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Hu Y, Wang R, An N, Li C, Wang Q, Cao Y, Li C, Liu J, Wang Y. Unveiling the power of microenvironment in liver regeneration: an in-depth overview. Front Genet 2023; 14:1332190. [PMID: 38152656 PMCID: PMC10751322 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1332190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver serves as a vital regulatory hub for various physiological processes, including sugar, protein, and fat metabolism, coagulation regulation, immune system maintenance, hormone inactivation, urea metabolism, and water-electrolyte acid-base balance control. These functions rely on coordinated communication among different liver cell types, particularly within the liver's fundamental hepatic lobular structure. In the early stages of liver development, diverse liver cells differentiate from stem cells in a carefully orchestrated manner. Despite its susceptibility to damage, the liver possesses a remarkable regenerative capacity, with the hepatic lobule serving as a secure environment for cell division and proliferation during liver regeneration. This regenerative process depends on a complex microenvironment, involving liver resident cells, circulating cells, secreted cytokines, extracellular matrix, and biological forces. While hepatocytes proliferate under varying injury conditions, their sources may vary. It is well-established that hepatocytes with regenerative potential are distributed throughout the hepatic lobules. However, a comprehensive spatiotemporal model of liver regeneration remains elusive, despite recent advancements in genomics, lineage tracing, and microscopic imaging. This review summarizes the spatial distribution of cell gene expression within the regenerative microenvironment and its impact on liver regeneration patterns. It offers valuable insights into understanding the complex process of liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelei Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- Department of Cadre’s Wards Ultrasound Diagnostics, Ultrasound Diagnostic Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ni An
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Li
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yannan Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Li
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Tithof J, Pruett TL, Rao JS. Lumped parameter liver simulation to predict acute haemodynamic alterations following partial resections. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230444. [PMID: 37876272 PMCID: PMC10598422 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Partial liver resections are routinely performed in living donor liver transplantation and to debulk tumours in liver malignancies, but surgical decisions on vessel reconstruction for adequate inflow and outflow are challenging. Pre-operative evaluation is often limited to radiological imaging, which fails to account for post-resection haemodynamic alterations. Substantial evidence suggests post-surgical increase in local volume flow rate enhances shear stress, signalling hepatic regeneration, but excessive shear stress has been postulated to result in small for size syndrome and liver failure. Predicting haemodynamic alterations throughout the liver is particularly challenging due to the dendritic architecture of the vasculature, spanning several orders of magnitude in diameter. Therefore, we developed a mathematical lumped parameter model with realistic heterogeneities capturing inflow/outflow of the human liver to simulate acute perfusion alterations following surgical resection. Our model is parametrized using clinical measurements, relies on a single free parameter and accurately captures established perfusion characteristics. We quantify acute changes in volume flow rate, flow speed and wall shear stress following variable, realistic liver resections and make comparisons with the intact liver. Our numerical model runs in minutes and can be adapted to patient-specific anatomy, providing a novel computational tool aimed at assisting pre- and intra-operative surgical decisions for liver resections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Tithof
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 111 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Timothy L. Pruett
- Division of Solid Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph Sushil Rao
- Division of Solid Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Schulze Diabetes Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Pu W, Wang X, Zhong X, Zhao D, Zeng Z, Cai W, Zhong Y, Huang J, Tang D, Dai Y. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism in the pseudolobule promotes region-specific autophagy in hepatitis B liver cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0187. [PMID: 37486962 PMCID: PMC10368385 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection leads to liver cirrhosis (LC), the end stage of liver fibrosis. The precise diagnosis and effective therapy for hepatitis B cirrhosis are still lacking. It is highly necessary to elucidate the metabolic alteration, especially the spatial distribution of metabolites, in LC progression. METHODS In this study, LC-MS/MS together with an airflow-assisted ionization mass spectrometry imaging system was applied to analyze and compare the metabolites' spatial distribution in healthy control (HC) and hepatitis B LC tissue samples. The liver samples were further divided into several subregions in HC and LC groups based on the anatomical characteristics and clinical features. RESULTS Both the LC-MS/MS and mass spectrometry imaging results indicated separated metabolite clusters between the HC and LC groups. The differential metabolites were mainly concentrated in lipid-like molecules and amino acids. The phosphatidylcholines (PCs), lysoPCs, several fatty acids, and amino acids reduced expression in the LC group with region specific. Acyl-CoA thioesterase 2 and choline/ethanolamine phosphotransferase 1, which regulate PC and fatty acid metabolism, were significantly decreased in the pseudolobule. Meanwhile, the increased expression of LC3B and p62 in the pseudolobule indicated the upregulation of autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis B LC induced region-specific autophagy by increasing the expression of LC3B and p62 in the pseudolobule and by dysregulation of unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, and PC metabolism. The mass spectrometry imaging system provided additional metabolites' spatial information, which can promote biomarker screening technology and support the exploration of novel mechanisms in LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Pu
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoni Zhong
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Nephrology Center, Department of Liver Transplant Center, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhipeng Zeng
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Wanxia Cai
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Yafang Zhong
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianrong Huang
- Department of Nephrology Center, Department of Liver Transplant Center, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Donge Tang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Dai
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
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4
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Zou J, Li J, Zhong X, Tang D, Fan X, Chen R. Liver in infections: a single-cell and spatial transcriptomics perspective. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:53. [PMID: 37430371 PMCID: PMC10332047 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00945-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is an immune organ that plays a vital role in the detection, capture, and clearance of pathogens and foreign antigens that invade the human body. During acute and chronic infections, the liver transforms from a tolerant to an active immune state. The defence mechanism of the liver mainly depends on a complicated network of intrahepatic and translocated immune cells and non-immune cells. Therefore, a comprehensive liver cell atlas in both healthy and diseased states is needed for new therapeutic target development and disease intervention improvement. With the development of high-throughput single-cell technology, we can now decipher heterogeneity, differentiation, and intercellular communication at the single-cell level in sophisticated organs and complicated diseases. In this concise review, we aimed to summarise the advancement of emerging high-throughput single-cell technologies and re-define our understanding of liver function towards infections, including hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, Plasmodium, schistosomiasis, endotoxemia, and corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We also unravel previously unknown pathogenic pathways and disease mechanisms for the development of new therapeutic targets. As high-throughput single-cell technologies mature, their integration into spatial transcriptomics, multiomics, and clinical data analysis will aid in patient stratification and in developing effective treatment plans for patients with or without liver injury due to infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Zou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao Zhong
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xuegong Fan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ruochan Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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5
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Li S, Li C, Khan MI, Liu J, Shi Z, Gao D, Qiu B, Ding W. Microneedle array facilitates hepatic sinusoid construction in a large-scale liver-acinus-chip microsystem. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:75. [PMID: 37303831 PMCID: PMC10247758 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00544-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic sinusoids play a key role in maintaining high activities of liver cells in the hepatic acinus. However, the construction of hepatic sinusoids has always been a challenge for liver chips, especially for large-scale liver microsystems. Herein, we report an approach for the construction of hepatic sinusoids. In this approach, hepatic sinusoids are formed by demolding a self-developed microneedle array from a photocurable cell-loaded matrix in a large-scale liver-acinus-chip microsystem with a designed dual blood supply. Primary sinusoids formed by demolded microneedles and spontaneously self-organized secondary sinusoids can be clearly observed. Benefiting from significantly enhanced interstitial flows by formed hepatic sinusoids, cell viability is witnessed to be considerably high, liver microstructure formation occurs, and hepatocyte metabolism is enhanced. In addition, this study preliminarily demonstrates the effects of the resulting oxygen and glucose gradients on hepatocyte functions and the application of the chip in drug testing. This work paves the way for the biofabrication of fully functionalized large-scale liver bioreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibo Li
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027 China
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001 China
| | - Chengpan Li
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027 China
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027 China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, Anhui 230601 China
| | - Zhengdi Shi
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027 China
| | - Dayong Gao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Bensheng Qiu
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027 China
| | - Weiping Ding
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001 China
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6
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Fan Z, Wei X, Chen K, Wang L, Xu M. 3D Bioprinting of an Endothelialized Liver Lobule-like Construct as a Tumor-Scale Drug Screening Platform. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:878. [PMID: 37421111 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
3D cell culture models replicating the complexity of cell-cell interactions and biomimetic extracellular matrix (ECM) are novel approaches for studying liver cancer, including in vitro drug screening or disease mechanism investigation. Although there have been advancements in the production of 3D liver cancer models to serve as drug screening platforms, recreating the structural architecture and tumor-scale microenvironment of native liver tumors remains a challenge. Here, using the dot extrusion printing (DEP) technology reported in our previous work, we fabricated an endothelialized liver lobule-like construct by printing hepatocyte-laden methacryloyl gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel microbeads and HUVEC-laden gelatin microbeads. DEP technology enables hydrogel microbeads to be produced with precise positioning and adjustable scale, facilitating the construction of liver lobule-like structures. The vascular network was achieved by sacrificing the gelatin microbeads at 37 °C to allow HUVEC proliferation on the surface of the hepatocyte layer. Finally, we used the endothelialized liver lobule-like constructs for anti-cancer drug (Sorafenib) screening, and stronger drug resistance results were obtained when compared to either mono-cultured constructs or hepatocyte spheroids alone. The 3D liver cancer models presented here successfully recreate liver lobule-like morphology, and may have the potential to serve as a liver tumor-scale drug screening platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zicheng Fan
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wei
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Keke Chen
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Information and 3D Bioprinting of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Mingen Xu
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Information and 3D Bioprinting of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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7
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Lesion or Pseudolesion? A Comprehensive Description of Perfusion-Based Liver Alterations on Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography and Literature Review. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2023; 47:9-23. [PMID: 36584106 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000001397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pseudolesions on contrast-enhanced computed tomography represent a diagnostic challenge for radiologists because they could be difficult to distinguish from true space-occupying lesions. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of these entities based on radiological criteria (hyperattenuation or hypoattenuation, localization, morphology), as well as a brief review of the hepatic vascular anatomy and pathophysiological process. Relevant examples from hospital case series are reported as helpful hints to assist radiologists in recognizing and correctly diagnosing these abnormalities.
