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Oh S, Lee J, Chun S, Choi JE, Kim MN, Chon YE, Ha Y, Hwang SG, Choi SW, Hong KW. Interaction between the PNPLA3 Gene and Nutritional Factors on NAFLD Development: The Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010152. [PMID: 36615809 PMCID: PMC9824262 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic and nutritional factors contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, gene-diet interactions in NAFLD development are poorly understood. In this case-control study, a large dataset from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study cohort (n = 72,299) comprising genomic data, medical records, social history, and dietary data was used. We investigated the interactions between the PNPLA3 rs738409 genotype and nutritional factors and their possible effect on the risk of NAFLD development in 2950 patients with NAFLD and 12,907 controls. In the PNPLA3 risk allele group, high protein, fat, sodium, phosphorus, niacin, and vitamin B6 intakes were associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD. In the non-risk allele group, only high fat intake was associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD. Among these nutrients, high sodium intake had a significant protective interaction with the PNPLA3 genotype against NAFLD (p = 0.002). Among salty foods, only kimchi had a significant protective effect against the PNPLA3 genotype (p = 0.012). Thus, the PNPLA3 genotype is differentially associated with nutritional factors. In particular, it interacts with kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish. Therefore, fermented vegetables may serve as a tailored therapeutic food for people with the PNPLA3 risk allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyeon Oh
- Chaum Life Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 06062, Republic of Korea
| | - Jooho Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (K.-W.H.); Tel.: +82-31-780-1811 (J.L.); +82-10-3922-7089 (K.-W.H.); Fax: +82-31-780-1812 (J.L.); +82-31-888-9440 (K.-W.H.)
| | - Sukyung Chun
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja-Eun Choi
- Healthcare R&D Division, Theragen Bio Co., Ltd., Suwon 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Na Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Eun Chon
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonjung Ha
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Gyu Hwang
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Woon Choi
- Chaum Life Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 06062, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Won Hong
- Healthcare R&D Division, Theragen Bio Co., Ltd., Suwon 16229, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (K.-W.H.); Tel.: +82-31-780-1811 (J.L.); +82-10-3922-7089 (K.-W.H.); Fax: +82-31-780-1812 (J.L.); +82-31-888-9440 (K.-W.H.)
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Bathish B, Robertson H, Dillon JF, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Hayes JD. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and mechanisms by which it is ameliorated by activation of the CNC-bZIP transcription factor Nrf2. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 188:221-261. [PMID: 35728768 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.06.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a global health concern. It is characterised by fatty liver, hepatocyte cell death and inflammation, which are associated with lipotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, iron overload and oxidative stress. NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that combats oxidative stress. Remarkably, Nrf2 is downregulated during the development of NASH, which probably accelerates disease, whereas in pre-clinical studies the upregulation of Nrf2 inhibits NASH. We now review the scientific literature that proposes Nrf2 downregulation during NASH involves its increased ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation, mediated by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and/or β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP) and/or HMG-CoA reductase degradation protein 1 (Hrd1, also called synoviolin (SYVN1)). Additionally, downregulation of Nrf2-mediated transcription during NASH may involve diminished recruitment of coactivators by Nrf2, due to increased levels of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65, or competition for promoter binding due to upregulation of BTB and CNC homology 1 (Bach1). Many processes that downregulate Nrf2 are triggered by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), with oxidative stress amplifying its signalling. Oxidative stress may also increase suppression of Nrf2 by β-TrCP through facilitating formation of the DSGIS-containing phosphodegron in Nrf2 by glycogen synthase kinase-3. In animal models, knockout of Nrf2 increases susceptibility to NASH, while pharmacological activation of Nrf2 by inducing agents that target Keap1 inhibits development of NASH. These inducing agents probably counter Nrf2 downregulation affected by β-TrCP, Hrd1/SYVN1, ATF3, NF-κB p65 and Bach1, by suppressing oxidative stress. Activation of Nrf2 is also likely to inhibit NASH by ameliorating lipotoxicity, inflammation, ER stress and iron overload. Crucially, pharmacological activation of Nrf2 in mice in which NASH has already been established supresses liver steatosis and inflammation. There is therefore compelling evidence that pharmacological activation of Nrf2 provides a comprehensive multipronged strategy to treat NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boushra Bathish
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
| | - Holly Robertson
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
| | - John D Hayes
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK.
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Fibrogenic Pathways in Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136996. [PMID: 35805998 PMCID: PMC9266719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136996] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently also re-defined as metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is rapidly increasing, affecting ~25% of the world population. MALFD/NAFLD represents a spectrum of liver pathologies including the more benign hepatic steatosis and the more advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is associated with enhanced risk for liver fibrosis and progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation underlies NASH-related fibrosis. Here, we discuss the profibrogenic pathways, which lead to HSC activation and fibrogenesis, with a particular focus on the intercellular hepatocyte–HSC and macrophage–HSC crosstalk.
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Melis M, Tang XH, Trasino SE, Gudas LJ. Retinoids in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Liver Diseases. Nutrients 2022; 14:1456. [PMID: 35406069 PMCID: PMC9002467 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071456] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin A (VA), all-trans-retinol (ROL), and its analogs are collectively called retinoids. Acting through the retinoic acid receptors RARα, RARβ, and RARγ, all-trans-retinoic acid, an active metabolite of VA, is a potent regulator of numerous biological pathways, including embryonic and somatic cellular differentiation, immune functions, and energy metabolism. The liver is the primary organ for retinoid storage and metabolism in humans. For reasons that remain incompletely understood, a body of evidence shows that reductions in liver retinoids, aberrant retinoid metabolism, and reductions in RAR signaling are implicated in numerous diseases of the liver, including hepatocellular carcinoma, non-alcohol-associated fatty liver diseases, and alcohol-associated liver diseases. Conversely, restoration of retinoid signaling, pharmacological treatments with natural and synthetic retinoids, and newer agonists for specific RARs show promising benefits for treatment of a number of these liver diseases. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the literature demonstrating a role for retinoids in limiting the pathogenesis of these diseases and in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Melis
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; (M.M.); (X.-H.T.)
| | - Xiao-Han Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; (M.M.); (X.-H.T.)
| | - Steven E. Trasino
- Nutrition Program, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Lorraine J. Gudas
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; (M.M.); (X.-H.T.)
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Ding Z, Cheng R, Liu J, Zhao Y, Ge W, Yang Y, Xu X, Wang S, Zhang J. The suppression of pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 ameliorates experimental hepatic fibrosis in mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2022; 1867:159102. [PMID: 34995790 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.159102] [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: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) store vitamin A as lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. When activated, these cells lose vitamin A and exhibit an increased capacity for proliferation, mobility, contractility, and the synthesis of collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix. Our previous work demonstrated that the lipid hydrolytic gene pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (mPlrp2) is involved in the hydrolysis of retinyl esters (REs) in the liver. Here, we showed that bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver injury triggered the conditional expression of mPlrp2 in livers and describe evidence of a strong relationship between the expression of mPlrp2 and Acta-2, a marker for activated HSCs. RNA interference targeting mPlrp2 inhibited HSC activation and ameliorated hepatic fibrosis induced by BDL in mice. Liver BDL markedly reduced the adenosine level and increased the ratio between S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis demonstrated an increase in trimethylated histone H3K4 at the mPlrp2 promoter in BDL mice, which was associated with the conditional expression of mPlrp2 in the liver. SAM, a well-known hepatoprotective substance, inhibited mPlrp2 expression and reduced RE hydrolysis in mice with hepatic fibrosis induced by chronic CCl4 treatment. Liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 or BDL was improved in Plrp2-/- mice. Our results reveal that mPlrp2 suppression is a potential approach for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Ding
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Junhao Liu
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhao Ge
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunxia Yang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiming Wang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianfa Zhang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China.
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Tang XH, Melis M, Lu C, Rappa A, Zhang T, Jessurun J, Gross SS, Gudas LJ. A retinoic acid receptor β2 agonist attenuates transcriptome and metabolome changes underlying nonalcohol-associated fatty liver disease. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101331. [PMID: 34688661 PMCID: PMC8626588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcohol-associated fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive hepatic accumulation of fat that can progress to steatohepatitis, and currently, therapeutic options are limited. Using a high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model of NAFLD, we determined the effects of the synthetic retinoid, AC261066, a selective retinoic acid receptor β2 (RARβ2) agonist, on the global liver transcriptomes and metabolomes of mice with dietary-induced obesity (DIO) using genome-wide RNA-seq and untargeted metabolomics. We found that AC261066 limits mRNA increases in several presumptive NAFLD driver genes, including Pklr, Fasn, Thrsp, and Chchd6. Importantly, AC261066 limits the increases in the transcript and protein levels of KHK, a key enzyme for fructose metabolism, and causes multiple changes in liver metabolites involved in fructose metabolism. In addition, in cultured murine hepatocytes, where exposure to fructose and palmitate results in a profound increase in lipid accumulation, AC261066 limits this lipid accumulation. Importantly, we demonstrate that in a human hepatocyte cell line, RARβ is required for the inhibitory effects of AC261066 on palmitate-induced lipid accumulation. Finally, our data indicate that AC261066 inhibits molecular events underpinning fibrosis and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, changes in the transcriptome and metabolome indicate that AC261066 affects molecular changes underlying multiple aspects of NAFLD, including steatosis and fibrosis. Therefore, we suggest that AC261066 may have potential as an effective therapy for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Han Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marta Melis
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Changyuan Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Rappa
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jose Jessurun
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Steven S Gross
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lorraine J Gudas
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA.
