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Akkız H, Gieseler RK, Canbay A. Liver Fibrosis: From Basic Science towards Clinical Progress, Focusing on the Central Role of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7873. [PMID: 39063116 PMCID: PMC11277292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The burden of chronic liver disease is globally increasing at an alarming rate. Chronic liver injury leads to liver inflammation and fibrosis (LF) as critical determinants of long-term outcomes such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and mortality. LF is a wound-healing process characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins due to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In the healthy liver, quiescent HSCs metabolize and store retinoids. Upon fibrogenic activation, quiescent HSCs transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts; lose their vitamin A; upregulate α-smooth muscle actin; and produce proinflammatory soluble mediators, collagens, and inhibitors of ECM degradation. Activated HSCs are the main effector cells during hepatic fibrogenesis. In addition, the accumulation and activation of profibrogenic macrophages in response to hepatocyte death play a critical role in the initiation of HSC activation and survival. The main source of myofibroblasts is resident HSCs. Activated HSCs migrate to the site of active fibrogenesis to initiate the formation of a fibrous scar. Single-cell technologies revealed that quiescent HSCs are highly homogenous, while activated HSCs/myofibroblasts are much more heterogeneous. The complex process of inflammation results from the response of various hepatic cells to hepatocellular death and inflammatory signals related to intrahepatic injury pathways or extrahepatic mediators. Inflammatory processes modulate fibrogenesis by activating HSCs and, in turn, drive immune mechanisms via cytokines and chemokines. Increasing evidence also suggests that cellular stress responses contribute to fibrogenesis. Recent data demonstrated that LF can revert even at advanced stages of cirrhosis if the underlying cause is eliminated, which inhibits the inflammatory and profibrogenic cells. However, despite numerous clinical studies on plausible drug candidates, an approved antifibrotic therapy still remains elusive. This state-of-the-art review presents cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in hepatic fibrogenesis and its resolution, as well as comprehensively discusses the drivers linking liver injury to chronic liver inflammation and LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikmet Akkız
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Bahçeşehir, Beşiktaş, Istanbul 34353, Turkey
| | - Robert K. Gieseler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, In der Schornau 23–25, 44892 Bochum, Germany; (R.K.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Ali Canbay
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, In der Schornau 23–25, 44892 Bochum, Germany; (R.K.G.); (A.C.)
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2
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Moragrega ÁB, Busca C, Apostolova N, Olveira A, Martín-Carbonero L, Valencia E, Moreno V, Bernardino JI, Abadía M, González-García J, Esplugues JV, Montes ML, Blas-García A. Rilpivirine Activates STAT1 in Non-Parenchymal Cells to Regulate Liver Injury in People Living with HIV and MASLD. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1454. [PMID: 39062027 PMCID: PMC11274734 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a key determinant of the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Its increasing prevalence and a lack of effective treatments make it a major health problem worldwide, particularly in people living with HIV, among whom the prevalence of advanced fibrosis is higher. We have published preclinical data showing that Rilpivirine (RPV), a widely used anti-HIV drug, selectively triggers hepatic stellate cell (HSC) inactivation and apoptosis through signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1-mediated pathways, effects that clearly attenuate liver fibrosis and promote regeneration. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study of RPV-induced effects on steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in liver biopsies from well-controlled HIV-infected subjects diagnosed with MASLD. Patients on RPV exhibited similar levels of HIV-related parameters to those not receiving this drug, while showing a tendency toward improved liver function and lipid profile, as well as an enhanced activation of STAT1 in hepatic non-parenchymal cells in those with identified liver injury. This protective effect, promoting STAT1-dependent HSC inactivation, was observed at different stages of MASLD. Our results suggest that RPV-based therapy is especially indicated in HIV-infected patients with MASLD-derived liver injury and highlight the potential of RPV as a new therapeutic strategy for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela B. Moragrega
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (Á.B.M.); (N.A.); (J.V.E.)
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana), Av. de Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Busca
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadezda Apostolova
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (Á.B.M.); (N.A.); (J.V.E.)
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana), Av. de Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- CIBEREHD (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Olveira
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.O.); (M.A.)
| | - Luz Martín-Carbonero
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eulalia Valencia
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Moreno
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - José I. Bernardino
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Abadía
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.O.); (M.A.)
| | - Juan González-García
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan V. Esplugues
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (Á.B.M.); (N.A.); (J.V.E.)
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana), Av. de Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- CIBEREHD (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - María L. Montes
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Blas-García
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana), Av. de Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- CIBEREHD (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Shin SK, Oh S, Chun SK, Ahn MJ, Lee SM, Kim K, Kang H, Lee J, Shin SP, Lee J, Jung YK. Immune signature and therapeutic approach of natural killer cell in chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024. [PMID: 38800890 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the key members of innate immunity that predominantly reside in the liver, potentiating immune responses against viral infections or malignant tumors. It has been reported that changes in cell numbers and function of NK cells are associated with the development and progression of chronic liver diseases (CLDs) including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and chronic viral hepatitis. Also, it is known that the crosstalk between NK cells and hepatic stellate cells plays an important role in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In particular, the impaired functions of NK cells observed in CLDs consequently contribute to occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chronic infections by hepatitis B or C viruses counteract the anti-tumor immunity of the host by producing the sheddases. Soluble major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A (sMICA), released from the cell surfaces by sheddases, disrupts the interaction and affects the function of NK cells. Recently, the MICA/B-NK stimulatory receptor NK group 2 member D (NKG2D) axis has been extensively studied in HCC. HCC patients with low membrane-bound MICA or high sMICA concentration have been associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, reversing the sMICA-mediated downregulation of NKG2D has been proposed as an attractive strategy to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses against HCC. This review aims to summarize recent studies on NK cell immune signatures and its roles in CLD and hepatocellular carcinogenesis and discusses the therapeutic approaches of MICA/B-NKG2D-based or NK cell-based immunotherapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kak Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Sooyeon Oh
- Chaum Life Center, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su-Kyung Chun
- Chaum Life Center, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Ji Ahn
- Center for Research and Development, CHA Advanced Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Min Lee
- Center for Research and Development, CHA Advanced Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kayun Kim
- School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hogyeong Kang
- School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeongwoo Lee
- School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suk Pyo Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jooho Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Young Kul Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, South Korea
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4
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Talari NK, Mattam U, Kaminska D, Sotomayor-Rodriguez I, Rahman AP, Péterfy M, Pajukanta P, Pihlajamäki J, Chella Krishnan K. Hepatokine ITIH3 protects against hepatic steatosis by downregulating mitochondrial bioenergetics and de novo lipogenesis. iScience 2024; 27:109709. [PMID: 38689636 PMCID: PMC11059128 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate that liver secretory proteins, also known as hepatokines, regulate normal development, obesity, and simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression. Using a panel of ∼100 diverse inbred strains of mice and a cohort of bariatric surgery patients, we found that one such hepatokine, inter-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 3 (ITIH3), was progressively lower in severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) disease states highlighting an inverse relationship between Itih3/ITIH3 expression and NAFLD severity. Follow-up animal and cell culture models demonstrated that hepatic ITIH3 overexpression lowered liver triglyceride and lipid droplet accumulation, respectively. Conversely, ITIH3 knockdown in mice increased the liver triglyceride in two independent NAFLD models. Mechanistically, ITIH3 reduced mitochondrial respiration and this, in turn, reduced liver triglycerides, via downregulated de novo lipogenesis. This was accompanied by increased STAT1 signaling and Stat3 expression, both of which are known to protect against NAFLD/NASH. Our findings indicate hepatokine ITIH3 as a potential biomarker and/or treatment for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noble Kumar Talari
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ushodaya Mattam
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Dorota Kaminska
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Irene Sotomayor-Rodriguez
- Medical Sciences Baccalaureate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Afra P. Rahman
- Medical Sciences Baccalaureate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Miklós Péterfy
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Päivi Pajukanta
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute for Precision Health, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jussi Pihlajamäki
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Karthickeyan Chella Krishnan
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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5
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Woo C, Jeong WI. Immunopathogenesis of liver fibrosis in steatotic liver disease. Clin Mol Hepatol 2024; 30:299-302. [PMID: 38373420 PMCID: PMC11016481 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2024.0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chaerin Woo
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Won-Il Jeong
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
- Center for the Hepatic Glutamate and Its Function, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea
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6
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Bourinet M, Anty R, Gual P, Luci C. Roles of innate lymphoid cells in metabolic and alcohol-associated liver diseases. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100962. [PMID: 38304237 PMCID: PMC10831956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have been identified as potent regulators of inflammation, cell death and wound healing, which are the main biological processes involved in the progression of chronic liver disease. Obesity and chronic alcohol consumption are the leading contributors to chronic liver diseases in developed countries, due to inappropriate lifestyles. In particular, inflammation is a key factor in these liver abnormalities and promotes the development of more severe lesions such as fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Opposite roles of ILC subsets have been described in the development of chronic liver disease, depending on the stage and aetiology of the disease. The heterogeneous family of ILCs encompasses cytotoxic natural killer cells, the cytokine-producing type 1, 2 and 3 ILCs and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. Dysfunction of these immune cells provokes uncontrolled inflammation and tissue damage, which are the basis for tumour development. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent and putative roles of ILC subsets in obesity and alcohol-associated liver diseases, which are currently the major contributors to end-stage liver complications such as fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Bourinet
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Rodolphe Anty
- Université Côte d’Azur, CHU, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Philippe Gual
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Carmelo Luci
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
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Eom JA, Jeong JJ, Han SH, Kwon GH, Lee KJ, Gupta H, Sharma SP, Won SM, Oh KK, Yoon SJ, Joung HC, Kim KH, Kim DJ, Suk KT. Gut-microbiota prompt activation of natural killer cell on alcoholic liver disease. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2281014. [PMID: 37988132 PMCID: PMC10730232 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2281014] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is rich in innate immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T cells, and Kupffer cells associated with the gut microbiome. These immune cells are dysfunctional owing to alcohol consumption. However, there is insufficient data on the association between immune cells and gut microbiome in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic strains on NK cells in ALD patients. In total, 125 human blood samples [control (n = 22), alcoholic hepatitis (n = 43), and alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 60]) were collected for flow cytometric analysis. C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups (normal, EtOH-fed, and 2 EtOH+strain groups [Phocaeicola dorei and Lactobacillus helveticus]). Lymphocytes isolated from mouse livers were analyzed using flow cytometry. The frequency of NK cells increased in patients with alcoholic hepatitis and decreased in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. The expression of NKp46, an NK cell-activating receptor, was decreased in patients with alcoholic hepatitis and increased in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis compared to that in the control group. The number of cytotoxic CD56dimCD16+ NK cells was significantly reduced in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. We tested the effect of oral administration P. dorei and L. helveticus in EtOH-fed mice. P. dorei and L. helveticus improved liver inflammation and intestinal barrier damage caused by EtOH supply and increased NK cell activity. Therefore, these observations suggest that the gut microbiome may ameliorate ALD by regulating immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung A Eom