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8
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Li J, Diamante G, Ahn IS, Wijaya D, Wang X, Chang CH, Ha SM, Immadisetty K, Meng H, Nel A, Yang X, Xia T. Determination of the nanoparticle- and cell-specific toxicological mechanisms in 3D liver spheroids using scRNAseq analysis. NANO TODAY 2022; 47:101652. [PMID: 36911538 PMCID: PMC10004129 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are commonly used in consumer products, allowing exposure to target organs such as the lung, liver, and skin that could lead to adverse health effects in humans. To better reflect on toxicological effects in liver cells, it is important to consider the contribution of hepatocyte morphology, function, and intercellular interactions in a dynamic 3D microenvironment. Herein, we used a 3D liver spheroid model containing hepatocyte and Kupffer cells (KCs) to study the effects of three different material compositions, namely vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), titanium dioxide (TiO2), or graphene oxide (GO). Additionally, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to determine the nanoparticle (NP) and cell-specific toxicological responses. A general finding was that hepatocytes exhibit more variation in gene expression and adaptation of signaling pathways than KCs. TNF-α production tied to the NF-κB pathway was a commonly affected pathway by all NPs while impacts on the metabolic function of hepatocytes were unique to V2O5. V2O5 NPs also showed the largest number of differentially expressed genes in both cell types, many of which are related to pro-inflammatory and apoptotic response pathways. There was also evidence of mitochondrial ROS generation and caspase-1 activation after GO and V2O5 treatment, in association with cytokine production. All considered, this study provides insight into the impact of nanoparticles on gene responses in key liver cell types, providing us with a scRNAseq platform that can be used for high-content screening of nanomaterial impact on the liver, for use in biosafety and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiulong Li
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Graciel Diamante
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - In Sook Ahn
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Darren Wijaya
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiang Wang
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chong Hyun Chang
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sung-min Ha
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kavya Immadisetty
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Huan Meng
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - André Nel
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xia Yang
- Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tian Xia
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Utilizing virtual experiments to increase understanding of discrepancies involving in vitro-to-in vivo predictions of hepatic clearance. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269775. [PMID: 35867653 PMCID: PMC9307204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Predictions of xenobiotic hepatic clearance in humans using in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation methods are frequently inaccurate and problematic. Multiple strategies are being pursued to disentangle responsible mechanisms. The objective of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of using insights gained from independent virtual experiments on two model systems to begin unraveling responsible mechanisms. The virtual culture is a software analog of hepatocytes in vitro, and the virtual human maps to hepatocytes within a liver within an idealized model human. Mobile objects (virtual compounds) map to amounts of xenobiotics. Earlier versions of the two systems achieved quantitative validation targets for intrinsic clearance (virtual culture) and hepatic clearance (virtual human). The major difference between the two systems is the spatial organization of the virtual hepatocytes. For each pair of experiments (virtual culture, virtual human), hepatocytes are configured the same. Probabilistic rules govern virtual compound movements and interactions with other objects. We focus on highly permeable virtual compounds and fix their extracellular unbound fraction at one of seven values (0.05–1.0). Hepatocytes contain objects that can bind and remove compounds, analogous to metabolism. We require that, for a subset of compound properties, per-hepatocyte compound exposure and removal rates during culture experiments directly predict corresponding measures made during virtual human experiments. That requirement serves as a cross-system validation target; we identify compound properties that enable achieving it. We then change compound properties, ceteris paribus, and provide model mechanism-based explanations for when and why measures made during culture experiments under- (or over-) predict corresponding measures made during virtual human experiments. The results show that, from the perspective of compound removal, the organization of hepatocytes within virtual livers is more efficient than within cultures, and the greater the efficiency difference, the larger the underprediction. That relationship is noteworthy because most in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation methods abstract away the structural organization of hepatocytes within a liver. More work is needed on multiple fronts, including the study of an expanded variety of virtual compound properties. Nevertheless, the results support the feasibility of the approach and plan.
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10
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Budelmann D, Laue H, Weiss N, Dahmen U, D'Alessandro LA, Biermayer I, Klingmüller U, Ghallab A, Hassan R, Begher-Tibbe B, Hengstler JG, Schwen LO. Automated Detection of Portal Fields and Central Veins in Whole-Slide Images of Liver Tissue. J Pathol Inform 2022; 13:100001. [PMID: 35242441 PMCID: PMC8860737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2022.100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many physiological processes and pathological phenomena in the liver tissue are spatially heterogeneous. At a local scale, biomarkers can be quantified along the axis of the blood flow, from portal fields (PFs) to central veins (CVs), i.e., in zonated form. This requires detecting PFs and CVs. However, manually annotating these structures in multiple whole-slide images is a tedious task. We describe and evaluate a fully automated method, based on a convolutional neural network, for simultaneously detecting PFs and CVs in a single stained section. Trained on scans of hematoxylin and eosin-stained liver tissue, the detector performed well with an F1 score of 0.81 compared to annotation by a human expert. It does, however, not generalize well to previously unseen scans of steatotic liver tissue with an F1 score of 0.59. Automated PF and CV detection eliminates the bottleneck of manual annotation for subsequent automated analyses, as illustrated by two proof-of-concept applications: We computed lobulus sizes based on the detected PF and CV positions, where results agreed with published lobulus sizes. Moreover, we demonstrate the feasibility of zonated quantification of biomarkers detected in different stainings based on lobuli and zones obtained from the detected PF and CV positions. A negative control (hematoxylin and eosin) showed the expected homogeneity, a positive control (glutamine synthetase) was quantified to be strictly pericentral, and a plausible zonation for a heterogeneous F4/80 staining was obtained. Automated detection of PFs and CVs is one building block for automatically quantifying physiologically relevant heterogeneity of liver tissue biomarkers. Perspectively, a more robust and automated assessment of zonation from whole-slide images will be valuable for parameterizing spatially resolved models of liver metabolism and to provide diagnostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Uta Dahmen
- Experimental Transplantation Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lorenza A D'Alessandro
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Biermayer
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ursula Klingmüller
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ahmed Ghallab
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany.,Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Reham Hassan
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany.,Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Brigitte Begher-Tibbe
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
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Li J, Chen C, Xia T. Understanding Nanomaterial-Liver Interactions to Facilitate the Development of Safer Nanoapplications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2106456. [PMID: 35029313 PMCID: PMC9040585 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202106456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials (NMs) are widely used in commercial and medical products, such as cosmetics, vaccines, and drug carriers. Exposure to NMs via various routes such as dermal, inhalation, and ingestion has been shown to gain access to the systemic circulation, resulting in the accumulation of NMs in the liver. The unique organ structures and blood flow features facilitate the liver sequestration of NMs, which may cause adverse effects in the liver. Currently, most in vivo studies are focused on NMs accumulation at the organ level and evaluation of the gross changes in liver structure and functions, however, cell-type-specific uptake and responses, as well as the molecular mechanisms at cellular levels leading to effects at organ levels are lagging. Herein, the authors systematically review diverse interactions of NMs with the liver, specifically on major liver cell types including Kupffer cells (KCs), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and hepatocytes as well as the detailed molecular mechanisms involved. In addition, the knowledge gained on nano-liver interactions that can facilitate the development of safer nanoproducts and nanomedicine is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiulong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Tian Xia
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California NanoSystems Institute, Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Zhu S, Rao X, Qian Y, Chen J, Song R, Yan H, Yang X, Hu J, Wang X, Han Z, Zhu Y, Liu R, Jong-Leong Wong J, McCaughan GW, Zheng X. Liver Endothelial Heg Regulates Vascular/Biliary Network Patterning and Metabolic Zonation Via Wnt Signaling. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1757-1783. [PMID: 35202885 PMCID: PMC9059100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The liver has complex interconnecting blood vessel and biliary networks; however, how the vascular and biliary network form and regulate each other and liver function are not well-understood. We aimed to examine the role of Heg in mammalian liver development and functional maintenance. METHODS Global (Heg-/-) or liver endothelial cell (EC)-specific deletion of Heg (Lyve1-Cre;Hegfl/fl ) mice were used to study the in vivo function of Heg in the liver. Carbon-ink anterograde and retrograde injection were used to visualize the 3-dimensional patterning of liver portal and biliary networks, respectively. RNA sequencing, histology, and molecular and biochemical assays were used to assess liver gene expression, protein distribution, liver injury response, and function. RESULTS Heg deficiency in liver ECs led to a sparse liver vascular and biliary network. This network paucity does not compromise liver function under baseline conditions but did alter liver zonation. Molecular analysis revealed that endothelial Heg deficiency decreased expression of Wnt ligands/agonists including Wnt2, Wnt9b, and Rspo3 in ECs, which limits Axin2 mediated canonical Wnt signaling and the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes in hepatocytes. Under chemical-induced stressed conditions, Heg-deficiency in liver ECs protected mice from drug-induced liver injuries. CONCLUSION Our study found that endothelial Heg is essential for the 3-D patterning of the liver vascular and indirectly regulates biliary networks and proper liver zonation via its regulation of Wnt ligand production in liver endothelial cells. The endothelial Heg-initiated changes of the liver metabolic zonation and metabolic enzyme expression in hepatocytes was functionally relevant to xenobiotic metabolism and drug induced liver toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiyun Rao
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yude Qian
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinbiao Chen
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, A.W Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Renhua Song
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Huili Yan
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Junhao Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiming Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Renjing Liu
- Vascular Epigenetics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin Jong-Leong Wong
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W. McCaughan
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, A.W Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiangjian Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Dr Xiangjian Zheng, Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University, No 22 Qi Xiang Tai Rd, Tianjin 300070, China. tel: 86-22-8333-6835.
