1
|
Wang J, Ye W, Jiang M, Zhou Y, Zheng J. Therapeutic potential of exosome derived from hepatocyte growth factor-overexpressing adipose mesenchymal stem cells in TGFβ1-stimulated hepatic stellate cells. Cytotechnology 2024; 76:217-229. [PMID: 38495297 PMCID: PMC10940570 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-023-00611-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a familiar end-stage of multiple chronic liver diseases. The gene-modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become one of the most promising schemes for the treatment of cirrhosis. MSCs exhibit their therapeutic role mainly by secreting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The aim of this research was to probe the anti-fibrosis role of exosomes secreted by HGF modified-mouse adipose MSCs (ADMSCs) on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and to preliminarily explore the possible mechanism. Firstly, mouse ADMSCs were isolated and identified. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction verified the transfection efficiency of ADMSC transfected with HGF lentivirus. Exosomes derived from ADMSC transfecting negative control/HGF (ADMSCNC-Exo/ADMSCHGF-Exo) were extracted by density gradient centrifugation. HSCs were allocated to the control, TGF-β, TGF-β + ADMSC-Exo, TGF-β + ADMSCNC-Exo, and TGF-β + ADMSCHGF-Exo groups. Moreover, all mice were distributed to the control, CCl4 (40% CCl4 in olive oil), CCl4+ADMSC-Exo, CCl4+ADMSCNC-Exo, and CCl4+ADMSCHGF-Exo groups. Exosomes derived from ADMSCs with or without HGF transfection suppressed HSC activation, as evidenced by attenuating cell viability and cell cycle arrest at S phase but inducing apoptosis. Moreover, ADMSC-Exo, ADMSCNC-Exo, and ADMSCHGF-Exo effectively repressed the gene and protein levels of α-SMA, Col-I, Rho A, Cdc42, and Rac1 in TGF-β-treated HSCs, and ADMSCHGF-Exo had the best effect. ADMSCHGF-Exo had a stronger regulatory effect on serum liver index than ADMSCNC-Exo in CCl4-induced mice. In conclusion, ADMSCHGF-Exo alleviated liver fibrosis by weakening the Rho pathway, thus reducing collagen production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- Department of Pancreatology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People′s Hospital, No. 100 Minjiang Avenue, Kecheng District, 324000 Quzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Weikang Ye
- Department of Pancreatology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People′s Hospital, No. 100 Minjiang Avenue, Kecheng District, 324000 Quzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Department of Pancreatology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People′s Hospital, No. 100 Minjiang Avenue, Kecheng District, 324000 Quzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Yinong Zhou
- Department of Pancreatology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People′s Hospital, No. 100 Minjiang Avenue, Kecheng District, 324000 Quzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Pancreatology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People′s Hospital, No. 100 Minjiang Avenue, Kecheng District, 324000 Quzhou, Zhejiang China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Menko AS, Walker JL. The Pro-Fibrotic Response to Lens Injury Is Signaled in a PI3K Isoform-Specific Manner. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1181. [PMID: 36139020 PMCID: PMC9496593 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The signaling inputs that function to integrate biochemical and mechanical cues from the extracellular environment to alter the wound-repair outcome to a fibrotic response remain poorly understood. Here, using a clinically relevant post-cataract surgery wound healing/fibrosis model, we investigated the role of Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) class I isoforms as potential signaling integrators to promote the proliferation, emergence and persistence of collagen I-producing alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA+) myofibroblasts that cause organ fibrosis. Using PI3K isoform specific small molecule inhibitors, our studies revealed a requisite role for PI3K p110α in signaling the CD44+ mesenchymal leader cell population that we previously identified as resident immune cells to produce and organize a fibronectin-EDA rich provisional matrix and transition to collagen I-producing αSMA+ myofibroblasts. While the PI3K effector Akt was alone insufficient to regulate myofibroblast differentiation, our studies revealed a role for Rac, another potential PI3K effector, in this process. Our studies further uncovered a critical role for PI3K p110α in signaling the proliferation of CD44+ leader cells, which is important to the emergence and expansion of myofibroblasts. Thus, these studies identify activation of PI3K p110α as a critical signaling input following wounding to the development and progression of fibrotic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Sue Menko
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Janice L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ding JH, Xiao Y, Zhao S, Xu Y, Xiao YL, Shao ZM, Jiang YZ, Di GH. Integrated analysis reveals the molecular features of fibrosis in triple-negative breast cancer. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 24:624-635. [PMID: 35284626 PMCID: PMC8898759 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer. High fibrosis, marked by increased collagen fibers, is widespread in TNBC and correlated with tumor progression. However, the molecular features of fibrosis and why it results in a poor prognosis remain poorly understood. Based on multiomics datasets of TNBC, we evaluated the pathological fibrosis grade of 344 samples for further analysis. Genomic, transcriptomic, and immune changes were analyzed among different subgroups of fibrosis. High fibrosis was an independent adverse prognosis predictor and had interactions with low stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Genomic analysis identified copy number gains of 6p22.2-6p22.1 (TRIM27) and 20q13.33 (CDH4) as genomic hallmarks of tumors with high fibrosis. Transcriptome analysis revealed the transforming growth factor-beta pathway and hypoxia pathway were key pro-oncogenic pathways in tumors with high fibrosis. Moreover, we systematically evaluate the relationship between fibrosis and different kinds of immune and stromal cells. Tumors with high fibrosis were characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment with limited immune cell infiltration and increased fibroblasts. This study proposes new insight into the genomic and transcriptomic alterations potentially driving fibrosis. Moreover, fibrosis is related to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that contributes to the poor prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Han Ding
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Shen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Ling Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
- Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Gen-Hong Di
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gibriel AA, Ismail MF, Sleem H, Zayed N, Yosry A, El-Nahaas SM, Shehata NI. Diagnosis and staging of HCV associated fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma with target identification for miR-650, 552-3p, 676-3p, 512-5p and 147b. Cancer Biomark 2022; 34:413-430. [DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic HCV infection progresses to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The latter represents the third most common cause for cancer mortality. Currently, there is no reliable non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis of HCV mediated disorders. OBJECTIVE: Profiling expression signature for circulatory miRNAs in the plasma of 167 Egyptian patients (40 healthy, 48 HCV fibrotic, 39 HCV cirrhotic and 40 HCV-HCC cases). METHODS: QRTPCR was used to quantify expression signature for circulatory miRNAs. RESULTS: MiR-676 and miR-650 were powerful in discriminating cirrhotic and late fibrosis from HCC. MiR-650 could distinguish mild (f0-f1) and advanced (f2-f3) fibrosis from HCC cases. MiR-650 and miR-147b could distinguish early fibrosis from healthy controls meanwhile miR-676 and miR-147b could effectively distinguish between mild chronic and (f1-f3) cases from healthy individuals. All studied miRNAs, except miR-512, can differentiate between (f0-f3) cases and healthy controls. Multivariate logistic regression revealed three potential miRNA panels for effective differentiation of HCC, cirrhotic and chronic liver cases. MiR-676-3p and miR-512-5p were significantly correlated in (f1-f3) fibrosis meanwhile miR-676 and miR-512 could differentiate between cirrhosis and (f0-f3) cases. Both miR-650 and miR-512-5p were positively correlated in the cirrhotic group and in (f0-f4) group. Putative targets for investigated miRNAs were also determined. CONCLUSIONS: Investigated miRNAs could assist in staging and diagnosis of HCV associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Ahmed Gibriel
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal Fouad Ismail
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hameis Sleem
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Naglaa Zayed
- Endemic Medicine Department and Hepatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman Yosry
- Endemic Medicine Department and Hepatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Saeed M. El-Nahaas
- Endemic Medicine Department and Hepatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yepmo M, Potier JB, Pinget M, Grabarz A, Bouzakri K, Dumond Bourie A. Discussing the role of circular RNA in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its complications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1035159. [PMID: 36407314 PMCID: PMC9667057 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1035159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are class of non-coding RNA, which are characterized by a covalently closed loop structure. Functionally they can act on cellular physiology, notably by sponging microRNAs (miR), regulating gene expression or interacting with binding protein. To date, circRNAs might represent an interesting, underexploited avenue for new target discovery for therapeutic applications, especially in the liver. The first characteristic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is hepatic cholesterol accumulation, followed by its advanced form of the affection, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), due to the occurrence of lobular inflammation, irreversible fibrosis, and in some cases hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, studies have investigated the importance of the dysregulation of circRNAs in the onset of metabolic disorders. In this review, we summarize the potential role of circRNAs in the development of metabolic diseases associated with the liver such as NAFLD or NASH, and their potential to become therapeutic strategies for these pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Yepmo
- Centre européen d’étude du Diabète, Unité Mixte de Recherche de l’Université de Strasbourg « Diabète et Thérapeutique », Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Potier
- Centre européen d’étude du Diabète, Unité Mixte de Recherche de l’Université de Strasbourg « Diabète et Thérapeutique », Strasbourg, France
- ILONOV, Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Pinget
- Centre européen d’étude du Diabète, Unité Mixte de Recherche de l’Université de Strasbourg « Diabète et Thérapeutique », Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Karim Bouzakri
- Centre européen d’étude du Diabète, Unité Mixte de Recherche de l’Université de Strasbourg « Diabète et Thérapeutique », Strasbourg, France
- ILONOV, Strasbourg, France
| | - Aurore Dumond Bourie
- Centre européen d’étude du Diabète, Unité Mixte de Recherche de l’Université de Strasbourg « Diabète et Thérapeutique », Strasbourg, France
- *Correspondence: Aurore Dumond Bourie,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deng Y, Li J, Zhou M, Liang Z, Zhao L. c-Myc affects hedgehog pathway via KCNQ1OT1/RAC1: A new mechanism for regulating HSC proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:1458-1467. [PMID: 33451909 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to probe into the potential mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 in liver fibrosis. METHODS The pathological changes in liver tissues were observed by Masson and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The proliferation or cell cycle of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was analyzed by MTT or flow cytometry. The expressions of epithelial markers E-cadherin, interstitial markers Snail and Vimentin, and hedgehog signaling pathway-related molecules Hhip, Shh, and Gli2 were detected by Western blot. The interaction or binding of c-Myc with the KCNQ1OT1 promoter was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter gene or Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR, and the interaction between KCNQ1OT1 and RAC1 was assessed by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down. Moreover, the stability of RAC1 protein was detected by cycloheximide-chase and ubiquitination. RESULTS c-Myc and KCNQ1OT1 were up-regulated in liver fibrosis tissues and cells. After the interference with c-Myc in primary-1-Day HSCs, the down-regulated KCNQ1OT1 restrained HSC proliferation and EMT by down-regulating RAC1 expression and restraining the hedgehog pathway. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that the interference with c-Myc down-regulated RAC1 expression and restrained the hedgehog pathway by down-regulating KCNQ1OT1, thus restraining HSC proliferation and EMT in liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yilei Deng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Menghao Zhou
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhiwei Liang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Longshuan Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mahata T, Sengar AS, Basak M, Das K, Pramanick A, Verma SK, Singh PK, Biswas S, Sarkar S, Saha S, Chatterjee S, Das M, Stewart A, Maity B. Hepatic Regulator of G Protein Signaling 6 (RGS6) drives non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by promoting oxidative stress and ATM-dependent cell death. Redox Biol 2021; 46:102105. [PMID: 34534913 PMCID: PMC8446788 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiological mechanism(s) driving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally, have yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we identify regulator of G protein signaling 6 (RGS6), up-regulated in the livers of NAFLD patients, as a critical mediator of hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, inflammation, and cell death. Human patients with high hepatic RGS6 expression exhibited a corresponding high inflammatory burden, pronounced insulin resistance, and poor liver function. In mice, liver-specific RGS6 knockdown largely ameliorated high fat diet (HFD)-driven oxidative stress, fibrotic remodeling, inflammation, lipid deposition and cell death. RGS6 depletion allowed for maintenance of mitochondrial integrity restoring redox balance, improving fatty acid oxidation, and preventing loss of insulin receptor sensitivity in hepatocytes. RGS6 is both induced by ROS and increases ROS generation acting as a key amplification node to exacerbate oxidative stress. In liver, RGS6 forms a direct complex with ATM kinase supported by key aspartate residues in the RGS domain and is both necessary and sufficient to drive hyperlipidemia-dependent ATM phosphorylation. pATM and markers of DNA damage (γH2AX) were also elevated in livers from NAFLD patients particularly in samples with high RGS6 protein content. Unsurprisingly, RGS6 knockdown prevented ATM phosphorylation in livers from HFD-fed mice. Further, RGS6 mutants lacking the capacity for ATM binding fail to facilitate palmitic acid-dependent hepatocyte apoptosis underscoring the importance of the RGS6-ATM complex in hyperlipidemia-dependent cell death. Inhibition of RGS6, then, may provide a viable means to prevent or reverse liver damage by mitigating oxidative liver damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Mahata
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
| | - Abhishek Singh Sengar
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
| | - Madhuri Basak
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
| | - Kiran Das
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
| | - Arnab Pramanick
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
| | - Sumit Kumar Verma
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Singh
- Department of Surgery, Millers School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Sayan Biswas
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, B.T. Road, Kamarhati, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700058, India
| | - Subhasish Sarkar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, B.T. Road, Kamarhati, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700058, India
| | - Sudipta Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226025, India
| | - Suvro Chatterjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University and Vascular Biology Laboratory, AU-KBC Research Centre, MIT Campus, Chennai, 600044, India
| | - Madhusudan Das
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India.
