animals' feeding behavior and energy metabolism. As such, the gut-liver axis enables the host to control and shape the gut microbiota and to protect the intestinal barrier. Gut microbiota-host communication is based on several gut-derived compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, methylamines, amino acid-derived metabolites, and microbial-associated molecular patterns, which act as communication signals, and multiple host receptors, which sense the signals, thereby stimulating signaling and metabolic pathways in all key tissues of energy metabolism and food intake regulation. Disturbance in the microbial ecosystem balance, or microbial dysbiosis, causes profound derangements in the regulation of appetite and satiety in the hypothalamic centers of the brain and in key metabolic pathways in peripheral tissues owing to intestinal barrier disruption and subsequent induction of hepatic and hypothalamic inflammation.

The role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipid metabolism of metabolic diseases

Adipose tissue has been considered as a crucial source of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines; conversely, these pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of adipocytes, promoting lipolysis, inhibiting lipid synthesis and decreasing blood lipids, etc. In recent decades, extensive studies have indicated that pro-inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the development of lipid metabolism of metabolic diseases, including obesity, atherosclerosis, steatohepatitis and hyperlipoproteinemia. However, the involved pro-inflammatory cytokines types and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. The "re-discovery" of cancer as a metabolic disorder largely occurred in the last five years. Although pro-inflammatory cytokines have been intensively investigated in cancer research, there are very few studies about the roles of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lipid metabolism of cancer. In the current review, we provide an overview of the progress that has been made in the roles of different pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipid metabolism of metabolic diseases including cancer.

Potential of plant polyphenols to combat oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in farm animals

Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites which have been shown to exert antioxidative and antiinflamma tory effects in cell culture, rodent and human studies. Based on the fact that conditions of oxidative stress and inflammation are highly relevant in farm animals, polyphenols are considered as promising feed additives in the nutrition of farm animals. However, in contrast to many studies existing with model animals and humans, potential antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects of polyphenols have been less investigated in farm animals so far. This review aims to give an overview about potential antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects in farm animals. The first part of the review highlights the occurrence and the consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation on animal health and performance. The second part of the review deals with bioavailability and metabolism of polyphenols in farm animals. The third and main part of the review presents an overview of the findings from studies which investigated the effects of polyphenols of various plant sources in pigs, poultry and cattle, with particular consideration of effects on the antioxidant system and inflammation.

Adipokines in Liver Cirrhosis

Liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, which is considered a serious disease. The Child-Pugh score and the model of end-stage liver disease score have been established to assess residual liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis. The development of portal hypertension contributes to ascites, variceal bleeding and further complications in these patients. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is used to lower portal pressure, which represents a major improvement in the treatment of patients. Adipokines are proteins released from adipose tissue and modulate hepatic fibrogenesis. These proteins affect various biological processes that are involved in liver function, including angiogenesis, vasodilation, inflammation and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. The best studied adipokines are adiponectin and leptin. Adiponectin protects against hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis, and leptin functions as a profibrogenic factor. These and other adipokines are supposed to modulate disease severity in patients with liver cirrhosis. Consequently, circulating levels of these proteins have been analyzed to identify associations with parameters of hepatic function, portal hypertension and its associated complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. This review article briefly addresses the role of adipokines in hepatitis and liver fibrosis. Here, studies having analyzed these proteins in systemic blood in cirrhotic patients are listed to identify adipokines that are comparably changed in the different cohorts of patients with liver cirrhosis. Some studies measured these proteins in systemic, hepatic and portal vein blood or after TIPS to specify the tissues contributing to circulating levels of these proteins and the effect of portal hypertension, respectively.

Toxicant-Induced Hepatic Injury

The sudden failure of a previously healthy and functioning liver is a dramatic and devastating event. Acute liver failure is the common final pathway of a multitude of conditions and insults, all of which result in massive hepatic necrosis or loss of normal hepatic function. The ensuing multiorgan system failure frequently has a fatal outcome, with mortality rates in most series ranging from approximately 55% to 95% [1]. Acute liver failure (ALF, previously often referred to as fulminant hepatic failure (FHF)) knows no age boundaries, with many cases occurring in those younger than 30 years. Short of excellent intensive care unit (ICU) support and liver transplantation in selected cases, few viable treatment options are available. Over the past few decades, however, survival has been improved by anticipation, recognition, and early treatment of associated complications, as well as the application of prognostic criteria for early identification of patients requiring liver transplantation (along with improvement in the techniques and science of transplantation itself). The etiology of ALF varies from country to country and the incidence change over time. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has now replaced viral hepatitis as the leading cause of ALF [2]. In a study from London including 310 patients with ALF in the period 1994–2004, 42% of the cases were caused by paracetamol [3], whereas this was only the cause in 2% of 267 patients in Spain from 1992 to 2000 [4]. However, less than 10% of all liver transplants are performed in patients with ALF [5, 6].