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ju Jeong
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hak Han
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Goo Hyun Kwon
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Jin Lee
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Haripriya Gupta
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Satya Priya Sharma
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Min Won
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Kwang Oh
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jun Yoon
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Chae Joung
- Chong Kun Dang Bio Research Institute, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hwan Kim
- Chong Kun Dang Bio Research Institute, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Tae Suk
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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Jiang S, Feng J, Jiang Y, Lu Z, Kong J, Li X, Lian H, Zhang F, Li Y, Li J. Triptolide attenuates CCL 4-induced liver fibrosis by regulating the differentiation of CD 4+ T cells in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111206. [PMID: 37956491 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major global health issue, and immune dysregulation is a main contributor. Triptolide is a natural immunosuppressive agent with demonstrated effectiveness in ameliorating liver fibrosis, but whether it exerts anti-liver fibrotic effects via immunoregulation remains obscure. In this study, first, by employing a CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model, we demonstrated that triptolide could alleviate pathological damage to liver tissue and attenuate liver function damaged by CCL4. In addition, triptolide inhibited the expression of liver fibrotic markers such as hydroxyproline, collagen type IV, hyaluronidase, laminin, and procollagen type III, and the protein expression of α-SMA in CCL4-induced liver fibrosis. Second, with the help of network pharmacology, we predicted that triptolide's anti-liver fibrotic effects might occur through the regulation of Th17, Th1, and Th2 cell differentiation, which indicated that triptolide might mitigate liver fibrosis via immunoregulation. Finally, multiplex immunoassays and flow cytometry were adopted to verify this prediction. The results suggested that triptolide could reverse the aberrant expression of inflammatory cytokines caused by CCL4 and regulate the differentiation of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells. In conclusion, triptolide could attenuate CCL4-induced liver fibrosis by regulating the differentiation of CD4+ T cells. The results obtained in this study extended the application of triptolide and introduced a new mechanism of triptolide's anti-liver fibrotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyuan Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jing Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yanling Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhihao Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jingwei Kong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xueming Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Hui Lian
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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9
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Diaz LA, Winder GS, Leggio L, Bajaj JS, Bataller R, Arab JP. New insights into the molecular basis of alcohol abstinence and relapse in alcohol-associated liver disease. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00605. [PMID: 37862466 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder remains a significant public health concern, affecting around 5% of adults worldwide. Novel pathways of damage have been described during the last years, providing insight into the mechanism of injury due to alcohol misuse beyond the direct effect of ethanol byproducts on the liver parenchyma and neurobehavioral mechanisms. Thus, the gut-liver-brain axis and immune system involvement could be therapeutic targets for alcohol use disorder. In particular, changes in gut microbiota composition and function, and bile acid homeostasis, have been shown with alcohol consumption and cessation. Alcohol can also directly disrupt intestinal and blood-brain barriers. Activation of the immune system can be triggered by intestinal barrier dysfunction and translocation of bacteria, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (such as lipopolysaccharide), cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. These factors, in turn, promote liver and brain inflammation and the progression of liver fibrosis. Other involved mechanisms include oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and the release of extracellular vesicles and miRNA from hepatocytes. Potential therapeutic targets include gut microbiota (probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation), neuroinflammatory pathways, as well as neuroendocrine pathways, for example, the ghrelin system (ghrelin receptor blockade), incretin mimetics (glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs), and the mineralocorticoid receptor system (spironolactone). In addition, support with psychological and behavioral treatments is essential to address the multiple dimensions of alcohol use disorder. In the future, a personalized approach considering these novel targets can contribute to significantly decreasing the alcohol-associated burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Antonio Diaz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institutes of Health, NIDA and NIAAA, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Park KH, Makki HMM, Kim SH, Chung HJ, Jung J. Narirutin ameliorates alcohol-induced liver injury by targeting MAPK14 in zebrafish larvae. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115350. [PMID: 37633055 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) encompasses a range of hepatic abnormalities, including isolated alcoholic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis. The flavanone-7-O-glycoside narirutin (NRT), the primary flavonoid in citrus peel, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering activity. We investigated the effects of NRT on liver injury induced by alcohol and explored the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Zebrafish larvae were used to investigate the effects of NRT on acute exposure to ethanol (EtOH). Liver phenotypic, morphological, and biochemical assessments were performed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of NRT. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses were conducted to identify candidate targets of NRT in EtOH-induced liver injury. A drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay was conducted to evaluate the binding of NRT to mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14). The mechanism of action of NRT was validated by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis. RESULTS The liver phenotypic, morphological, and biochemical assessments revealed that NRT has potential therapeutic effects against acute EtOH-induced liver injury. RT-qPCR confirmed that NRT reversed the change in the expression of genes related to oxidative stress, lipogenesis, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/unfolded protein response pathway. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses identified potential targets of NRT's protective effects and confirmed that NRT regulates the p38 MAPK signaling pathway by targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14). CONCLUSIONS NRT mitigates alcohol-induced liver injury by preventing lipid formation, protecting the antioxidant system, and suppressing ER stress-induced apoptosis through MAPK14 modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Hoon Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Seo-gu, Busan 49267, South Korea; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea
| | - Haytham Mohamedelfatih Mohamed Makki
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Graduation School, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea
| | - Seok-Hyung Kim
- Sarcopenia Total Solution Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, South Korea.
| | - Hyung-Joo Chung
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Seo-gu, Busan 49267, South Korea.
| | - Junyang Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Graduation School, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea; Department of Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea.
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11
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Niknam B, Baghaei K, Mahmoud Hashemi S, Hatami B, Reza Zali M, Amani D. Human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells derived-exosomes enriched by miR-124 promote an anti-fibrotic response in an experimental model of liver fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110294. [PMID: 37167639 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110294] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a significant challenge to global health that results in organ failure through inflammation and the release of fibrotic biomarkers. Due to the lack of effective treatments for liver fibrosis, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory therapies are being developed. Since there has been an association between aberrant expression of miR-124 and liver disease progression, we investigated whether delivery of miR-124 through human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells derived-exosomes (hWJMSC-Exo) can improve liver fibrosis. METHODS We established a 6-week carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis, then we administered hWJMSC-Exo and miR-124-3p-enriched exosomes (ExomiR-124) for three weeks. The extent of fibrosis and inflammation was assessed by histology, biochemistry, Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA). The inflammatory status of the spleen was also investigated using flow cytometry. RESULTS Based on the gene and protein expression measurement of IL-6, IL-17, TGF-β, STAT3, α-SMA, and COL1, In vivo administration of Exo and ExomiR-124 effectively reduce collagen accumulation and inhibition of inflammation. Regarding histopathology findings, the therapeutic effect of ExomiR-124 against liver fibrosis was significantly greater than hWJMSC-Exo. In addition, we found that Exo and ExomiR-124 was capable of phenotype switching of splenic monocytes from inflammatory Ly6Chi to restorative Ly6Clo. CONCLUSIONS MSC-derived exosomes demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect via different aspects. Aside from the therapeutic approach, enrichment of exosomes as a nanocarrier by miR-124 revealed the down-regulation of STAT3, which plays a crucial role in liver fibrosis. The anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of ExomiR-124 could be a promising option in liver fibrosis combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Niknam
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davar Amani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Oh HR, Ko MK, Son D, Ki YW, Kim SI, Lee SY, Kang KW, Cheon GJ, Hwang DW, Youn H. Activated Natural Killer Cell Inoculation Alleviates Fibrotic Liver Pathology in a Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Cirrhosis Mouse Model. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041090. [PMID: 37189708 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a detrimental role in liver fibrosis progression. Natural killer (NK) cells are known to selectively recognize abnormal or transformed cells via their receptor activation and induce target cell apoptosis and, therefore, can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy for liver cirrhosis. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of NK cells in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver cirrhosis mouse model. NK cells were isolated from the mouse spleen and expanded in the cytokine-stimulated culture medium. Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D)-positive NK cells were significantly increased after a week of expansion in culture. The intravenous injection of NK cells significantly alleviated liver cirrhosis by reducing collagen deposition, HSC marker activation, and macrophage infiltration. For in vivo imaging, NK cells were isolated from codon-optimized luciferase-expressing transgenic mice. Luciferase-expressing NK cells were expanded, activated and administrated to the mouse model to track them. Bioluminescence images showed increased accumulation of the intravenously inoculated NK cells in the cirrhotic liver of the recipient mouse. In addition, we conducted QuantSeq 3' mRNA sequencing-based transcriptomic analysis. From the transcriptomic analysis, 33 downregulated genes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and 41 downregulated genes involved in the inflammatory response were observed in the NK cell-treated cirrhotic liver tissues from the 1532 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). This result indicated that the repetitive administration of NK cells alleviated the pathology of liver fibrosis in the CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis mouse model via anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Taken together, our research demonstrated that NK cells could have therapeutic effects in a CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis mouse model. In particular, it was elucidated that extracellular matrix genes and inflammatory response genes, which were mainly affected after NK cell treatment, could be potential targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Rim Oh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyung Ko
- Research & Development Center, THERABEST, Co., Ltd., Seoul 06656, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehee Son
- Research & Development Center, THERABEST, Co., Ltd., Seoul 06656, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Wook Ki
- Research & Development Center, THERABEST, Co., Ltd., Seoul 06656, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Il Kim
- Research & Development Center, THERABEST, Co., Ltd., Seoul 06656, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Imaging Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon Wook Kang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Jeong Cheon
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Won Hwang
- Research & Development Center, THERABEST, Co., Ltd., Seoul 06656, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Youn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Imaging Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
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13
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Martinez-Castillo M, Altamirano-Mendoza I, Sánchez-Valle S, García-Islas L, Sánchez-Barragán M, Hernández-Santillán M, Hernández-Barragán A, Pérez-Hernández J, Higuera-de la Tijera F, Gutierrez-Reyes G. Immune dysregulation and pathophysiology of alcohol consumption and alcoholic liver disease. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO (ENGLISH EDITION) 2023; 88:136-154. [PMID: 36973122 DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a clinical-pathologic entity caused by the chronic excessive consumption of alcohol. The disease includes a broad spectrum of anomalies at the cellular and tissual level that can cause acute-on-chronic (alcoholic hepatitis) or chronic (fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer) injury, having a great impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alcohol is metabolized mainly in the liver. During alcohol metabolism, toxic metabolites, such as acetaldehyde and oxygen reactive species, are produced. At the intestinal level, alcohol consumption can cause dysbiosis and alter intestinal permeability, promoting the translocation of bacterial products and causing the production of inflammatory cytokines in the liver, perpetuating local inflammation during the progression of ALD. Different study groups have reported systemic inflammatory response disturbances, but reports containing a compendium of the cytokines and cells involved in the pathophysiology of the disease, from the early stages, are difficult to find. In the present review article, the role of the inflammatory mediators involved in ALD progression are described, from risky patterns of alcohol consumption to advanced stages of the disease, with the aim of understanding the involvement of immune dysregulation in the pathophysiology of ALD.