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13
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Halonen S, Ovissi A, Boyd S, Kari J, Kronström K, Kosunen J, Lauren H, Numminen K, Sievänen H, Hyttinen J. Human in vivoliver and tumor bioimpedance measured with biopsy needle. Physiol Meas 2022; 43. [PMID: 35051907 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/ac4d38] [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: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective:Liver biopsy is an essential procedure in cancer diagnostics but targeting the biopsy to the actual tumor tissue is challenging. Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of a novel bioimpedance biopsy needle system in liver biopsy and simultaneously to gatherin vivobioimpedance data from human liver and tumor tissues.Approach:We measured human liver and tumor impedance datain vivofrom 26 patients who underwent diagnostic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy. Our novel 18G core biopsy needle tip forms a bipolar electrode that was used to measure bioimpedance during the biopsy in real-time with frequencies from 1 kHz to 349 kHz. The needle tip location was determined by ultrasound. Also, the sampled tissue type was determined histologically.Main results:The bioimpedance values showed substantial variation between individual cases, and liver and tumor data overlapped each other. However, Mann-Whitney U test showed that the median bioimpedance values of liver and tumor tissue are significantly (p<0.05) different concerning the impedance magnitude at frequencies below 25 kHz and the phase angle at frequencies below 3 kHz and above 30 kHz.Significance:This study uniquely employed a real-time bioimpedance biopsy needle in clinical liver biopsies and reported the measured humanin vivoliver and tumor impedance data. Impedance is always device-dependent and therefore not directly comparable to measurements with other devices. Although the variation in tumor types prevented coherent tumor identification, our study provides preliminary evidence that tumor tissue differs from liver tissuein vivoand this association is frequency-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Halonen
- R&D Department, Injeq, Biokatu 8, Tampere, 33520, FINLAND
| | - Ali Ovissi
- Department of Radiology, Meilahti Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00029, FINLAND
| | - Sonja Boyd
- HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital Pathology, PB 340, Helsinki, 00029, FINLAND
| | - Juho Kari
- R&D Department, Injeq, Biokatu 8, Tampere, 33520, FINLAND
| | | | - Juhani Kosunen
- Department of Radiology, Meilahti Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00029, FINLAND
| | - Hanna Lauren
- Department of Radiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Haartmaninkatu 4, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00029, FINLAND
| | - Kirsti Numminen
- Department of Radiology, Meilahti Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00029, FINLAND
| | - Harri Sievänen
- R&D Department, Injeq, Biokatu 8, Tampere, 33520, FINLAND
| | - Jari Hyttinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, 33520, FINLAND
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Ramadan Q, Fardous RS, Hazaymeh R, Alshmmari S, Zourob M. Pharmacokinetics-On-a-Chip: In Vitro Microphysiological Models for Emulating of Drugs ADME. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2100775. [PMID: 34323392 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202100775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite many ongoing efforts across the full spectrum of pharmaceutical and biotech industries, drug development is still a costly undertaking that involves a high risk of failure during clinical trials. Animal models played vital roles in understanding the mechanism of human diseases. However, the use of these models has been a subject of heated debate, particularly due to ethical matters and the inevitable pathophysiological differences between animals and humans. Current in vitro models lack the sufficient functionality and predictivity of human pharmacokinetics and toxicity, therefore, are not capable to fully replace animal models. The recent development of micro-physiological systems has shown great potential as indispensable tools for recapitulating key physiological parameters of humans and providing in vitro methods for predicting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in humans. Integration of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) processes within one close in vitro system is a paramount development that would meet important unmet pharmaceutical industry needs. In this review paper, synthesis of the ADME-centered organ-on-a-chip technology is systemically presented from what is achieved to what needs to be done, emphasizing the requirements of in vitro models that meet industrial needs in terms of the structure and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasem Ramadan
- Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Roa Saleem Fardous
- Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, G4 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Rana Hazaymeh
- Almaarefa University, Riyadh, 13713, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Alshmmari
- Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, 13513-7148, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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15
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Ya S, Ding W, Li S, Du K, Zhang Y, Li C, Liu J, Li F, Li P, Luo T, He L, Xu A, Gao D, Qiu B. On-Chip Construction of Liver Lobules with Self-Assembled Perfusable Hepatic Sinusoid Networks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:32640-32652. [PMID: 34225454 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Although various liver chips have been developed using emerging organ-on-a-chip techniques, it remains an enormous challenge to replicate the liver lobules with self-assembled perfusable hepatic sinusoid networks. Herein we develop a lifelike bionic liver lobule chip (LLC), on which the perfusable hepatic sinusoid networks are achieved using a microflow-guided angiogenesis methodology; additionally, during and after self-assembly, oxygen concentration is regulated to mimic physiologically dissolved levels supplied by actual hepatic arterioles and venules. This liver lobule design thereby produces more bionic liver microstructures, higher metabolic abilities, and longer lasting hepatocyte function than other liver-on-a-chip techniques that are able to deliver. We found that the flow through the unique micropillar design in the cell coculture zone guides the radiating assembly of the hepatic sinusoid, the oxygen concentration affects the morphology of the sinusoid by proliferation, and the oxygen gradient plays a key role in prolonging hepatocyte function. The expected breadth of applications our LLC is suited to is demonstrated by means of preliminarily testing chronic and acute hepatotoxicity of drugs and replicating growth of tumors in situ. This work provides new insights into designing more extensive bionic vascularized liver chips, while achieving longer lasting ex-vivo hepatocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Ya
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Weiping Ding
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Hefei National Lab for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Shibo Li
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Kun Du
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Chengpan Li
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Biology, Food and Environment Engineering, Hefei University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Fenfen Li
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Hefei National Lab for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Tianzhi Luo
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Liqun He
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Ao Xu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Dayong Gao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Bensheng Qiu
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Hefei National Lab for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
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16
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Sjöblom N, Boyd S, Manninen A, Knuuttila A, Blom S, Färkkilä M, Arola J. Chronic cholestasis detection by a novel tool: automated analysis of cytokeratin 7-stained liver specimens. Diagn Pathol 2021; 16:41. [PMID: 33957930 PMCID: PMC8101247 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-021-01102-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective was to build a novel method for automated image analysis to locate and quantify the number of cytokeratin 7 (K7)-positive hepatocytes reflecting cholestasis by applying deep learning neural networks (AI model) in a cohort of 210 liver specimens. We aimed to study the correlation between the AI model’s results and disease progression. The cohort of liver biopsies which served as a model of chronic cholestatic liver disease comprised of patients diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Methods In a cohort of patients with PSC identified from the PSC registry of the University Hospital of Helsinki, their K7-stained liver biopsy specimens were scored by a pathologist (human K7 score) and then digitally analyzed for K7-positive hepatocytes (K7%area). The digital analysis was by a K7-AI model created in an Aiforia Technologies cloud platform. For validation, values were human K7 score, stage of disease (Metavir and Nakunuma fibrosis score), and plasma liver enzymes indicating clinical cholestasis, all subjected to correlation analysis. Results The K7-AI model results (K7%area) correlated with the human K7 score (0.896; p < 2.2e− 16). In addition, K7%area correlated with stage of PSC (Metavir 0.446; p < 1.849e− 10 and Nakanuma 0.424; p < 4.23e− 10) and with plasma alkaline phosphatase (P-ALP) levels (0.369, p < 5.749e− 5). Conclusions The accuracy of the AI-based analysis was comparable to that of the human K7 score. Automated quantitative image analysis correlated with stage of PSC and with P-ALP. Based on the results of the K7-AI model, we recommend K7 staining in the assessment of cholestasis by means of automated methods that provide fast (9.75 s/specimen) quantitative analysis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13000-021-01102-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelli Sjöblom
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Sonja Boyd
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anniina Manninen
- Aiforia Technologies Oy, Tukholmankatu 8, 000290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Knuuttila
- Aiforia Technologies Oy, Tukholmankatu 8, 000290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sami Blom
- Aiforia Technologies Oy, Tukholmankatu 8, 000290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Arola
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
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17
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Lau C, Kalantari B, Batts KP, Ferrell LD, Nyberg SL, Graham RP, Moreira RK. The Voronoi theory of the normal liver lobular architecture and its applicability in hepatic zonation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9343. [PMID: 33927276 PMCID: PMC8085188 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88699-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise characterization of the lobular architecture of the liver has been subject of investigation since the earliest historical publications, but an accurate model to describe the hepatic lobular microanatomy is yet to be proposed. Our aim was to evaluate whether Voronoi diagrams can be used to describe the classic liver lobular architecture. We examined the histology of normal porcine and human livers and analyzed the geometric relationships of various microanatomic structures utilizing digital tools. The Voronoi diagram model described the organization of the hepatic classic lobules with overall accuracy nearly 90% based on known histologic landmarks. We have also designed a Voronoi-based algorithm of hepatic zonation, which also showed an overall zonal accuracy of nearly 90%. Therefore, we have presented evidence that Voronoi diagrams represent the basis of the two-dimensional organization of the normal liver and that this concept may have wide applicability in liver pathology and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lau
- Department of Computer Science, Rutgers University, Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - B Kalantari
- Department of Computer Science, Rutgers University, Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - L D Ferrell
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - S L Nyberg
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - R P Graham
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Roger K Moreira
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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18
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Son J, Kim HH, Lee JH, Jeong WI, Park JK. Assembly and Disassembly of the Micropatterned Collagen Sheets Containing Cells for Location-Based Cellular Function Analysis. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-021-00007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Tissue Chips and Microphysiological Systems for Disease Modeling and Drug Testing. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12020139. [PMID: 33525451 PMCID: PMC7911320 DOI: 10.3390/mi12020139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tissue chips (TCs) and microphysiological systems (MPSs) that incorporate human cells are novel platforms to model disease and screen drugs and provide an alternative to traditional animal studies. This review highlights the basic definitions of TCs and MPSs, examines four major organs/tissues, identifies critical parameters for organization and function (tissue organization, blood flow, and physical stresses), reviews current microfluidic approaches to recreate tissues, and discusses current shortcomings and future directions for the development and application of these technologies. The organs emphasized are those involved in the metabolism or excretion of drugs (hepatic and renal systems) and organs sensitive to drug toxicity (cardiovascular system). This article examines the microfluidic/microfabrication approaches for each organ individually and identifies specific examples of TCs. This review will provide an excellent starting point for understanding, designing, and constructing novel TCs for possible integration within MPS.