The association of plasma glucose, BHBA, and NEFA with postpartum uterine diseases, fertility, and milk production of Holstein dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the metabolic indicators such as nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and glucose during the transition period and the development of uterine diseases. In total, 181 Holstein dairy cows were enrolled in the study. Plasma glucose, NEFA, and BHBA concentrations were measured at -50, -6, 3, 7, and 14 days relative to parturition. All cows enrolled in the study were evaluated for retained placenta (RP), metritis, and endometritis. Metritis and RP were diagnosed and treated by trained farm personnel. Clinical endometritis was evaluated by a veterinarian at 35 days in milk using a Metricheck device. We found plasma glucose concentration to be associated with the occurrence of metritis and clinical endometritis. Moreover, cows with an increased calving-to-conception interval (>150 days) presented higher plasma glucose concentrations than cows that became pregnant within the first 150 days, whereas BHBA and NEFA were not associated with the occurrence of any uterine disorder. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used in an attempt to determine the cow-level critical thresholds for the occurrence of metritis, and endometritis. In addition, pairwise comparisons of area under the curve (AUC) of ROC curves for the critical thresholds for glucose, BHBA, and NEFA predicting the same uterine disease were performed. Glucose at 3 days in milk was the best predictor for metritis and endometritis diagnosis, with AUC values of 0.66 and 0.67, respectively. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed and showed that cows with higher levels of glucose at Day 3 were at 6.6 times higher odds of being diagnosed with metritis, and 3.5 times higher odds of developing clinical endometritis, compared with cows with lower glucose levels. Finally, a simple linear regression analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between daily milk yield in the first and second weeks of lactation and plasma glucose concentrations measured at Days 7 and 14, respectively. Concentrations of NEFA and BHBA were not found to be associated with milk production.

IFN-γR -/- mice show an enhanced liver and brain metallothionein I+II response to endotoxin but not to immobilization stress

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is known for its important antiviral activity and other immunomodulatory actions. In in vitro studies, this cytokine has also been involved in the control of metallothionein (MT) synthesis. MT is a low molecular weight protein comprised of several isoforms called MT-I to MT-IV; of these, MT-1+11 are widely expressed, whereas MT-III and MT-IV are rather tissue specific. In the present report, we have studied in vivo the role of IFN-γ for a normal liver and brain MT-I+II response to immobilization stress and to an inflammatory process caused by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin), using mice carrying a null mutation in the IFN-γ receptor gene (IFN-γR-/-). Liver MT-I mRNA and MT-(I+II) protein levels during stress of IFN-γR-/- mice were similar to those of the two parental mouse strains used to generate them, namely C57BU6 and 129/Sv mice, and that of the F1 C57BU6 x 129/Sv offspring mice. In contrast, liver MT response to LPS was significantly higher in the IFN-γR-/- mice than in the other strains. MT-I+II response to LPS was also higher in IFN-γR-/- mice in medulla plus pons and tended to in hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellum, but not in the remaining brain. These results suggest that a role of IFN-γ on liver and brain MT-I+II response to stress is unlikely, but that this cytokine exerts an inhibitory effect on the signaling pathways activated by LPS involved in MT-I+II regulation. In situ hybridization analysis for MT-I and MT-III mRNAs of control mice revealed significant effects of the functional IFN-γ deficiency on MT-I but not MT-III mRNA levels in the dentate gyrus and the habenula, while no effects were observed in the remaining brain areas studied.

[Venous thromboembolism in patients with acute tuberculosis]

BACKGROUND

Studies have demonstrated a link between tuberculosis and hypercoagulable state, with reported rates of 0,6%-10% venous thromboembolism (VTE) in all adults with tuberculosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the current incidence and characteristics of VTE in a large sample of patients with acute tuberculosis.

METHODS

We report a retrospective study about 26 patients who have confirmed tuberculosis complicated with VTE disease.