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14
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Du TY, Gao YX, Zheng YS. Identification of key genes related to immune infiltration in cirrhosis via bioinformatics analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1876. [PMID: 36725885 PMCID: PMC9892033 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is the most common subclass of liver disease worldwide and correlated to immune infiltration. However, the immune-related molecular mechanism underlying cirrhosis remains obscure. Two gene expression profiles GSE89377 and GSE139602 were investigated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to cirrhosis. Enrichment analysis for DEGs was conducted. Next, the immune infiltration of DEGs was evaluated using CIBERSORT algorithm. The hub DEGs with tight connectivity were identified using the String and Cytoscape databases, and the expression difference of these hub genes between normal liver and cirrhosis samples was determined. Moreover, in order to evaluate the discriminatory ability of hub genes and obtained the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values in the GSE89377 and GSE139602 datasets. Finally, the association between hub DEGs and immune cell infiltration was explored by Spearman method. Among the 299 DEGs attained, 136 were up-regulated and 163 were down-regulated. Then the enrichment function analysis of DEGs and CIBERSORT algorithm showed significant enrichment in immune and inflammatory responses. And four hub DEGs (ACTB, TAGLN, VIM, SOX9) were identified, which also showed a diagnostic value in the GSE89377 and GSE 139,602 datasets. Finally, the immune infiltration analysis indicated that, these hub DEGs were highly related to immune cells. This study revealed key DEGs involved in inflammatory immune responses of cirrhosis, which could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis or therapeutic targets of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Yue Du
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.-1-1, Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Ya-Xian Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.-1-1, Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Yi-Shan Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.-1-1, Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China.
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15
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Liu J, Wang F, Luo F. The Role of JAK/STAT Pathway in Fibrotic Diseases: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010119. [PMID: 36671504 PMCID: PMC9855819 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
There are four members of the JAK family and seven of the STAT family in mammals. The JAK/STAT molecular pathway could be activated by broad hormones, cytokines, growth factors, and more. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway extensively mediates various biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and immune regulation. JAK/STAT activation is closely related to growth and development, homeostasis, various solid tumors, inflammatory illness, and autoimmune diseases. Recently, with the deepening understanding of the JAK/STAT pathway, the relationship between JAK/STAT and the pathophysiology of fibrotic diseases was noticed, including the liver, renal, heart, bone marrow, and lung. JAK inhibitor has been approved for myelofibrosis, and subsequently, JAK/STAT may serve as a promising target for fibrosis in other organs. Therefore, this article reviews the roles and mechanisms of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Faping Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fengming Luo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-18980601355
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16
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Yang Zhou J. Innate immunity and early liver inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175147. [PMID: 37205101 PMCID: PMC10187146 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate system constitutes a first-line defence mechanism against pathogens. 80% of the blood supply entering the human liver arrives from the splanchnic circulation through the portal vein, so it is constantly exposed to immunologically active substances and pathogens from the gastrointestinal tract. Rapid neutralization of pathogens and toxins is an essential function of the liver, but so too is avoidance of harmful and unnecessary immune reactions. This delicate balance of reactivity and tolerance is orchestrated by a diverse repertoire of hepatic immune cells. In particular, the human liver is enriched in many innate immune cell subsets, including Kupffer cells (KCs), innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) like Natural Killer (NK) cells and ILC-like unconventional T cells - namely Natural Killer T cells (NKT), γδ T cells and Mucosal-associated Invariant T cells (MAIT). These cells reside in the liver in a memory-effector state, so they respond quickly to trigger appropriate responses. The contribution of aberrant innate immunity to inflammatory liver diseases is now being better understood. In particular, we are beginning to understand how specific innate immune subsets trigger chronic liver inflammation, which ultimately results in hepatic fibrosis. In this review, we consider the roles of specific innate immune cell subsets in early inflammation in human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Yang Zhou
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jordi Yang Zhou,
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17
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Jiang X, Peng Y, Liu L, Wang Y, Li M, Li W, Huang F, Zheng C, Xu F, Hu Q, Wei W, Dong S, Zhao Q. MAIT cells ameliorate liver fibrosis by enhancing the cytotoxicity of NK cells in cholestatic murine models. Liver Int 2022; 42:2743-2758. [PMID: 36181707 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes that display a critical role in various liver diseases. However, the role of MAIT cells in cholestatic liver fibrogenesis remains obscure. Our study aims to assess the contribution of MAIT cells and underlying mechanisms during this process. METHODS Cholestatic murine models using MAIT cell-deficient (MR1- /- ) and wild-type (WT) mice were established by feeding a 0.1% 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-enriched diet or bile duct ligation (BDL). Liver samples were collected to determine the severity of fibrosis. Lymphocytes of the liver were isolated for analysing the phenotype and function of MAIT cells. Cell co-culture experiments were performed to investigate the cross-talk between MAIT and NK cells. RESULTS Liver MAIT cells were more activated with increased cytokines in cholestatic mice models than in control mice, although their frequency was decreased. MAIT cell deficiency led to severe liver inflammation and fibrosis with more activated HSCs in cholestatic mice. In addition, MR1- /- mice had an increased frequency of NK cells with higher expression of stimulatory receptors relative to WT mice. Paradoxically, activated MAIT cells significantly promoted the anti-fibrotic ability of NK cells by enhancing their cytotoxicity against HSCs in co-culture experiments. Importantly, this effect depended on direct cell-cell contact and TNF-α produced by MAIT cells. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that MAIT cells ameliorate cholestatic liver fibrosis by enhancing the cytotoxicity of NK cells against HSCs. An in-depth understanding of the MAIT cell-mediated regulatory effect will provide more valuable immunotherapy strategies to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanan Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Youwei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengting Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengxing Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunlan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanhui Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Shouquan Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
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18
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TNFα and IFNγ cooperate for efficient pro- to anti-inflammatory transition of macrophages during muscle regeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209976119. [PMID: 36279473 PMCID: PMC9636974 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209976119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
IFNγ is traditionally known as a proinflammatory cytokine with diverse roles in antimicrobial and antitumor immunity. Yet, findings regarding its sources and functions during the regeneration process following a sterile injury are conflicting. Here, we show that natural killer (NK) cells are the main source of IFNγ in regenerating muscle. Beyond this cell population, IFNγ production is limited to a small population of T cells. We further show that NK cells do not play a major role in muscle regeneration following an acute injury or in dystrophic mice. Surprisingly, the absence of IFNγ per se also has no effect on muscle regeneration following an acute injury. However, the role of IFNγ is partially unmasked when TNFα is also neutralized, suggesting a compensatory mechanism. Using transgenic mice, we showed that conditional inhibition of IFNGR1 signaling in muscle stem cells or fibro-adipogenic progenitors does not play a major role in muscle regeneration. In contrast to common belief, we found that IFNγ is not present in the early inflammatory phase of the regeneration process but rather peaks when macrophages are acquiring an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Further transcriptomic analysis suggests that IFNγ cooperates with TNFα to regulate the transition of macrophages from pro- to anti-inflammatory states. The absence of the cooperative effect of these cytokines on macrophages, however, does not result in significant regeneration impairment likely due to the presence of other compensatory mechanisms. Our findings support the arising view of IFNγ as a pleiotropic inflammatory regulator rather than an inducer of the inflammatory response.