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Yang H, Xie Y, Li T, Liu S, Zeng S, Wang B. A novel minimally invasive OFM technique with orthotopic transplantation of hUC-MSCs and in vivo monitoring of liver metabolic microenvironment in liver fibrosis treatment. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:534. [PMID: 34627378 PMCID: PMC8502355 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02599-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) transplantation showed promising therapeutic results in liver fibrosis. However, efficient cell delivery method is urgently needed and the therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. This study focused on developing a minimally invasive open-flow microperfusion (OFM) technique, which combined orthotopic transplantation of human umbilical cord-derived (hUC)-MSCs to liver and in vivo monitoring of liver microenvironment in mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Methods The therapeutic potential of OFM route was evaluated by comparing OFM with intravenous (IV) injection route in terms of hUC-MSCs engraftment at the fibrosis liver, liver histopathological features, liver function and fibrotic markers expression after hUC-MSCs administration. OFM was also applied to sample liver interstitial fluid in vivo, and subsequent metabolomic analysis was performed to investigate metabolic changes in liver microenvironment. Results Compared with IV route, OFM route caused more hUC-MSCs accumulation in the liver and was more effective in improving the remodeling of liver structure and reducing collagen deposition in fibrotic liver. OFM transplantation of hUC-MSCs reduced blood ALT, AST, ALP and TBIL levels and increased ALB levels, to a greater extent than IV route. And OFM route appeared to have a more pronounced effect on ameliorating the CCl4-induced up-regulation of the fibrotic markers, such as α-SMA, collagen I and TGF-β. In vivo monitoring of liver microenvironment demonstrated the metabolic perturbations induced by pathological condition and treatment intervention. Two metabolites and eight metabolic pathways, which were most likely to be associated with the liver fibrosis progression, were regulated by hUC-MSCs administration. Conclusion The results demonstrated that the novel OFM technique would be useful for hUC-MSCs transplantation in liver fibrosis treatment and for monitoring of the liver metabolic microenvironment to explore the underlying therapeutic mechanisms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02599-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Center for Clinic Stem Cell Research, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xie
- Center for Clinic Stem Cell Research, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tuo Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- Center for Clinic Stem Cell Research, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sheng Zeng
- Center for Clinic Stem Cell Research, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Center for Clinic Stem Cell Research, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
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Abstract
Introduction: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are essential for physiological homeostasis of the liver extracellular matrix (ECM). Excessive transdifferentiation of HSC from a quiescent to an activated phenotype contributes to disrupt this balance and can lead to liver fibrosis. Accumulating evidence has suggested that nuclear receptors (NRs) are involved in the regulation of HSC activation, proliferation, and function. Therefore, these NRs may be therapeutic targets to balance ECM homeostasis and inhibit HSC activation in liver fibrosis.Areas covered: In this review, the authors summarized the recent progress in the understanding of the regulatory role of NRs in HSCs and their potential as drug targets in liver fibrosis.Expert opinion: NRs are still potential therapy targets for inhibiting HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. However, the development of NRs agonists or antagonists to inhibit HSCs requires fully consideration of systemic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Pu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongjing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanxin Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Houfeng Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
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9
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Königshofer P, Brusilovskaya K, Petrenko O, Hofer BS, Schwabl P, Trauner M, Reiberger T. Nuclear Receptors in Liver Fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166235. [PMID: 34339839 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate gene expression of a variety of key molecular signals involved in liver fibrosis. The primary cellular driver of liver fibrogenesis are activated hepatic stellate cells. Different NRs regulate the hepatic expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic cytokines that promote the transformation of hepatic stellate cells into fibrogenic myofibroblasts. Importantly, nuclear receptors regulate gene expression circuits that promote hepatic fibrogenesis and/or allow liver fibrosis regression. In this review, we highlight the direct and indirect influence of nuclear receptors on liver fibrosis, with a focus on hepatic stellate cells, and discuss potential therapeutic effects of nuclear receptor modulation in regard to anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Further research on nuclear receptors-related signaling may lead to the clinical development of effective anti-fibrotic therapies for patients with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ksenia Brusilovskaya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oleksandr Petrenko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Silvester Hofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
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Acharya P, Chouhan K, Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Cellular Mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671640. [PMID: 34025430 PMCID: PMC8134740 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a central organ in the human body, coordinating several key metabolic roles. The structure of the liver which consists of the distinctive arrangement of hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoids, the hepatic artery, portal vein and the central vein, is critical for its function. Due to its unique position in the human body, the liver interacts with components of circulation targeted for the rest of the body and in the process, it is exposed to a vast array of external agents such as dietary metabolites and compounds absorbed through the intestine, including alcohol and drugs, as well as pathogens. Some of these agents may result in injury to the cellular components of liver leading to the activation of the natural wound healing response of the body or fibrogenesis. Long-term injury to liver cells and consistent activation of the fibrogenic response can lead to liver fibrosis such as that seen in chronic alcoholics or clinically obese individuals. Unidentified fibrosis can evolve into more severe consequences over a period of time such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is well recognized now that in addition to external agents, genetic predisposition also plays a role in the development of liver fibrosis. An improved understanding of the cellular pathways of fibrosis can illuminate our understanding of this process, and uncover potential therapeutic targets. Here we summarized recent aspects in the understanding of relevant pathways, cellular and molecular drivers of hepatic fibrosis and discuss how this knowledge impact the therapy of respective disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Komal Chouhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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11
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Li B, Cai SY, Boyer JL. The role of the retinoid receptor, RAR/RXR heterodimer, in liver physiology. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166085. [PMID: 33497820 PMCID: PMC11152086 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Activated by retinoids, metabolites of vitamin A, the retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and the retinoid X receptors (RXRs) play important roles in a wide variety of biological processes, including embryo development, homeostasis, cell proliferation, differentiation and death. In this review, we summarized the functional roles of nuclear receptor RAR/RXR heterodimers in liver physiology. Specifically, RAR/RXR modulate the synthesis and metabolism of lipids and bile acids in hepatocytes, regulate cholesterol transport in macrophages, and repress fibrogenesis in hepatic stellate cells. We have also listed the specific genes that carry these functions and how RAR/RXR regulate their expression in liver cells, providing a mechanistic view of their roles in liver physiology. Meanwhile, we pointed out many questions regarding the detailed signaling of RAR/RXR in regulating the expression of liver genes, and hope future studies will address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baixue Li
- Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States; College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China.
| | - Shi-Ying Cai
- Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.
| | - James L Boyer
- Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.
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12
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Sufleţel RT, Melincovici CS, Gheban BA, Toader Z, Mihu CM. Hepatic stellate cells - from past till present: morphology, human markers, human cell lines, behavior in normal and liver pathology. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY 2021; 61:615-642. [PMID: 33817704 PMCID: PMC8112759 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.3.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC), initially analyzed by von Kupffer, in 1876, revealed to be an extraordinary mesenchymal cell, essential for both hepatocellular function and lesions, being the hallmark of hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. Apart from their implications in hepatic injury, HSCs play a vital role in liver development and regeneration, xenobiotic response, intermediate metabolism, and regulation of immune response. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding HSCs morphology, human HSCs markers and human HSC cell lines. We also summarize the latest findings concerning their roles in normal and liver pathology, focusing on their impact in fibrogenesis, chronic viral hepatitis and liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rada Teodora Sufleţel
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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13
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Wang W, Wang C, Xu H, Gao Y. Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Liver Disease and Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:921-934. [PMID: 32140062 PMCID: PMC7053332 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.42300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is the key enzyme responsible for metabolism of the alcohol metabolite acetaldehyde in the liver. In addition to conversion of the acetaldehyde molecule, ALDH is also involved in other cellular functions. Recently, many studies have investigated the involvement of ALDH expression in viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. Notably, ALDH2 expression has been linked with liver cancer risk, as well as pathogenesis and prognosis, and has emerged as a promising therapeutic target. Of note, approximately 8% of the world's population, and approximately 30-40% of the population in East Asia carry an inactive ALDH2 gene. This review summarizes new progress in understanding tissue-specific acetaldehyde metabolism by ALDH2 as well as the association of ALDH2 gene polymorphisms with liver disease and cancer. New research directions emerging in the field are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Chunguang Wang
- Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, Second Clinical College, Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Hongxin Xu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
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14
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Dong XC. PNPLA3-A Potential Therapeutic Target for Personalized Treatment of Chronic Liver Disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:304. [PMID: 31921875 PMCID: PMC6927947 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) is a lipid droplet-associated protein that has been shown to have hydrolase activity toward triglycerides and retinyl esters. The first evidence of PNPLA3 being associated with fatty liver disease was revealed by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Hispanic, African American, and European American individuals in the Dallas Heart Study back in 2008. Since then, numerous GWAS reports have shown that PNPLA3 rs738409[G] (148M) variant is associated with hepatic triglyceride accumulation (steatosis), inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma regardless of etiologies including alcohol- or obesity-related and others. The frequency of PNPLA3(148M) variant ranges from 17% in African Americans, 23% in European Americans, to 49% in Hispanics in the Dallas Heart Study. Due to high prevalence of obesity and alcohol consumption in modern societies, the PNPLA3(148M) gene variant and environment interaction poses a serious concern for public health, especially chronic liver diseases including alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, PNPLA3(148M) variant is a potential therapeutic target for chronic liver disease in the rs738409 allele carriers. Currently, there is no approved drug specifically targeting the PNPLA3(148M) variant yet. With additional mechanistic studies, novel therapeutic strategies are expected to be developed for the treatment of the PNPLA3(148M) variant-associated chronic liver diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocheng Charlie Dong
- Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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15
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Retinoids in Stellate Cells: Development, Repair, and Regeneration. J Dev Biol 2019; 7:jdb7020010. [PMID: 31137700 PMCID: PMC6630434 DOI: 10.3390/jdb7020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Stellate cells, either hepatic (HSCs) or pancreatic (PSCs), are a type of interstitial cells characterized by their ability to store retinoids in lipid vesicles. In pathological conditions both HSCs and PSCs lose their retinoid content and transform into fibroblast-like cells, contributing to the fibrogenic response. HSCs also participate in other functions including vasoregulation, drug detoxification, immunotolerance, and maintenance of the hepatocyte population. PSCs maintain pancreatic tissue architecture and regulate pancreatic exocrine function. Recently, PSCs have attracted the attention of researchers due to their interactions with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. PSCs promote tumour growth and angiogenesis, and their fibrotic activity increases the resistance of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy and radiation. We are reviewing the current literature concerning the role played by retinoids in the physiology and pathophysiology of the stellate cells, paying attention to their developmental aspects as well as the function of stellate cells in tissue repair and organ regeneration.