RESULTS

Sixteen men and ten women were brought together. The mean age was 42.58 years. The thromboembolic complication revealed tuberculosis among 5 patients, appearing during hospitalization of 21 patients among which 16 of them receiving antituberculosis drug. We have listed 10 cases of immediate pulmonary thromboembolism and 16 cases of deep vein thrombosis complicated with pulmonary embolism in 6 cases. Oral anticoagulation drug were associated with heparin after a mean of 4.57 days. Duration average of achievement of an effective dose was of 21.05 days and we prescribe low molecular weight heparin for 6 months on 2 cases. There was favorable evolution among 14 patients, 4 of them have lost sight and the evolution was fatal by cataclysmic haemoptysis in one case, a patient died hepatocellular insufficiency and 6 died by pulmonary embolism.

CONCLUSION

Immunological and hematological abnormalities are incriminated in the genesis of VTE disease during tuberculosis by creating hypercoagulate state. The accumulation of morbidity of these two affections as well as the difficulty of therapeutic care made by medical interaction ifampicin-anticoagulants aggravate the prognostic.

Peripheral and Hepatic Vein Cytokine Levels in Correlation with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)-Related Metabolic, Histological, and Haemodynamic Features

BACKGROUND

Haemodynamic impairment, inflammatory mediators and glucose metabolism disturbances have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

AIM

To investigate the cytokine profile in NAFLD patients in peripheral (P) and hepatic venous (HV) blood and to compare with histology, haemodynamic and metabolic parameters.

METHODS

40 obese patients with an indication for a transjugular liver biopsy were enrolled. Besides an extended liver and metabolic work-up, interleukin (IL) 1B, IL4, IL6, IL10, IL23, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α and interferon (INF) γ were measured in plasma obtained from P and HV blood by means of multiplex immunoassay. The T helper (Th)1/Th2, the macrophage M1/M2 and the IL10/IL17a ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

A decrease of the P-IL10/IL17-ratio and an increase of the P-M1/M2-ratio (p<0.05) were observed in NASH versus no-NASH patients. A P-M1/M2-ratio increase was detected also in patients with portal hypertension in comparison with patients without it (p<0.05). Moreover diabetic patients showed an increase of the P-Th1/Th2-ratio in comparison with non-diabetic ones (p<0.05). The P-M1/M2 ratio positively correlated with steatosis grade (r = 0.39, p = 0.02) and insulin (r = 0.47, p = 0.003). The HV-M1/M2 ratio positively correlated with fasting insulin and Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient (r = 0.47, p = 0.003). IL6 correlated with the visceral fat amount (r = 0.36, p = 0.02). The P- and HV-IL10/IL17 ratios negatively correlated with fasting insulin (respectively r = -0.4, p = 0.005 and r = 0.4, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A proinflammatory cytokine state is associated with more disturbed metabolic, histological, and haemodynamic features in NAFLD obese patients. An increase of the M1/M2 ratio and a decrease of the IL10/IL17 ratio play a key role in this process.

Association of cytokines in hepatitis E with pregnancy outcome

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) in hepatitis E infection during pregnancy and its relation with pregnancy outcome.

METHODS

A total of 272 pregnant and 219 non-pregnant women with hepatitis and 262 age and gestational age matched healthy pregnant women and 208 age matched, healthy non-pregnant women were evaluated on the basis of history, clinical examination, liver function profile. Serological tests of hepatitis A, B, C and E and cytokines using commercially available (ELISA) kits. The patients with hepatitis E were further evaluated for viral load by Real Time PCR. All these were followed till delivery for pregnancy outcome.

RESULTS

HEV viral load in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) and fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) of pregnant women were comparatively higher than non-pregnant women. Significantly higher levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ and TGF-β1 were present in HEV infected pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women and controls. TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ had significant positive correlation with viral load, serum bilirubin and prothrombin time in pregnant women. Higher levels of all four cytokines were found in pregnant women with HEV infection having adverse pregnancy outcome compared to that of pregnant women with non-HEV infection and controls.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, severity of HEV infection and associated adverse pregnancy outcome might be mediated by cytokine in pregnancy.