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19
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Tang X, Li X, Li M, Zhong X, Fu W, Ao M, Xuan J. Enhanced US/CT/MR imaging of integrin αvβ3 for liver fibrosis staging in rat. Front Chem 2022; 10:996116. [PMID: 36262337 PMCID: PMC9574014 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.996116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a global health challenge with high morbidity and mortality rates, and diagnostic sensitivity of liver fibrosis tests can be increased using multimodal molecular agents. We designed cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (cRGD)-modified nanoparticles (NPs) using ultrasound (US)/computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance (MR) triple-modality imaging to evaluate liver fibrosis stages. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted using primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and a rat model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Our results showed cRGD-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Fe3O4-perfluorocarbon bromide (cRGD-PLGA-Fe3O4-PFOB) NPs were preferentially internalised by activated HSCs (aHSCs). The main cell types expressing integrin αvβ3 during liver fibrogenesis were the aHSCs. The protein levels of αv and β3 expressed on aHSCs increased with the progression of liver fibrosis. After intravenous injection of cRGD-PLGA-Fe3O4-PFOB NPs, the echo intensity (EI) values, CT values, and T2 values of liver parenchyma correlated well with liver fibrosis severity. cRGD-PLGA-Fe3O4-PFOB NPs as multifunction contrast agents showed great potential to reflect the degree of HSC activation and distinguish among different liver fibrotic stages. The ligand-directed and integrin αvβ3-mediated accumulation provides active and passive targeting capabilities, permitting the targeted multimodal imaging of cRGD-PLGA-Fe3O4-PFOB NPs, which delivers accurate non-invasive diagnosis and real-time monitoring of liver fibrosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyao Tang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Clinical College of Southwest Jiao Tong University, The Second Affiliated Chengdu Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenguang Fu
- Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Meng Ao
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jiqing Xuan, ; Meng Ao,
| | - Jiqing Xuan
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jiqing Xuan, ; Meng Ao,
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20
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Hou J, Ma R, Zhu S, Wang Y. Revealing the Therapeutic Targets and Mechanism of Ginsenoside Rg1 for Liver Damage Related to Anti-Oxidative Stress Using Proteomic Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710045. [PMID: 36077440 PMCID: PMC9455996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rg1 is an important active substance isolated from the root of ginseng. In previous studies, Rg1 has shown excellent therapeutic effects in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic modulation. However, the therapeutic targets of Rg1 are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of Rg1 on oxidative stress-related liver damage. The oxidative stress damage model was achieved by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (D-gal) for 42 consecutive days in C57BL/6J mice. Rg1 treatment started on Day 16. Body weight, liver weight, degree of hepatic oxidative stress damage, serum lipid levels, and hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism were measured. Proteomics analysis was used to measure liver protein expression. The differential expression proteins were analyzed with bioinformatics. The results showed that Rg1 treatment attenuated liver damage from oxidative stress, reduced hepatic fat accumulation, promoted hepatic glycogen synthesis, and attenuated peripheral blood low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol (CHO), and triglycerides (TG) levels. Proteomic analysis suggested that Rg1 may regulate hepatocyte metabolism through ECM-Receptor, the PI3K-AKT pathway. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) may be the key protein. In conclusion, this study provides an experimental basis for further clarifying the specific mechanism of Rg1 in the treatment of oxidative stress damage-related liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiying Hou
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ruoxiang Ma
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Shisheng Zhu
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 401331, China
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yaping Wang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (Y.W.)
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21
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Liu Y, Dong Y, Wu X, Wang X, Niu J. Identification of Immune Microenvironment Changes and the Expression of Immune-Related Genes in Liver Cirrhosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918445. [PMID: 35903097 PMCID: PMC9315064 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver inflammation and the immune response have been recognized as critical contributors to cirrhosis pathogenesis. Immunity-related genes (IRGs) play an essential role in immune cell infiltration and immune reactions; however, the changes in the immune microenvironment and the expression of IRGs involved in cirrhosis remain unclear. CD45+ liver cell single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing data (GSE136103) from patients with cirrhosis were analyzed. The clusters were identified as known cell types through marker genes according to previous studies. GO and KEGG analyses among differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed. DEGs were screened to identify IRGs based on the ImmPort database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of IRGs was generated using the STRING database. IRGs activity was calculated using the AUCell package. RNA microarray expression data (GSE45050) of cirrhosis were analyzed to confirm common IRGs and IRGs activity. Relevant regulatory transcription factors (TFs) were identified from the Human TFDB database. A total of ten clusters were obtained. CD8+ T cells and NK cells were significantly decreased in patients with cirrhosis, while CD4+ T memory cells were increased. Enrichment analyses showed that the DEGs focused on the regulation of immune cell activation and differentiation, NK-cell mediated cytotoxicity, and antigen processing and presentation. Four common TFs, IRF8, NR4A2, IKZF3, and REL were expressed in both the NK cluster and the DEGs of liver tissues. In conclusion, we proposed that the reduction of the CD8+ T cell cluster and NK cells, as well as the infiltration of CD4+ memory T cells, contributed to immune microenvironment changes in cirrhosis. IRF8, NR4A2, IKZF3, and REL may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of NK cells in liver fibrosis. The identified DEGs, IRGs, and pathways may serve critical roles in the development and progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yutong Dong
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaojing Wu
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Junqi Niu, ; Xiaomei Wang,
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Junqi Niu, ; Xiaomei Wang,
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22
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Wei Y, Bingyu W, Lei Y, Xingxing Y. The antifibrotic role of natural killer cells in liver fibrosis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:1235-1243. [PMID: 35475367 PMCID: PMC9379607 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221092672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common pathological change of chronic liver diseases characterized by increased deposition of extracellular matrix and reduced matrix degradation. In response to liver injury caused by a variety of pathogenic agents, such as virus and alcohol, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are differentiated into myofibroblast-like cells and produce excessive collagens, thus resulting in fibrogenesis. Natural killer (NK) cells are the essential innate immune cells in the liver and generally control fibrosis by killing activated HSCs. This review briefly describes the fibrogenesis process and the phenotypic features of hepatic NK cells. Besides, it focuses on the antifibrotic mechanisms of NK cells and explores the potential of activating NK cells as a therapeutic strategy for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wei
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Wang Bingyu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yang Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yuan Xingxing
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150001, China,Yuan Xingxing.
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23
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Diamond T, Burn TN, Nishiguchi MA, Minichino D, Chase J, Chu N, Kreiger PA, Behrens EM. Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis hepatitis is mediated by IFN-γ in a predominantly hepatic-intrinsic manner. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269553. [PMID: 35671274 PMCID: PMC9173616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is the main cytokine driving organ dysfunction in Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (FHL). Blockade of IFN-γ pathway ameliorates FHL hepatitis, both in animal models and in humans with FHL. Hepatocytes are known to express IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γ-R). However, whether IFN-γ induced hepatitis in FHL is a lymphocyte or liver intrinsic response to the cytokine has yet to be elucidated. Using a IFNgR-/- bone marrow chimeric model, this study showed that non-hematopoietic IFN-γ response is critical for development of FHL hepatitis in LCMV-infected Prf1-/- mice. Lack of hepatic IFN-γ responsiveness results in reduced hepatitis as measured by hepatomegaly, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and abrogated histologic endothelial inflammation. In addition, IFN-γ non-hematopoietic response was critical in activation of lymphocytes by soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2r) and recruitment of CD8+ effector T lymphocytes (CD8+ CD44hi CD62Llo) (Teff) and inflammatory monocytes. Lastly, non-hematopoietic IFN-γ response results in increased hepatic transcription of type 1 immune response and oxidative stress response pathways, while decreasing transcription of genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) production. In summary, these findings demonstrate that there is a hepatic transcriptional response to IFN-γ, likely critical in the pathogenesis of FHL hepatitis and hepatic specific responses could be a therapeutic target in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamir Diamond
- Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Thomas N. Burn
- Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Mailyn A. Nishiguchi
- Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Danielle Minichino
- Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Julie Chase
- Division of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Niansheng Chu
- Division of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Portia A. Kreiger
- Department of Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Edward M. Behrens
- Division of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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24