| | - Adele Stewart
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Biswanath Maity
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bayo J, Fiore EJ, Dominguez LM, Cantero MJ, Ciarlantini MS, Malvicini M, Atorrasagasti C, Garcia MG, Rossi M, Cavasotto C, Martinez E, Comin J, Mazzolini GD. Bioinformatic analysis of RHO family of GTPases identifies RAC1 pharmacological inhibition as a new therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Gut 2021; 70:1362-1374. [PMID: 33106353 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The RHO family of GTPases, particularly RAC1, has been linked with hepatocarcinogenesis, suggesting that their inhibition might be a rational therapeutic approach. We aimed to identify and target deregulated RHO family members in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DESIGN We studied expression deregulation, clinical prognosis and transcription programmes relevant to HCC using public datasets. The therapeutic potential of RAC1 inhibitors in HCC was study in vitro and in vivo. RNA-Seq analysis and their correlation with the three different HCC datasets were used to characterise the underlying mechanism on RAC1 inhibition. The therapeutic effect of RAC1 inhibition on liver fibrosis was evaluated. RESULTS Among the RHO family of GTPases we observed that RAC1 is upregulated, correlates with poor patient survival, and is strongly linked with a prooncogenic transcriptional programme. From a panel of novel RAC1 inhibitors studied, 1D-142 was able to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCC cells, displaying a stronger effect in highly proliferative cells. Partial rescue of the RAC1-related oncogenic transcriptional programme was obtained on RAC1 inhibition by 1D-142 in HCC. Most importantly, the RAC1 inhibitor 1D-142 strongly reduce tumour growth and intrahepatic metastasis in HCC mice models. Additionally, 1D-142 decreases hepatic stellate cell activation and exerts an anti-fibrotic effect in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The bioinformatics analysis of the HCC datasets, allows identifying RAC1 as a new therapeutic target for HCC. The targeted inhibition of RAC1 by 1D-142 resulted in a potent antitumoural effect in highly proliferative HCC established in fibrotic livers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bayo
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban J Fiore
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana María Dominguez
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Jose Cantero
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matias S Ciarlantini
- Departamento de Ingredientes Activos y Biorrefinerías, INTI, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Malvicini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Cancer Immunobiology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Catalina Atorrasagasti
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Gabriela Garcia
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mario Rossi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Genómica Funcional y Ciencia de Datos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio Cavasotto
- Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ingeniería, and Austral Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Computational Drug Design and Biomedical Informatics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elisabeth Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Julieta Comin
- Departamento de Ingredientes Activos y Biorrefinerías, INTI, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Ingredientes Activos y Biorrefinerías, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo D Mazzolini
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina .,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vierhout M, Ayoub A, Naiel S, Yazdanshenas P, Revill SD, Reihani A, Dvorkin-Gheva A, Shi W, Ask K. Monocyte and macrophage derived myofibroblasts: Is it fate? A review of the current evidence. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:548-562. [PMID: 34107123 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the myofibroblast over 50 years ago, much has been learned about its role in wound healing and fibrosis. Its origin, however, remains controversial, with a number of progenitor cells being proposed. Macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) is a recent term coined in 2014 that describes the mechanism through which macrophages, derived from circulating monocytes originating in the bone marrow, transformed into myofibroblasts and contributed to kidney fibrosis. Over the past years, several studies have confirmed the existence of MMT in various systems, suggesting that MMT could potentially occur in all fibrotic conditions and constitute a reasonable therapeutic target to prevent progressive fibrotic disease. In this perspective, we examined recent evidence supporting the notion of MMT in both human disease and experimental models across organ systems. Mechanistic insight from these studies and information from in vitro studies is provided. The findings substantiating plausible MMT showcased the co-expression of macrophage and myofibroblast markers, including CD68 or F4/80 (macrophage) and α-SMA (myofibroblast), in fibroblast-like cells. Furthermore, fate-mapping experiments in murine models exhibiting myeloid-derived myofibroblasts in the tissue further provide direct evidence for MMT. Additionally, we provide some evidence from single cell RNA sequencing experiments confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridisation studies, showing monocyte/macrophage and myofibroblast markers co-expressed in lung tissue from patients with fibrotic lung disease. In conclusion, MMT is likely a significant contributor to myofibroblast formation in wound healing and fibrotic disease across organ systems. Circulating precursors including monocytes and the molecular mechanisms governing MMT could constitute valid targets and provide insight for the development of novel antifibrotic therapies; however, further understanding of these processes is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Vierhout
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anmar Ayoub
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Safaa Naiel
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Parichehr Yazdanshenas
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Spencer D Revill
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amir Reihani
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Dvorkin-Gheva
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kjetil Ask
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Matye DJ, Wang H, Luo W, Sharp RR, Chen C, Gu L, Jones KL, Ding WX, Friedman JE, Li T. Combined ASBT Inhibitor and FGF15 Treatment Improves Therapeutic Efficacy in Experimental Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:1001-1019. [PMID: 33965587 PMCID: PMC8346663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pharmacologic agents targeting bile acid signaling show promise for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, clinical findings suggest that new treatment strategies with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and minimized undesired effects are needed. This preclinical study investigates whether combining an apical sodium-bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitor GSK233072 (GSK672) and fibroblast growth factor-15 (FGF15) signaling activation improves anti-NASH efficacy. METHODS Mice with high fat, cholesterol, and fructose (HFCFr) diet-induced NASH and stage 2 fibrosis are used as a NASH model. GSK672 or AAV8-TBG-FGF15 interventions are administered alone or in combination to HFCFr diet-fed mice. RESULTS The combined treatment significantly enhances therapeutic efficacy against steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis than either single treatment. Mechanistically, the synergistic actions of GSK672 and FGF15 on inhibiting gut bile acid reuptake and hepatic bile acid synthesis achieve greater magnitude of bile acid pool reduction that not only decreases bile acid burden in NASH livers but also limits intestinal lipid absorption, which, together with FGF15 signaling activation, produces weight loss, reduction of adipose inflammation, and attenuated hepatocellular organelle stress. Furthermore, the combined treatment attenuates increased fecal bile acid excretion and repressed bile acid synthesis, which underlie diarrhea and hypercholesterolemia associated with ASBT inhibition and FGF19 analogue, respectively, in clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS Concomitant ASBT inhibition and FGF15 signaling activation produce metabolic changes that partially mimic the bariatric surgery condition whereby lipid malabsorption and increased FGF15/19 signaling synergistically mediate weight loss and metabolic improvement. Further clinical studies may be warranted to investigate whether combining ASBT inhibitor and FGF19 analogue enhances anti-NASH efficacy and reduced treatment-associated adverse events in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Matye
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Huaiwen Wang
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Cytometry Research, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Wenyi Luo
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Rachel R Sharp
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Cytometry Research, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Cheng Chen
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Lijie Gu
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Cytometry Research, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Wen-Xing Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Jacob E Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Tiangang Li
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Paraiso IL, Tran TQ, Magana AA, Kundu P, Choi J, Maier CS, Bobe G, Raber J, Kioussi C, Stevens JF. Xanthohumol ameliorates Diet-Induced Liver Dysfunction via Farnesoid X Receptor-Dependent and Independent Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:643857. [PMID: 33959012 PMCID: PMC8093804 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.643857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays a critical role in the regulation of lipid and bile acid (BA) homeostasis. Hepatic FXR loss results in lipid and BA accumulation, and progression from hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of xanthohumol (XN), a hop-derived compound mitigating metabolic syndrome, on liver damage induced by diet and FXR deficiency in mice. Wild-type (WT) and liver-specific FXR-null mice (FXRLiver−/−) were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) containing XN or the vehicle formation followed by histological characterization, lipid, BA and gene profiling. HFD supplemented with XN resulted in amelioration of hepatic steatosis and decreased BA concentrations in FXRLiver−/− mice, the effect being stronger in male mice. XN induced the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene expression in the liver of FXRLiver−/− mice. These findings suggest that activation of BA detoxification pathways represents the predominant mechanism for controlling hydrophobic BA concentrations in FXRLiver−/− mice. Collectively, these data indicated sex-dependent relationship between FXR, lipids and BAs, and suggest that XN ameliorates HFD-induced liver dysfunction via FXR-dependent and independent signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines L Paraiso
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Thai Q Tran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Armando Alcazar Magana
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Payel Kundu
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jaewoo Choi
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Claudia S Maier
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Gerd Bobe
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Neurology, Psychiatry and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Chrissa Kioussi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Jan F Stevens
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Optimization of the isolation procedure and culturing conditions for hepatic stellate cells obtained from mouse. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:227415. [PMID: 33350435 PMCID: PMC7823195 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20202514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) mortality rate is approximately 2 million per year. Irrespective of the etiology of LF, a key element in its development is the transition of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from a quiescent phenotype to a myofibroblast-like cell with the production of fibrotic proteins. It is necessary to define optimal isolation and culturing conditions for good HSCs yield and proper phenotype preservation for studying the activation of HSCs in vitro. In the present study, the optimal conditions of HSC isolation and culture were examined to maintain the HSC’s undifferentiated phenotype. HSCs were isolated from Balb/c mice liver using Nycodenz, 8, 9.6, and 11%. The efficiency of the isolation procedure was evaluated by cell counting and purity determination by flow cytometry. Quiescent HSCs were cultured in test media supplemented with different combinations of fetal bovine serum (FBS), glutamine (GLN), vitamin A (vitA), insulin, and glucose. The cells were assessed at days 3 and 7 of culture by evaluating the morphology, proliferation using cell counting kit-8, lipid storage using Oil Red O (ORO) staining, expression of a-smooth muscle actin, collagen I, and lecithin-retinol acyltransferase by qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry (ICC). The results showed that Nycodenz, at 9.6%, yielded the best purity and quantity of HSCs. Maintenance of HSC undifferentiated phenotype was achieved optimizing culturing conditions (serum-free Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) supplemented with glucose (100 mg/dl), GLN (0.5 mM), vitA (100 μM), and insulin (50 ng/ml)) with a certain degree of proliferation allowing their perpetuation in culture. In conclusion, we have defined optimal conditions for HSCs isolation and culture.