Increased activity correlates with reduced ability to mount immune defenses to endotoxin in zebra finches

When suffering from infection, animals experience behavioral and physiological alterations that potentiate the immune system's ability to fight pathogens. The behavioral component of this response, termed "sickness behavior," is characterized by an overall reduction in physical activity. A growing number of reports demonstrate substantial flexibility in these sickness behaviors, which can be partially overcome in response to mates, intruders and parental duties. Since it is hypothesized that adopting sickness behaviors frees energetic resources for mounting an immune response, we tested whether diminished immune responses coincided with reduced sickness behaviors by housing male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) in social conditions that alter their behavioral response to an endotoxin. To facilitate our data collection, we developed and built a miniaturized sensor capable of detecting changes in dorsoventral acceleration and categorizing them as different behaviors when attached to the finches. We found that the immune defenses (quantified as haptoglobin-like activity, ability to change body temperature and bacterial killing capacity) increased as a function of increased time spent resting. The findings indicate that when animals are sick attenuation of sickness behaviors may exact costs, such as reduced immune function. The extent of these costs depends on how relevant the affected components of immunity are for fighting a specific infection.

Beneficial effects of green tea catechin on massive hepatectomy model in rats

BACKGROUND

Green tea catechin, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is a well-known scavenger of reactive oxygen species and it may also function as an antioxidant through modulation of transcriptional factors and enzyme activities.

METHODS

Green tea extract (GTE®) which contained numerous EGCG was used. Wistar rats were performed 90 % hepatectomy and classified into 2 groups with (GTEHx, n = 25) or without GTE treatment (Hx, n = 25) and sacrificed at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after operations. All rats had free access to drinking water supplemented with or without GTE from the 7th pre-operative day. Liver regeneration, hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), anti-oxidative enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)] and inflammatory markers [cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] were investigated.

RESULTS

The liver weight to body weight ratio (p < 0.01), proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index (p < 0.05) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p < 0.05) at day 1 in the GTEHx group significantly increased compared to the Hx group. Hepatic iNOS levels at day 1 significantly decreased (p < 0.01) in the GTEHx group. Hepatic SOD, CAT and GSH-Px levels at day 1 significantly increased (SOD: p < 0.01, CAT and GSH-Px: p < 0.05) in the GTEHx group. In contrast, COX-2, NFκB and TNF-α levels at day 1 significantly decreased (COX-2: p < 0.01, NFκB and TNF-α: p < 0.05) in the GTEHx group.

CONCLUSIONS

GTE pretreatment stimulated liver regeneration and improved liver damage after massive hepatectomy through anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Green tea catechin might have the potential to attenuate liver dysfunction in early stage after massive hepatectomy.

The status of HBV infection influences metastatic pattern and survival in Chinese patients with pancreatic cancer

Background

It has been proved that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection alters the metastatic pattern and affects survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while the influence of HBV infection on metastatic pattern and survival in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) has not been investigated yet.

Methods

We conducted an investigation to evaluate the impact of HBV infection on metastatic pattern and overall survival in PC. We collected the data of 460 PC patients treated in our hospital from 1999 to 2010. Serum HBV markers were tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The impact of HBV infection on metastatic pattern and overall survival was analyzed.

Results

We found that the incidence of synchronous liver metastasis was significantly higher in patients with HBsAg positive than those with HBsAg negative (46.0% vs 32.0%, P < 0.05), and higher in chronic HBV infection (CHB) group than both non HBV infection and resolved HBV infection group (61.1% vs 33.9%, P < 0.05, and 61.1% vs 28.7%, P < 0.05, respectively). What’s more, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that CHB, resolved HBV infection and non HBV infection group had significant longer overall survival (OS) compared with inactive HBsAg carriers (IC) group (P=0.037, P=0.009, and P=0.019 respectively). But, in the multivariate analysis, only the CHB and non HBV infection group had significant better overall survival compared with IC group (P=0.010 and P=0.018 respectively).

Conclusions

Our study found that HBV infection increased synchronous liver metastasis rate, and HBV infection status was an independent prognostic factor in PC patients.

Recombinant bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor protects the liver from carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic injury in rats

CONTEXT

Bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) has been reported to relieve liver ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine whether the recombinant BPTI (rBPTI) can prevent the chronic liver injury induced by CCl4 in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Rats were treated with 40% CCl4 at a dose of 2 ml/kg body weight twice a week subcutaneously for 12 weeks. In the 8th week, they were administered intraperitoneally with rBPTI (80 MU/kg), BPTI (80 MU/kg) or hepatocyte growth-promoting factor (pHGF; 100 mg/kg) daily for the next 4 weeks.