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Varani J, McClintock SD, Knibbs RN, Harber I, Zeidan D, Jawad-Makki MAH, Aslam MN. Liver Protein Expression in NASH Mice on a High-Fat Diet: Response to Multi-Mineral Intervention. Front Nutr 2022; 9:859292. [PMID: 35634402 PMCID: PMC9130755 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.859292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Male MS-NASH mice were maintained on a high-fat diet for 16 weeks with and without red algae-derived minerals. Obeticholic acid (OCA) was used as a comparator in the same strain and diet. C57BL/6 mice maintained on a standard (low-fat) rodent chow diet were used as a control. At the end of the in-life portion of the study, body weight, liver weight, liver enzyme levels and liver histology were assessed. Samples obtained from individual livers were subjected to Tandem Mass Tag labeling / mass spectroscopy for protein profile determination. As compared to mice maintained on the low-fat diet, all high-fat-fed mice had increased whole-body and liver weight, increased liver enzyme (aminotransferases) levels and widespread steatosis / ballooning hepatocyte degeneration. Histological evidence for liver inflammation and collagen deposition was also present, but changes were to a lesser extent. A moderate reduction in ballooning degeneration and collagen deposition was observed with mineral supplementation. Control mice on the high-fat diet alone demonstrated multiple protein changes associated with dysregulated fat and carbohydrate metabolism, lipotoxicity and oxidative stress. Cholesterol metabolism and bile acid formation were especially sensitive to diet. In mice receiving multi-mineral supplementation along with the high-fat diet, there was reduced liver toxicity as evidenced by a decrease in levels of several cytochrome P450 enzymes and other oxidant-generating moieties. Additionally, elevated expression of several keratins was also detected in mineral-supplemented mice. The protein changes observed with mineral supplementation were not seen with OCA. Our previous studies have shown that mice maintained on a high-fat diet for up to 18 months develop end-stage liver injury including hepatocellular carcinoma. Mineral-supplemented mice were substantially protected against tumor formation and other end-state consequences of high-fat feeding. The present study identifies early (16-week) protein changes occurring in the livers of the high-fat diet-fed mice, and how the expression of these proteins is influenced by mineral supplementation. These findings help elucidate early protein changes that contribute to end-stage liver injury and potential mechanisms by which dietary minerals may mitigate such damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Varani
- Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Shannon D McClintock
- Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Randall N Knibbs
- Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Isabelle Harber
- Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Dania Zeidan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Muhammad N Aslam
- Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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25
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Zhang Y, Wu Y, Shen W, Wang B, Yuan X. Crosstalk between NK cells and hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis (Review). Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:208. [PMID: 35506449 PMCID: PMC9133963 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common pathological process of chronic liver diseases, including viral hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease, and ultimately progresses to irreversible cirrhosis and cancer. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated to produce amounts of collagens in response to liver injury, thus triggering the initiation and progression of fibrogenesis. Natural killer (NK) cells serve as the essential component of hepatic innate immunity and are considered to alleviate fibrosis by killing activated HSCs. Current antifibrotic interventions have improved fibrosis, but fail to halt its progression in the advanced stage. Clarifying the interaction between NK cells and HSCs will provide clues to the pathogenesis and potential therapies for advanced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Wu
- The Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Shen
- Department of Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Bingyu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Xingxing Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
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26
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Ferdek PE, Krzysztofik D, Stopa KB, Kusiak AA, Paw M, Wnuk D, Jakubowska MA. When healing turns into killing ‐ the pathophysiology of pancreatic and hepatic fibrosis. J Physiol 2022; 600:2579-2612. [DOI: 10.1113/jp281135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel E. Ferdek
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Daria Krzysztofik
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Kinga B. Stopa
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Agnieszka A. Kusiak
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
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27
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Liu Z, Xu B, Ding Y, Ding X, Yang Z. Guizhi Fuling pill attenuates liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and activating IFN-γ/Smad7 signaling pathways. Bioengineered 2022; 13:9357-9368. [PMID: 35387552 PMCID: PMC9161976 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2054224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis resulting from chronic liver injuries (CLI) is a common health problem globally. Guizhi Fuling pill (GZFL), a modern preparation from traditional Chinese medicine, exhibited anti-dysmenorrhea, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulative effects. However, the effect of GZFL on liver fibrosis remains unknown. In this research, LX-2 cells were stimulated with acetaldehyde for mimicking liver fibrosis progression in vitro. In addition, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis was established as well. The data revealed GZFL obviously suppressed the proliferation and triggered the apoptosis of acetaldehyde-stimulated LX-2 cells. In addition, GZFL prevented acetaldehyde-induced activation of LX-2 cells via downregulation of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, CUGBP1, and upregulation of p-STAT1 and Smad7. Meanwhile, GZFL significantly alleviated CCl4‑induced liver fibrosis, as evidenced by the decrease of ALT and AST levels. Moreover, GZFL downregulated the expressions of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, and CUGBP1 in CCl4-treated mice. Furthermore, GZFL remarkably elevated the levels of IFN-γ, p-STAT1, and Smad7 in CCl4-treated mice. To sum up, GZFL was able to inhibit liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo through suppressing TGF-β1/Smad2/3-CUGBP1 signaling and activating IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 signaling. Thus, GZFL might have a potential to act as a therapeutic agent for anti-fibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongliang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Zhoushan, P.R. China
| | - Baogui Xu
- School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Yaping Ding
- Department of Nutrition, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Zhoushan, P.R. China
| | - Xianjun Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Zhoushan, P.R. China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhoushan Hospital, P.R. China
| | - Zuisu Yang
- School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
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28
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Melis M, Tang XH, Trasino SE, Gudas LJ. Retinoids in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Liver Diseases. Nutrients 2022; 14:1456. [PMID: 35406069 PMCID: PMC9002467 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin A (VA), all-trans-retinol (ROL), and its analogs are collectively called retinoids. Acting through the retinoic acid receptors RARα, RARβ, and RARγ, all-trans-retinoic acid, an active metabolite of VA, is a potent regulator of numerous biological pathways, including embryonic and somatic cellular differentiation, immune functions, and energy metabolism. The liver is the primary organ for retinoid storage and metabolism in humans. For reasons that remain incompletely understood, a body of evidence shows that reductions in liver retinoids, aberrant retinoid metabolism, and reductions in RAR signaling are implicated in numerous diseases of the liver, including hepatocellular carcinoma, non-alcohol-associated fatty liver diseases, and alcohol-associated liver diseases. Conversely, restoration of retinoid signaling, pharmacological treatments with natural and synthetic retinoids, and newer agonists for specific RARs show promising benefits for treatment of a number of these liver diseases. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the literature demonstrating a role for retinoids in limiting the pathogenesis of these diseases and in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Melis
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; (M.M.); (X.-H.T.)
| | - Xiao-Han Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; (M.M.); (X.-H.T.)
| | - Steven E. Trasino
- Nutrition Program, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Lorraine J. Gudas
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; (M.M.); (X.-H.T.)
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29
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Tan Y, Sun X, Xu Y, Tang B, Xu S, Lu D, Ye Y, Luo X, Diao X, Li F, Wang T, Chen J, Xu Q, Wu X. Small molecule targeting CELF1 RNA-binding activity to control HSC activation and liver fibrosis. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:2440-2451. [PMID: 35234905 PMCID: PMC8934652 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CUGBP Elav-like family member 1 (CELF1), an RNA-binding protein (RBP), plays important roles in the pathogenesis of diseases such as myotonic dystrophy, liver fibrosis and cancers. However, targeting CELF1 is still a challenge, as RBPs are considered largely undruggable. Here, we discovered that compound 27 disrupted CELF1-RNA binding via structure-based virtual screening and biochemical assays. Compound 27 binds directly to CELF1 and competes with RNA for binding to CELF1. Compound 27 promotes IFN-γ secretion and suppresses TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation by inhibiting CELF1-mediated IFN-γ mRNA decay. In vivo, compound 27 attenuates CCl4-induced murine liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationship analysis was performed and compound 841, a derivative of compound 27, was identified as a selective CELF1 inhibitor. In conclusion, targeting CELF1 RNA-binding activity with small molecules was achieved, which provides a novel strategy for treating liver fibrosis and other CELF1-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Xueqing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yizhu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Bingjie Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Shuaiqi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Dong Lu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yan Ye
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaomin Luo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xu Diao
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Simovay Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
| | - Fulong Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jiangsu Simovay Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Xingxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
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30
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Zhou L, Shen M, Fan X, Liu Y, Yang L. Pathogenic and Potential Therapeutic Roles of Exosomes Derived From Immune Cells in Liver Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:810300. [PMID: 35185900 PMCID: PMC8854144 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.810300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma place a heavy burden on many patients worldwide. However, the treatment of many liver diseases is currently insufficient, and the treatment may be associated with strong side effects. Therapies for liver diseases targeting the molecular and cellular levels that minimize adverse reactions and maximize therapeutic effects are in high demand. Immune cells are intimately involved in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of liver diseases. The immune response in the liver can be suppressed, leading to tolerance in homeostasis. When infection or tissue damage occurs, immunity in the liver is activated rapidly. As small membrane vesicles derived from diverse cells, exosomes carry multiple cargoes to exert their regulatory effects on recipient cells under physiological or pathological conditions. Exosomes from different immune cells exert different effects on liver diseases. This review describes the biology of exosomes and focuses on the effects of exosomes from different immune cells on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis and their therapeutic potential in liver diseases.