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20
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Lorente S, Hautefeuille M, Sanchez-Cedillo A. The liver, a functionalized vascular structure. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16194. [PMID: 33004881 PMCID: PMC7531010 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is not only the largest organ in the body but also the one playing one of the most important role in the human metabolism as it is in charge of transforming toxic substances in the body. Understanding the way its blood vasculature works is key. In this work we show that the challenge of predicting the hepatic multi-scale vascular network can be met thanks to the constructal law of design evolution. The work unveils the structure of the liver blood flow architecture as a combination of superimposed tree-shaped networks and porous system. We demonstrate that the dendritic nature of the hepatic artery, portal vein and hepatic vein can be predicted, together with their geometrical features (diameter ratio, duct length ratio) as the entire blood flow architectures follow the principle of equipartition of imperfections. At the smallest scale, the shape of the liver elemental systems-the lobules-is discovered, while their permeability is also predicted. The theory is compared with good agreement to anatomical data from the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Lorente
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA.
| | - Mathieu Hautefeuille
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, CP04510, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Aczel Sanchez-Cedillo
- Centro Médico 20 de Noviembre, ISSSTE,, Félix Cuevas 540, Del Valle Sur, Benito Juárez, CP03100, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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21
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Sasikumar S, Chameettachal S, Kingshott P, Cromer B, Pati F. 3D hepatic mimics - the need for a multicentric approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 15:052002. [PMID: 32460259 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ab971c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The liver is a center of metabolic activity, including the metabolism of drugs, and consequently is prone to drug-induced liver injury. Failure to detect hepatotoxicity of drugs during their development will lead to the withdrawal of the drugs during clinical trials. To avoid such clinical and economic consequences, in vitro liver models that can precisely predict the toxicity of a drug during the pre-clinical phase is necessary. This review describes the different technologies that are used to develop in vitro liver models and the different approaches aimed at mimicking different functional aspects of the liver at the fundamental level. This involves mimicking of the functional and structural units like the sinusoid, the bile canalicular system, and the acinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyama Sasikumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India. Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
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22
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Busche M, Tomilova O, Schütte J, Werner S, Beer M, Groll N, Hagmeyer B, Pawlak M, Jones PD, Schmees C, Becker H, Schnabel J, Gall K, Hemmler R, Matz-Soja M, Damm G, Beuck S, Klaassen T, Moer J, Ullrich A, Runge D, Schenke-Layland K, Gebhardt R, Stelzle M. HepaChip-MP - a twenty-four chamber microplate for a continuously perfused liver coculture model. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:2911-2926. [PMID: 32662810 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00357c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
HepaChip microplate (HepaChip-MP) is a microfluidic platform comprised of 24 independent culture chambers with continuous, unidirectional perfusion. In the HepaChip-MP, an automated dielectrophoresis process selectively assembles viable cells into elongated micro tissues. Freshly isolated primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and primary human liver endothelial cells (HuLEC) were successfully assembled as cocultures aiming to mimic the liver sinusoid. Minimal quantities of primary human cells are required to establish micro tissues in the HepaChip-MP. Metabolic function including induction of CYP enzymes in PHH was successfully measured demonstrating a high degree of metabolic activity of cells in HepaChip-MP cultures and sufficient sensitivity of LC-MS analysis even for the relatively small number of cells per chamber. Further, parallelization realized in HepaChip-MP enabled the acquisition of dose-response toxicity data of diclofenac with a single device. Several unique technical features should enable a widespread application of this in vitro model. We have demonstrated fully automated preparation of cell cultures in HepaChip-MP using a pipetting robot. The tubeless unidirectional perfusion system based on gravity-driven flow can be operated within a standard incubator system. Overall, the system readily integrates in workflows common in cell culture labs. Further research will be directed towards optimization of media composition to further extend culture lifetime and study oxygen gradients and their effect on zonation within the sinusoid-like microorgans. In summary, we have established a novel parallelized and scalable microfluidic in vitro liver model showing hepatocyte function and anticipate future in-depth studies of liver biology and applications in pre-clinical drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Busche
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Olena Tomilova
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Julia Schütte
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Simon Werner
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Meike Beer
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Nicola Groll
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Britta Hagmeyer
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Michael Pawlak
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Peter D Jones
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Christian Schmees
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | - Madlen Matz-Soja
- Section of Hepatology, Clinic and Polyclinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectiology, Pneumology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany and Rudolf-Schönheimer-Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Georg Damm
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral Transplantation, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simon Beuck
- A & M Labor fuer Analytik und Metabolismusforschung Service GmbH, Bergheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Klaassen
- A & M Labor fuer Analytik und Metabolismusforschung Service GmbH, Bergheim, Germany
| | - Jana Moer
- PRIMACYT Cell Culture Technology GmbH, Schwerin, Germany
| | - Anett Ullrich
- PRIMACYT Cell Culture Technology GmbH, Schwerin, Germany
| | - Dieter Runge
- PRIMACYT Cell Culture Technology GmbH, Schwerin, Germany
| | - Katja Schenke-Layland
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany. and Department of Women's Health, Research Institute for Women's Health, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany and Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Germany and Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories (CVRL), University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rolf Gebhardt
- Section of Hepatology, Clinic and Polyclinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectiology, Pneumology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany and Rudolf-Schönheimer-Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany and InViSys-Tübingen GbR, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Stelzle
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
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Liver Bioreactor Design Issues of Fluid Flow and Zonation, Fibrosis, and Mechanics: A Computational Perspective. J Funct Biomater 2020; 11:jfb11010013. [PMID: 32121053 PMCID: PMC7151609 DOI: 10.3390/jfb11010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering, with the goal of repairing or replacing damaged tissue and organs, has continued to make dramatic science-based advances since its origins in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Such advances are always multi-disciplinary in nature, from basic biology and chemistry through physics and mathematics to various engineering and computer fields. This review will focus its attention on two topics critical for tissue engineering liver development: (a) fluid flow, zonation, and drug screening, and (b) biomechanics, tissue stiffness, and fibrosis, all within the context of 3D structures. First, a general overview of various bioreactor designs developed to investigate fluid transport and tissue biomechanics is given. This includes a mention of computational fluid dynamic methods used to optimize and validate these designs. Thereafter, the perspective provided by computer simulations of flow, reactive transport, and biomechanics responses at the scale of the liver lobule and liver tissue is outlined, in addition to how bioreactor-measured properties can be utilized in these models. Here, the fundamental issues of tortuosity and upscaling are highlighted, as well as the role of disease and fibrosis in these issues. Some idealized simulations of the effects of fibrosis on lobule drug transport and mechanics responses are provided to further illustrate these concepts. This review concludes with an outline of some practical applications of tissue engineering advances and how efficient computational upscaling techniques, such as dual continuum modeling, might be used to quantify the transition of bioreactor results to the full liver scale.