RESULTS

rBPTI significantly prevented the disruption of liver function of alanine aminotransferase (ALT; 172.7 ± 18.16 versus 141.2 ± 15.28, p=0.003), aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 225.10 ± 36.54 versus 170.06 ± 27.14, p=0.007) and hydroxyproline (Hyp; 1.14 ± 0.27 versus 0.62 ± 0.17, p=0.001). rBPTI significantly decreased the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; 1.15 ± 0.16 versus 0.87 ± 0.15, p=0.003) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; 6.07 ± 0.95 versus 7.75 ± 1.12, p=0.007). rBPTI reduced the production of cytokines of IL-1β and TGF-β. The hepatocyte necrosis, fibrosis, fatty degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration were ameliorated by rBPTI administration.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that rBPTI exerted a hepatoprotective effect on chronic liver fibrosis induced by CCl4, which suggests that rBPTI may have the potential application for chronic liver injury induced by drugs metabolism and toxic substances.

Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha level in hepatitis E virus-related acute viral hepatitis and fulminant hepatic failure in pregnant women

AIM

The host response in hepatitis E virus (HEV)-related liver disease of pregnant women is unclear. This study was carried out to evaluate the serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in HEV-related acute viral hepatitis (AVH) and fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in pregnant women in relation to pregnancy outcome.

METHODS

The study included 262 pregnant and 158 non-pregnant women with jaundice. There were 160 healthy asymptomatic pregnant women and 124 healthy asymptomatic non-pregnant women as controls. The jaundiced patients were classified as AVH or FHF. Serum TNF-α level was assayed by commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassay kits.

RESULTS

A significantly higher level of TNF-α was observed in HEV-infected pregnant women than non-HEV pregnant women (P < 0.001). TNF-α level was significantly higher in AVH and FHF of HEV-infected pregnant women compared with AVH and FHF of HEV infected non-pregnant women (P = 0.036 and P = 0.010, respectively). The HEV-infected pregnant FHF expired group had significantly higher levels of TNF-α than the non-pregnant FHF expired group (P = 0.025). TNF-α levels were significantly higher in AVH of HEV-infected pregnant women than healthy pregnant controls (P < 0.001). Higher TNF-α levels were observed in HEV-infected women having preterm delivery and low birthweight newborns compared with non-HEV and healthy pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

Higher serum concentration of TNF-α observed in HEV infected AVH and FHF pregnant cases shows that pregnancy with HEV infection increases TNF-α secretion. TNF-α may be an important factor in the outcomes of pregnancy due to HEV infection.

Hepatitis B and C virus infections as possible risk factor for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is a very aggressive and lethal cancer, with a very poor prognosis, because of absence of early symptoms, advanced stage at presentation, early metastatic dissemination and lack of both specific tests to detect its growth in the initial phases and effective systemic therapies. To date, the causes of PAC still remain largely unknown, but multiple lines of evidence from epidemiological and laboratory researches suggest that about 15-20% of all cancers are linked in some way to chronic infection, in particular it has been shown that several viruses have a role in human carcinogenesis. The purpose of this report is to discuss the hypothesis that two well-known oncogenic viruses, Human B hepatitis (HBV) and Human C hepatitis (HCV) are a possible risk factor for this cancer. Therefore, with the aim to examine the potential link between these viruses and PAC, we performed a selection of observational studies evaluating this association and we hypothesized that some pathogenetic mechanisms involved in liver carcinogenesis might be in common with pancreatic cancer development in patients with serum markers of present or past HBV and HCV infections. To date the available observational studies performed are few, heterogeneous in design as well as in end-points and with not univocal results, nevertheless they might represent the starting-point for future larger and better designed clinical trials to define this hypothesized relationship. Should these further studies confirm an association between HBV/HCV infection and PAC, screening programs might be justified in patients with active or previous hepatitis B and C viral infection.

Sodium butyrate maintains growth performance by regulating the immune response in broiler chickens

1. The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary sodium butyrate on the growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens. In experiment 1, 240 1-d-old chickens were allocated into 4 dietary groups (0, 0·25, 0·50 or 1·00 g sodium butyrate/kg) with 6 replicates each. In experiment 2, 120 1-d-old chickens were fed a control diet (without sodium butyrate) or 1·00 g sodium butyrate/kg diet. Half of the chickens fed on each diet were injected intra-peritoneally with 0·5 g/kg body weight of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 16, 18 and 20 d of age. 2. There was no effect of dietary sodium butyrate on growth performance. On d 21, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were decreased in chickens given 1·00 g sodium butyrate/kg, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were significantly increased, and malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased by dietary sodium butyrate at 0·50 or 1·00 g/kg. On d 42, serum IL-6 was markedly decreased by dietary sodium butyrate, while 1·00 g sodium butyrate/kg greatly reduced MDA and increased catalase. 3. LPS challenge significantly reduced the growth performance of chickens. Serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, corticosterone, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) were increased in LPS-challenged chickens. Dietary sodium butyrate supplementation maintained the body weight gain and feed intake. Sodium butyrate supplementation inhibited the increase in IL-6 and AGP in serum at 16 d of age and TNF-α, corticosterone, AGP and PGE(2) at 20 d of age. Similar inhibitory effects of sodium butyrate in serum glucose and total protein concentrations were also found at 20 d of age. 4. The results indicated that dietary sodium butyrate supplementation can improve the growth performance in chickens under stress and that this may be used to moderate the immune response and reduce tissue damage.

