1
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Fan Z, Karakone M, Nagarajan S, Nagy N, Mildenberger W, Petrova E, Hinte LC, Bijnen M, Häne P, Nelius E, Chen J, Ferapontova I, von Meyenn F, Trepiccione F, Berber M, Ribas DP, Eichmann A, Zennaro MC, Takeda N, Fischer JW, Spyroglou A, Reincke M, Beuschlein F, Loffing J, Greter M, Stockmann C. Macrophages preserve endothelial cell specialization in the adrenal gland to modulate aldosterone secretion and blood pressure. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114395. [PMID: 38941187 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114395] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play crucial roles in organ-specific functions and homeostasis. In the adrenal gland, macrophages closely associate with sinusoidal capillaries in the aldosterone-producing zona glomerulosa. We demonstrate that macrophages preserve capillary specialization and modulate aldosterone secretion. Using macrophage-specific deletion of VEGF-A, single-cell transcriptomics, and functional phenotyping, we found that the loss of VEGF-A depletes PLVAP+ fenestrated endothelial cells in the zona glomerulosa, leading to increased basement membrane collagen IV deposition and subendothelial fibrosis. This results in increased aldosterone secretion, called "haptosecretagogue" signaling. Human aldosterone-producing adenomas also show capillary rarefaction and basement membrane thickening. Mice with myeloid cell-specific VEGF-A deletion exhibit elevated serum aldosterone, hypokalemia, and hypertension, mimicking primary aldosteronism. These findings underscore macrophage-to-endothelial cell signaling as essential for endothelial cell specialization, adrenal gland function, and blood pressure regulation, with broader implications for other endocrine organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fan
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Mara Karakone
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Nadine Nagy
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wiebke Mildenberger
- University of Zurich, Institute for Experimental Immunology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ekaterina Petrova
- University of Zurich, Institute for Experimental Immunology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Catharina Hinte
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mitchell Bijnen
- University of Zurich, Institute for Experimental Immunology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Häne
- University of Zurich, Institute for Experimental Immunology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eric Nelius
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jing Chen
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irina Ferapontova
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ferdinand von Meyenn
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Trepiccione
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mesut Berber
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Penton Ribas
- Electrophysiology Facility (e-phac), Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich (UZH), 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Norihiko Takeda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jens W Fischer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ariadni Spyroglou
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie, und Klinische Ernährung, UniversitätsSpital Zürich (USZ) and UZH, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie, und Klinische Ernährung, UniversitätsSpital Zürich (USZ) and UZH, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie, und Klinische Ernährung, UniversitätsSpital Zürich (USZ) and UZH, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Loffing
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Greter
- University of Zurich, Institute for Experimental Immunology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Stockmann
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; INSERM U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France.
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2
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Sinha S, Hassan N, Schwartz RE. Organelle stress and alterations in interorganelle crosstalk during liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:482-501. [PMID: 36626634 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The synchronous functioning and quality control of organelles ensure cell survival and function and are essential for maintaining homeostasis. Prolonged exposure to stressors (viruses, bacteria, parasitic infections, alcohol, drugs) or genetic mutations often disrupt the functional integrity of organelles which plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of several diseases including chronic liver diseases. One of the most important pathologic consequences of chronic liver diseases is liver fibrosis, characterized by tissue scarring due to the progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Left untreated, fibrosis may advance to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and HCC, which collectively accounts for ∼1 million deaths per year worldwide. Owing to the lack of treatment options that can regress or reverse cirrhosis, liver transplantation is currently the only available treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, the limited supply of usable donor organs, adverse effects of lifelong immunosuppressive regimes, and financial considerations pose major challenges and limit its application. Hence, effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. An improved understanding of the organelle-level regulation of fibrosis can help devise effective antifibrotic therapies focused on reducing organelle stress, limiting organelle damage, improving interorganelle crosstalk, and restoring organelle homeostasis; and could be a potential clinical option to avoid transplantation. This review provides a timely update on the recent findings and mechanisms covering organelle-specific dysfunctions in liver fibrosis, highlights how correction of organelle functions opens new treatment avenues and discusses the potential challenges to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saloni Sinha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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3
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Sabir U, Gu HM, Zhang DW. Extracellular matrix turnover: phytochemicals target and modulate the dual role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in liver fibrosis. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4932-4962. [PMID: 37461256 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) resolution by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a well-documented mechanism. MMPs play a dual and complex role in modulating ECM degradation at different stages of liver fibrosis, depending on the timing and levels of their expression. Increased MMP-1 combats disease progression by cleaving the fibrillar ECM. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) increase expression of MMP-2, -9, and -13 in different chemicals-induced animal models, which may alleviate or worsen disease progression based on animal models and the stage of liver fibrosis. In the early stage, elevated expression of certain MMPs may damage surrounding tissue and activate HSCs, promoting fibrosis progression. At the later stage, downregulation of MMPs can facilitate ECM accumulation and disease progression. A number of phytochemicals modulate MMP activity and ECM turnover, alleviating disease progression. However, the effects of phytochemicals on the expression of different MMPs are variable and may depend on the disease models and stage, and the dosage, timing and duration of phytochemicals used in each study. Here, we review the most recent advances in the role of MMPs in the effects of phytochemicals on liver fibrogenesis, which indicates that further studies are warranted to confirm and define the potential clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Sabir