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16
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Chen Z, Jain A, Liu H, Zhao Z, Cheng K. Targeted Drug Delivery to Hepatic Stellate Cells for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 370:695-702. [PMID: 30886124 PMCID: PMC6806344 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.256156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is caused by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix during chronic liver injuries. Although clinical evidence suggests that liver fibrosis can be reversed, there is no standard therapy for liver fibrosis. Moreover, there is a lack of diagnostic tools to detect early-stage liver fibrosis. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key step during liver fibrogenesis, and its mechanism has been extensively studied by various cell culture and animal models. Targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to activated HSCs is therefore critical for the successful treatment of liver fibrosis. A number of protein markers have been found to be overexpressed in activated HSCs, and their ligands have been used to specifically deliver various antifibrotic agents. In this review, we summarize these HSC-specific protein markers and their ligands for targeted delivery of antifibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijin Chen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Akshay Jain
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Hao Liu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
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17
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Cortes E, Lachowski D, Rice A, Chronopoulos A, Robinson B, Thorpe S, Lee DA, Possamai LA, Wang H, Pinato DJ, Del Río Hernández AE. Retinoic Acid Receptor-β Is Downregulated in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cirrhosis and Its Expression Inhibits Myosin-Driven Activation and Durotaxis in Hepatic Stellate Cells. Hepatology 2019; 69:785-802. [PMID: 30055117 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are essential perisinusoidal cells in both healthy and diseased liver. HSCs modulate extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis when quiescent, but in liver fibrosis, HSCs become activated and promote excess deposition of ECM molecules and tissue stiffening via force generation and mechanosensing. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), activated HSCs infiltrate the stroma and migrate to the tumor core to facilitate paracrine signaling with cancer cells. Because the function of HSCs is known to be modulated by retinoids, we investigated the expression profile of retinoic acid receptor beta (RAR-β) in patients with cirrhosis and HCC, as well as the effects of RAR-β activation in HSCs. We found that RAR-β expression is significantly reduced in cirrhotic and HCC tissues. Using a comprehensive set of biophysical methods combined with cellular and molecular biology, we have elucidated the biomechanical mechanism by which all trans-retinoic acid promotes HSC deactivation via RAR-β-dependent transcriptional downregulation of myosin light chain 2 expression. Furthermore, this also abrogated mechanically driven migration toward stiffer substrates. Conclusion: Targeting mechanotransduction in HSCs at the transcriptional level may offer therapeutic options for a range of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Cortes
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dariusz Lachowski
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair Rice
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonios Chronopoulos
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Robinson
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Thorpe
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David A Lee
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia A Possamai
- Division of Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Haiyun Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - David J Pinato
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Armando E Del Río Hernández
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Role of hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-derived cytokines in hepatic inflammation and immunity. Cytokine 2018; 124:154542. [PMID: 30241896 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In their quiescent state, Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), are present in the sub-endothelial space of Disse and have minimal interaction with immune cells. However, upon activation following injury, HSCs directly or indirectly interact with various immune cells that enter the space of Disse and thereby regulate diverse hepatic function and immune physiology. Other than the normal physiological functions of HSCs such as hepatic homeostasis, maturation and differentiation, they also participate in hepatic inflammation by releasing a battery of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and interacting with other liver cells. Here, we have reviewed the role of HSC in the pathogenesis of liver inflammation and some infectious diseases in order to understand how the interplay between immune cells and HSCs regulates the overall outcome and disease pathology.
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19
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Bobowski-Gerard M, Zummo FP, Staels B, Lefebvre P, Eeckhoute J. Retinoids Issued from Hepatic Stellate Cell Lipid Droplet Loss as Potential Signaling Molecules Orchestrating a Multicellular Liver Injury Response. Cells 2018; 7:cells7090137. [PMID: 30217095 PMCID: PMC6162435 DOI: 10.3390/cells7090137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) serve as the main body storage compartment for vitamin A through retinyl ester (RE)-filled lipid droplets (LDs). Upon liver injury, HSCs adopt a myofibroblastic phenotype characterized by an elevated expression of extracellular matrix proteins and a concomitant loss of LDs. On the one hand, LD breakdown has been suggested to provide the energy required for HSC activation into myofibroblast-like cells. On the other hand, this process could mitigate HSC activation following the transformation of released REs into retinoic acids (RAs), ligands for nuclear receptors exerting antifibrotic transcriptional regulatory activities in HSCs. Importantly, RAs may also constitute a means for HSCs to orchestrate the liver response to injury by triggering transcriptional effects in multiple additional surrounding liver cell populations. We envision that new approaches, such as single-cell technologies, will allow to better define how RAs are issued from LD loss in HSCs exert a multicellular control of the liver (patho)physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bobowski-Gerard
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, The University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Francesco Paolo Zummo
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, The University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Bart Staels
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, The University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Philippe Lefebvre
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, The University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Jérôme Eeckhoute
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, The University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000 Lille, France.
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20
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Bruschi FV, Claudel T, Tardelli M, Caligiuri A, Stulnig TM, Marra F, Trauner M. The PNPLA3 I148M variant modulates the fibrogenic phenotype of human hepatic stellate cells. Hepatology 2017; 65:1875-1890. [PMID: 28073161 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The genetic polymorphism I148M of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) is robustly associated with hepatic steatosis and its progression to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cancer. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key players in the development of liver fibrosis, but the role of PNPLA3 and its variant I148M in this process is poorly understood. Here we analyzed the expression of PNPLA3 during human HSC activation and thereby explored how a PNPLA3 variant impacts hepatic fibrogenesis. We show that expression of PNPLA3 gene and protein increases during the early phases of activation and remains elevated in fully activated HSCs (P < 0.01). Knockdown of PNPLA3 significantly decreases the profibrogenic protein alpha-smooth muscle actin (P < 0.05). Primary human I148M HSCs displayed significantly higher expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (P < 0.01) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (P < 0.001), thus contributing to migration of immune cells (P < 0.05). Primary I148M HSCs showed reduced retinol (P < 0.001) but higher lipid droplet content (P < 0.001). In line with this, LX-2 cells stably overexpressing I148M showed augmented proliferation and migration, lower retinol, and abolished retinoid X receptor/retinoid A receptor transcriptional activities but more lipid droplets. Knockdown of I148M PNPLA3 (P < 0.001) also reduces chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 and collagen1α1 expression (P < 0.05). Notably, I148M cells display reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma transcriptional activity, and this effect was attributed to increased c-Jun N-terminal kinase, thereby inhibiting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma through serine 84 phosphorylation and promoting activator protein 1 transcription. Conversely, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor SP600125 and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist rosiglitazone decreased activator protein 1 promoter activity. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that PNPLA3 is required for HSC activation and that its genetic variant I148M potentiates the profibrogenic features of HSCs, providing a molecular mechanism for the higher risk of progression and severity of liver diseases conferred to patients carrying the I148M variant. (Hepatology 2017;65:1875-1890).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Virginia Bruschi
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thierry Claudel
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matteo Tardelli
- Christian Doppler-Laboratory for Cardio-Metabolic Immunotherapy and Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Caligiuri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Thomas M Stulnig
- Christian Doppler-Laboratory for Cardio-Metabolic Immunotherapy and Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabio Marra
- Christian Doppler-Laboratory for Cardio-Metabolic Immunotherapy and Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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21
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The stellate cell system (vitamin A-storing cell system). Anat Sci Int 2017; 92:387-455. [PMID: 28299597 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-017-0395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Past, present, and future research into hepatic stellate cells (HSCs, also called vitamin A-storing cells, lipocytes, interstitial cells, fat-storing cells, or Ito cells) are summarized and discussed in this review. Kupffer discovered black-stained cells in the liver using the gold chloride method and named them stellate cells (Sternzellen in German) in 1876. Wake rediscovered the cells in 1971 using the same gold chloride method and various modern histological techniques including electron microscopy. Between their discovery and rediscovery, HSCs disappeared from the research history. Their identification, the establishment of cell isolation and culture methods, and the development of cellular and molecular biological techniques promoted HSC research after their rediscovery. In mammals, HSCs exist in the space between liver parenchymal cells (PCs) or hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) of the hepatic lobule, and store 50-80% of all vitamin A in the body as retinyl ester in lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. SCs also exist in extrahepatic organs such as pancreas, lung, and kidney. Hepatic (HSCs) and extrahepatic stellate cells (EHSCs) form the stellate cell (SC) system or SC family; the main storage site of vitamin A in the body is HSCs in the liver. In pathological conditions such as liver fibrosis, HSCs lose vitamin A, and synthesize a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM) components including collagen, proteoglycan, glycosaminoglycan, and adhesive glycoproteins. The morphology of these cells also changes from the star-shaped HSCs to that of fibroblasts or myofibroblasts.