Collapse
|
13
|
Liang Z, Li J, Zhao L, Deng Y. miR‑375 affects the hedgehog signaling pathway by downregulating RAC1 to inhibit hepatic stellate cell viability and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:182. [PMID: 33398380 PMCID: PMC7809903 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that serve crucial roles in liver cancer and other liver injury diseases. However, the expression profile and mechanisms underlying miRNAs in liver fibrosis are not completely understood. The present study identified the novel miR-375/Rac family small GTPase 1 (RAC1) regulatory axis in liver fibrosis. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to detect miR-375 expression levels. MTT, flow cytometry and western blotting were performed to explore the in vitro roles of miR-375. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to determine the potential mechanism underlying miR-375 in liver fibrosis. miR-375 expression was significantly downregulated in liver fibrosis tissues and cells compared with healthy control tissues and hepatocytes, respectively. Compared with the pre-negative control group, miR-375 overexpression inhibited mouse hepatic stellate cell (HSC) viability and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and alleviated liver fibrosis. The dual-luciferase reporter assay results demonstrated that miR-375 bound to RAC1. Moreover, the results indicated that miR-375 regulated the hedgehog signaling pathway via RAC1 to restrain HSC viability and EMT, thus exerting its anti-liver fibrosis function. The present study identified the miR-375/RAC1 axis as a novel regulatory axis associated with the development of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Liang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Longshuan Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Yilei Deng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shin SK, Kim KO, Kim SH, Kwon OS, Choi CS, Jeong SH, Kim YS, Kim JH, Chung MH. Exogenous 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine ameliorates liver fibrosis through the inhibition of Rac1-NADPH oxidase signaling. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 35:1078-1087. [PMID: 31907970 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Exogenous 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was suggested as an inhibitor of Rac1 and NADPH oxidase (NOX). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the exogenous 8-OHdG on hepatic fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo model of liver fibrosis. METHODS Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to sham-operated rats (n = 7), rats that underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) (n = 6), and BDL rats treated with 8-OHdG (60 mg/kg/day by gavage, n = 6). All rats were sacrificed on day 21. Double immunofluorescence staining between either NOX1 or NOX2 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in liver was performed. Hepatic fibrotic contents were assessed by hydroxyproline assay and quantified by Sirius red staining. In vitro, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and HHSteC cells were stimulated by angiotensin II (10 μM). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by confocal microscopy. The expressions of NOX1, NOX2, α-SMA, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and collagen Iα were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or immunoblotting. RESULTS The 8-OHdG treatment in BDL rats reduced the NOX1 and NOX2 protein expression, which overlapped with α-SMA compared with BDL rats. The 8-OHdG treatment in BDL rats significantly decreased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, α-SMA, TGF-β1, and collagen Iα, and fibrotic contents. Increases of ROS production, Rac1 activation, NOX1, NOX2, and fibronectin expression induced by angiotensin II in HSCs were attenuated by 8-OHdG. CONCLUSIONS Rac1 activation and NOX-derived ROS are implicated to liver fibrosis. The 8-OHdG ameliorates liver fibrosis through the inhibition of Rac1 activation and NOX-derived ROS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kak Shin
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Kyung-Ok Kim
- Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Se-Hee Kim
- Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Oh Sang Kwon
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Cheol Soo Choi
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.,Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Jeong
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yun Soo Kim
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Myung-Hee Chung
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea.,Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ghoreshi ZAS, Kabirifar R, Khodarahmi A, Karimollah A, Moradi A. The preventive effect of atorvastatin on liver fibrosis in the bile duct ligation rats via antioxidant activity and down-regulation of Rac1 and NOX1. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 23:30-35. [PMID: 32395205 PMCID: PMC7206847 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2019.33663.8047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering agent capable of inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Recent studies have demonstrated new facets of atorvastatin, such as antioxidant and anti-fibrotic properties. We investigated the effect of atorvastatin on hepatic injury via the measurement of the antioxidant capacity and protein expression of NOX1, Rac1-GTP, and Rac1 in a rat biliary duct ligation (BDL) model. Materials and Methods This study is regarded as experimental interventional research in which a total of 32 adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were assigned to 4 groups (eight rats per group) as follows: Control group; Control + At group (15 mg\kg\day atorvastatin); BDL group, and BDL+ At group (15 mg\kg\day atorvastatin). Expression levels of Rac1, NOX1, and Rac1-GTP were determined by western blot analysis. Besides, specific biomarkers of oxidative stress in hepatic tissues of all animals were also analyzed. Results Atorvastatin reduced liver injury via a decrease in the expression of NOX1, Rac1-GTP, and Rac1 in the BDL group (P<0.05), while the increased contents of protein thiol groups were observed, and the protein carbonylation was decreased in atorvastatin-treated BDL rats compared to the BDL group (P<0.05). Also, administration of atorvastatin in the BDL group significantly lowered oxidative stress through increasing the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in comparison with the BDL group (P<0.05). Conclusion It seems that atorvastatin has potential advantages in mitigation of liver fibrosis by a decrease in the expression of NOX1, Rac1-GTP, and Rac1, along with, a reduction in oxidative stress of liver tissues in rats induced by BDL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh-Al-Sadat Ghoreshi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Razieh Kabirifar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ameneh Khodarahmi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alireza Karimollah
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Moradi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Patel S, Tang J, Overstreet JM, Anorga S, Lian F, Arnouk A, Goldschmeding R, Higgins PJ, Samarakoon R. Rac-GTPase promotes fibrotic TGF-β1 signaling and chronic kidney disease via EGFR, p53, and Hippo/YAP/TAZ pathways. FASEB J 2019; 33:9797-9810. [PMID: 31095421 PMCID: PMC6704447 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802489rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Rac-GTPases are major regulators of cytoskeletal remodeling and their deregulation contributes to numerous pathologies. Whether or how Rac promotes tubulointerstitial fibrosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is currently unknown. We showed that the major profibrotic cytokine, TGF-β1 promoted rapid Rac1-GTP loading in human kidney 2 (HK-2) human renal epithelial cells. A Rac-specific chemical inhibitor, EHT 1864, blocked TGF-β1-induced fibrotic reprogramming in kidney epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Stable Rac1 depletion in HK-2 cells, moreover, eliminated TGF-β1-mediated non-SMAD pathway activation [e.g., Src, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p53] and subsequent plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), connective tissue growth factor, fibronectin, and p21 induction. Rac1 and p22phox knockdown abrogated free radical generation by TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells, consistent with the role of Rac1 in NAPD(H). TGF-β1-induced renal epithelial cytostasis was also completely bypassed by Rac1, p22phox, p47phox, and PAI-1 silencing. Rac1b isoform expression was robustly induced in the fibrotic kidneys of mice and humans. Intraperitoneal administration of EHT 1864 in mice dramatically attenuated ureteral unilateral obstruction-driven EGFR, p53, Rac1b, yes-associated protein/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif activation/expression, dedifferentiation, cell cycle arrest, and renal fibrogenesis evident in vehicle-treated obstructed kidneys. Thus, the Rac1-directed redox response is critical for TGF-β1-driven epithelial dysfunction orchestrated, in part, via PAI-1 up-regulation. Rac pathway inhibition suppressed renal oxidative stress and maladaptive repair, identifying Rac as a novel therapeutic target against progressive CKD.-Patel, S., Tang, J., Overstreet, J. M., Anorga, S., Lian, F., Arnouk, A., Goldschmeding, R., Higgins, P. J., Samarakoon, R. Rac-GTPase promotes fibrotic TGF-β1 signaling and chronic kidney disease via EGFR, p53, and Hippo/YAP/TAZ pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samik Patel
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Jessica M. Overstreet
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt Medical School, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sandybell Anorga
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Fei Lian
- Division of Urology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Alex Arnouk
- Division of Urology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Rohan Samarakoon
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kong M, Chen X, Lv F, Ren H, Fan Z, Qin H, Yu L, Shi X, Xu Y. Serum response factor (SRF) promotes ROS generation and hepatic stellate cell activation by epigenetically stimulating NCF1/2 transcription. Redox Biol 2019; 26:101302. [PMID: 31442911 PMCID: PMC6831835 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) is a hallmark event in liver fibrosis. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) serves as a driving force for HSC activation. The regulatory subunits of the NOX complex, NCF1 (p47phox) and NCF2 (p67phox), are up-regulated during HSC activation contributing to ROS production and liver fibrosis. The transcriptional mechanism underlying NCF1/2 up-regulation is not clear. In the present study we investigated the role of serum response factor (SRF) in HSC activation focusing on the transcriptional regulation of NCF1/2. We report that compared to wild type littermates HSC-conditional SRF knockout (CKO) mice exhibited a mortified phenotype of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) injection or feeding with a methionine-and-choline deficient diet (MCD). More importantly, SRF deletion attenuated ROS levels in HSCs in vivo. Similarly, SRF knockdown in cultured HSCs suppressed ROS production in vitro. Further analysis revealed that SRF deficiency resulted in repression of NCF1/NCF2 expression. Mechanistically, SRF regulated epigenetic transcriptional activation of NCF1/NCF2 by interacting with and recruiting the histone acetyltransferase KAT8 during HSC activation. In conclusion, we propose that SRF integrates transcriptional activation of NCF1/NCF2 and ROS production to promote liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuyang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangqiao Lv
- Department of Cell Biology and the Municipal Laboratory of Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haozhen Ren