Effect of preischemic treatment with fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α ligand, on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious clinical problem. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are important mediators in liver I/R injury. This study was designed to investigate the effect of preischemic treatment with fenofibrate (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- α agonist) on the oxidative stress and inflammatory response to hepatic I/R injury in rats. Hepatic I/R was induced by clamping the blood supply of the left lateral and median lobes of the liver for 60 min, followed by reperfusion for 4 h. Each animal group was pretreated with a single dose of fenofibrate (50 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally 1 h before ischemia. At the end of reperfusion, blood samples and liver tissues were obtained to assess serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), TNF-α, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Liver specimens were obtained and processed for light and electron microscopic study. Hepatic I/R induced a significant elevation of serum ALT and TNF-α with significant elevation of hepatic MDA and reduction of SOD activity. Histopathological examination revealed hepatic inflammation, necrosis and apoptosis. Preischemic treatment with fenofibrate at a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly attenuated the biochemical and structural alterations of I/R-induced liver injury.

Attenuation of toll-like receptor 2-mediated innate immune response in patients with alcoholic chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic chronic liver disease (ACLD) is a common form of acquired immunodeficiency.

AIM

To evaluate ex vivo toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 innate immune response in stable ACLD.

METHODS

Blood was collected from 26 males with stable ACLD and from 17 controls. Serum was used for lipopolysaccharide (LPS), sCD14, LPS-binding protein (LBP), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) quantification. Peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 was determined by flow cytometry. Primary cultures of anti-CD11b positive selected PBM were stimulated with the TLR2/TLR6 ligand zymosan (Zym), with TLR2/TLR1 ligand lipopeptide (Lp) and with TLR4 ligand LPS. PBM TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, MD2, CD14, TNF-alpha and IL-10 gene expression was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Stable ACLD patients showed increased circulating LPS (+22.5+/-4.1%), LBP (+60.6+/-12.2%) and sCD14 (+23.5+/-4.6%), with no differences in TNF-alpha and IL-10. Zym and Lp, but not LPS, induced TNF-alpha production by monocytes was blunted in ACLD (-66+/-20.4% Zym; -40.1+/-13.5% Lp; P<0.05). Basal TNF-alpha mRNA expression was decreased in PBM from ACLD patients (-50.1+/-21.0%; P<0.05), with no significant differences in the other studied genes. Results were similar in Child-Pugh A and B/C patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with stable ACLD show an attenuation of TLR2-mediated innate immune response in PBM, which may represent an important mechanism for acquired immunodeficiency. This was neither related with decreased TLR2 or its co-receptors expression nor with impaired TLR4 activation, being already present in the early stages of disease.

Interleukin-6 is associated with liver lipid homeostasis but not with cell death in experimental hepatic steatosis

Hepatic steatosis is a risk factor for the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The role of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 in hepatic steatosis etiology is controversial. We investigated in vivo and in primary hepatocyte cultures whether IL-6 has a modulator role in liver and mitochondria lipid composition and cell death in a choline-deficient (CD) diet rat model of hepatic steatosis. Dietary choline deficiency increased triglycerides and cholesterol, and reduced phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and the membrane integrity marker PC:PE ratio in liver. Choline-deficient diet enhanced systemic IL-6, and IL-6 receptor expression and cell death vulnerability in hepatocytes. Derangement of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and of its phospholipid environment was found in CD rat liver mitochondria, which exhibited elevated concentrations of triglycerides, cardiolipin and PC and elevated PC:PE ratio. The cell treatment with IL-6, but not PC, eliminated much of the CD-promoted lipid imbalance in mitochondria but not tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced cell death. However, PC supplementation prevented the TNF-alpha-induced DNA fragmentation, cytochrome-c release and caspase-3 activity in control and CD hepatocytes. In conclusion, IL-6 ameliorated the mitochondria lipid disturbance in hepatocytes isolated from steatotic animals. Furthermore, PC is identified as a new survival agent that reverses several TNFalpha-inducible responses that are likely to promote steatosis and necrosis.