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22
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Rudraiah S, Zhang X, Wang L. Nuclear Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in Liver Disease: Are We There Yet? Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 56:605-626. [PMID: 26738480 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010715-103209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NR) are ligand-modulated transcription factors that play diverse roles in cell differentiation, development, proliferation, and metabolism and are associated with numerous liver pathologies such as cancer, steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, cholestasis, and xenobiotic/drug-induced liver injury. The network of target proteins associated with NRs is extremely complex, comprising coregulators, small noncoding microRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs. The importance of NRs as targets of liver disease is exemplified by the number of NR ligands that are currently used in the clinics or in clinical trials with promising results. Understanding the regulation by NR during pathophysiological conditions, and identifying ligands for orphan NR, points to a potential therapeutic approach for patients with liver diseases. An overview of complex NR metabolic networks and their pharmacological implications in liver disease is presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Rudraiah
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology and The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology and The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology and The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269.,Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516.,Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
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23
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Adenovirus-mediated expression of orphan nuclear receptor NR4A2 targeting hepatic stellate cell attenuates liver fibrosis in rats. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33593. [PMID: 27646469 PMCID: PMC5028713 DOI: 10.1038/srep33593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response characterized with the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). And hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the principal cell source of ECM. NR4A2 (Nurr1) is a member of orphan nuclear receptor NR4A family and acts as transcription factor. It participates in regulating cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. We previously demonstrated that NR4A2 expression in fibrotic liver reduced significantly compared with normal liver and NR4A2 knockout in HSCs promoted ECM production. In the present study we explored the role of NR4A2 on liver fibrosis. Studies in cultured HSCs demonstrated that NR4A2 over-expression suppressed the activation of HSCs, such as ECM production and invasion ability. Moreover cell cycle was arrested, cell apoptosis was promoted and cell signaling pathway was influenced. Adenovirus-mediated delivery of NR4A2 in rats ameliorated significantly dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) induced liver fibrosis. The In vivo experiments produced results consistent with in vitro experiments. Taken together these results demonstrate NR4A2 enhancement attenuates liver fibrosis via suppressing the activation of HSCs and NR4A2 may be an ideal target for anti-fibrotic therapy.
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24
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Ahadome SD, Mathew R, Reyes NJ, Mettu PS, Cousins SW, Calder VL, Saban DR. Classical dendritic cells mediate fibrosis directly via the retinoic acid pathway in severe eye allergy. JCI Insight 2016; 1:87012. [PMID: 27595139 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.87012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a shared end-stage pathway to lung, liver, and heart failure. In the ocular mucosa (conjunctiva), fibrosis leads to blindness in trachoma, pemphigoid, and allergy. The indirect fibrogenic role of DCs via T cell activation and inflammatory cell recruitment is well documented. However, here we demonstrate that DCs can directly induce fibrosis. In the mouse model of allergic eye disease (AED), classical CD11b+ DCs in the ocular mucosa showed increased activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), the enzyme required for retinoic acid synthesis. In vitro, CD11b+ DC-derived ALDH was associated with 9-cis-retinoic acid ligation to retinoid x receptor (RXR), which induced conjunctival fibroblast activation. In vivo, stimulating RXR led to rapid onset of ocular mucosal fibrosis, whereas inhibiting ALDH activity in DCs or selectively depleting DCs markedly reduced fibrosis. Collectively, these data reveal a profibrotic ALDH-dependent pathway by DCs and uncover a role for DC retinoid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Ahadome
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, University College London (UCL) Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rose Mathew
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nancy J Reyes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Priyatham S Mettu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Scott W Cousins
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Virginia L Calder
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, University College London (UCL) Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R Saban
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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25
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Halilbasic E, Fuchs C, Traussnigg S, Trauner M. Farnesoid X Receptor Agonists and Other Bile Acid Signaling Strategies for Treatment of Liver Disease. Dig Dis 2016; 34:580-8. [PMID: 27332721 DOI: 10.1159/000445268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) respond to bile acids (BAs) by activating transcriptional networks and/or signaling cascades. These cascades affect the expression of a great number of target genes relevant for BA, cholesterol, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as genes involved in inflammation, fibrosis and carcinogenesis. FXR activation in the liver tissue and beyond, such as the gut-liver axis, kidney and adipose tissue, plays a role in metabolic diseases. These BA receptors activators hold promise to become a new class of drugs to be used in the treatment of chronic liver disease, hepatocellular cancer and extrahepatic inflammatory and metabolic diseases. This review discusses the relevant BA receptors, the new drugs that target BA transport and signaling and their possible applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Halilbasic
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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26
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Chen P, Li J, Huo Y, Lu J, Wan L, Li B, Gan R, Guo C. Orphan nuclear receptor NR4A2 inhibits hepatic stellate cell proliferation through MAPK pathway in liver fibrosis. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1518. [PMID: 26713258 PMCID: PMC4690364 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role in liver fibrosis, which is a pathological process characterized by extracellular matrix accumulation. NR4A2 is a nuclear receptor belonging to the NR4A subfamily and vital in regulating cell growth, metabolism, inflammation and other biological functions. However, its role in HSCs is unclear. We analyzed NR4A2 expression in fibrotic liver and stimulated HSCs compared with control group and studied the influence on cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis and MAPK pathway after NR4A2 knockdown. NR4A2 expression was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses. NR4A2 expression was significantly lower in fibrotic liver tissues and PDGF BB or TGF-β stimulated HSCs compared with control group. After NR4A2 knockdown α-smooth muscle actin and Col1 expression increased. In addition, NR4A2 silencing led to the promotion of cell proliferation, increase of cell percentage in S phase and reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, P38 and JNK in HSCs. These results indicate that NR4A2 can inhibit HSC proliferation through MAPK pathway and decrease extracellular matrix in liver fibrogenesis. NR4A2 may be a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengguo Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital , Shanghai , China ; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Yan Huo
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Jin Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Lili Wan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Run Gan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Cheng Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital , Shanghai , China ; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
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O’Mahony F, Wroblewski K, O’Byrne SM, Jiang H, Clerkin K, Benhammou J, Blaner WS, Beaven SW. Liver X receptors balance lipid stores in hepatic stellate cells through Rab18, a retinoid responsive lipid droplet protein. Hepatology 2015; 62:615-26. [PMID: 25482505 PMCID: PMC4458237 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Liver X receptors (LXRs) are determinants of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis. Freshly isolated HSCs from Lxrαβ(-/-) mice have increased lipid droplet (LD) size, but the functional consequences of this are unknown. Our aim was to determine whether LXRs link cholesterol to retinoid storage in HSCs and how this impacts activation. Primary HSCs from Lxrαβ(-/-) and wild-type mice were profiled by gene array during in vitro activation. Lipid content was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Primary HSCs were treated with nuclear receptor ligands, transfected with small interfering RNA and plasmid constructs, and analyzed by immunocytochemistry. Lxrαβ(-/-) HSCs have increased cholesterol and retinyl esters. The retinoid increase drives intrinsic retinoic acid receptor signaling, and activation occurs more rapidly in Lxrαβ(-/-) HSCs. We identify Rab18 as a novel retinoic acid-responsive, LD-associated protein that helps mediate stellate cell activation. Rab18 mRNA, protein, and membrane insertion increase during activation. Both Rab18 guanosine triphosphatase activity and isoprenylation are required for stellate cell LD loss and induction of activation markers. These phenomena are accelerated in Lxrαβ(-/-) HSCs, where there is greater retinoic acid flux. Conversely, Rab18 knockdown retards LD loss in culture and blocks activation, just like the functional mutants. Rab18 is also induced with acute liver injury in vivo. CONCLUSION Retinoid and cholesterol metabolism are linked in stellate cells by the LD-associated protein Rab18. Retinoid overload helps explain the profibrotic phenotype of Lxrαβ(-/-) mice, and we establish a pivotal role for Rab18 GTPase activity and membrane insertion in wild-type stellate cell activation. Interference with Rab18 may have significant therapeutic benefit in ameliorating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona O’Mahony
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kevin Wroblewski
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sheila M. O’Byrne
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hongfeng Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kara Clerkin
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jihane Benhammou
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - William S. Blaner
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Simon W. Beaven
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Taschler U, Schreiber R, Chitraju C, Grabner GF, Romauch M, Wolinski H, Haemmerle G, Breinbauer R, Zechner R, Lass A, Zimmermann R. Adipose triglyceride lipase is involved in the mobilization of triglyceride and retinoid stores of hepatic stellate cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2015; 1851:937-45. [PMID: 25732851 PMCID: PMC4408194 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) store triglycerides (TGs) and retinyl ester (RE) in cytosolic lipid droplets. RE stores are degraded following retinoid starvation or in response to pathogenic stimuli resulting in HSC activation. At present, the major enzymes catalyzing lipid degradation in HSCs are unknown. In this study, we investigated whether adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is involved in RE catabolism of HSCs. Additionally, we compared the effects of ATGL deficiency and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) deficiency, a known RE hydrolase (REH), on RE stores in liver and adipose tissue. We show that ATGL degrades RE even in the presence of TGs, implicating that these substrates compete for ATGL binding. REH activity was stimulated and inhibited by comparative gene identification-58 and G0/G1 switch gene-2, respectively, the physiological regulators of ATGL activity. In cultured primary murine HSCs, pharmacological inhibition of ATGL, but not HSL, increased RE accumulation. In mice globally lacking ATGL or HSL, RE contents in white adipose tissue were decreased or increased, respectively, while plasma retinol and liver RE levels remained unchanged. In conclusion, our study shows that ATGL acts as REH in HSCs promoting the degradation of RE stores in addition to its established function as TG lipase. HSL is the predominant REH in adipocytes but does not affect lipid mobilization in HSCs. ATGL possesses retinyl ester and triacylglycerol hydrolase activity. The lack of ATGL activity causes increased triacylglycerol and retinyl ester storage in hepatic stellate cells. ATGL acts as retinyl ester and triacylglycerol lipase in hepatic stellate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Taschler
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Renate Schreiber
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | | | - Gernot F Grabner
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Matthias Romauch
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Heimo Wolinski
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Guenter Haemmerle
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Rolf Breinbauer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Rudolf Zechner
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Achim Lass
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria.