- Department of Hepato-biliary Surgery and Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Hepato-biliary Surgery and Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Hepato-biliary Surgery and Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sánchez-Salgado JC, Estrada-Soto S, García-Jiménez S, Montes S, Gómez-Zamudio J, Villalobos-Molina R. Analysis of Flavonoids Bioactivity for Cholestatic Liver Disease: Systematic Literature Search and Experimental Approaches. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9030102. [PMID: 30875780 PMCID: PMC6468533 DOI: 10.3390/biom9030102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds that show health benefits on the liver. However, there is little investigation about identification and evaluation of new flavonoid-containing drugs for cholestatic liver disease, one of the most common liver illnesses. We aimed to a systematic search regarding efficacy of flavonoids for treatment of cholestatic liver disease, and then evaluate naringenin (NG) as representative flavonoid in an obstructive cholestasis model. We searched for information of experimental and clinical studies in four major databases without time and language limits. Intervention was defined as any flavonoid derivate compared with other flavonoid, placebo, or without comparator. In addition, we evaluated NG on a bile duct-ligated model in order to contribute evidence of its actions. Eleven experimental reports that support the efficacy of flavonoids in cholestatic liver disease were identified. However, there was no homogeneity in efficacy endpoints evaluated and methodology. On the other hand, NG showed beneficial effects by improving specific metabolic (cholesterol and lipoproteins) and liver damage (bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase) biomarkers. The review lacks homogeneous evidence about efficacy of flavonoids in experimental settings, and is susceptible to risk for bias. NG only showed improvements in specific disease biomarkers. More investigation is still needed to determine its potential for drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Sánchez-Salgado
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular y Ciencias Avanzadas, Mexico City 01900, Mexico.
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, MOR 62209, Mexico.
| | - Samuel Estrada-Soto
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, MOR 62209, Mexico.
| | - Sara García-Jiménez
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, MOR 62209, Mexico.
| | - Sergio Montes
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico City 14269, Mexico.
| | - Jaime Gómez-Zamudio
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, México City 06720, Mexico.
| | - Rafael Villalobos-Molina
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico.
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, México.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hepatic Rac1 GTPase contributes to liver-mediated basal immune homeostasis and LPS-induced endotoxemia. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2018; 1865:1277-1292. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
20
|
Zhang H, Lin Y, Zhen Y, Hu G, Meng X, Li X, Men X. Therapeutic Effect of Glycyrrhizin Arginine Salt on Rat Cholestatic Cirrhosis and its Mechanism. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2018; 46:1111-1127. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x18500581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the therapeutic effect of glycyrrhizin arginine salt on rat cholestatic cirrhosis, we subjected male Sprague Dawley rats to common bile duct ligation for 14 days and treated them with distilled water (model group), arginine, or a low or high dose of glycyrrhizin arginine salt by gavage. A sham-operated group was used as a control group. Treatment with glycyrrhizin arginine salt substantially improved animal growth rates, reduced the ratio of liver weight to body weight and decreased total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, 8-isoprostane and malondialdehyde compared with the values measured in the model group. The progress of liver fibrosis, as detected by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining, was slower in the glycyrrhizin arginine salt groups than in the model group or the arginine group. Reductions of bile salt pool size, hepatic hydroxyproline content and fibrosis score were also seen in the glycyrrhizin arginine salt groups compared with the model group. Furthermore, glycyrrhizin arginine salt significantly reduced the expression of transforming growth factor [Formula: see text]1 (TGF-[Formula: see text]1), [Formula: see text]-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9. Glycyrrhizin arginine salt also inhibited the expression of [Formula: see text]-SMA and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in response to TGF-[Formula: see text]1 in LX-2 cells and primary rat hepatic stellate cells and mitigated the cytotoxicity induced by rat bile in HepG2 cells and primary rat hepatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, P. R. China
| | - Yajun Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing 100730, P. R. China
| | - Yongzhan Zhen
- Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, P. R. China
| | - Gang Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing 100730, P. R. China
| | - Xu Meng
- Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, P. R. China
| | - Xingxin Li
- Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, P. R. China
| | - Xiuli Men
- Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mortezaee K. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) and liver fibrosis: A review. Cell Biochem Funct 2018; 36:292-302. [PMID: 30028028 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs) are key producer of reactive oxygen species in liver cells. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Kupffer cells (KCs) are the two key cells for expression of NOX in liver. KCs produce only NOX2, while HSCs produce NOX1, 2, and 4, all of which play essential roles in the process of fibrogenesis within liver. These NOX subtypes are contributed to induction of liver fibrosis by acting through multiple pathways including induction of HSC activation, proliferation, survival and migration, stimulation of hepatocyte apoptosis, enhancement of fibrogenic mediators, and mediation of an inflammatory cascade in both KCs and HSCs. SIGNIFICANCE KCs and HSCs are two key cells for production of NOX in liver in relation to the pathology of liver fibrosis. NOX subtypes 1, 2, and 4 are inducers of fibrogenesis in liver. NOX activation favors hepatocyte apoptosis, HSC activation, and KC-mediated inflammatory cascade in liver, all of which are responsible for generation of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Curcumin attenuates hepatic fibrosis and insulin resistance induced by bile duct ligation in rats. Br J Nutr 2018; 120:393-403. [PMID: 29880071 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114518001095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have strongly indicated the hepatoprotective effect of curcumin; however, the precise mechanisms are not well understood. This study aimed to determine the protective effect of curcumin on hepatic damage and hepatic insulin resistance in biliary duct ligated (BDL) fibrotic rat model. To accomplish this, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (eight for each): sham group, BDL group, sham+Cur group and BDL+Cur group. The last two groups received curcumin at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks. The mRNA/protein expression levels of Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), Rac1-GTP, dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 (NOX1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1), specific protein 1 (Sp1) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were measured by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Fasting blood glucose, insulin and Leptin levels were determined and homoeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance, as an index of insulin resistance, was calculated. Curcumin significantly attenuated liver injury and fibrosis, including amelioration of liver histological changes, reduction of hepatic enzymes, as well as decreased expression of liver fibrogenesis-associated variables, including Rac1, Rac1-GTP, NOX1, ERK1, HIF-1α and Sp1. Curcumin also attenuated leptin level and insulin resistance, which had increased in BDL rats (P<0·05). Furthermore, compared with the BDL group, we observed an increase in IRS1 and a decrease in SOCS3 and STAT3 expression in the curcumin-treated BDL group (P<0·05), indicating return of these parameters towards normalcy. In conclusion, Curcumin showed hepatoprotective activity against BDL-induced liver injury and hepatic insulin resistance by influencing the expression of some genes/proteins involved in these processes, and the results suggest that it can be used as a therapeutic option.
Collapse
|
23
|
Mueller S, Peccerella T, Qin H, Glassen K, Waldherr R, Flechtenmacher C, Straub BK, Millonig G, Stickel F, Bruckner T, Bartsch H, Seitz HK. Carcinogenic Etheno DNA Adducts in Alcoholic Liver Disease: Correlation with Cytochrome P-4502E1 and Fibrosis. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2017; 42:252-259. [PMID: 29120493 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One mechanism by which alcoholic liver disease (ALD) progresses is oxidative stress and the generation of reactive oxygen species, among others due to the induction of cytochrome P-4502E1 (CYP2E1). Experimental data underline the key role of CYP2E1 because ALD could be partially prevented in rats by the administration of the specific CYP2E1 inhibitor chlormethiazole. As CYP2E1 is linked to the formation of carcinogenic etheno DNA adducts in ALD patients, a causal role of alcohol-induced CYP2E1 in hepatocarcinogenesis is implicated. The purpose of this study was to investigate CYP2E1 induction in ALD, and its correlation with oxidative DNA lesions and with hepatic histology. METHODS Hepatic biopsies from 97 patients diagnosed with ALD were histologically scored for steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. CYP2E1 and the exocyclic etheno DNA adduct 1,N6 -etheno-2'deoxyadenosine (εdA) were determined immunohistochemically. In addition, in 42 patients, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was also evaluated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS A significant positive correlation was found between CYP2E1 and εdA (p < 0.0001) as well as between CYP2E1 and 8-OHdG (p = 0.039). Both CYP2E1 (p = 0.0094) and ɛdA (p < 0.0001) also correlated significantly with the stage of hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, a significant correlation between the fibrosis stage and the grade of lobular inflammation (p < 0.0001) was observed. However, the amount of alcohol consumed did not correlate with any of the parameters determined. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest an important role of CYP2E1 in the generation of εdA, in the fibrotic progression of ALD, and thus in alcohol-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. CYP2E1 may be a target in the treatment of ALD and a potential prognostic marker for disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Mueller
- Centre of Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology & Hepatology), Salem Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Teresa Peccerella
- Centre of Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hua Qin
- Centre of Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Glassen
- Centre of Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Waldherr
- Centre of Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Beate K Straub
- Department of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Medicine, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gunda Millonig
- Centre of Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Stickel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Bruckner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Helmut Bartsch
- Division of Toxicology and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Helmut Karl Seitz
- Centre of Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology & Hepatology), Salem Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hepatic stellate cells as key target in liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 121:27-42. [PMID: 28506744 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 878] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Progressive liver fibrosis, induced by chronic viral and metabolic disorders, leads to more than one million deaths annually via development of cirrhosis, although no antifibrotic therapy has been approved to date. Transdifferentiation (or "activation") of hepatic stellate cells is the major cellular source of matrix protein-secreting myofibroblasts, the major driver of liver fibrogenesis. Paracrine signals from injured epithelial cells, fibrotic tissue microenvironment, immune and systemic metabolic dysregulation, enteric dysbiosis, and hepatitis viral products can directly or indirectly induce stellate cell activation. Dysregulated intracellular signaling, epigenetic changes, and cellular stress response represent candidate targets to deactivate stellate cells by inducing reversion to inactivated state, cellular senescence, apoptosis, and/or clearance by immune cells. Cell type- and target-specific pharmacological intervention to therapeutically induce the deactivation will enable more effective and less toxic precision antifibrotic therapies.