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Abstract
Hepatocytes operate in highly structured repeating anatomical units termed liver lobules. Blood flow along the lobule radial axis creates gradients of oxygen, nutrients and hormones, which, together with morphogenetic fields, give rise to a highly variable microenvironment. In line with this spatial variability, key liver functions are expressed non-uniformly across the lobules, a phenomenon termed zonation. Technologies based on single-cell transcriptomics have constructed a global spatial map of hepatocyte gene expression in mice revealing that ~50% of hepatocyte genes are expressed in a zonated manner. This broad spatial heterogeneity suggests that hepatocytes in different lobule zones might have not only different gene expression profiles but also distinct epigenetic features, regenerative capacities, susceptibilities to damage and other functional aspects. Here, we present genomic approaches for studying liver zonation, describe the principles of liver zonation and discuss the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that dictate zonation patterns. We also explore the challenges and solutions for obtaining zonation maps of liver non-parenchymal cells. These approaches facilitate global characterization of liver function with high spatial resolution along physiological and pathological timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Ben-Moshe
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shalev Itzkovitz
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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25
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D'Souza JC, Sultan LR, Hunt SJ, Schultz SM, Brice AK, Wood AKW, Sehgal CM. B-mode ultrasound for the assessment of hepatic fibrosis: a quantitative multiparametric analysis for a radiomics approach. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8708. [PMID: 31213661 PMCID: PMC6581954 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45043-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis are a growing global health problem with increasing mortality rates. Early diagnosis and staging of hepatic fibrosis represent a major challenge. Currently liver biopsy is the gold standard for fibrosis assessment; however, biopsy requires an invasive procedure and is prone to sampling error and reader variability. In the current study we investigate using quantitative analysis of computer-extracted features of B-mode ultrasound as a non-invasive tool to characterize hepatic fibrosis. Twenty-two rats were administered diethylnitrosamine (DEN) orally for 12 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis. Four control rats did not receive DEN. B-mode ultrasound scans sampling throughout the liver were acquired at baseline, 10, and 13 weeks. Computer extracted quantitative parameters representing brightness (echointensity, hepatorenal index) and variance (heterogeneity, anisotropy) of the liver were studied. DEN rats showed an increase in echointensity from 37.1 ± SD 7.8 to 53.5 ± 5.7 (10 w) to 57.5 ± 6.1 (13 w), while the control group remained unchanged at an average of 34.5 ± 4.5. The three other features studied increased similarly over time in the DEN group. Histologic analysis showed METAVIR fibrosis grades of F2-F4 in DEN rats and F0-F1 in controls. Increasing imaging parameters correlated with increasing METAVIR grades, and anisotropy showed the strongest correlation (ρ = 0.58). Sonographic parameters combined using multiparametric logistic regression were able to differentiate between clinically significant and insignificant fibrosis. Quantitative B-mode ultrasound imaging can be implemented in clinical settings as an accurate non-invasive tool for fibrosis assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C D'Souza
- Ultrasound Research Lab, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn Image-Guided Interventions Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laith R Sultan
- Ultrasound Research Lab, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Stephen J Hunt
- Ultrasound Research Lab, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn Image-Guided Interventions Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan M Schultz
- Ultrasound Research Lab, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Angela K Brice
- University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew K W Wood
- Ultrasound Research Lab, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chandra M Sehgal
- Ultrasound Research Lab, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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26
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Li Z, Di L, Maurer TS. Theoretical Considerations for Direct Translation of Unbound Liver-to-Plasma Partition Coefficient from In Vitro to In Vivo. AAPS JOURNAL 2019; 21:43. [DOI: 10.1208/s12248-019-0314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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27
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Transaminase abnormalities and adaptations of the liver lobule manifest at specific cut-offs of steatosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40977. [PMID: 28106158 PMCID: PMC5247698 DOI: 10.1038/srep40977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is little documented evidence suggesting that liver fat is responsible for liver injury in the absence of other disease processes. We investigated the relationships between liver fat, aminotransferases and hepatic architecture in liver biopsies with simple steatosis. We identified 136 biopsies with simple steatosis from the Royal Free Hospital Archives with both clinical data and sufficient material. Digital image analysis was employed to measure fat proportionate area (mFPA). Hepatocyte area (HA) and lobule radius (LR) were also measured. There were significant increases in ALT (p < 0.001) and AST (p = 0.013) with increased fat content and evidence to suggest both 5% and 20% mFPA as a cut-off for raised ALT. In liver with increased fat content there were significant increases in HA (p < 0.001). LR also increased as mFPA increased to 10% (p < 0.001), at which point the lobule ceased to expand further and was counterbalanced with a decrease in the number of hepatocytes per lobule (p = 0.029). Consequently there are mechanisms of adaption in the liver architecture to accommodate the accumulation of fat and these are accompanied by significant increases in transaminases. These results support the generally accepted cut-off of 5% fat for steatosis and indicate 20% as a threshold of more severe liver injury.
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Barreau C, Labit E, Guissard C, Rouquette J, Boizeau ML, Gani Koumassi S, Carrière A, Jeanson Y, Berger-Müller S, Dromard C, Plouraboué F, Casteilla L, Lorsignol A. Regionalization of browning revealed by whole subcutaneous adipose tissue imaging. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2016; 24:1081-9. [PMID: 26999447 DOI: 10.1002/oby.21455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE White and brown adipose tissues play a major role in the regulation of metabolic functions. With the explosion of obesity and metabolic disorders, the interest in adipocyte biology is growing constantly. While several studies have demonstrated functional differences between adipose fat pads, especially in their involvement in metabolic diseases, there are no data available on possible heterogeneity within an adipose depot. METHODS This study investigated the three-dimensional (3-D) organization of the inguinal fat pad in adult mice by combining adipose tissue clearing and autofluorescence signal acquisition by confocal microscopy. In addition, the study analyzed the expression of genes involved in adipocyte biology and browning at the mARN and protein levels in distinct areas of the inguinal adipose tissue, in control conditions and after cold exposure. RESULTS Semiautomated 3-D image analysis revealed an organization of the fat depot showing two regions: the core was structured into segmented lobules, whereas the periphery appeared unsegmented. Perilipin immunostaining showed that most of the adipocytes located in the core region had smaller lipid droplets, suggesting a brown-like phenotype. qPCR analysis showed a higher expression of the browning markers Ucp1, Prdm16, Ppargc1a, and Cidea in the core region than at the periphery. Finally, cold exposure induced upregulation of thermogenic gene expression associated with an increase of UCP1 protein, specifically in the core region of the inguinal fat depot. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these data demonstrate a structural and functional heterogeneity of the inguinal fat pad, with an anatomically restricted browning process in the core area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Barreau
- Stromalab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, EFS, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Elodie Labit
- Stromalab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, EFS, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Jacques Rouquette
- Institut des Techniques Avancées du Vivant, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie-Laure Boizeau
- Institut des Techniques Avancées du Vivant, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Audrey Carrière
- Stromalab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, EFS, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Yannick Jeanson
- Stromalab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, EFS, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Cécile Dromard
- Stromalab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, EFS, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Franck Plouraboué
- Institut de Mécanique des Fluides, Université de Toulouse, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Louis Casteilla
- Stromalab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, EFS, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Lorsignol
- Stromalab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, EFS, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
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Schwen LO, Homeyer A, Schwier M, Dahmen U, Dirsch O, Schenk A, Kuepfer L, Preusser T, Schenk A. Zonated quantification of steatosis in an entire mouse liver. Comput Biol Med 2016; 73:108-18. [PMID: 27104496 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Many physiological processes and pathological conditions in livers are spatially heterogeneous, forming patterns at the lobular length scale or varying across the organ. Steatosis, a common liver disease characterized by lipids accumulating in hepatocytes, exhibits heterogeneity at both these spatial scales. The main goal of the present study was to provide a method for zonated quantification of the steatosis patterns found in an entire mouse liver. As an example application, the results were employed in a pharmacokinetics simulation. For the analysis, an automatic detection of the lipid vacuoles was used in multiple slides of histological serial sections covering an entire mouse liver. Lobuli were determined semi-automatically and zones were defined within the lobuli. Subsequently, the lipid content of each zone was computed. The steatosis patterns were found to be predominantly periportal, with a notable organ-scale heterogeneity. The analysis provides a quantitative description of the extent of steatosis in unprecedented detail. The resulting steatosis patterns were successfully used as a perturbation to the liver as part of an exemplary whole-body pharmacokinetics simulation for the antitussive drug dextromethorphan. The zonated quantification is also applicable to other pathological conditions that can be detected in histological images. Besides being a descriptive research tool, this quantification could perspectively complement diagnosis based on visual assessment of histological images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Ole Schwen
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Universitätsallee 29, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - André Homeyer
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Universitätsallee 29, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Michael Schwier
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Universitätsallee 29, 28359 Bremen, Germany; Jacobs University, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Uta Dahmen
- Experimental Transplantation Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747 Jena, Germany.
| | - Olaf Dirsch
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Chemitz, Flemmingstraße 2, 09116 Chemnitz, Germany.