| | - Robert Zimmermann
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria.
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29
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Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells are resident perisinusoidal cells distributed throughout the liver, with a remarkable range of functions in normal and injured liver. Derived embryologically from septum transversum mesenchyme, their precursors include submesothelial cells that invade the liver parenchyma from the hepatic capsule. In normal adult liver, their most characteristic feature is the presence of cytoplasmic perinuclear droplets that are laden with retinyl (vitamin A) esters. Normal stellate cells display several patterns of intermediate filaments expression (e.g., desmin, vimentin, and/or glial fibrillary acidic protein) suggesting that there are subpopulations within this parental cell type. In the normal liver, stellate cells participate in retinoid storage, vasoregulation through endothelial cell interactions, extracellular matrix homeostasis, drug detoxification, immunotolerance, and possibly the preservation of hepatocyte mass through secretion of mitogens including hepatocyte growth factor. During liver injury, stellate cells activate into alpha smooth muscle actin-expressing contractile myofibroblasts, which contribute to vascular distortion and increased vascular resistance, thereby promoting portal hypertension. Other features of stellate cell activation include mitogen-mediated proliferation, increased fibrogenesis driven by connective tissue growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta 1, amplified inflammation and immunoregulation, and altered matrix degradation. Evolving areas of interest in stellate cell biology seek to understand mechanisms of their clearance during fibrosis resolution by either apoptosis, senescence, or reversion, and their contribution to hepatic stem cell amplification, regeneration, and hepatocellular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan E Puche
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, New York
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30
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Rankin AC, Hendry BM, Corcoran JP, Xu Q. An in vitro model for the pro-fibrotic effects of retinoids: mechanisms of action. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 170:1177-89. [PMID: 23992207 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 07/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Retinoids, including all-trans retinoic acid (tRA), have dose-dependent pro-fibrotic effects in experimental kidney diseases. To understand and eventually prevent such adverse effects, it is important to establish relevant in vitro models and unravel their mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Fibrogenic effects of retinoids were assessed in NRK-49F renal fibroblasts using picro-Sirius red staining for collagens and quantified by spectrophotometric analysis of the eluted stain. Other methods included RT-qPCR, immunoassays and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity assays. KEY RESULTS With or without TGF-β1, tRA was dose-dependently pro-fibrotic, notably increasing collagen accumulation. tRA and TGF-β1 additively suppressed expression of mRNA for MMP2, 3 and 13 and suppressed MMP activity. tRA, in the presence of TGF-β1, induced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA and they additively induced PAI-1 protein expression. A PAI-1 inhibitor, a pan-retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonist and a pan-retinoid X receptor (RXR) antagonist each partially prevented the pro-fibrotic effect of tRA. The dose-dependent pro-fibrotic effects of a pan-RXR agonist were similar to those of tRA. A pan-RAR agonist showed weaker, less dose-dependent pro-fibrotic effects and the pro-fibrotic effects of RARα and RARβ-selective agonists were even smaller. An RARγ-selective agonist did not affect fibrogenesis. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS An in vitro model for the pro-fibrotic effects of retinoids was established in NRK-49F cells. It was associated with reduced MMP activity and increased PAI-1 expression, and was probably mediated by RXR and RAR. To avoid or antagonize the pro-fibrotic activity of tRA, further studies on RAR isotype-selective agonists and PAI-1 inhibitors might be of value.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Rankin
- Department of Renal Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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31
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Yi HS, Lee YS, Byun JS, Seo W, Jeong JM, Park O, Duester G, Haseba T, Kim SC, Park KG, Gao B, Jeong WI. Alcohol dehydrogenase III exacerbates liver fibrosis by enhancing stellate cell activation and suppressing natural killer cells in mice. Hepatology 2014; 60:1044-53. [PMID: 24668648 PMCID: PMC4867000 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The important roles of retinols and their metabolites have recently been emphasized in the interactions between hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Nevertheless, the expression and role of retinol metabolizing enzyme in both cell types have yet to be clarified. Thus, we investigated the expression of retinol metabolizing enzyme and its role in liver fibrosis. Among several retinol metabolizing enzymes, only alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) 3 expression was detected in isolated HSCs and NK cells, whereas hepatocytes express all of them. In vitro treatment with 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP), a broad ADH inhibitor, or depletion of the ADH3 gene down-regulated collagen and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) gene expression, but did not affect α-smooth muscle actin gene expression in cultured HSCs. Additionally, in vitro, treatments with retinol suppressed NK cell activities, whereas inhibition of ADH3 enhanced interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production and cytotoxicity of NK cells against HSCs. In vivo, genetic depletion of the ADH3 gene ameliorated bile duct ligation- and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis, in which a higher number of apoptotic HSCs and an enhanced activation of NK cells were detected. Freshly isolated HSCs from ADH3-deficient mice showed reduced expression of collagen and TGF-β1, but enhanced expression of IFN-γ was detected in NK cells from these mice compared with those of control mice. Using reciprocal bone marrow transplantation of wild-type and ADH3-deficient mice, we demonstrated that ADH3 deficiency in both HSCs and NK cells contributed to the suppressed liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION ADH3 plays important roles in promoting liver fibrosis by enhancing HSC activation and inhibiting NK cell activity, and could be used as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyon-Seung Yi
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sun Lee
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Byun
- Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhyo Seo
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Min Jeong
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ogyi Park
- Laboratory of Liver Study, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregg Duester
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Takeshi Haseba
- Department of Legal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Sun Chang Kim
- Intelligent Synthetic Biology Center, 373-1, Guseong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
,Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Gyu Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Study, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Won-Il Jeong
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
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32
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Yin C, Evason KJ, Maher JJ, Stainier DY. The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, heart and neural crest derivatives expressed transcript 2, marks hepatic stellate cells in zebrafish: analysis of stellate cell entry into the developing liver. Hepatology 2012; 56:1958-70. [PMID: 22488653 PMCID: PMC3407311 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are liver-specific mesenchymal cells that play vital roles in liver development and injury. Our knowledge of HSC biology is limited by the paucity of in vivo data. HSCs and sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) reside in close proximity, and interactions between these two cell types are potentially critical for their development and function. Here, we introduce a transgenic zebrafish line, Tg(hand2:EGFP), that labels HSCs. We find that zebrafish HSCs share many similarities with their mammalian counterparts, including morphology, location, lipid storage, gene-expression profile, and increased proliferation and matrix production, in response to an acute hepatic insult. Using the Tg(hand2:EGFP) line, we conducted time-course analyses during development to reveal that HSCs invade the liver after SECs do. However, HSCs still enter the liver in mutants that lack most endothelial cells, including SECs, indicating that SECs are not required for HSC differentiation or their entry into the liver. In the absence of SECs, HSCs become abnormally associated with hepatic biliary cells, suggesting that SECs influence HSC localization during liver development. We analyzed factors that regulate HSC development and show that inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling significantly reduces the number of HSCs that enter the liver. We also performed a pilot chemical screen and identified two compounds that affect HSC numbers during development. CONCLUSION Our work provides the first comprehensive description of HSC development in zebrafish and reveals the requirement of SECs in HSC localization. The Tg(hand2:EGFP) line represents a unique tool for in vivo analysis and molecular dissection of HSC behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyue Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Programs in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Genetics and Human Genetics, Liver Center and Diabetes Center, Institute for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kimberley J. Evason
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Programs in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Genetics and Human Genetics, Liver Center and Diabetes Center, Institute for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jacquelyn J. Maher