Harmful effect of adipose tissue on liver lesions in patients with alcoholic liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Adipose tissue is an important source of cytokines. Excess weight is an independent risk factor for steatosis, acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH), and cirrhosis in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). In this study, we investigated the role of adipose tissue in human ALD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with ALD underwent liver and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies and supplied blood samples for the investigation of cytokine gene expression and secretion, as well as liver histology.

RESULTS

The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-10 in adipose tissue were higher in patients with AAH. IL-10 level in adipose tissue was also correlated with fibrosis score. TNF-alpha gene expression in adipose tissue was correlated with Maddrey score, blood C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and liver IL-6 concentration. IL-6 production levels in the liver were higher in patients with AAH and correlated with AAH score, liver histological lesions, liver TNF-alpha concentration, Maddrey score, and blood CRP concentration. Plasma concentrations of soluble forms of TNF-receptor were correlated with inflammatory lesions in the liver, Maddrey score and fibrosis score.

CONCLUSION

In patients with ALD, inflammation occurs not only in the liver, but also in the adipose tissue. Adipose tissue inflammation is correlated with the severity of pathological features in the liver. Our findings may account for the harmful interactions between body mass index, AAH, fibrosis, and cirrhosis in alcoholic patients.

Effects of 1-O-hexyl-2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic cirrhosis in rats

AIM

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of 1-O-hexyl-2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone (HTHQ), a synthesized vitamin E derivative, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced cirrhosis.

METHODS

Rats were treated with hypodermic injections of CCl(4) twice a week to induce the hepatic cirrhosis, and given drinking water containing HTHQ or solvent. Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were performed to evaluate the effects of HTHQ on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

RESULTS

Masson's staining of rat livers showed fibrosis around pseudo-lobules in the CCl(4) group, the lesions being reduced in the CCl(4) HTHQ group. Increases in liver tissue hydroxyproline and alpha(1)(I) collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin and iNOS induced by CCl(4), were also markedly diminished by HTHQ. Furthermore, both HTHQ and vitamin E attenuated interleukin-1beta-induced iNOS protein expression in cultured hepatocytes, the potency of HTHQ being 10-times higher than that of vitamin E.

CONCLUSION

HTHQ may inhibit development of hepatic cirrhosis in rats, more potently than vitamin E, by inhibiting the iNOS expression in hepatocytes. Because vitamin E has a radical scavenging action, roles of NO and peroxynitrite will be discussed in the effects of HTHQ on the fibrosis.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of mild hypothermia in the attenuation of liver injury due to azoxymethane toxicity in the mouse

Previous studies have demonstrated protective effects of mild hypothermia following acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver failure (ALF). However, effects of this treatment in ALF due to other toxins have not yet been fully investigated. In the present study, the effects of mild hypothermia in relation to liver pathology, hepatic and cerebral glutathione, plasma ammonia concentrations, progression of encephalopathy, cerebral edema, and plasma proinflammatory cytokines were assessed in mice with ALF resulting from azoxymethane (AOM) hepatotoxicity, a well characterized model of toxic liver injury. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with AOM (100 microg/g; i.p.) or saline and sacrificed at coma stages of encephalopathy in parallel with AOM mice maintained mildly hypothermic (35 degrees C). AOM treatment led to hepatic damage, significant increase in plasma transaminase activity, decreased hepatic glutathione levels, and brain GSH/GSSG ratios as well as selective increases in expression of plasma proinflammatory cytokines. Mild hypothermia resulted in reduced hepatic damage, improvement in neurological function, normalization of glutathione levels, and selective attenuation in expression of circulating proinflammatory cytokines. These findings demonstrate that the beneficial effects of mild hypothermia in experimental AOM-induced ALF involve both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Significance of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in chronic hepatitis C patients