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of several enteropathies, with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) being the major cause. Intestinal fibrosis affects both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and no specific antifibrotic therapy exists. This review highlights recent developments in this area. RECENT FINDINGS The pathophysiology of intestinal stricture formation includes inflammation-dependent and inflammation-independent mechanisms. A better understanding of the mechanisms of intestinal fibrogenesis and the availability of compounds for other nonintestinal fibrotic diseases bring clincial trials in stricturing Crohn's disease within reach. SUMMARY Improved understanding of its mechanisms and ongoing development of clinical trial endpoints for intestinal fibrosis will allow the testing of novel antifibrotic compounds in IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Latella
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute; Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, USA
- Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute; Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hepatoprotective effects of curcumin in rats after bile duct ligation via downregulation of Rac1 and NOX1. Nutrition 2017; 36:72-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
27
|
Tang Y, Zhang Q, Zhu Y, Chen G, Yu F. Low concentrations of bilirubin inhibit activation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:1647-1653. [PMID: 28260031 PMCID: PMC5364989 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation serves a key role in liver fibrosis, and is associated with chronic liver diseases. Bilirubin, a product of heme degradation, has been demonstrated to have antioxidant properties. The present study investigated the effects of physiological concentrations of bilirubin on rat HSC activation. Rat HSCs were isolated and cultured for several generations to induce activation. The activated HSCs were subsequently treated with 0, 1, 10 or 20 mg/l bilirubin and assayed for parameters of cell activation. As the bilirubin concentration increased, HSCs demonstrated reduced production of reactive oxygen species, reduced protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin, a decreased mRNA expression ratio of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1/matrix metalloproteinase-2, decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis. In conclusion, elevated bilirubin levels, within its physiological concentration range, appeared to inhibit HSC activation. These findings suggested a potential role for bilirubin in the treatment of fibrosis that requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinhe Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yefan Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Fuxiang Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Status of and candidates for cell therapy in liver cirrhosis: overcoming the "point of no return" in advanced liver cirrhosis. J Gastroenterol 2017; 52:129-140. [PMID: 27631592 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-016-1258-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of liver cirrhosis is currently being standardized and developed specifically to reduce activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), inhibit fibrosis, increase degradation of matrix components, and reduce activated myofibroblasts. Cell therapy can be applied in the treatment of liver cirrhosis; however, the characteristic features of this therapy differ from those of other treatments because of the involvement of a living body origin and production of multiple cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and growth factors. Thus, cell therapies can potentially have multiple effects on the damaged liver, including alleviating liver cirrhosis and stimulating liver regeneration with affecting the host cells. Cell therapies initially involved autologous bone marrow cell infusion, and have recently developed to include the use of specific cells such as mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages. The associated molecular mechanisms, routes of administration, possibility of allogeneic cell therapy, and host conditions appropriate for cell therapies are now being extensively analyzed. In this review, we summarize the status and future prospects of cell therapy for liver cirrhosis.
Collapse
|
29
|
Kabirifar R, Ghoreshi ZAS, Safari F, Karimollah A, Moradi A, Eskandari-Nasab E. Quercetin protects liver injury induced by bile duct ligation via attenuation of Rac1 and NADPH oxidase1 expression in rats. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2017; 16:88-95. [PMID: 28119263 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(16)60164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bile duct ligation (BDL) and subsequent cholestasis are correlated with oxidative stress, hepatocellular injury and fibrosis. Quercetin is a flavonoid with antifibrotic, and hepatoprotective properties. However, the molecular mechanism underlying quercetin-mediated hepatoprotection is not fully understood. The current study was to evaluate mechanisms of hepatoprotective effect of quercetin in BDL rat model. METHODS We divided male Wistar rats into 4 groups (n=8 for each): sham, sham+quercetin (30 mg/kg per day), BDL, and BDL+quercetin (30 mg/kg per day). Four weeks later, the rats were sacrificed, the blood was collected for liver enzyme measurements and liver for the measurement of Rac1, Rac1-GTP and NOX1 mRNA and protein levels by quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS Quercetin significantly alleviated liver injury in BDL rats as evidenced by histology and reduced liver enzymes. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression of Rac1, Rac1-GTP and NOX1 were significantly increased in BDL rats compared with those in the sham group (P<0.05); quercetin treatment reversed these variables back toward normal (P<0.05). Another interesting finding was that the antioxidant markers e.g. superoxide dismutase and catalase were elevated in quercetin-treated BDL rats compared to BDL rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Quercetin demonstrated hepatoprotective activity against BDL-induced liver injury through increasing antioxidant capacity of the liver tissue, while preventing the production of Rac1, Rac1-GTP and NOX1 proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Kabirifar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yu F, Lu Z, Cai J, Huang K, Chen B, Li G, Dong P, Zheng J. MALAT1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to mediate Rac1 expression by sequestering miR-101b in liver fibrosis. Cell Cycle 2016; 14:3885-96. [PMID: 26697839 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1120917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence shows that Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) plays a pivotal role in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in tumors. However, the biological role and underlying mechanism of MALAT1 in liver fibrosis remains undefined. In this study, up-regulation of MALAT1 was observed in fibrotic liver tissues and in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In addition, depletion of MALAT1 inhibited the activation of HSCs in vitro and attenuated collagen deposits in vivo. Our results demonstrated that MALAT1 expression is negatively correlated with microRNA-101b (miR-101b) expression. Furthermore, there was a negative feedback loop between the levels of MALAT1 and miR-101b. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that MALAT1 and RAS-related C3 botulinum substrate 1 (Rac1) are targets of miR-101b. We uncovered that MALAT1 regulates Rac1 expression through miR-101b as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), thereby influencing the proliferation, cell cycle and activation of primary HSCs. Collectively, The ceRNA regulatory network may prompt a better understanding of liver fibrogenesis and contribute to a novel therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fujun Yu
- a Department of Infectious Diseases ; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University ; Wenzhou , China
| | - Zhongqiu Lu
- b Department of Emergency ; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University ; Wenzhou , China
| | - Jing Cai
- c Department of Gastroenterology ; Wenzhou central Hospital ; Wenzhou , China
| | - Kate Huang
- d Department of Pathology ; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University ; Wenzhou , China
| | - Bicheng Chen
- e Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University ; Wenzhou , China
| | - Guojun Li
- f Department of Hepatology ; Ningbo Yinzhou Second Hospital ; Ningbo , China
| | - Peihong Dong
- a Department of Infectious Diseases ; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University ; Wenzhou , China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- e Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University ; Wenzhou , China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sadler T, Bhasin JM, Xu Y, Barnholz-Sloan J, Chen Y, Ting AH, Stylianou E. Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression defines molecular characteristics of Crohn's disease-associated fibrosis. Clin Epigenetics 2016; 8:30. [PMID: 26973718 PMCID: PMC4789277 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-016-0193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis of the intestine is a common and poorly understood complication of Crohn's disease (CD) characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and accompanied by narrowing and obstruction of the gut lumen. Defining the molecular characteristics of this fibrotic disorder is a vital step in the development of specific prediction, prevention, and treatment strategies. Previous epigenetic studies indicate that alterations in DNA methylation could explain the mechanism by which mesenchymal cells adopt the requisite pro-fibrotic phenotype that promotes fibrosis progression. However, to date, genome-wide analysis of the DNA methylome of any type of human fibrosis is lacking. We employed an unbiased approach using deep sequencing to define the DNA methylome and transcriptome of purified fibrotic human intestinal fibroblasts (HIF) from the colons of patients with fibrostenotic CD. RESULTS When compared with normal fibroblasts, we found that the majority of differential DNA methylation was within introns and intergenic regions and not associated with CpG islands. Only a low percentage occurred in the promoters and exons of genes. Integration of the DNA methylome and transcriptome identified regions in three genes that inversely correlated with gene expression: wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family, member 2B (WNT2B) and two eicosanoid synthesis pathway enzymes (prostacyclin synthase and prostaglandin D2 synthase). These findings were independently validated by RT-PCR and bisulfite sequencing. Network analysis of the data also identified candidate molecular interactions relevant to fibrosis pathology. CONCLUSIONS Our definition of a genome-wide fibrosis-specific DNA methylome provides new gene networks and epigenetic states by which to understand mechanisms of pathological gene expression that lead to fibrosis. Our data also provide a basis for development of new fibrosis-specific therapies, as genes dysregulated in fibrotic Crohn's disease, following functional validation, can serve as new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Sadler
- Department of Pathobiology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue/NC-22, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
| | - Jeffrey M Bhasin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA.,Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue/NC-22, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
| | - Yaomin Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Jill Barnholz-Sloan
- Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Yanwen Chen
- Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Angela H Ting
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA.,Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue/NC-22, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
| | - Eleni Stylianou
- Department of Pathobiology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue/NC-22, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Diseases Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Song X, Liang M, Zhou W, Ren L, Liu Z, Wang G, Wei Q, Wang S. Doxorubicin hydrochloric increases tumour coagulation and end-point survival in percutaneous microwave ablation of tumours in a VX2 rabbit tumour model. Int J Hyperthermia 2016; 32:265-71. [DOI: 10.3109/02656736.2015.1137639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
33
|
Stone LC, Thorne LS, Weston CJ, Graham M, Hodges NJ. Cytoglobin expression in the hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 is regulated by extracellular matrix proteins dependent on FAK-signalling. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2015; 8:15. [PMID: 26300973 PMCID: PMC4546255 DOI: 10.1186/s13069-015-0032-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is a physiological response to cellular injury in the liver and is mediated by the activation of hepatic stellate cells resulting in the replacement of hepatocytes with extracellular matrix comprised principally of collagen 1 to form a hepatic scar. Although the novel hexaco-ordinated globin cytoglobin was identified in activated hepatic stellate cells more than 10 years ago, its role in stellate cell biology and liver fibrosis remains enigmatic. RESULTS In the current study, we investigated the role of different extracellular matrix proteins in stellate cell proliferation, activation (alpha smooth muscle actin expression and retinoic acid uptake) and cytoglobin expression. Our results demonstrate that cytoglobin expression is correlated with a more quiescent phenotype of stellate cells in culture and that cytoglobin is regulated by the extracellular matrix through integrin signalling dependent on activation of focal adhesion kinase. CONCLUSIONS Although further studies are required, we provide evidence that cytoglobin is a negative regulator of stellate cell activation and therefore may represent a novel target for anti-fibrotic treatments in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Catherine Stone