| | - Arne Schenk
- Computational Systems Biology, Bayer Technology Services, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 1, 51368 Leverkusen, Germany; Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, Schinkelstr. 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lars Kuepfer
- Computational Systems Biology, Bayer Technology Services, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 1, 51368 Leverkusen, Germany; Institute of Applied Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Tobias Preusser
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Universitätsallee 29, 28359 Bremen, Germany; Jacobs University, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Schenk
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Universitätsallee 29, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
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Rezania V, Coombe D, Tuszynski JA. A physiologically-based flow network model for hepatic drug elimination III: 2D/3D DLA lobule models. Theor Biol Med Model 2016; 13:9. [PMID: 26939615 PMCID: PMC4778290 DOI: 10.1186/s12976-016-0034-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the major issues in current pharmaceutical development is potential hepatotoxicity and drug-induced liver damage. This is due to the unique metabolic processes performed in the liver to prevent accumulation of a wide range of chemicals in the blood. Recently, we developed a physiologically-based lattice model to address the transport and metabolism of drugs in the liver lobule (liver functional unit). Method In this paper, we extend our idealized model to consider structural and spatial variability in two and three dimensions. We introduce a hexagonal-based model with one input (portal vein) and six outputs (hepatic veins) to represent a typical liver lobule. To capture even more realistic structures, we implement a novel sequential diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) method to construct a morphological sinusoid network in the lobule. A 3D model constructed with stacks of multiple 2D sinusoid realizations is explored to study the effects of 3D structural variations. The role of liver zonation on drug metabolism in the lobule is also addressed, based on flow-based predicted steady-state O2 profiles used as a zonation indicator. Results With this model, we analyze predicted drug concentration levels observed exiting the lobule with their detailed distribution inside the lobule, and compare with our earlier idealized models. In 2D, due to randomness of the sinusoidal structure, individual hepatic veins respond differently (i.e. at different times) to injected drug. In 3D, however, the variation of response to the injected drug is observed to be less extreme. Also, the production curves show more diffusive behavior in 3D than in 2D. Conclusion Although, the individual producing ports respond differently, the average lobule production summed over all hepatic veins is more diffuse. Thus the net effect of all these variations makes the overall response smoother. We also show that, in 3D, the effect of zonation on drug production characteristics appears quite small. Our new biophysical structural analysis of a physiologically-based 3D lobule can therefore form the basis for a quantitative assessment of liver function and performance both in health and disease Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12976-016-0034-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Rezania
- Department of Physical Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4S2, Canada.
| | - Dennis Coombe
- Computer Modelling Group Ltd, Calgary, AB, T2L 2A6, Canada.
| | - Jack A Tuszynski
- Department of Physics and Experimental Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2J1, Canada.
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31
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Optimality in the zonation of ammonia detoxification in rodent liver. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:2069-78. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1596-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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32
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Modeling function–perfusion behavior in liver lobules including tissue, blood, glucose, lactate and glycogen by use of a coupled two-scale PDE–ODE approach. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2014; 14:515-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-014-0619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Schwen LO, Krauss M, Niederalt C, Gremse F, Kiessling F, Schenk A, Preusser T, Kuepfer L. Spatio-temporal simulation of first pass drug perfusion in the liver. PLoS Comput Biol 2014; 10:e1003499. [PMID: 24625393 PMCID: PMC3952820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the central organ for detoxification of xenobiotics in the body. In pharmacokinetic modeling, hepatic metabolization capacity is typically quantified as hepatic clearance computed as degradation in well-stirred compartments. This is an accurate mechanistic description once a quasi-equilibrium between blood and surrounding tissue is established. However, this model structure cannot be used to simulate spatio-temporal distribution during the first instants after drug injection. In this paper, we introduce a new spatially resolved model to simulate first pass perfusion of compounds within the naive liver. The model is based on vascular structures obtained from computed tomography as well as physiologically based mass transfer descriptions obtained from pharmacokinetic modeling. The physiological architecture of hepatic tissue in our model is governed by both vascular geometry and the composition of the connecting hepatic tissue. In particular, we here consider locally distributed mass flow in liver tissue instead of considering well-stirred compartments. Experimentally, the model structure corresponds to an isolated perfused liver and provides an ideal platform to address first pass effects and questions of hepatic heterogeneity. The model was evaluated for three exemplary compounds covering key aspects of perfusion, distribution and metabolization within the liver. As pathophysiological states we considered the influence of steatosis and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver necrosis on total hepatic distribution and metabolic capacity. Notably, we found that our computational predictions are in qualitative agreement with previously published experimental data. The simulation results provide an unprecedented level of detail in compound concentration profiles during first pass perfusion, both spatio-temporally in liver tissue itself and temporally in the outflowing blood. We expect our model to be the foundation of further spatially resolved models of the liver in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Krauss
- Computational Systems Biology, Bayer Technology Services, Leverkusen, Germany
- Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christoph Niederalt
- Computational Systems Biology, Bayer Technology Services, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Felix Gremse
- Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Preusser
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
- School of Engineering and Science, Jacobs University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Lars Kuepfer
- Computational Systems Biology, Bayer Technology Services, Leverkusen, Germany
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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The importance of liver microcirculation in promoting autoimmune hepatitis via maintaining an inflammatory cytokine milieu--a mathematical model study. J Theor Biol 2014; 348:33-46. [PMID: 24486232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2014.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In autoimmune diseases, inflammatory cytokine concentrations are important for initiating and maintaining the status of autoimmunity. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory liver disease characterized by a loss of immune tolerance against specific antigens located in hepatocytes. During the progression of the disease, antigen-presenting cells and different classes of T-helper cells secrete specific cytokines important for maintaining the disease. As these cytokines are secreted into the local liver environment, the blood flow in liver sinusoids might influence the local cytokine concentration. Considering the liver tissue as a porous medium, based on Darcy׳s law, the microcirculation within a liver lobule was modelled. Using realistic physiological pressure differences and tissue permeabilities, the blood velocity inside the sinusoids could be calculated and validated with blood velocity data obtained via Orthogonal Polarization Spectral Imaging (OPSI). Furthermore, oxygen consumption is modelled to obtain Rappaport׳s acinus model. Finally, steady state spatial distributions of secreted cytokines within the liver lobule could be estimated for specified realistic production rates of T-helper cells. It could be demonstrated that the characteristics of the liver microcirculation have an important impact on establishing inflammatory cytokine levels within the portal fields and the vascular septa promoting the occurrence of interface hepatitis.
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35
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Debbaut C, Segers P, Cornillie P, Casteleyn C, Dierick M, Laleman W, Monbaliu D. Analyzing the human liver vascular architecture by combining vascular corrosion casting and micro-CT scanning: a feasibility study. J Anat 2014; 224:509-17. [PMID: 24433401 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although a full understanding of the hepatic circulation is one of the keys to successfully perform liver surgery and to elucidate liver pathology, relatively little is known about the functional organization of the liver vasculature. Therefore, we materialized and visualized the human hepatic vasculature at different scales, and performed a morphological analysis by combining vascular corrosion casting with novel micro-computer tomography (CT) and image analysis techniques. A human liver vascular corrosion cast was obtained by simultaneous resin injection in the hepatic artery (HA) and portal vein (PV). A high resolution (110 μm) micro-CT scan of the total cast allowed gathering detailed macrovascular data. Subsequently, a mesocirculation sample (starting at generation 5; 88 × 68 × 80 mm³) and a microcirculation sample (terminal vessels including sinusoids; 2.0 × 1.5 × 1.7 mm³) were dissected and imaged at a 71-μm and 2.6-μm resolution, respectively. Segmentations and 3D reconstructions allowed quantifying the macro- and mesoscale branching topology, and geometrical features of HA, PV and hepatic venous trees up to 13 generations (radii ranging from 13.2 mm to 80 μm; lengths from 74.4 mm to 0.74 mm), as well as microvascular characteristics (mean sinusoidal radius of 6.63 μm). Combining corrosion casting and micro-CT imaging allows quantifying the branching topology and geometrical features of hepatic trees using a multiscale approach from the macro- down to the microcirculation. This may lead to novel insights into liver circulation, such as internal blood flow distributions and anatomical consequences of pathologies (e.g. cirrhosis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Debbaut
- Biofluid, Tissue and Solid Mechanics for Medical Applications, Institute Biomedical Technology, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, iMinds Future Health Department, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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Rezania V, Marsh R, Coombe D, Tuszynski J. A physiologically-based flow network model for hepatic drug elimination I: regular lattice lobule model. Theor Biol Med Model 2013; 10:52. [PMID: 24007328 PMCID: PMC3849449 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4682-10-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We develop a physiologically-based lattice model for the transport and metabolism of drugs in the functional unit of the liver, called the lobule. In contrast to earlier studies, we have emphasized the dominant role of convection in well-vascularized tissue with a given structure. Estimates of convective, diffusive and reaction contributions are given. We have compared drug concentration levels observed exiting the lobule with their predicted detailed distribution inside the lobule, assuming that most often the former is accessible information while the latter is not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Rezania
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J1, Canada.
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Rezania V, Marsh R, Coombe D, Tuszynski J. A physiologically-based flow network model for hepatic drug elimination II: variable lattice lobule models. Theor Biol Med Model 2013; 10:53. [PMID: 24007357 PMCID: PMC3833673 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4682-10-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We extend a physiologically-based lattice model for the transport and metabolism of drugs in the liver lobule (liver functional unit) to consider structural and spatial variability. We compare predicted drug concentration levels observed exiting the lobule with their detailed distribution inside the lobule, and indicate the role that structural variation has on these results. Liver zonation and its role on drug metabolism represent another aspect of structural inhomogeneity that we consider here. Since various liver diseases can be thought to produce such structural variations, our analysis gives insight into the role of disease on liver function and performance. These conclusions are based on the dominant role of convection in well-vascularized tissue with a given structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Rezania
- Department of Physics and Experimental Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J1, Canada.