Liver fibrosis (LF), where the chronic HCV infection is a major cause, is a characteristic of chronic liver diseases. LF results from chronic damage to the liver in conjunction with the accumulation of ECM proteins. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific inhibitors (TIMPs) are thought to play an essential role in the hepatic lesions. The available data concerning the circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in chronic hepatitis C are not conclusive. Therefore, the present study was designed to seek the relationship between serum MMP-9, and TIMP-1 to liver status in chronic liver disease in fifty patients divided into three groups (chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma). MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were analyzed by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the lowest serum level of MMP-9 was found in chronic hepatitis patients compared to the control ( P < 0.05). Serum MMP-9 is decreasing during progression of chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis showing the least level in the cirrhotic group. Serum TIMP-1 was significantly higher in the cirrhotic group compared to chronic hepatitis ( P < 0.05) and controls ( P < 0.001). MMP-9 was negatively correlated to both TIMP-1 and the histological severity in chronic hepatitis. There was a positive correlation between TIMP-1 and the degree of fibrosis (r = 0.73, P < 0.001). Lastly, there was a statistically significant increase of MMP-9 ( P < 0.001) and TIMP-1 ( P < 0.05) in HCC patients compared with the other groups. In conclusion, these findings raise the possibility of using serum TIMP-1 as a non-invasive assay in liver fibrosis. Further, the altered balance between circulating MMP-9 and TIMP-1 during HCV infection may play an important role in aggravating liver injury progression in chronic liver diseases.

The effects of berberine on the magnitude of the acute inflammatory response induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in broiler chickens

One hundred twenty-six 19-d-old male broiler chickens were used to determine the effects of berberine on the magnitude of the acute inflammatory response induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The birds were weighed and randomly allotted to 1 of 3 treatments at d 19 (3 treatments x 7 replicates x 6 birds). The treatments comprised a control group in which saline was injected at d 21, an LPS-treated group in which LPS (3 mg/kg of BW) was injected at d 21, and finally a berberine and LPS-treated group in which berberine (15 mg/kg of BW) was orally administered from d 19 to d 24 with LPS injection (3 mg/kg of BW) at d 21. Injection of LPS alone decreased (P < 0.01) weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion compared with the control and the berberine-administered group. Relative liver weight was increased (P < 0.05) in the LPS-treated group 72 h postinjection compared with the control and the berberine-treated group. Total counts of white blood cells and lymphocytes were also increased (P < 0.05) in the LPS-treated group 72 h postinjection. The heterophil concentration of the LPS-treated group was greater (P < 0.05) than that of both the control and the berberine-administered group 24 h postinjection. Broilers in the LPS-treated group had greater (P < 0.05) total serum protein compared with birds in the control and the berberine-administered group both 24 and 72 h postinjection. In addition, the plasma interleukin-6 level of the LPS-treated group was significantly elevated (P < 0.01) at 24 h compared with that of the control and the berberine-administered group. Our results indicate that LPS injection initiated a series of physiological changes typical of an acute phase response in broiler chickens. These effects were largely mitigated by oral administration of berberine.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-2-mediated DNA synthesis and proliferation in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes: The involvement of endogenous transforming growth factor-alpha

We investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on DNA synthesis and proliferation, and its signal transduction pathways in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. TNF-alpha induced time- and dose-dependent increases in hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation. The hepatocyte proliferation stimulated by 30 ng/ml TNF-alpha was significantly inhibited by anti-TNF receptor 2 antibody, but not by anti-TNF receptor 1 antibody. TNF-alpha-induced hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation were blocked by AG1478 (10(-7) M), PD98059 (10(-6) M), LY 294002 (10(-7) M), and rapamycin (100 ng/ml). TNF-alpha at 30 ng/ml significantly increased phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine kinase (175 kDa) and p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. This data suggests that the proliferative signal for primary cultured hepatocytes induced by TNF-alpha is mediated by TNF receptor 2 and the receptor tyrosine kinase/MAP kinase pathway. In addition, TNF-alpha-induced hepatocyte mitogenesis was significantly blocked by somatostatin (10(-6) M), adenylate cyclase inhibitor dideoxyadenosine (10(-7) M), protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 (10(-7) M), and neutralizing antibody to transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha in culture. Indeed, 30 ng/ml TNF-alpha was found to rapidly stimulate secretion of TGF-alpha, and this secretion was also blocked by anti-TNF receptor 2 antibody. Moreover, TGF-alpha secretion induced by TNF-alpha was suppressed by dideoxyadenosine, H-89, and somatostatin. Together, these results indicate that stimulation of TNF receptor 2 by 30 ng/ml TNF-alpha induces autocrine secretion of TGF-alpha via the adenylate cyclase/protein kinase A pathway, after which TGF-alpha induces hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation through the TGF-alpha receptor-linked tyrosine kinase (175 kDa)/MAP kinase signaling system.