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Luzina IG, Rus V, Lockatell V, Courneya JP, Hampton BS, Fishelevich R, Misharin AV, Todd NW, Badea TC, Rus H, Atamas SP. Regulator of Cell Cycle Protein (RGCC/RGC-32) Protects against Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2022; 66:146-157. [PMID: 34668840 PMCID: PMC8845131 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0022oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Some previous studies in tissue fibrosis have suggested a profibrotic contribution from elevated expression of a protein termed either RGCC (regulator of cell cycle) or RGC-32 (response gene to complement 32 protein). Our analysis of public gene expression datasets, by contrast, revealed a consistent decrease in RGCC mRNA levels in association with pulmonary fibrosis. Consistent with this observation, we found that stimulating primary adult human lung fibroblasts with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in cell cultures elevated collagen expression and simultaneously attenuated RGCC mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, overexpression of RGCC in cultured lung fibroblasts attenuated the stimulating effect of TGF-β on collagen levels. Similar to humans with pulmonary fibrosis, the levels of RGCC were also decreased in vivo in lung tissues of wild-type mice challenged with bleomycin in both acute and chronic models. Mice with constitutive RGCC gene deletion accumulated more collagen in their lungs in response to chronic bleomycin challenge than did wild-type mice. RNA-Seq analyses of lung fibroblasts revealed that RGCC overexpression alone had a modest transcriptomic effect, but in combination with TGF-β stimulation, induced notable transcriptomic changes that negated the effects of TGF-β, including on extracellular matrix-related genes. At the level of intracellular signaling, RGCC overexpression delayed early TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation, elevated the expression of total and phosphorylated antifibrotic mediator STAT1, and attenuated the expression of a profibrotic mediator STAT3. We conclude that RGCC plays a protective role in pulmonary fibrosis and that its decline permits collagen accumulation. Restoration of RGCC expression may have therapeutic potential in pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina G. Luzina
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland;,Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Violeta Rus
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland;,Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Virginia Lockatell
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland;,Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jean-Paul Courneya
- Health Sciences and Human Services Library, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Rita Fishelevich
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland;,Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alexander V. Misharin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nevins W. Todd
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland;,Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tudor C. Badea
- Retinal Circuits Development and Genetics Unit, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland; and,Faculty of Medicine, Research and Development Institute, Transilvania University of Brașov, Brașov, Romania
| | - Horea Rus
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland;,Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sergei P. Atamas
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland;,Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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Wang A, Bu FT, Li JJ, Zhang YF, Jia PC, You HM, Wu S, Wu YY, Zhu S, Huang C, Li J. MicroRNA-195-3p promotes hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by suppressing PTEN expression. Toxicol Lett 2022; 355:88-99. [PMID: 34838997 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound healing reaction characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in response to liver injury. Recent studies have shown that it can be epigenetically regulated, especially by microRNAs (miRNAs). It has been acknowledged that activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a pivotal step in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. Notably, our results showed that miR-195-3p was increased in HSCs isolated from CCl4-treated mice and that the increase was more pronounced as the degree of liver fibrosis increased. Moreover, treatment of LX-2 cells, a human immortalized hepatic stellate cell line, with TGF-β1 resulted remarkable upregulation of miR-195-3p. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments have suggested that the increased levels of miR-195-3p inhibit the expression of phosphatase and tension homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), a negative regulator of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in liver fibrosis, thereby contributing to HSC activation and proliferation and promoting the expression of profibrotic genes, such as α-SMA and collagen I, in LX-2 cells, which accelerates the accumulation of fibrous extracellular matrix deposition in the liver, while knockdown of miR-195-3p induced the opposite effect. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the harmful role of miR-195-3p in CCl4-treated mouse liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fang-Tian Bu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Juan-Juan Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Fei Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Jia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hong-Mei You
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sha Wu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Iacob SA, Iacob DG. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in HIV/HBV Patients - a Metabolic Imbalance Aggravated by Antiretroviral Therapy and Perpetuated by the Hepatokine/Adipokine Axis Breakdown. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:814209. [PMID: 35355551 PMCID: PMC8959898 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.814209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome and is one of the most prevalent comorbidities in HIV and HBV infected patients. HIV plays an early and direct role in the development of metabolic syndrome by disrupting the mechanism of adipogenesis and synthesis of adipokines. Adipokines, molecules that regulate the lipid metabolism, also contribute to the progression of NAFLD either directly or via hepatic organokines (hepatokines). Most hepatokines play a direct role in lipid homeostasis and liver inflammation but their role in the evolution of NAFLD is not well defined. The role of HBV in the pathogenesis of NAFLD is controversial. HBV has been previously associated with a decreased level of triglycerides and with a protective role against the development of steatosis and metabolic syndrome. At the same time HBV displays a high fibrogenetic and oncogenetic potential. In the HIV/HBV co-infection, the metabolic changes are initiated by mitochondrial dysfunction as well as by the fatty overload of the liver, two interconnected mechanisms. The evolution of NAFLD is further perpetuated by the inflammatory response to these viral agents and by the variable toxicity of the antiretroviral therapy. The current article discusses the pathogenic changes and the contribution of the hepatokine/adipokine axis in the development of NAFLD as well as the implications of HIV and HBV infection in the breakdown of the hepatokine/adipokine axis and NAFLD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Alexandra Iacob
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Diana Gabriela Iacob
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
- *Correspondence: Diana Gabriela Iacob,
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Delgado ME, Cárdenas BI, Farran N, Fernandez M. Metabolic Reprogramming of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2021; 10:3604. [PMID: 34944111 PMCID: PMC8700241 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an excessive and imbalanced deposition of fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) that is associated with the hepatic wound-healing response. It is also the common mechanism that contributes to the impairment of the liver function that is observed in many chronic liver diseases (CLD). Despite the efforts, no effective therapy against fibrosis exists yet. Worryingly, due to the growing obesity pandemic, fibrosis incidence is on the rise. Here, we aim to summarize the main components and mechanisms involved in the progression of liver fibrosis, with special focus on the metabolic regulation of key effectors of fibrogenesis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and their role in the disease progression. Hepatic cells that undergo metabolic reprogramming require a tightly controlled, fine-tuned cellular response, allowing them to meet their energetic demands without affecting cellular integrity. Here, we aim to discuss the role of ribonucleic acid (RNA)-binding proteins (RBPs), whose dynamic nature being context- and stimuli-dependent make them very suitable for the fibrotic situation. Thus, we will not only summarize the up-to-date literature on the metabolic regulation of HSCs in liver fibrosis, but also on the RBP-dependent post-transcriptional regulation of this metabolic switch that results in such important consequences for the progression of fibrosis and CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Eugenia Delgado
- IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.I.C.); (N.F.)
| | | | | | - Mercedes Fernandez
- IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.I.C.); (N.F.)
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Wu L, Huang XQ, Li N, Xie C, Rao SX, Chen SY, Li F. A magnetic resonance imaging modality for non-invasively distinguishing progression of liver fibrosis by visualizing hepatic platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta expression in mice. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:3448-3456. [PMID: 34278598 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the most critical cells responsible for liver fibrosis, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is the most prominent mitogen for HSCs in fibrogenesis. This study aimed to explore the potential of gadolinium (Gd)-labeled cyclic peptides (pPB) targeting PDGF receptor-β (PDGFR-β) as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiotracer to identify the progression of liver fibrosis by imaging hepatic PDGFR-β expression. METHODS Mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) were used to mimic hepatic fibrosis in vivo. The binding activity of FITC-labeled pPB to PDGFR-β was assessed in cultured human HSCs (HSC-LX2). MRI was performed to visualize hepatic PDGFR-β expression in mice with different degrees of liver fibrosis after Gd-labeled pPB was injected. RESULTS Hepatic PDGFR-β expression level was correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis, and the majority of cells expressing PDGFR-β were found to be activated HSCs in fibrotic livers. Culture-activated human HSCs expressed abundant PDGFR-β, and FITC-labeled pPB could bind to these cells in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. With Gd-labeled pPB as a tracer, an MRI modality demonstrated that the relative hepatic T1-weighted MRI signal value progressively increased with the severity of hepatic fibrosis and reduced with remission. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic PDGFR-β expression reflects the progression of hepatic fibrosis, and MRI using Gd-labeled pPB as a tracer exhibits potential for distinguishing liver fibrosis staging in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Quan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Infection, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cao Xie
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education and PLA, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Xiang Rao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Yao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Xiang Y, Dai J, Xu L, Li X, Jiang J, Xu J. Research progress in immune microenvironment regulation of muscle atrophy induced by peripheral nerve injury. Life Sci 2021; 287:120117. [PMID: 34740577 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Denervated skeletal muscular atrophy is primarily characterized by loss of muscle strength and mass and an unideal functional recovery of the muscle after extended denervation. This review emphasizes the interaction between the immune system and the denervated skeletal muscle. Immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages and T-cells are activated and migrate to denervated muscle, where they release a high concentration of cytokines and chemokines. The migration of these immune cells, the transformation of different functional immune cell subtypes, and the cytokine network in the immune microenvironment may be involved in the regulatory process of muscle atrophy or repair. However, the exact mechanisms of the interaction between these immune cells and immune molecules in skeletal muscles are unclear. In this paper, the immune microenvironment regulation of muscle atrophy induced by peripheral nerve injury is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoxian Xiang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Junxi Dai
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaokang Li
- Natl Res Inst Child Hlth & Dev, Div Transplantat Immunol, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junjian Jiang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jianguang Xu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China; School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Relation between levels of toll-like receptors 3 and 7 and clinical profile of Child-Pugh B cirrhotic patients. Clin Exp Hepatol 2021; 7:293-296. [PMID: 34712831 PMCID: PMC8527339 DOI: 10.5114/ceh.2021.109336] [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] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study Growing data show that toll-like receptors (TLRs) have considerable roles in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases. We aimed to study the relation between TLR3 and TLR7 levels and clinical manifestations of liver decompensation among hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected Child-Pugh B patients. Material and methods This study included 60 adult patients with Child-Pugh B liver cirrhosis on top of untreated HCV infection. We performed a two-step clustering algorithm depending on TLR-3 gene expression, TLR-7 gene expression, and other influential patients’ characteristics. Results Patients were optimally divided into 2 clusters, each cluster containing 30 patients. The average silhouette score of the clustering algorithm was 0.52, indicating a good clustering power of the model. Patients in cluster 1 showed lower relative expression of TLR3 (0.188 vs. 0.29). The same was true of TLR7 (0.20 vs. 0.31). All patients within cluster 1 had lower limb edema and 93% of them had ascites. On the other hand, no one within cluster 2 had ascites or lower limb edema. The mean platelet count was lower in patients within cluster 1 (74,000 vs. 100,000 cell/mm3). The mean international normalized ratio (INR) level was higher in cluster 1 (1.61 vs. 1.3). The mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was higher in cluster 1 (15 vs. 10). Conclusions From these results, we can suggest that lower TLR3 and TLR7 can lead to worse clinical manifestations among patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis. A deeper exploration of this point can open the door for new approaches for managing decompensated cirrhosis.