- />School of Biosciences and School of Medicine, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Lorna Susan Thorne
- />School of Biosciences and School of Medicine, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Christopher John Weston
- />School of Biosciences and School of Medicine, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Mark Graham
- />School of Biosciences and MG Toxicology Consulting Ltd, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nikolas John Hodges
- />School of Biosciences and School of Medicine, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
He W, Shi F, Zhou ZW, Li B, Zhang K, Zhang X, Ouyang C, Zhou SF, Zhu X. A bioinformatic and mechanistic study elicits the antifibrotic effect of ursolic acid through the attenuation of oxidative stress with the involvement of ERK, PI3K/Akt, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in human hepatic stellate cells and rat liver. Drug Des Devel Ther 2015; 9:3989-4104. [PMID: 26347199 PMCID: PMC4529259 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s85426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are a predominant mediator of redox homeostasis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid with various pharmacological activities, but the molecular targets and underlying mechanisms for its antifibrotic effect in the liver remain elusive. This study aimed to computationally predict the molecular interactome and mechanistically investigate the antifibrotic effect of UA on oxidative stress, with a focus on NOX4 activity and cross-linked signaling pathways in human HSCs and rat liver. Drug-drug interaction via chemical-protein interactome tool, a server that can predict drug-drug interaction via chemical-protein interactome, was used to predict the molecular targets of UA, and Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery was employed to analyze the signaling pathways of the predicted targets of UA. The bioinformatic data showed that there were 611 molecular proteins possibly interacting with UA and that there were over 49 functional clusters responding to UA. The subsequential benchmarking data showed that UA significantly reduced the accumulation of type I collagen in HSCs in rat liver, increased the expression level of MMP-1, but decreased the expression level of TIMP-1 in HSC-T6 cells. UA also remarkably reduced the gene expression level of type I collagen in HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, UA remarkably attenuated oxidative stress via negative regulation of NOX4 activity and expression in HSC-T6 cells. The employment of specific chemical inhibitors, SB203580, LY294002, PD98059, and AG490, demonstrated the involvement of ERK, PI3K/Akt, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in the regulatory effect of UA on NOX4 activity and expression. Collectively, the antifibrotic effect of UA is partially due to the oxidative stress attenuating effect through manipulating NOX4 activity and expression. The results suggest that UA may act as a promising antifibrotic agent. More studies are warranted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of UA in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua He
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Bimin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kunhe Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Canhui Ouyang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Feng Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Machado MV, Michelotti GA, Pereira de Almeida T, Boursier J, Kruger L, Swiderska-Syn M, Karaca G, Xie G, Guy CD, Bohnic B, Lindblom KR, Johnson E, Kornbluth S, Diehl AM. Reduced lipoapoptosis, hedgehog pathway activation and fibrosis in caspase-2 deficient mice with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Gut 2015; 64:1148-57. [PMID: 25053716 PMCID: PMC4303564 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-307362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Caspase-2 is an initiator caspase involved in multiple apoptotic pathways, particularly in response to specific intracellular stressors (eg, DNA damage, ER stress). We recently reported that caspase-2 was pivotal for the induction of cell death triggered by excessive intracellular accumulation of long-chain fatty acids, a response known as lipoapoptosis. The liver is particularly susceptible to lipid-induced damage, explaining the pandemic status of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Progression from NAFLD to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) results, in part, from hepatocyte apoptosis and consequential paracrine-mediated fibrogenesis. We evaluated the hypothesis that caspase-2 promotes NASH-related cirrhosis. DESIGN Caspase-2 was localised in liver biopsies from patients with NASH. Its expression was evaluated in different mouse models of NASH, and outcomes of diet-induced NASH were compared in wild-type (WT) and caspase-2-deficient mice. Lipotoxicity was modelled in vitro using hepatocytes derived from WT and caspase-2-deficient mice. RESULTS We showed that caspase-2 is integral to the pathogenesis of NASH-related cirrhosis. Caspase-2 is localised in injured hepatocytes and its expression was markedly upregulated in patients and animal models of NASH. During lipotoxic stress, caspase-2 deficiency reduced apoptosis, inhibited induction of profibrogenic hedgehog target genes in mice and blocked production of hedgehog ligands in cultured hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS These data point to a critical role for caspase-2 in lipid-induced hepatocyte apoptosis in vivo for the production of apoptosis-associated fibrogenic factors and in the progression of lipid-induced liver fibrosis. This raises the intriguing possibility that caspase-2 may be a promising therapeutic target to prevent progression to NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- MV Machado
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Gastroenterology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - GA Michelotti
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - T Pereira de Almeida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - J Boursier
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA,HIFIH Laboratory, UPRES 3859, SFR 4208, LUNAM University, Angers, France
| | - L Kruger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - M Swiderska-Syn
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - G Karaca
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - G Xie
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - CD Guy
- HIFIH Laboratory, UPRES 3859, SFR 4208, LUNAM University, Angers, France
| | - B Bohnic
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - KR Lindblom
- Division of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - E Johnson
- Division of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - S Kornbluth
- Division of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - AM Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Coombes J, Swiderska-Syn M, Dollé L, Reid D, Eksteen B, Claridge L, Briones-Orta MA, Shetty S, Oo YH, Riva A, Chokshi S, Papa S, Mi Z, Kuo PC, Williams R, Canbay A, Adams DH, Diehl AM, van Grunsven LA, Choi SS, Syn WK. Osteopontin neutralisation abrogates the liver progenitor cell response and fibrogenesis in mice. Gut 2015; 64:1120-31. [PMID: 24902765 PMCID: PMC4487727 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2013-306484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic liver injury triggers a progenitor cell repair response, and liver fibrosis occurs when repair becomes deregulated. Previously, we reported that reactivation of the hedgehog pathway promotes fibrogenic liver repair. Osteopontin (OPN) is a hedgehog-target, and a cytokine that is highly upregulated in fibrotic tissues, and regulates stem-cell fate. Thus, we hypothesised that OPN may modulate liver progenitor cell response, and thereby, modulate fibrotic outcomes. We further evaluated the impact of OPN-neutralisation on murine liver fibrosis. METHODS Liver progenitors (603B and bipotential mouse oval liver) were treated with OPN-neutralising aptamers in the presence or absence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, to determine if (and how) OPN modulates liver progenitor function. Effects of OPN-neutralisation (using OPN-aptamers or OPN-neutralising antibodies) on liver progenitor cell response and fibrogenesis were assessed in three models of liver fibrosis (carbon tetrachloride, methionine-choline deficient diet, 3,5,-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine diet) by quantitative real time (qRT) PCR, Sirius-Red staining, hydroxyproline assay, and semiquantitative double-immunohistochemistry. Finally, OPN expression and liver progenitor response were corroborated in liver tissues obtained from patients with chronic liver disease. RESULTS OPN is overexpressed by liver progenitors in humans and mice. In cultured progenitors, OPN enhances viability and wound healing by modulating TGF-β signalling. In vivo, OPN-neutralisation attenuates the liver progenitor cell response, reverses epithelial-mesenchymal-transition in Sox9+ cells, and abrogates liver fibrogenesis. CONCLUSIONS OPN upregulation during liver injury is a conserved repair response, and influences liver progenitor cell function. OPN-neutralisation abrogates the liver progenitor cell response and fibrogenesis in mouse models of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Coombes
- Regeneration and Repair Group, The Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
| | - M Swiderska-Syn
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, NC, USA
| | - L Dollé
- Liver Cell Biology Lab (LIVR), Department of Cell Biology (CYTO), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - D Reid
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Health Research and Innovation Centre (HRIC), University of Calgary, Canada
| | - B Eksteen
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Health Research and Innovation Centre (HRIC), University of Calgary, Canada
| | - L Claridge
- Centre for Liver Research, NIHR Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - MA Briones-Orta
- Regeneration and Repair Group, The Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
| | - S Shetty
- Centre for Liver Research, NIHR Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - YH Oo
- Centre for Liver Research, NIHR Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - A Riva
- Viral Hepatitis Group, The Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
| | - S Chokshi
- Viral Hepatitis Group, The Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
| | - S Papa
- Cell Signaling Group, The Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
| | - Z Mi
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University, Chicago, USA
| | - PC Kuo
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University, Chicago, USA
| | - R Williams
- Regeneration and Repair Group, The Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
| | - A Canbay
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - DH Adams
- Centre for Liver Research, NIHR Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - AM Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, NC, USA
| | - LA van Grunsven
- Liver Cell Biology Lab (LIVR), Department of Cell Biology (CYTO), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - SS Choi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, NC, USA,Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Durham Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - WK Syn
- Regeneration and Repair Group, The Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK,Centre for Liver Research, NIHR Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, UK,Department of Hepatology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK,Senior and Corresponding Author: Dr Wing-Kin Syn, Head of Liver Regeneration and Repair, The Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London WC1E 6HX, Tel: 44-20272559837,
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhen YZ, Li NR, He HW, Zhao SS, Zhang GL, Hao XF, Shao RG. Protective effect of bicyclol against bile duct ligation-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:7155-7164. [PMID: 26109801 PMCID: PMC4476876 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i23.7155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the protective effect of bicyclol against bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.
METHODS: Sprague-Dawley male rats underwent BDL and sham-operated animals were used as healthy controls. The BDL rats were divided into two groups which received sterilized PBS or bicyclol (100 mg/kg per day) orally for two consecutive weeks. Serum, urine and bile were collected for biochemical determinations. Liver tissues were collected for histological analysis and a whole genome oligonucleotide microarray assay. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to verify the expression of liver fibrosis-related genes.