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38
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Three-dimensional imaging of hepatic sinusoids in mice using synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68600. [PMID: 23861925 PMCID: PMC3702620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic sinusoid, the smallest vessel in the liver, plays important roles in hepatic microcirculation. Although the structure of the hepatic sinusoids affects diverse functions of the liver, little is known about morphological alterations in the sinusoids under pathological conditions. In this study, we show that the structure of hepatic sinusoids can be identified three-dimensionally in normal and carbon tetrachloride-injured mouse liver, using the absorption mode of synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography. We observed that the hepatic sinusoidal structure on tomographic slice images was similar to that on histological images of normal and acutely injured mice. Moreover, centrilobular necrosis and structural alterations of the sinusoids in the necrotic region were detectable on tomographic slice and volume-rendered images of the acutely injured mice. Furthermore, quantitative analyses on 3D volume-rendered images of the injured sinusoid revealed decrease in the volume of the sinusoid and connectivity of the sinusoidal network. Our results suggest that the use of synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography may improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of hepatic diseases by detecting the hepatic sinusoids and their alterations in three-dimensional structures of the damaged liver.
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Debbaut C, Vierendeels J, Siggers JH, Repetto R, Monbaliu D, Segers P. A 3D porous media liver lobule model: the importance of vascular septa and anisotropic permeability for homogeneous perfusion. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2012; 17:1295-310. [PMID: 23237543 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2012.744399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The hepatic blood circulation is complex, particularly at the microcirculatory level. Previously, 2D liver lobule models using porous media and a 3D model using real sinusoidal geometries have been developed. We extended these models to investigate the role of vascular septa (VS) and anisotropic permeability. The lobule was modelled as a hexagonal prism (with or without VS) and the tissue was treated as a porous medium (isotropic or anisotropic permeability). Models were solved using computational fluid dynamics. VS inclusion resulted in more spatially homogeneous perfusion. Anisotropic permeability resulted in a larger axial velocity component than isotropic permeability. A parameter study revealed that results are most sensitive to the lobule size and radial pressure drop. Our model provides insight into hepatic microhaemodynamics, and suggests that inclusion of VS in the model leads to perfusion patterns that are likely to reflect physiological reality. The model has potential for applications to unphysiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Debbaut
- a Biofluid, Tissue and Solid Mechanics for Medical Applications (bioMMeda), Institute Biomedical Technology, Ghent University , Campus Heymans - Blok B, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Gent , Belgium
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40
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Rowe A, Zhang L, Hussain A, Braet F, Ramzan I. Assessment and histological analysis of the IPRL technique for sequential in situ liver biopsy. COMPARATIVE HEPATOLOGY 2011; 10:7. [PMID: 21819626 PMCID: PMC3199742 DOI: 10.1186/1476-5926-10-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) is a technique used in a wide range of liver studies. Typically livers are assessed at treatment end point. Techniques have been described to biopsy liver in the live rat and post-hepatectomy. RESULTS This paper describes a technique for obtaining two full and one partial lobe biopsies from the liver in situ during an IPRL experiment. Our approach of retaining the liver in situ assists in minimising liver capsule damage, and consequent leakage of perfusate, maintains the normal anatomical position of the liver during perfusion and helps to keep the liver warm and moist. Histological results from sequential lobe biopsies in control perfusions show that cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes is a sign of liver deterioration, and when it occurs it commences as a diffuse pattern which tends to develop a circumscribed, centrilobular pattern as perfusion progresses. CONCLUSIONS Liver lobe biopsies obtained using this method can be used to study temporal effects of drug treatments and are suitable for light and electron microscopy, and biochemical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Rowe
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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41
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Thoolen B, Maronpot RR, Harada T, Nyska A, Rousseaux C, Nolte T, Malarkey DE, Kaufmann W, Küttler K, Deschl U, Nakae D, Gregson R, Vinlove MP, Brix AE, Singh B, Belpoggi F, Ward JM. Proliferative and nonproliferative lesions of the rat and mouse hepatobiliary system. Toxicol Pathol 2011; 38:5S-81S. [PMID: 21191096 DOI: 10.1177/0192623310386499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 398] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The INHAND Project (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice) is a joint initiative of the Societies of Toxicologic Pathology from Europe (ESTP), Great Britain (BSTP), Japan (JSTP) and North America (STP) to develop an internationally-accepted nomenclature for proliferative and non-proliferative lesions in laboratory animals. The purpose of this publication is to provide a standardized nomenclature and differential diagnosis for classifying microscopic lesions observed in the hepatobiliary system of laboratory rats and mice, with color microphotographs illustrating examples of some lesions. The standardized nomenclature presented in this document is also available for society members electronically on the internet (http://goreni.org). Sources of material included histopathology databases from government, academia, and industrial laboratories throughout the world. Content includes spontaneous and aging lesions as well as lesions induced by exposure to test materials. A widely accepted and utilized international harmonization of nomenclature for lesions of the hepatobiliary system in laboratory animals will decrease confusion among regulatory and scientific research organizations in different countries and provide a common language to increase and enrich international exchanges of information among toxicologists and pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob Thoolen
- Global Pathology Support, The Hague, The Netherlands.
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Desmet VJ. Ductal plates in hepatic ductular reactions. Hypothesis and implications. II. Ontogenic liver growth in childhood. Virchows Arch 2011; 458:261-70. [PMID: 21298286 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-011-1049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2010] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses the processes of bile duct growth and new lobule formation in the liver during childhood in the light of the ductal plate (DP) hypothesis. Unlike in other organs in which tubular elongation and branching ends with the creation of the organ-specific terminal differentiation products, in the liver a steadily enlarging parenchymal mass needs to establish continuity of its canalicular network with the existing bile duct system. The hypothesis suggests that this occurs by DP formation, like in the embryonic liver, and further assumes that pathological ductular reactions (DRs) induced by cholestasis or hypoxia are amplified equivalents of similar mechanisms operating at low level during liver growth. The concept is confronted with data on porcine liver growth, since swine and non-swine liver growth is thought to be comparable. Relative bile acid load may be the driving force for establishment of new canaliculo-ductular connections, supported in zones of relative hypoxia by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha secreted by hepatocytes. The latter mechanism is at the base for induction of appropriate vascular changes in selected sinusoids, resulting in the development of portal inlet venules and additional draining central veins. The process gives rise to the formation of new single lobules by formation of new portal tracts or to the transformation of single lobules in compound lobules by development of new vascular septa. The concept of postnatal DP formation is important in the elucidation of several unexplained findings in adult liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeer J Desmet
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital K.U.Leuven, Rafael, Leuven, Belgium.
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Guest I, Ilic Z, Sell S. Age dependence of oval cell responses and bile duct carcinomas in male fischer 344 rats fed a cyclic choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented diet. Hepatology 2010; 52:1750-7. [PMID: 20842700 PMCID: PMC2967670 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The age dependence of the oval cell response and bile duct carcinomas of male F344 rats exposed to a cyclic choline deficiency-ethionine (CDE) diet (2 weeks on, 1 week off) supports the concept of loss of potential of liver stem cells to form cancers with aging. Livers of rats exposed at 3 weeks of age demonstrated a robust and widespread oval cell proliferation followed by cholangiofibrosis and bile duct metaplasia with extensive mucinous cysts throughout all lobes, and induction of cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) in seven of eight rats. Livers of rats exposed beginning at 8 weeks of age had much less oval cell response and cholangiofibrosis with only 1 of 15 rats developing a CCA. Livers in old (10-12 months when started) rats remained virtually unaffected, with minimal oval cell proliferation, only occasional and small foci of ductular dysplasia, and none of 16 rats developed CCAs. In contrast to most published studies using uninterrupted choline deficiency plus a carcinogen, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was not observed under the conditions of this study. CONCLUSION With aging, male F344 rats exposed to cyclic CDE diet display a diminished oval cell response and fewer CCAs. The absence of HCC is possibly due to the fact that during cyclic CDE, the week off may allow putative liver stem cells to avoid death or differentiation and survive to give rise to CCAs, whereas with continuous CDE exposure, the stem cells are forced to differentiate and develop into HCCs with relatively few CCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Guest
- Department of Translational Medicine, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12201
| | - Z. Ilic
- Department of Translational Medicine, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12201
| | - S. Sell
- Department of Translational Medicine, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12201, Ordway Research Institute, Albany, NY, 12208,Corresponding Author: Stewart Sell, MD, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, P.O. Box 509, Room C-551, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY, 12201, Phone 518 474 0547, Fax 518 473 2900,
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Abstract
Hepatic vascular disorders are a set of conditions that may be acute, or may be insidious and subclinical for many years. They can be organized into 3 categories: obstruction to hepatic vascular inflow, obstruction to blood flow through the liver, and obstruction to hepatic vascular outflow. In the first category are portal vein thrombosis, hepatic artery thrombosis, and presinusoidal causes of vascular obstruction. In the second category are sickle cell disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation, intrasinusoidal malignancy, and infection. In the third category are macroscopic hepatic venous thrombosis, thrombosis of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava, and venoocclusive disease. There are 2 nodular conditions of the liver that are not neoplastic but the result of occlusion of hepatic vasculature with compensatory hyperplasia of well-vascularized parenchyma. Hepatic vascular disorders constitute a heterogeneous group of conditions that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with hepatic compromise.