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Choi WM, Ryu T, Lee JH, Shim YR, Kim MH, Kim HH, Kim YE, Yang K, Kim K, Choi SE, Kim W, Kim SH, Eun HS, Jeong WI. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 in Natural Killer Cells Attenuates Liver Fibrosis by Exerting Cytotoxicity to Activated Stellate Cells. Hepatology 2021; 74:2170-2185. [PMID: 33932306 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The important roles of glutamate and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) in HSCs have recently been reported in various liver diseases; however, the mechanism linking the glutamine/glutamate metabolism and mGluR5 in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we report that mGluR5 activation in natural killer (NK) cells attenuates liver fibrosis through increased cytotoxicity and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in both mice and humans. APPROACH AND RESULTS Following 2-week injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) or 5-week methionine-deficient and choline-deficient diet, liver fibrosis was more aggravated in mGluR5 knockout mice with significantly decreased frequency of NK cells compared with wild-type mice. Consistently, NK cell-specific mGluR5 knockout mice had aggravated CCl4 -induced liver fibrosis with decreased production of IFN-γ. Conversely, in vitro activation of mGluR5 in NK cells significantly increased the expression of anti-fibrosis-related genes including Ifng, Prf1 (perforin), and Klrk1 (killer cell lectin like receptor K1) and the production of IFN-γ through the mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase pathway, contributing to the increased cytotoxicity against activated HSCs. However, we found that the uptake of glutamate was increased in activated HSCs, resulting in shortage of extracellular glutamate and reduced stimulation of mGluR5 in NK cells. Consequently, this could enable HSCs to evade NK cell cytotoxicity in advanced liver fibrosis. In vivo, pharmacologic activation of mGluR5 accelerated CCl4 -induced liver fibrosis regression by restoring NK cell cytotoxicity. In humans, mGluR5 activation enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK cells isolated from healthy donors, but not from patients with cirrhosis with significantly reduced mGluR5 expression in NK cells. CONCLUSIONS mGluR5 plays important roles in attenuating liver fibrosis by augmenting NK cell cytotoxicity, which could be used as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Mook Choi
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tom Ryu
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hee Lee
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ri Shim
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Ho Kim
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Hoon Kim
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Eun Kim
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Keungmo Yang
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyurae Kim
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Eun Choi
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Hwan Kim
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Soo Eun
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Il Jeong
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Antifibrotic therapies for the treatment of liver fibrosis represent an unconquered area of drug development. The significant involvement of the gut microbiota as a driving force in a multitude of liver disease, be it pathogenesis or fibrotic progression, suggest that targeting the gut–liver axis, relevant signaling pathways, and/or manipulation of the gut’s commensal microbial composition and its metabolites may offer opportunities for biomarker discovery, novel therapies and personalized medicine development. Here, we review potential links between bacterial translocation and deficits of host-microbiome compartmentalization and liver fibrosis that occur in settings of advanced chronic liver disease. We discuss established and emerging therapeutic strategies, translated from our current knowledge of the gut–liver axis, targeted at restoring intestinal eubiosis, ameliorating hepatic fibrosis and rising portal hypertension that characterize and define the course of decompensated cirrhosis.
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Yang F, Li H, Li Y, Hao Y, Wang C, Jia P, Chen X, Ma S, Xiao Z. Crosstalk between hepatic stellate cells and surrounding cells in hepatic fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:108051. [PMID: 34426110 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis represents as a dynamic pathological process characterized by the net accumulation of extracellular matrix in the progression of various chronic liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is well-defined to play a central role in the initiation and progression of hepatic fibrosis. However, the activation of HSCs is affected by the complicated microenvironments in liver, which largely attributes to the communication between hepatocytes and multiple tissue-resident cells, including sinusoidal endothelial cells, bile duct epithelial cells, platelets, T cells, B cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, in the direct or indirect mechanisms. Cellular crosstalk between HSCs and surrounding cells contributes to the activation of HSCs and the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Currently, accumulating evidence have proven the complexity and plasticity of HSCs activation, and further clarification of cellular communication between HSCs and surrounding cells will provide sufficient clue to the development of novel diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangming Yang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Heng Li
- Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanmin Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaokun Hao
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenxiao Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pan Jia
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinju Chen
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Suping Ma
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Zhun Xiao
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
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Ruan H, Luan J, Gao S, Li S, Jiang Q, Liu R, Liang Q, Zhang R, Zhang F, Li X, Zhou H, Yang C. Fedratinib Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via the JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154491. [PMID: 34361644 PMCID: PMC8347567 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease with multiple causes, characterized by excessive myofibrocyte aggregation and extracellular matrix deposition. Related studies have shown that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a key cytokine causing fibrosis, promoting abnormal epithelial-mesenchymal communication and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition. Fedratinib (Fed) is a marketed drug for the treatment of primary and secondary myelofibrosis, targeting selective JAK2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, its role in pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the potential effects and mechanisms of Fed on pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies have shown that Fed attenuates TGF-β1- and IL-6-induced myofibroblast activation and inflammatory response by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. In vivo studies have shown that Fed can reduce bleomycin-induced inflammation and collagen deposition and improve lung function. In conclusion, Fed inhibited inflammation and fibrosis processes induced by TGF-β1 and IL-6 by targeting the JAK2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Jiaoyan Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
- High-Throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Shaoyan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Shuangling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
- High-Throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Qiuyan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
- High-Throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
- High-Throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Qing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Ruiqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
- High-Throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Fangxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
- High-Throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiaohe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
- High-Throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
- High-Throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300070, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (H.R.); (J.L.); (S.G.); (S.L.); (Q.J.); (R.L.); (Q.L.); (R.Z.); (F.Z.); (X.L.); (C.Y.)
- High-Throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300070, China
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Zhou X, Yu L, Zhou M, Hou P, Yi L, Mi M. Dihydromyricetin ameliorates liver fibrosis via inhibition of hepatic stellate cells by inducing autophagy and natural killer cell-mediated killing effect. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2021; 18:64. [PMID: 34147124 PMCID: PMC8214786 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00589-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the mechanisms underlying the preventive effect of dihydromyricetin (DHM) against liver fibrosis involving hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatic natural killer (NK) cells. Methods A carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis model was established in C57BL/6 mice to study the antifibrotic effect of DHM based on serum biochemical parameters, histological and immunofluorescence stainings, and the expression of several fibrosis-related markers. Based on the immunoregulatory role of DHM, the effect of DHM on NK cell activation ex vivo was evaluated by flow cytometry. Then, we investigated whether DHM-induced autophagy was involved in HSCs inactivation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot analysis. Thereafter, the role of DHM in NK cell-mediated killing was studied by in vitro coculture of NK cells and HSCs, with subsequent analysis by flow cytometry. Finally, the mechanism by which DHM regulates NK cells was studied by western blot analysis. Results DHM ameliorated liver fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice, as characterized by decreased serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels, decreased expressions of collagen I alpha 1 (CoL-1α1), collagen I alpha 2 (CoL-1α2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and desmin, as well as increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1). Interestingly, HSCs activation was significantly inhibited by DHM in vivo and in vitro. As expected, DHM also upregulated autophagy-related indicators in liver from CCl4-treated mice. DHM also prevented TGF-β1-induced activation of HSCs in vitro by initiating autophagic flux. In contrast, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine markedly abolished the antifibrotic effect of DHM. Surprisingly, the frequency of activated intrahepatic NK cells was significantly elevated by DHM ex vivo. Furthermore, DHM enhanced NK cell-mediated killing of HSCs by increasing IFN-γ expression, which was abolished by an anti-IFN-γ neutralizing antibody. Mechanistically, DHM-induced IFN-γ expression was through AhR-NF-κB/STAT3 pathway in NK cells. Conclusion These results demonstrated that DHM can ameliorate the progression of liver fibrosis and inhibition of HSCs activation by inducing autophagy and enhancing NK cell-mediated killing through the AhR-NF-κB/STAT3-IFN-γ signaling pathway, providing new insights into the preventive role of DHM in liver fibrosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12986-021-00589-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhou
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yu
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhou
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Hou
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Yi
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mantian Mi
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), NO. 30th Gao Tan Yan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China.