RESULTS: Treatment with bicyclol significantly reduced liver fibrosis and bile duct proliferation after BDL. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (127.7 ± 72.3 vs 230.4 ± 69.6, P < 0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase (696.8 ± 232.6 vs 1032.6 ± 165.8, P < 0.05) were also decreased by treatment with bicyclol in comparison to PBS. The expression changes of 45 fibrogenic genes and several fibrogenesis-related pathways were reversed by bicyclol in the microarray assay. Bicyclol significantly reduced liver mRNA and/or protein expression levels of collagen 1a1, matrix metalloproteinase 2, tumor necrosis factor, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 2, transforming growth factor-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin.
CONCLUSION: Bicyclol significantly attenuates BDL-induced liver fibrosis by reversing fibrogenic gene expression. These findings suggest that bicyclol might be an effective anti-fibrotic drug for the treatment of cholestatic liver disease.
Collapse
|
38
|
Machado MV, Michelotti GA, Xie G, de Almeida TP, Boursier J, Bohnic B, Guy CD, Diehl AM. Mouse models of diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis reproduce the heterogeneity of the human disease. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127991. [PMID: 26017539 PMCID: PMC4446215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the potentially progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the pandemic liver disease of our time. Although there are several animal models of NASH, consensus regarding the optimal model is lacking. We aimed to compare features of NASH in the two most widely-used mouse models: methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet and Western diet. METHODS Mice were fed standard chow, MCD diet for 8 weeks, or Western diet (45% energy from fat, predominantly saturated fat, with 0.2% cholesterol, plus drinking water supplemented with fructose and glucose) for 16 weeks. Liver pathology and metabolic profile were compared. RESULTS The metabolic profile associated with human NASH was better mimicked by Western diet. Although hepatic steatosis (i.e., triglyceride accumulation) was also more severe, liver non-esterified fatty acid content was lower than in the MCD diet group. NASH was also less severe and less reproducible in the Western diet model, as evidenced by less liver cell death/apoptosis, inflammation, ductular reaction, and fibrosis. Various mechanisms implicated in human NASH pathogenesis/progression were also less robust in the Western diet model, including oxidative stress, ER stress, autophagy deregulation, and hedgehog pathway activation. CONCLUSION Feeding mice a Western diet models metabolic perturbations that are common in humans with mild NASH, whereas administration of a MCD diet better models the pathobiological mechanisms that cause human NAFLD to progress to advanced NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Verdelho Machado
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gregory Alexander Michelotti
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Guanhua Xie
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Thiago Pereira de Almeida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Jerome Boursier
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Brittany Bohnic
- Division of Endocrinology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Cynthia D. Guy
- Division of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lee YA, Wallace MC, Friedman SL. Pathobiology of liver fibrosis: a translational success story. Gut 2015; 64:830-41. [PMID: 25681399 PMCID: PMC4477794 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-306842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 642] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reversibility of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis following antiviral therapy for hepatitis B or C has advanced the prospect of developing antifibrotic therapies for patients with chronic liver diseases, especially non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Mechanisms of fibrosis have focused on hepatic stellate cells, which become fibrogenic myofibroblasts during injury through 'activation', and are at the nexus of efforts to define novel drug targets. Recent studies have clarified pathways of stellate cell gene regulation and epigenetics, emerging pathways of fibrosis regression through the recruitment and amplification of fibrolytic macrophages, nuanced responses of discrete inflammatory cell subsets and the identification of the 'ductular reaction' as a marker of severe injury and repair. Based on our expanded knowledge of fibrosis pathogenesis, attention is now directed towards strategies for antifibrotic therapies and regulatory challenges for conducting clinical trials with these agents. New therapies are attempting to: 1) Control or cure the primary disease or reduce tissue injury; 2) Target receptor-ligand interactions and intracellular signaling; 3) Inhibit fibrogenesis; and 4) Promote resolution of fibrosis. Progress is urgently needed in validating non-invasive markers of fibrosis progression and regression that can supplant biopsy and shorten the duration of clinical trials. Both scientific and clinical challenges remain, however the past three decades of steady progress in understanding liver fibrosis have contributed to an emerging translational success story, with realistic hopes for antifibrotic therapies to treat patients with chronic liver disease in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youngmin A Lee
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael C Wallace
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sanguinarine inhibits Rac1b-rendered cell survival enhancement by promoting apoptosis and blocking proliferation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:229-40. [PMID: 25544362 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2014.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Small GTPase Rac1 is a member of the Ras superfamily, which plays important roles in regulation of cytoskeleton reorganization, cell growth, proliferation, migration, etc. The aim of this study was to determine how a constitutively active Rac1b regulated cell proliferation and to investigate the effects of the Rac1b inhibitor sanguinarine. METHODS Three HEK293T cell lines stably overexpressing GFP, Rac1-GFP or Rac1b-GFP were constructed by lentiviral infection. The cells were treated with sanguinarine (1 μmol/L) or its analogue berberine (1 μmol/L) for 4 d. Cell proliferation was evaluated by counting cell numbers and with a BrdU incorporation assay. The levels of cleaved PARP-89 (an apoptosis marker) and cyclin-D1 (a proliferative index) were measured using Western blotting. RESULTS In 10% serum-containing media, overexpressing either Rac1 or Rac1b did not significantly change the cell proliferation. In the serum-starved media, however, the survival rate of Rac1b cells was significantly increased, whereas that of Rac1 cells was moderately increased. The level of cleaved PARP-89 was significantly increased in serum-starved Rac1 cells, but markedly reduced in serum-starved Rac1b cells. The level of cyclin-D1 was significantly increased in both serum-starved Rac1 and Rac1b cells. Treatment with sanguinarine, but not berberine, inhibited the proliferation of Rac1b cells, which was accompanied by significantly increased the level of PARP-89, and decreased both the level of cyclin-D1 and the percentage of BrdU positive cells. CONCLUSION Rac1b enhances the cell proliferation under a growth-limiting condition via both anti-apoptotic and pro-proliferative mechanisms. Sanguinarine, as the specific inhibitor of Rac1b, is a potential therapeutic agent for malignant tumors with up-regulated Rac1b.
Collapse
|
41
|
Chen YP, Jin X, Kong M, Li YM. Pattern of microRNA expression associated with different stages of alcoholic liver disease in rat models. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:1195-204. [PMID: 25017766 PMCID: PMC4121398 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has suggested that aberrant expression of micro (mi)RNAs contributes to the development of alcoholic liver injury (ALD). However, miRNA profiles distinguishing different stages of ALD have not yet been reported. The present study was designed to investigate the unique miRNA expression patterns at different stages of ALD in a rat model and analyze the gene functions and pathways of dysregulated miRNA-targeted genes. Using microarray and stem-loop quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses, 16 miRNAs were identified as upregulated and 13 were identified as downregulated in an alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) group compared with the control group, while five miRNAs were identified to be upregulated and eight were identified to be downregulated in the alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) group as compared with the control group. Following further confirmation by Significance Analysis of Microarray and prediction by Prediction Analysis of Microarray, 8 and 12 types of miRNA were screened as molecular signatures in distinguishing AFL and ASH, respectively, from normal rat liver. In addition, several miRNA-target pairs were predicted by computer-aided algorithms (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery platform) and these genes may be involved in cancer signaling pathways, the Wnt signaling pathway and other signaling pathways. These results may provide novel miRNA targets for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention at different stages of ALD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Peng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Mei Kong
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - You-Ming Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Paik YH, Kim J, Aoyama T, De Minicis S, Bataller R, Brenner DA. Role of NADPH oxidases in liver fibrosis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2014; 20:2854-72. [PMID: 24040957 PMCID: PMC4026397 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Hepatic fibrosis is the common pathophysiologic process resulting from chronic liver injury, characterized by the accumulation of an excessive extracellular matrix. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) is a multicomponent enzyme complex that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to a wide range of stimuli. In addition to phagocytic NOX2, there are six nonphagocytic NOX proteins. RECENT ADVANCES In the liver, NOX is functionally expressed both in the phagocytic form and in the nonphagocytic form. NOX-derived ROS contributes to various kinds of liver disease caused by alcohol, hepatitis C virus, and toxic bile acids. Recent evidence indicates that both phagocytic NOX2 and nonphagocytic NOX isoforms, including NOX1 and NOX4, mediate distinct profibrogenic actions in hepatic stellate cells, the main fibrogenic cell type in the liver. The critical role of NOX in hepatic fibrogenesis provides a rationale to assess pharmacological NOX inhibitors that treat hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. CRITICAL ISSUES Although there is compelling evidence indicating a crucial role for NOX-mediated ROS generation in hepatic fibrogenesis, little is known about the expression, subcellular localization, regulation, and redox signaling of NOX isoforms in specific cell types in the liver. Moreover, the exact mechanism of NOX-mediated fibrogenic signaling is still largely unknown. FUTURE DIRECTIONS A better understanding through further research about NOX-mediated fibrogenic signaling may enable the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapy using NOX inhibition strategy. Antio
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Han Paik
- 1 Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lin CH, Yu MC, Tung WH, Chen TT, Yu CC, Weng CM, Tsai YJ, Bai KJ, Hong CY, Chien MH, Chen BC. Connective tissue growth factor induces collagen I expression in human lung fibroblasts through the Rac1/MLK3/JNK/AP-1 pathway. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2013; 1833:2823-2833. [PMID: 23906792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2013.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays an important role in lung fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the role of Rac1, mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in CTGF-induced collagen I expression in human lung fibroblasts. CTGF caused concentration- and time-dependent increases in collagen I expression. CTGF-induced collagen I expression was inhibited by the dominant negative mutant (DN) of Rac1 (RacN17), MLK3DN, MLK3 inhibitor (K252a), JNK1DN, JNK2DN, a JNK inhibitor (SP600125), and an AP-1 inhibitor (curcumin). Treatment of cells with CTGF caused activation of Rac1, MLK3, JNK, and AP-1. The CTGF-induced increase in MLK3 phosphorylation was inhibited by RacN17. Treatment with RacN17 and the MLK3DN inhibited CTGF-induced JNK phosphorylation. CTGF caused increases in c-Jun phosphorylation and the recruitment of c-Jun and c-Fos to the collagen I promoter. Furthermore, stimulation of cells with the CTGF resulted in increases in AP-1-luciferase activity; this effect was inhibited by Rac1N17, MLK3DN, JNK1DN, and JNK2DN. Moreover, CTGF-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression was inhibited by the procollagen I small interfering RNA (siRNA). These results suggest for the first time that CTGF acting through Rac1 activates the MLK3/JNK signaling pathway, which in turn initiates AP-1 activation and recruitment of c-Jun and c-Fos to the collagen I promoter and ultimately induces collagen I expression in human lung fibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Yu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Taipei Medical University - Wanfang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Hsuan Tung