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45
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Bonfiglio A, Leungchavaphongse K, Repetto R, Siggers JH. Mathematical Modeling of the Circulation in the Liver Lobule. J Biomech Eng 2010; 132:111011. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4002563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we develop a mathematical model of blood circulation in the liver lobule. We aim to find the pressure and flux distributions within a liver lobule. We also investigate the effects of changes in pressure that occur following a resection of part of the liver, which often leads to high pressure in the portal vein. The liver can be divided into functional units called lobules. Each lobule has a hexagonal cross-section, and we assume that its longitudinal extent is large compared with its width. We consider an infinite lattice of identical lobules and study the two-dimensional flow in the hexagonal cross-sections. We model the sinusoidal space as a porous medium, with blood entering from the portal tracts (located at each of the vertices of the cross-section of the lobule) and exiting via the centrilobular vein (located in the center of the cross-section). We first develop and solve an idealized mathematical model, treating the porous medium as rigid and isotropic and blood as a Newtonian fluid. The pressure drop across the lobule and the flux of blood through the lobule are proportional to one another. In spite of its simplicity, the model gives insight into the real pressure and velocity distribution in the lobule. We then consider three modifications of the model that are designed to make it more realistic. In the first modification, we account for the fact that the sinusoids tend to be preferentially aligned in the direction of the centrilobular vein by considering an anisotropic porous medium. In the second, we account more accurately for the true behavior of the blood by using a shear-thinning model. We show that both these modifications have a small quantitative effect on the behavior but no qualitative effect. The motivation for the final modification is to understand what happens either after a partial resection of the liver or after an implantation of a liver of small size. In these cases, the pressure is observed to rise significantly, which could cause deformation of the tissue. We show that including the effects of tissue compliance in the model means that the total blood flow increases more than linearly as the pressure rises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bonfiglio
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Genoa, Via Montallegro 1, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Rodolfo Repetto
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Genoa, Via Montallegro 1, 16145 Genoa, Italy
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46
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Saitoh Y, Terada N, Saitoh S, Ohno N, Fujii Y, Ohno S. Three-dimensional reconstruction of living mouse liver tissues using cryotechniques with confocal laser scanning microscopy. JOURNAL OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPY 2010; 59:513-525. [PMID: 20709827 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfq065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Soluble proteins and glycogen particles are well preserved in paraffin-embedded sections prepared by in vivo cryotechnique (IVCT) and cryobiopsy followed by freeze substitution fixation. We performed confocal laser scanning microscopic analyses on the distributions of glycogen with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and serum proteins with immunostaining for mouse liver tissues. Livers of fully fed mice showed a strong fluorescence signal of PAS staining in all hepatocytes and immunofluorescence of immunoglobulin kappa light chain (Igκ) in blood vessels and bile canaliculi. However, some hepatocytes in mechanically damaged livers were PAS-negative and Igκ-immunopositive, showing extraction of glycogen particles and infiltration of serum proteins in hepatocytes. By three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of serial optical sections, interconnecting hepatic sinusoids and bile canaliculi were detected with Igκ immunostaining between trabecular hepatocytes that were PAS stained. In PAS-stained samples under fasting conditions, interstitial structures along sinusoids were clarified in vivo by 3D reconstruction because of the lower PAS staining intensity of hepatocytes. In addition, 100-μm-thick eosin-stained slices provided 3D structural images more than 30 μm in thickness away from tissue surfaces, showing blood vessels with flowing erythrocytes and networks of bile ducts and canaliculi. IVCT and cryobiopsy with histochemical analyses enabled us to visualize native hepatocytic glycogen and 3D structures, such as vascular networks, reflecting their living states by confocal laser scanning microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Saitoh
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Histology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo City, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
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47
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Dezso K, Paku S, Papp V, Turányi E, Nagy P. Architectural and immunohistochemical characterization of biliary ductules in normal human liver. Stem Cells Dev 2010; 18:1417-22. [PMID: 19552603 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2009.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The canals of Hering or biliary ductules have been described to connect the bile canaliculi with the interlobular bile ducts, and thus forming the distal part of the biliary tree. Studies in the last two decades suggested that the cells constructing these ductules could behave as hepatic progenitor cells. The canals of Hering are confined to the periportal space in the rat, while they have been reported to spread beyond the limiting plate in human liver. The distribution of the distal biliary ductules in normal human hepatic tissue has been investigated in our recent experiments. We could demonstrate the presence of interlobular connective tissue septa in a rudimentary form in healthy livers. The canals of Hering run in these septa in line with the terminal branches of the portal vein and hepatic arteries. This arrangement develops in the postnatal period but regresses after early childhood. The canals of Hering can be identified by the unique epithelial membrane antigen (EMA)-/CD56+/CD133+ immunophenotype. The canals of Hering leave the periportal space and spread into the liver parenchyma along rudimentary interlobular septa outlining the hepatic lobules. Our observations refine the original architectural description of the intraparenchymal portion of the canals of Hering in the human liver. The distinct immunophenotype supports their unique biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Dezso
- First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1085, Hungary
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48
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Shah I, Wambaugh J. Virtual tissues in toxicology. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2010; 13:314-328. [PMID: 20574905 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2010.483948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
New approaches are vital for efficiently evaluating human health risk of thousands of chemicals in commerce. In vitro models offer a high-throughput approach for assaying chemical-induced molecular and cellular changes; however, bridging these perturbations to in vivo effects across chemicals, dose, time, and species remains challenging. Technological advances in multiresolution imaging and multiscale simulation are making it feasible to reconstruct tissues in silico. In toxicology, these "virtual" tissues (VT) aim to predict histopathological outcomes from alterations of cellular phenotypes that are controlled by chemical-induced perturbations in molecular pathways. The behaviors of thousands of heterogeneous cells in tissues are simulated discretely using agent-based modeling (ABM), in which computational "agents" mimic cell interactions and cellular responses to the microenvironment. The behavior of agents is constrained by physical laws and biological rules derived from experimental evidence. VT extend compartmental physiologic models to simulate both acute insults as well as the chronic effects of low-dose exposure. Furthermore, agent behavior can encode the logic of signaling and genetic regulatory networks to evaluate the role of different pathways in chemical-induced injury. To extrapolate toxicity across species, chemicals, and doses, VT require four main components: (a) organization of prior knowledge on physiologic events to define the mechanistic rules for agent behavior, (b) knowledge on key chemical-induced molecular effects, including activation of stress sensors and changes in molecular pathways that alter the cellular phenotype, (c) multiresolution quantitative and qualitative analysis of histologic data to characterize and measure chemical-, dose-, and time-dependent physiologic events, and (d) multiscale, spatiotemporal simulation frameworks to effectively calibrate and evaluate VT using experimental data. This investigation presents the motivation, implementation, and application of VT with examples from hepatotoxicity and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Shah
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA.
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49
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Saitoh Y, Terada N, Saitoh S, Ohno N, Fujii Y, Ohno S. Histochemical approach of cryobiopsy for glycogen distribution in living mouse livers under fasting and local circulation loss conditions. Histochem Cell Biol 2009; 133:229-39. [PMID: 19949818 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-009-0663-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Soluble proteins and glycogen particles, which are easily lost upon conventional chemical fixation, have been reported to be better preserved in paraffin-embedded sections by 'cryobiopsy' combined with freeze-substitution fixation (FS). In this study, we examined the distribution of glycogen in living mouse livers under physiologic and pathologic conditions with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining by cryobiopsy. The livers of the fully fed mice showed high PAS-staining intensity in the cytoplasm of all hepatocytes. The PAS-staining intensity gradually decreased away from hepatocytes around portal tracts, depending on treatments with different alpha-amylase concentrations. At 6 or 12 h after fasting, PAS-staining intensity markedly decreased in restricted areas of zone I near the portal tracts. The cryobiopsy was repeatedly performed not only on different mice, but also on individuals. Next, glycogen distributions were evaluated by temporarily clipping of liver tissues of anesthetized mice, followed by recovery of blood circulation. In the liver tissues in which blood was recirculated for 1 h after the 30 min anoxia, PAS staining was still observed in zone II and also in restricted areas of zone I far from the portal tracts. In PAS-unstained hepatocytes, the immunoglobulin-kappa light chain was not detected in the cytoplasm, indicating that cell membrane permeability was retained and that glycogen metabolism was related to the functional state of blood circulation. We propose that the level of consumption or production of glycogen particles could vary in zone I, depending on the distance from the portal tracts. Thus, cryobiopsy combined with FS enabled us to examine time-dependent changes in glycogen distribution in the liver tissues of living mice. This combination might be applicable to the clinical evaluation of human liver tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Saitoh
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Histology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo-city, Yamanashi, Japan
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50
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Papp V, Dezsö K, László V, Nagy P, Paku S. Architectural changes during regenerative and ontogenic liver growth in the rat. Liver Transpl 2009; 15:177-83. [PMID: 19177433 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Although liver architecture has a major impact on function, morphological aspects of liver growth are relatively neglected. In our recent experiments, the architectural changes of the rat liver were compared during 2 basic processes: ontogeny and regenerative liver growth. The hepatic tissue is constructed as structural/functional units, and probably the most established and well-defined such unit is the classic lobule. The extent and orientation of the lobules are variable in the liver, and this renders their accurate size determination more difficult. The filling of the liver vasculature by a colored resin nicely outlined the surface lobules, enabling an analysis of the alterations of these structures during liver growth. There are 3 structural components of postnatal physiological liver development: enlargement of the hepatocytes and expansion and multiplication of the liver lobules. However, the enlargement of the lobules is exclusively responsible for the regenerative liver growth following partial hepatectomy. The number of hepatic lobules does not change during this latter reaction, but they gain a more complex, irregular structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Papp
- First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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