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Frietze KK, Brown AM, Das D, Franks RG, Cunningham JL, Hayward M, Nickels JT. Lipotoxicity reduces DDX58/Rig-1 expression and activity leading to impaired autophagy and cell death. Autophagy 2021; 18:142-160. [PMID: 33966599 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1920818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally. NAFLD is a consequence of fat accumulation in the liver leading to lipotoxicity. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the critical role of autophagy in NAFLD. This study uncovers the unexpected role of immune surveillance protein DDX58/Rig-1 (DExD/H box helicase 58) in activating macroautophagy/autophagy and protecting from lipotoxicity associated with NAFLD. Here we show for the first time that DDX58 protein is significantly reduced in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mouse model, an aggressive form of NAFLD characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the liver. In addition to decreased expression of DDX58, we found that DDX58 activity can be attenuated by treatments with palmitic acid (PA), a saturated fatty acid. To investigate whether PA inhibition of DDX58 is harmful to the cell, we characterized DDX58 function in hepatocytes when exposed to high doses of PA in the presence and/or absence of DDX58. We show that siRNA knockdown of DDX58 promotes apoptosis. Importantly, we show that stable overexpression of DDX58 is protective against toxic levels of PA and stimulates autophagy. This study begins to demonstrate the regulation of the autophagy receptor protein SQSTM1/p62 through DDX58. DDX58 expression directly influences SQSTM1 mRNA and protein levels. This work proposes a model in which activating DDX58 increases an autophagic response and this aids in clearing toxic lipid inclusion bodies, which leads to inflammation and apoptosis. Activating a DDX58-induced autophagy response may be a strategy for treating NAFLD.Abbreviations:5'pppdsRNA: 5' triphosphate double-stranded RNA; CDAHFD: choline-deficient, L-amino acid defined high-fat diet; CEBPB: CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), beta; CQ: chloroquine; DDX58/retinoic acid inducible gene 1/Rig-1: DExD/H box helicase 58; h: hours; IFIH1/MDA5: interferon induced with helicase C domain 1; IFNB/IFN-β: interferon beta 1, fibroblast; KO: knockout; MAVS: mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein; NAFLD: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH: nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; NFKB/NF-κB: nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells; PA: palmitic acid; poly:IC: polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid; PRR: pattern recognition receptors; PSR: picrosirus red; RAP: rapamycin; RLR: RIG-I-like receptor; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; STING1: stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1; TBK1: TANK-binding kinase 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla K Frietze
- Institute of Metabolic Disorders, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, USA
| | - Alyssa M Brown
- Institute of Metabolic Disorders, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, USA
| | - Dividutta Das
- Institute of Metabolic Disorders, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, USA
| | - Raymond G Franks
- Institute of Metabolic Disorders, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph T Nickels
- Institute of Metabolic Disorders, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, USA.,Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Li X, Wang F, Xu X, Zhang J, Xu G. The Dual Role of STAT1 in Ovarian Cancer: Insight Into Molecular Mechanisms and Application Potentials. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:636595. [PMID: 33834023 PMCID: PMC8021797 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.636595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a transducer protein and acts as a transcription factor but its role in ovarian cancer (OC) is not completely understood. Practically, there are two-faced effects of STAT1 on tumorigenesis in different kinds of cancers. Existing evidence reveals that STAT1 has both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting functions involved in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, drug resistance, stemness, and immune responses mainly through interacting and regulating target genes at multiple levels. The canonical STAT1 signaling pathway shows that STAT1 is phosphorylated and activated by the receptor-activated kinases such as Janus kinase in response to interferon stimulation. The STAT1 signaling can also be crosstalk with other signaling such as transforming growth factor-β signaling involved in cancer cell behavior. OC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to symptomless or atypical symptoms and the lack of effective detection at an early stage. Furthermore, patients with OC often develop chemoresistance and recurrence. This review focuses on the multi-faced role of STAT1 and highlights the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of STAT1 in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanchen Wang
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolin Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinguo Zhang
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoxiong Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Kisseleva T, Brenner D. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and its regression. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:151-166. [PMID: 33128017 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-00372-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 802] [Impact Index Per Article: 267.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury leads to liver inflammation and fibrosis, through which activated myofibroblasts in the liver secrete extracellular matrix proteins that generate the fibrous scar. The primary source of these myofibroblasts are the resident hepatic stellate cells. Clinical and experimental liver fibrosis regresses when the causative agent is removed, which is associated with the elimination of these activated myofibroblasts and resorption of the fibrous scar. Understanding the mechanisms of liver fibrosis regression could identify new therapeutic targets to treat liver fibrosis. This Review summarizes studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying the reversibility of liver fibrosis, including apoptosis and the inactivation of hepatic stellate cells, the crosstalk between the liver and the systems that orchestrate the recruitment of bone marrow-derived macrophages (and other inflammatory cells) driving fibrosis resolution, and the interactions between various cell types that lead to the intracellular signalling that induces fibrosis or its regression. We also discuss strategies to target hepatic myofibroblasts (for example, via apoptosis or inactivation) and the myeloid cells that degrade the matrix (for example, via their recruitment to fibrotic liver) to facilitate fibrosis resolution and liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - David Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Yasmin A, Regan DP, Schook LB, Gaba RC, Schachtschneider KM. Transcriptional regulation of alcohol induced liver fibrosis in a translational porcine hepatocellular carcinoma model. Biochimie 2021; 182:73-84. [PMID: 33444661 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 5th most common and 2nd deadliest cancer worldwide. HCC risk factors include alcohol induced liver cirrhosis, which prompts hepatic inflammation, cell necrosis, and fibrosis deposition. As 25% of HCC cases are associated with alcohol induced liver disease, understanding the effects of the cirrhotic liver microenvironment on HCC tumor biology and therapeutic responses are critical. This study utilized the Oncopig Cancer Model-a transgenic pig model that recapitulates human HCC through induced expression of KRASG12D and TP53R167H driver mutations-to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol induced liver disease. Oncopigs (n = 5) underwent fibrosis induction via infusion of ethanol and ethiodized oil (1:3 v/v dosed at 0.75 mL/kg) into the hepatic arterial circulation. Eight-weeks post induction, liver tissue samples from fibrotic and age-matched control (n = 5) Oncopigs were collected for histological evaluation and transcriptional profiling. Increased hepatic inflammation and fibrosis was observed in fibrotic Oncopigs via pathological assessment. Transcriptional profiling (RNA-seq) resulted in the identification of 4387 differentially expressed genes between Oncopig fibrotic and control livers. GO term enrichment analysis identified pathway alterations associated with cirrhosis progression in humans, including cell proliferation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix deposition, and oxidation-reduction. Key alterations include activation of hepatic stellate cells, increased matrix metalloproteinase production, and altered expression of ABC and SLC transporter genes involved in transport of anticancer drugs.These results demonstrate Oncopig liver fibrosis recapitulates transcriptional hallmarks of human cirrhosis, making the Oncopig an ideal model for studying the effects of the cirrhotic liver microenvironment on HCC tumor biology and therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvi Yasmin
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Daniel P Regan
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University, United States
| | - Lawrence B Schook
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Ron C Gaba
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Kyle M Schachtschneider
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States.
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Zhu K, Xu A, Xia W, Li P, Han R, Wang E, Zhou S, Wang R. Integrated analysis of the molecular mechanisms in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:3412-3424. [PMID: 34522168 PMCID: PMC8436110 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.61309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most aggressive forms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Some miRNAs may be associated with IPF and may affect the occurrence and development of IPF in various pathways. Many miRNAs and genes that may be involved in the development of IPF have been discovered using chip and high throughput technologies. Methods: We analyzed one miRNA and four mRNA databases. We identified hub genes and pathways related to IPF using GO, KEGG enrichment analysis, gene set variation analysis (GSVA), PPI network construction, and hub gene analysis. A comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), predicted miRNA target genes, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) led to the creation of a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in IPF. Results: We found 203 DEGs and 165 DEMs that were associated with IPF. The findings of enrichment analyses showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in antimicrobial humoral response, antimicrobial humoral immune response mediated by antimicrobial peptide, extracellular matrix organization, cell killing, and organ or tissue specific immune response. The VEGFA, CDH5, and WNT3A genes overlapped between hub genes and the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. The miRNAs including miR-199b-5p, miR-140-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-125A-5p, and miR-107 that we predicted would regulate the VEGFA, CDH5, and WNT3A genes, which were also associated with IPF or other fibrosis-related diseases. GSVA indicated that metabolic processes of UTP and IMP, immune response, regulation of Th2 cell cytokine production, and positive regulation of NK cell-mediated immunity are associated with the pathogenesis and treatment of IPF. These pathways also interact with VEGFA, CDH5, and WNT3A. Conclusion: These findings provide a new research direction for the diagnosis and treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Aiqun Xu
- Department of General Medicine, Hefei Second People's Hospital, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Wanli Xia
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Pulin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Enze Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Sijing Zhou
- Hefei Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.,Hefei Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
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Legaz I, Bolarín JM, Navarro E, Campillo JA, Moya R, Pérez-Cárceles MD, Luna A, Osuna E, Miras M, Muro M, Minguela A, Alvarez López R. KIR2DL2/S2 and KIR2DS5 in alcoholic cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplantation. Arch Med Sci 2021; 17:764-774. [PMID: 34025847 PMCID: PMC8130473 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.84410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The molecular mechanisms underlying alcoholic liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are not completely understood. Hepatic fibrosis involves the interplay of diverse cells and factors, including hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Kupffer, NK cells, and T-lymphocyte subsets. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are membrane receptors involved in mediation between NK and activated HSCs, regulating NK cell function through their interaction with HLA-I molecules. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic association between KIR genes and the susceptibility to or protection from alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) in a cohort of male AC patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) with and without concomitant viral infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS KIR genotyping was performed in nuclear DNA extracted from 281 AC patients and compared with 319 male controls. RESULTS Significant differences between total AC patients and healthy controls were only found in the case of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS5. KIR2DL2 was significantly underrepresented in non-viral AC patients (52.6% vs. 63.3%; p = 0.015), while patients heterozygous for KIR2DL2 were also underrepresented in the non-viral AC group compared with controls (p = 0.034). KIR2DS5 was overrepresented in this group compared with healthy controls (p = 0.002). All these observations were only evident in AC patients older than 54 years old. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest a contrary effect of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS5 in AC patients older than 54 years, in whom the presence of KIR2DL2 appears to be protective against AC, whereas the presence of KIR2DS5 seems to promote the fibrotic process, particularly in patients with no associated viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Research Institute on Ageing, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose Miguel Bolarín
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Navarro
- Digestive Medicine Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Campillo
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain
| | - Rosa Moya
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez-Cárceles
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Research Institute on Ageing, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Aurelio Luna
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Osuna
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Research Institute on Ageing, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Miras
- Digestive Medicine Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain
| | - Rocio Alvarez López
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain
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Type 1 innate lymphoid cells: Soldiers at the front line of immunity. Biomed J 2020; 44:115-122. [PMID: 33839081 PMCID: PMC8178574 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are tissue-resident innate lymphocytes that have functions to protect the hosts against pathogens and that regulate tissue inflammation and homeostasis. ILC subsets rapidly produce particular cytokines in response to infection, inflammation, and tissue injury at the local environment. Type 1 ILCs (ILC1s) promptly and abundantly produce interferon (IFN)-γ but lack appreciable cytotoxic activity. ILC1s share many phenotypic, developmental, and functional characteristics with natural killer (NK) cells, which are circulating innate lymphocytes with potent natural cytotoxicity. However, recent studies have established ILC1s as distinct from NK cells. ILC1s predominantly reside in the liver—they initially were discovered as a liver-resident ILC subset—as well as in other lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that ILC1s play an important and unique role in host protection and in immunomodulation in their resident organs. However, the pathophysiological role of tissue-resident ILC1s remains largely unclear. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence showing that ILC1s not only contribute to inflammation to protect against pathogens but also promote tissue protection and metabolism. We highlight a unique function of ILC1s in their resident tissues.
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