- Department of Medicine, and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Didier Y.R. Stainier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Programs in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Genetics and Human Genetics, Liver Center and Diabetes Center, Institute for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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33
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Abstract
Quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in healthy liver store 80% of total liver retinols and release them depending on the extracellular retinol status. However, HSCs activated by liver injury lose their retinols and produce a considerable amount of extracellular matrix, subsequently leading to liver fibrosis. Emerging evidence suggests that retinols and their metabolites such as retinoic acids (RAs) contribute to liver regeneration, fibrosis and tumor. However, it is not clear yet why HSCs lose retinol, which enzymes are involved in the retinol metabolism of HSCs and what function of retinol metabolites on HSCs upon liver injury. Recently, our group and collaborators have demonstrated that during activation, HSCs not only lose retinols but also metabolize them into RAs by alcohol dehydrogenases and retinaldehyde dehydrogenases. As transcriptional factors, metabolized RAs induce retinoic acid early inducible-1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 in HSCs, which plays an important role in the interaction between HSCs and natural killer cells. In addition, RAs released from HSCs may induce hepatic cannabinoid receptor 1 expression in alcoholic liver steatosis or regulate immune responses upon liver inflammation. The present review summarizes the role of endogenous metabolized RAs on HSCs themselves and on other liver cells including hepatocytes and immune cells. Moreover, the effects of exogenous retinol and RA treatments on HSCs and liver disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sun Lee
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
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34
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Shirakami Y, Lee SA, Clugston RD, Blaner WS. Hepatic metabolism of retinoids and disease associations. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2012; 1821:124-36. [PMID: 21763780 PMCID: PMC3488285 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2011.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the most important tissue site in the body for uptake of postprandial retinoid, as well as for retinoid storage. Within the liver, both hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are importantly involved in retinoid metabolism. Hepatocytes play an indispensable role in uptake and processing of dietary retinoid into the liver, and in synthesis and secretion of retinol-binding protein (RBP), which is required for mobilizing hepatic retinoid stores. HSCs are the central cellular site for retinoid storage in the healthy animal, accounting for as much as 50-60% of the total retinoid present in the entire body. The liver is also an important target organ for retinoid actions. Retinoic acid is synthesized in the liver and can interact with retinoid receptors which control expression of a large number of genes involved in hepatic processes. Altered retinoid metabolism and the accompanying dysregulation of retinoid signaling in the liver contribute to hepatic disease. This is related to HSCs, which contribute significantly to the development of hepatic disease when they undergo a process of cellular activation. HSC activation results in the loss of HSC retinoid stores and changes in extracellular matrix deposition leading to the onset of liver fibrosis. An association between hepatic disease progression and decreased hepatic retinoid storage has been demonstrated. In this review article, we summarize the essential role of the liver in retinoid metabolism and consider briefly associations between hepatic retinoid metabolism and disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Retinoid and Lipid Metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Shirakami
- Department of Medicine, College of Physcians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 630 W, 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
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35
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Froeling FEM, Feig C, Chelala C, Dobson R, Mein CE, Tuveson DA, Clevers H, Hart IR, Kocher HM. Retinoic acid-induced pancreatic stellate cell quiescence reduces paracrine Wnt-β-catenin signaling to slow tumor progression. Gastroenterology 2011; 141:1486-97, 1497.e1-14. [PMID: 21704588 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Revised: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are deficient in vitamin A, resulting in activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). We investigated whether restoration of retinol to PSCs restores their quiescence and affects adjacent cancer cells. METHODS PSCs and cancer cell lines (AsPc1 and Capan1) were exposed to doses and isoforms of retinoic acid (RA) in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional culture conditions (physiomimetic organotypic culture). The effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) were studied in LSL-KrasG12D/+;LSL-Trp53R172H/+;Pdx-1-Cre mice, a model of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. RESULTS After incubation with ATRA, PSCs were quiescent and had altered expression of genes that regulate proliferation, morphology, and motility; genes that encode cytoskeletal proteins and cytokines; and genes that control other functions, irrespective of culture conditions or dosage. In the organotypic model, and in mice, ATRA induced quiescence of PSCs and thereby reduced cancer cell proliferation and translocation of β-catenin to the nucleus, increased cancer cell apoptosis, and altered tumor morphology. ATRA reduced the motility of PSCs, so these cells created a "wall" at the junction between the tumor and the matrix that prevented cancer cell invasion. Restoring secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4) secretion to quiescent PSCs reduced Wnt-β-catenin signaling in cancer cells and their invasive ability. Human primary and metastatic pancreatic tumor tissues stained strongly for cancer cell nuclear β-catenin but had low levels of sFRP4 (in cancer cells and PSCs). CONCLUSIONS RA induces quiescence and reduces motility of PSCs, leading to reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis of surrounding pancreatic cancer cells. RA isoforms might be developed as therapeutic reagents for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fieke E M Froeling
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute-a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, England
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36
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Ponce IT, Rezza IG, Delgado SM, Navigatore LS, Bonomi MR, Golini RL, Gimenez MS, Anzulovich AC. Daily oscillation of glutathione redox cycle is dampened in the nutritional vitamin A deficiency. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2011; 43:351-372. [PMID: 22984325 DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2011.593847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Examples of hormonal phase-shifting of circadian gene expression began to emerge a few years ago. Vitamin A fulfills a hormonal function by binding of retinoic acid to its nuclear receptors, RARs and RXRs. We found retinoid- as well as clock-responsive sites on regulatory regions of Glutathione reductase (GR) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) genes. Interestingly, we observed retinoid receptors, as well as GSH, GR and GPx, display daily oscillating patterns in the rat liver. We also found that feeding animals with a vitamin A-free diet, dampened daily rhythms of RARα and RXRβ mRNA, GR expression and activity, GSH, BMAL1 protein levels and locomotor activity. Differently, day-night oscillations of RXRα, GPx mRNA levels and activity and PER1 protein levels, were phase-shifted in the liver of vitamin A-deficient rats. These observations would emphasize the importance of micronutrient vitamin A in the modulation of biological rhythms of GSH and cellular redox state in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Tamara Ponce
- Laboratory of Chronobiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Biological Research San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), National Council of Science and Technology (CONICET), National University of San Luis (UNSL). Chacabuco y Pedernera, D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina
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Lakatos HF, Thatcher TH, Kottmann RM, Garcia TM, Phipps RP, Sime PJ. The Role of PPARs in Lung Fibrosis. PPAR Res 2011; 2007:71323. [PMID: 17710235 PMCID: PMC1940051 DOI: 10.1155/2007/71323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2007] [Accepted: 05/18/2007] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a group of disorders characterized by accumulation of scar tissue in the lung interstitium, resulting in loss of alveolar function, destruction of normal lung architecture, and respiratory distress. Some types of fibrosis respond to corticosteroids, but for many there are no effective treatments. Prognosis varies but can be poor. For example, patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have a median survival of only 2.9 years. Prognosis may be better in patients with some other types of pulmonary fibrosis, and there is variability in survival even among individuals with biopsy-proven IPF. Evidence is accumulating that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play important roles in regulating processes related to fibrogenesis, including cellular differentiation, inflammation, and wound healing. PPARα agonists, including the hypolidipemic fibrate drugs, inhibit the production of collagen by hepatic stellate cells and inhibit liver, kidney, and cardiac fibrosis in animal models. In the mouse model of lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin, a PPARα agonist significantly inhibited the fibrotic response, while PPARα knockout mice developed more serious fibrosis. PPARβ/δ appears to play a critical role in regulating the transition from inflammation to
wound healing. PPARβ/δ agonists inhibit lung fibroblast proliferation and enhance the antifibrotic properties of PPARγ agonists. PPARγ ligands oppose the profibrotic effect of TGF-β, which induces differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, a critical effector cell in fibrosis.