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ting Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chi Yu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Weng
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Jyu Tsai
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kua-Jen Bai
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Taipei Medical University - Wanfang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuang-Ye Hong
- Taipei Medical University Wangfang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Chien
- Taipei Medical University Wangfang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Hepatocytes, like other epithelia, are situated at the interface between the organism's exterior and the underlying internal milieu and organize the vectorial exchange of macromolecules between these two spaces. To mediate this function, epithelial cells, including hepatocytes, are polarized with distinct luminal domains that are separated by tight junctions from lateral domains engaged in cell-cell adhesion and from basal domains that interact with the underlying extracellular matrix. Despite these universal principles, hepatocytes distinguish themselves from other nonstriated epithelia by their multipolar organization. Each hepatocyte participates in multiple, narrow lumina, the bile canaliculi, and has multiple basal surfaces that face the endothelial lining. Hepatocytes also differ in the mechanism of luminal protein trafficking from other epithelia studied. They lack polarized protein secretion to the luminal domain and target single-spanning and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored bile canalicular membrane proteins via transcytosis from the basolateral domain. We compare this unique hepatic polarity phenotype with that of the more common columnar epithelial organization and review our current knowledge of the signaling mechanisms and the organization of polarized protein trafficking that govern the establishment and maintenance of hepatic polarity. The serine/threonine kinase LKB1, which is activated by the bile acid taurocholate and, in turn, activates adenosine monophosphate kinase-related kinases including AMPK1/2 and Par1 paralogues has emerged as a key determinant of hepatic polarity. We propose that the absence of a hepatocyte basal lamina and differences in cell-cell adhesion signaling that determine the positioning of tight junctions are two crucial determinants for the distinct hepatic and columnar polarity phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr Treyer
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bai J, Zhang N, Hua Y, Wang B, Ling L, Ferro A, Xu B. Metformin inhibits angiotensin II-induced differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72120. [PMID: 24023727 PMCID: PMC3759374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is a critical event in the progression of cardiac fibrosis that leads to pathological cardiac remodeling. Metformin, an antidiabetic agent, exhibits a number of cardioprotective properties. However, much less is known regarding the effect of metformin on cardiac fibroblast differentiation. Thus, in the present study, we examined the effect of metformin on angiotensin (Ang) II-induced differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and its underlying mechanism. Adult rat cardiac fibroblasts were stimulated with Ang II (100 nM) in the presence or absence of metformin (10–200 µM). Ang II stimulation induced the differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, as indicated by increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen types I and III, and this effect of Ang II was inhibited by pretreatment of cardiac fibroblasts with metformin. Metformin also decreased Ang II-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in cardiac fibroblasts via inhibiting the activation of the PKC-NADPH oxidase pathway. Further experiments using PKC inhibitor calphostin C and NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin confirmed that inhibition of the PKC-NADPH oxidase pathway markedly attenuated Ang II-induced ROS generation and myofibroblast differentiation. These data indicate that metformin inhibits Ang II-induced myofibroblast differentiation by suppressing ROS generation via the inhibition of the PKC-NADPH oxidase pathway in adult rat cardiac fibroblasts. Our results provide new mechanistic insights regarding the cardioprotective effects of metformin and provide an efficient therapeutic strategy to attenuate cardiac fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Bai
- Department of Cardiology, Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Hua
- Department of Cardiology, Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Bingjian Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Ling
- Department of Cardiology, Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Albert Ferro
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Division, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AF); (BX)
| | - Biao Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (AF); (BX)
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
McGowan SE, McCoy DM. Platelet-derived growth factor-A and sonic hedgehog signaling direct lung fibroblast precursors during alveolar septal formation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 305:L229-39. [PMID: 23748534 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00011.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar septal formation is required to support the respiration of growing mammals; in humans effacement of the alveolar surface and impaired gas exchange are critical features of emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis. Platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-A) and its receptor PDGF-receptor-α (PDGFRα) are required for secondary septal elongation in mice during postnatal days 4 through 12 and they regulate the proliferation and septal location of interstitial fibroblasts. We examined lung fibroblasts (LF) to learn whether PDGFRα expression distinguished a population of precursor cells, with enhanced proliferative and migratory capabilities. We identified a subpopulation of LF that expresses sonic hedgehog (Shh) and stem cell antigen-1 (Sca1). PDGF-A and Shh both increased cytokinesis and chemotaxis in vitro, but through different mechanisms. In primary LF cultures, Shh signaled exclusively through a noncanonical pathway involving generation of Rac1-GTP, whereas both the canonical and noncanonical pathways were used by the Mlg neonatal mouse LF cell line. LF preferentially oriented their primary cilia toward their anterior pole during migration. Furthermore, a larger proportion of PDGFRα-expressing LF, which are more abundant at the septal tips, bore primary cilia compared with other alveolar cells. In pulmonary emphysema, destroyed alveolar septa do not regenerate, in part because cells fail to assume a configuration that allows efficient gas exchange. Better understanding how LF are positioned during alveolar development could identify signaling pathways, which promote alveolar septal regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen E McGowan
- Department of Veterans Affairs Research Service, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Chen YH, Lan T, Li J, Qiu CH, Wu T, Gou HJ, Lu MQ. Gardenia jasminoides attenuates hepatocellular injury and fibrosis in bile duct-ligated rats and human hepatic stellate cells. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:7158-65. [PMID: 23326120 PMCID: PMC3544017 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i48.7158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the anti-hepatofibrotic effects of Gardenia jasminoides in liver fibrosis.
METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL) for 14 d and were treated with Gardenia jasminoides by gavage. The effects of Gardenia jasminoides on liver fibrosis and the detailed molecular mechanisms were also assessed in human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) in vitro.
RESULTS: Treatment with Gardenia jasminoides decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (BDL vs BDL + 100 mg/kg Gardenia jasminoides, 146.6 ± 15 U/L vs 77 ± 6.5 U/L, P = 0.0007) and aspartate aminotransferase (BDL vs BDL + 100 mg/kg Gardenia jasminoides, 188 ± 35.2 U/L vs 128 ± 19 U/L, P = 0.005) as well as hydroxyproline (BDL vs BDL + 100 mg/kg Gardenia jasminoides, 438 ± 40.2 μg/g vs 228 ± 10.3 μg/g liver tissue, P = 0.004) after BDL. Furthermore, Gardenia jasminoides significantly reduced liver mRNA and/or protein expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), collagen type I (Col I) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Gardenia jasminoides significantly suppressed the upregulation of TGF-β1, Col I and α-SMA in LX-2 exposed to recombinant TGF-β1. Moreover, Gardenia jasminoides inhibited TGF-β1-induced Smad2 phosphorylation in LX-2 cells.
CONCLUSION: Gardenia jasminoides exerts antifibrotic effects in the liver fibrosis and may represent a novel antifibrotic agent.
Collapse
|
48
|
Shi F, Zhu X. NOX-mediated MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and liver fibrosis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2012; 20:2685-2690. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v20.i28.2685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic satellite cells (HSCs) are the main cell type involved in the development of liver fibrosis and have been recognized as the important cellular source of extracellular matrix (ECM). NADPH oxidase (NOX) catalyzes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), regulates signal transduction in HSCs, and thereby plays a key role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. ROS generated by NOX promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of HSCs by activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt signaling pathways, thus contributing to the development of liver fibrosis. Inhibition of NOX activation to generate ROS and NOX-mediated signal transduction induces HSC apoptosis. Therefore, drugs that target specific NOX can be expected to be useful in arresting the progression of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
|
49
|
Zhang DY, Friedman SL. Fibrosis-dependent mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatology 2012; 56:769-75. [PMID: 22378017 PMCID: PMC4087159 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 02/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rising worldwide cause of cancer mortality, making the elucidation of its underlying mechanisms an urgent priority. The liver is unique in its response to injury, simultaneously undergoing regeneration and fibrosis. HCC occurs in the context of these two divergent responses, leading to distinctive pathways of carcinogenesis. In this review we highlight pathways of liver tumorigenesis that depend on, or are enhanced by, fibrosis. Activated hepatic stellate cells drive fibrogenesis, changing the composition of the extracellular matrix. Matrix quantity and stiffness also increase, providing a reservoir for bound growth factors. In addition to promoting angiogenesis, these factors may enhance the survival of both preneoplastic hepatocytes and activated hepatic stellate cells. Fibrotic changes also modulate the activity of inflammatory cells in the liver, reducing the activity of natural killer and natural killer T cells that normally contribute to tumor surveillance. These pathways synergize with inflammatory signals, including telomerase reactivation and reactive oxygen species release, ultimately resulting in cancer. Clarifying fibrosis-dependent tumorigenic mechanisms will help rationalize antifibrotic therapies as a strategy to prevent and treat HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Y Zhang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Paik YH, Brenner DA. NADPH oxidase mediated oxidative stress in hepatic fibrogenesis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY 2012; 17:251-7. [PMID: 22310788 PMCID: PMC3304665 DOI: 10.3350/kjhep.2011.17.4.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
NADPH oxidase (NOX) is a multicomponent enzyme complex that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to a wide range of stimuli. ROS is involved as key secondary messengers in numerous signaling pathways, and NADPH oxidases complex has been increasingly recognized as key elements of intracellular signaling of hepatic fibrogenesis. In the liver, NADPH oxidase is functionally expressed both in the phagocytic form and in the non-phagocytic form. The non-phagocytic NADPH oxidase complex is structurally and functionally similar to the phagocytic NADPH, resulting in reduction of molecular oxygen to generate superoxide. There are six homologous NOX proteins in the non-phagocytic forms of NADPH oxidase. An emerging concept is that both phagocytic and nonphagocytic NADPH oxidase components in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) mediate hepatic fibrosis, suggesting its potential role as a pharmacological target for anti-fibrotic therapy. The molecular components and signaling pathways of various NADPH oxidase homologues that are critical for the fibrotic activity in HSCs need to be more clearly identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Han Paik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | | |
Collapse
|