PPARγ ligands, including the thiazolidinedione class of antidiabetic drugs, effectively inhibit lung fibrosis in vitro and in animal models. The clinical availability of potent and selective PPARα and PPARγ agonists should facilitate rapid development of successful treatment strategies based on current and ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather F. Lakatos
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Thomas H. Thatcher
- Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- *Thomas H. Thatcher:
| | - R. Matthew Kottmann
- Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Tatiana M. Garcia
- Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Richard P. Phipps
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Patricia J. Sime
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Wang Z, Xu J, Zheng Y, Chen W, Sun Y, Wu Z, Luo M. Effect of the regulation of retinoid X receptor-α gene expression on rat hepatic fibrosis. Hepatol Res 2011; 41:475-83. [PMID: 21518404 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2011.00794.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To study the effect of retinoid X receptor-α (RXR-α) expression on rat hepatic fibrosis. METHODS Rat hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl(4) , and the rats were randomly divided into an early-phase hepatic fibrosis group (2 weeks) and a sustained hepatic fibrosis group (8 weeks). They were then divided into four groups (normal control, hepatic fibrosis, negative control and RXR-α groups). A recombinant lentiviral expression vector carrying the rat RXR-α gene was injected into the rats to induce RXR-α expression by intraportal infusion, hepatic tissue pathological examination was performed, and hydroxyproline content was detected. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were cultured in vitro, an RXR-α lentivirus vector was used to activate HSC, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) activation was assayed to detect HSC proliferation. RESULTS In vivo experiments indicated that in the sustained hepatic fibrosis group, there were significant differences in the hydroxyproline content, and expression of RXR-α, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (P < 0.01). However, in the early-phase hepatic fibrosis group, hydroxyproline content and the protein level of RXR-α showed no significant difference compared with the normal control group (P > 0.05). In vitro studies revealed that expression of RXR-α significantly inhibited expression of α-SMA and type I collagen in activated HSC (P < 0.01), as well as HSC proliferation (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The increased RXR-α gene expression inhibited HSC activation and proliferation and the degree of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Renji Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Petta S, Tripodo C, Grimaudo S, Cabibi D, Cammà C, Di Cristina A, Di Marco V, Di Vita G, Ingrao S, Mazzola A, Marchesini G, Pipitone R, Craxì A. High liver RBP4 protein content is associated with histological features in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C and with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Dig Liver Dis 2011; 43:404-10. [PMID: 21324757 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2010.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Revised: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM To investigate the hepatic expression of retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients, and its association with biochemical and histological patterns of liver damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-six genotype 1 CHC and 32 NASH patients were tested for hepatic RBP4 expression. Liver expression at immunostaining was scored as 0 (slight), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), and 3 (intense). In addition, the mRNA and the quantitative protein expressions of RBP4 were tested by PCR and by western blot, respectively, in 12 NASH and 28 CHC patients. Twelve subjects undergoing elective cholecystectomy served as controls. RESULTS Ten (31%), 16 (50%) and 6 (19%) NASH patients, and 21 (32%), 31 (47%) and 14 (21%) CHC patients had scores of 1, 2 and 3, respectively. All control subjects scored 0. In both CHC and NASH liver RBP4 scores were directly related to western blot (p=0.001 and p=0.03), not to mRNA expression (p=0.77 and p=0.40). Older age (OR, 1.07; 95%CI, 1.01-1.13), RBP4 score (4.26; 1.27-14.21) and HOMA (2.26; 1.15-4.42) were independently associated with steatosis≥10% in CHC patients. In NASH lobular inflammation (OR, 3.77; 95%CI, 1.01-24.22) and RBP4 score (4.87; 1.003-23.65) were the only risk factors for fibrosis ≥2 at logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION Hepatic storage of RBP4, unrelated to its expression, could cause liver damage both in NASH and CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Petta
- Sezione di Gastroenterologia, DiBiMIS, University of Palermo, Italy.
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Jeong WI, Park O, Suh YG, Byun JS, Park SY, Choi E, Kim JK, Ko H, Wang H, Miller AM, Gao B. Suppression of innate immunity (natural killer cell/interferon-γ) in the advanced stages of liver fibrosis in mice. Hepatology 2011; 53:1342-51. [PMID: 21480338 PMCID: PMC3079530 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Activation of innate immunity (natural killer [NK] cell/interferon-γ [IFN-γ]) has been shown to play an important role in antiviral and antitumor defenses as well as antifibrogenesis. However, little is known about the regulation of innate immunity during chronic liver injury. Here, we compared the functions of NK cells in early and advanced liver fibrosis induced by a 2-week or a 10-week carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) challenge, respectively. Injection of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) or IFN-γ induced NK cell activation and NK cell killing of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the 2-week CCl(4) model. Such activation was diminished in the 10-week CCl(4) model. Consistent with these findings, the inhibitory effect of poly I:C and IFN-γ on liver fibrosis was markedly reduced in the 10-week versus the 2-week CCl(4) model. In vitro coculture experiments demonstrated that 4-day cultured (early activated) HSCs induce NK cell activation via an NK group 2 member D/retinoic acid-induced early gene 1-dependent mechanism. Such activation was reduced when cocultured with 8-day cultured (intermediately activated) HSCs due to the production of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) by HSCs. Moreover, early activated HSCs were sensitive, whereas intermediately activated HSCs were resistant to IFN-γ-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation, likely due to elevated expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1). Disruption of the SOCS1 gene restored the IFN-γ inhibition of cell proliferation in intermediately activated HSCs. Production of retinol metabolites by HSCs contributed to SOCS1 induction and subsequently inhibited IFN-γ signaling and functioning, whereas production of TGF-β by HSCs inhibited NK cell function and cytotoxicity against HSCs. CONCLUSION The antifibrogenic effects of NK cell/IFN-γ are suppressed during advanced liver injury, which is likely due to increased production of TGF-β and expression of SOCS1 in intermediately activated HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Il Jeong
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea; Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
| | - Ogyi Park
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yang-Gun Suh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Byun
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, Korea
| | - So-Young Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, Korea
| | - Earl Choi
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, Korea
| | - Ja-Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 135-720, Korea
| | - Hyojin Ko
- Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 500-712, Korea
| | - Hua Wang
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Andrew M. Miller
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Trauner M, Halilbasic E. Nuclear receptors as new perspective for the management of liver diseases. Gastroenterology 2011; 140:1120-1125.e1-12. [PMID: 21334334 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that act as sensors for a broad range of natural and synthetic ligands and regulate several key hepatic functions including bile acid homeostasis, bile secretion, lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as drug deposition. Moreover, NRs control hepatic inflammation, regeneration, fibrosis, and tumor formation. Therefore, NRs are key for understanding the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of a wide range of hepatic disorders. Finally, targeting NRs and their alterations offers exciting new perspectives for the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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42
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Beaven SW, Wroblewski K, Wang J, Hong C, Bensinger S, Tsukamoto H, Tontonoz P. Liver X receptor signaling is a determinant of stellate cell activation and susceptibility to fibrotic liver disease. Gastroenterology 2011; 140:1052-62. [PMID: 21134374 PMCID: PMC3049833 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Revised: 11/14/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver X receptors (LXRs) are lipid-activated nuclear receptors with important roles in cholesterol transport, lipogenesis, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Hepatic stellate cells activate during chronic liver injury and mediate the fibrotic response. These cells are also major repositories for lipids, but the role of lipid metabolism during stellate cell activation remains unclear. We investigated the role of LXR signaling stellate cell activation and susceptibility to fibrotic liver disease. METHODS Immortalized and primary stellate cells purified from mice were treated with highly specific LXR ligands. Carbon tetrachloride and methionine/choline deficiency were used as chronic liver injury models. Reciprocal bone marrow transplants were performed to test the importance of hematopoietically derived cells to the fibrotic response. RESULTS LXR ligands suppressed markers of fibrosis and stellate cell activation in primary mouse stellate cells. Lxrαβ(-/-) stellate cells produce increased levels of inflammatory mediators, and conditioned media from Lxrαβ(-/-) cells increases the fibrogenic program of wild-type cells. Furthermore, Lxrαβ(-/-) stellate cells exhibit altered lipid morphology and increased expression of fibrogenic genes, suggesting they are primed for activation. In vivo, Lxrαβ(-/-) mice have marked susceptibility to fibrosis in 2 injury models. Bone marrow transplants point to altered stellate cell function, rather than hematopoietic cell inflammation, as the primary basis for the Lxrαβ(-/-) phenotype. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal an unexpected role for LXR signaling and lipid metabolism in the modulation of hepatic stellate cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon W. Beaven
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kevin Wroblewski
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jiaohong Wang
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cynthia Hong
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven Bensinger
- Pathology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hide Tsukamoto
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Peter Tontonoz
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Hepatic stellate cell (vitamin A-storing cell) and its relative--past, present and future. Cell Biol Int 2011; 34:1247-72. [PMID: 21067523 DOI: 10.1042/cbi20100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
HSCs (hepatic stellate cells) (also called vitamin A-storing cells, lipocytes, interstitial cells, fat-storing cells or Ito cells) exist in the space between parenchymal cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells of the hepatic lobule and store 50-80% of vitamin A in the whole body as retinyl palmitate in lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. In physiological conditions, these cells play pivotal roles in the regulation of vitamin A homoeostasis. In pathological conditions, such as hepatic fibrosis or liver cirrhosis, HSCs lose vitamin A and synthesize a large amount of extracellular matrix components including collagen, proteoglycan, glycosaminoglycan and adhesive glycoproteins. Morphology of these cells also changes from the star-shaped SCs (stellate cells) to that of fibroblasts or myofibroblasts. The hepatic SCs are now considered to be targets of therapy of hepatic fibrosis or liver cirrhosis. HSCs are activated by adhering to the parenchymal cells and lose stored vitamin A during hepatic regeneration. Vitamin A-storing cells exist in extrahepatic organs such as the pancreas, lungs, kidneys and intestines. Vitamin A-storing cells in the liver and extrahepatic organs form a cellular system. The research of the vitamin A-storing cells has developed and expanded vigorously. The past, present and future of the research of the vitamin A-storing cells (SCs) will be summarized and discussed in this review.
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He H, Mennone A, Boyer JL, Cai SY. Combination of retinoic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid attenuates liver injury in bile duct-ligated rats and human hepatic cells. Hepatology 2011; 53:548-57. [PMID: 21274875 PMCID: PMC3069505 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Cholestasis leads to liver cell death, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver failure. Despite limited benefits, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for cholestatic disorders. Retinoic acid (RA) is a ligand for nuclear receptors that modulate bile salt homeostasis. RA also possesses immunomodulatory effects and is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia and inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis, acne, and rheumatoid arthritis. To test whether the supplementation of RA with UDCA is superior to UDCA alone for treating cholestasis, male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL) for 14 days and were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), UDCA, all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), or UDCA and atRA by gavage. Treatment with UDCA and atRA substantially improved animal growth rates, significantly reduced liver fibrosis and bile duct proliferation, and nearly eliminated liver necrosis after BDL. Reductions in the bile salt pool size and liver hydroxyproline content were also seen with treatment with atRA or atRA and UDCA versus PBS and UDCA. Furthermore, atRA and UDCA significantly reduced liver messenger RNA and/or protein expression of transforming growth factor β1 (Tgf-β1), collagen 1a1 (Col1A1), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (Mmp2), cytokeratin 19, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), cytochrome P450 7A1 (Cyp7a1), tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-β1. The molecular mechanisms of this treatment were also assessed in human hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and LX-2 cells. atRA alone or in combination with UDCA greatly repressed CYP7A1 expression in human hepatocytes and significantly inhibited COL1A1, MMP2, and α-SMA expression and/or activity in primary human hepatic stellate cells and LX-2 cells. Furthermore, atRA reduced TGF-β1-induced Smad2 phosphorylation in LX-2 cells. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the addition of RA to UDCA reduces the bile salt pool size and liver fibrosis and might be an effective supplemental therapy with UDCA for cholestatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei He
- Yale Liver Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Ye Y, Dan Z. All-trans retinoic acid diminishes collagen production in a hepatic stellate cell line via suppression of active protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 30:726-33. [PMID: 21181362 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-010-0648-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Following acute and chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) become activated to undergo a phenotypic transformation into myofibroblast-like cells and lose their retinol content, but the mechanisms of retinoid loss and its potential roles in HSCs activation and liver fibrosis are not understood. The influence of retinoids on HSCs and hepatic fibrosis remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) on cell proliferation, mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (I), procollagen α1 (III)], profibrogenic genes (TGF-β(1), CTGF, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, PAI-1), fibrolytic genes (MMP-3, MMP-13) and the upstream element (JNK and AP-1) in the rat hepatic stellate cell line (CFSC-2G). Cell proliferation was evaluated by measuring BrdU incorporation. The mRNA expression levels of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (I), procollagen α1 (III)], profibrogenic genes (TGF-β(1), CTGF, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, PAI-1), and fibrolytic genes (MMP-3, MMP-13) were quantitatively detected by using real-time PCR. The mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1 was quantified by RT-PCR. The results showed that ATRA inhibited HSCs proliferation and diminished the mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (I), procollagen α1 (III)] and profibrogenic genes (TGF-β(1), CTGF, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, PAI-1), and significantly stimulated the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in HSCs by suppressing the mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1. These findings suggested that ATRA could inhibit proliferation and collagen production of HSCs via the suppression of active protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal, then decrease the mRNAs expression of profibrogenic genes (TGF-β(1), CTGF, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, PAI-1), and significantly induce the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ye
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Li J, Kuruba R, Wilson A, Gao X, Zhang Y, Li S. Inhibition of endothelin-1-mediated contraction of hepatic stellate cells by FXR ligand. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13955. [PMID: 21085652 PMCID: PMC2978707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays an important role in the development of cirrhosis through the increased production of collagen and the enhanced contractile response to vasoactive mediators such as endothelin-1 (ET-1). The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that is highly expressed in liver, kidneys, adrenals, and intestine. FXR is also expressed in HSCs and activation of FXR in HSCs is associated with significant decreases in collagen production. However, little is known about the roles of FXR in the regulation of contraction of HSCs. We report in this study that treatment of quiescent HSCs with GW4064, a synthetic FXR agonist, significantly inhibited the HSC transdifferentiation, which was associated with an inhibition of the upregulation of ET-1 expression. These GW4064-treated cells also showed reduced contractile response to ET-1 in comparison to HSCs without GW4064 treatment. We have further shown that GW4064 treatment inhibited the ET-1-mediated contraction in fully activated HSCs. To elucidate the potential mechanism we showed that GW4064 inhibited ET-1-mediated activation of Rho/ROCK pathway in activated HSCs. Our studies unveiled a new mechanism that might contribute to the anti-cirrhotic effects of FXR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ramalinga Kuruba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Annette Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Song Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mann J, Mann DA. Transcriptional regulation of hepatic stellate cells. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2009; 61:497-512. [PMID: 19393271 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a process of cellular transdifferentiation in which, upon liver injury, the quiescent vitamin A storing perisinusoidal HSC is converted into a wound-healing myofibroblast and acquires potent pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic activities. This remarkable phenotypic transformation is underpinned by changes in the expression of a vast number of genes. In this review we survey current knowledge of the transcription factors that either control HSC activation or which regulate specific fibrogenic functions of the activated HSC such as collagen expression, proliferation and resistance to apoptosis.
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Additive inhibitory effect of experimentally induced hepatic cirrhosis by agonists of peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma and retinoic acid receptor. Dig Dis Sci 2009; 54:292-9. [PMID: 18594976 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-008-0336-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2008] [Accepted: 05/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator activator receptor (PPAR) ligands prevent liver fibrosis, while the role of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and its metabolite 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis RA) is less clear. We have investigated the ability of the combination of PPAR gamma ligand rosiglitazone (RSG) and of ATRA to prevent liver fibrosis. In vivo treatment with RSG or ATRA reduced fibrotic nodules, spleen weight, and hydroxyproline levels in rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis. The combination of ATRA + RSG caused the strongest inhibition, accompanied by decreased expression of collagen I, alpha-smooth muscle actin, TGF beta 1, and TNFalpha. In vitro studies showed that PPAR gamma ligand 15-deoxy-Delta 12,14-prostaglandin J(2)[PJ(2)] and RXR ligand 9-cis RA or PJ(2) and ATRA inhibited proliferation of hepatic stellate cells HSC-T6. 9-cis RA inhibited c-jun levels and also inhibited expression of its receptor RXR alpha in HSC-T6 cells. The combination of PPAR-gamma and RAR agonists demonstrated an additive effect in the inhibition of TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis, due to inhibition of HSC proliferation and reduction of profibrotic TGF beta 1 and proinflammatory TNFalpha.
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Ji J, Zhang J, Huang G, Qian J, Wang X, Mei S. Over-expressed microRNA-27a and 27b influence fat accumulation and cell proliferation during rat hepatic stellate cell activation. FEBS Lett 2009; 583:759-66. [PMID: 19185571 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Revised: 01/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is an initial event in liver fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to play essential roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, and fat metabolism. In this study, we showed that down-regulation of two over-expressed miRNAs, miR-27a and 27b allowed culture-activated rat HSCs to switch to a more quiescent HSC phenotype, with restored cytoplasmic lipid droplets and decreased cell proliferation. Mechanistically, retinoid X receptor alpha was confirmed to be the target of miR-27a and 27b. These results indicated a new role and mechanism of miR-27a and 27b in regulating fat metabolism and cell proliferation during HSCs activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juling Ji
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
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Jameel NM, Thirunavukkarasu C, Wu T, Watkins SC, Friedman SL, Gandhi CR. p38-MAPK- and caspase-3-mediated superoxide-induced apoptosis of rat hepatic stellate cells: reversal by retinoic acid. J Cell Physiol 2008; 218:157-66. [PMID: 18792915 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate retinoid-containing quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs) to retinoid-deficient fibrogenic myofibroblast-like cells (aHSCs). However, ROS also cause apoptosis of aHSCs, and apoptotic aHSCs are observed in inflammatory fibrotic liver. Here, we investigated mechanisms of the effects of oxidative stress on the survival of qHSCs and aHSCs. HSCs from normal rat liver were used after overnight culture (qHSCs), or in 3-5 passages (aHSCs). For in vivo induction of oxidative stress, tert-butylhydroperoxide was injected into control and CCl4-induced cirrhotic rats. Spontaneous caspase-3 activation and apoptosis, observed in cultured qHSCs, decreased with time and were unaffected by superoxide. In contrast, superoxide caused caspase-3 and p38-MAPK activation, reduction in Bcl-xL expression, and apoptosis in aHSCs. Inhibition of caspase-3 and p38-MAPK did not affect the viability of qHSCs in the absence or presence of superoxide, but inhibited superoxide-induced death of aHSCs. Glutathione (GSH) level and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were lower in aHSCs than qHSCs. Superoxide increased GSH content, and activities of SOD, catalase and GPx in qHSCs but not in aHSCs. Incubation of 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA)-treated aHSCs with superoxide increased their GSH content significantly, and prevented superoxide-induced p38-MAPK and caspase-3 activation while dramatically reducing the extent of apoptosis. Finally, oxidative stress induced in vivo caused apoptosis of aHSCs in cirrhotic but not of qHSCs in control rats. These results suggest that the absence of retinoids render aHSCs susceptible to superoxide-induced apoptosis via caspase-3 and p38-MAPK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Mohamed Jameel
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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