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hong-Mei Gu
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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4
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Zhao X, Xue X, Cui Z, Kwame Amevor F, Wan Y, Fu K, Wang C, Peng C, Li Y. microRNAs-based diagnostic and therapeutic applications in liver fibrosis. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022:e1773. [PMID: 36585388 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a process of over-extracellular matrix (ECM) aggregation and angiogenesis, which develops into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With the increasing pressure of liver fibrosis, new therapeutics to cure this disease requires much attention. Exosome-cargoed microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging approaches in the precision of the liver fibrotic paradigm. In this review, we outlined the different types of hepatic cells derived miRNAs that drive intra-/extra-cellular interactive communication in liver fibrosis with different physiological and pathological processes. Specifically, we highlighted the possible mechanism of liver fibrosis pathogenesis associated with immune response and angiogenesis. In addition, potential clinical biomarkers and different stem cell transplant-derived miRNAs-based therapeutic strategies in liver fibrosis were summarized in this review. miRNAs-based approaches might help researchers devise new candidates for the cell-free treatment of liver fibrosis. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhifu Cui
- College Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Felix Kwame Amevor
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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5
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Mohammad Omar J, Hai Y, Jin S. Hypoxia-induced factor and its role in liver fibrosis. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14299. [PMID: 36523459 PMCID: PMC9745792 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis develops as a result of severe liver damage and is considered a major clinical concern throughout the world. Many factors are crucial for liver fibrosis progression. While advancements have been made to understand this disease, no effective pharmacological drug and treatment strategies have been established that can effectively prevent liver fibrosis or even could halt the fibrotic process. Most of those advances in curing liver fibrosis have been aimed towards mitigating the causes of fibrosis, including the development of potent antivirals to inhibit the hepatitis virus. It is not practicable for many individuals; however, a liver transplant becomes the only suitable alternative. A liver transplant is an expensive procedure. Thus, there is a significant need to identify potential targets of liver fibrosis and the development of such agents that can effectively treat or reverse liver fibrosis by targeting them. Researchers have identified hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in the last 16 years as important transcription factors driving several facets of liver fibrosis, making them possible therapeutic targets. The latest knowledge on HIFs and their possible role in liver fibrosis, along with the cell-specific activities of such transcription factors that how they play role in liver fibrosis progression, is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mohammad Omar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yang Hai
- College of International Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shizhu Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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6
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Koda Y, Nakamoto N, Kanai T. Regulation of Progression and Resolution of Liver Fibrosis by Immune Cells. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:475-488. [PMID: 36208620 DOI: 10.1055/a-1957-6384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins results in fibrosis-a condition implicated in several diseased conditions, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, viral hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. Despite its prevalence, direct and effective treatments for fibrosis are lacking, warranting the development of better therapeutic strategies. Accumulating evidence has shown that liver fibrosis-a condition previously considered irreversible-is reversible in specific conditions. Immune cells residing in or infiltrating the liver (e.g., macrophages) are crucial in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Given this background, the roles and action mechanisms of various immune cells and their subsets in the progression and recovery of liver fibrosis, particularly concerning nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, are discussed in this review. Furthermore, the development of better therapeutic strategies based on stage-specific properties and using advanced techniques as well as the mechanisms underlying recovery are elaborated. In conclusion, we consider the review comprehensively provides the present achievements and future possibilities revolving around fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzo Koda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Sobecki M, Chen J, Krzywinska E, Nagarajan S, Fan Z, Nelius E, Monné Rodriguez JM, Seehusen F, Hussein A, Moschini G, Hajam EY, Kiran R, Gotthardt D, Debbache J, Badoual C, Sato T, Isagawa T, Takeda N, Tanchot C, Tartour E, Weber A, Werner S, Loffing J, Sommer L, Sexl V, Münz C, Feghali-Bostwick C, Pachera E, Distler O, Snedeker J, Jamora C, Stockmann C. Vaccination-based immunotherapy to target profibrotic cells in liver and lung. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:1459-1474.e9. [PMID: 36113462 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final path of nearly every form of chronic disease, regardless of the pathogenesis. Upon chronic injury, activated, fibrogenic fibroblasts deposit excess extracellular matrix, and severe tissue fibrosis can occur in virtually any organ. However, antifibrotic therapies that target fibrogenic cells, while sparing homeostatic fibroblasts in healthy tissues, are limited. We tested whether specific immunization against endogenous proteins, strongly expressed in fibrogenic cells but highly restricted in quiescent fibroblasts, can elicit an antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell response to ameliorate organ fibrosis. In silico epitope prediction revealed that activation of the genes Adam12 and Gli1 in profibrotic cells and the resulting "self-peptides" can be exploited for T cell vaccines to ablate fibrogenic cells. We demonstrate the efficacy of a vaccination approach to mount CD8+ T cell responses that reduce fibroblasts and fibrosis in the liver and lungs in mice. These results provide proof of principle for vaccination-based immunotherapies to treat fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Sobecki
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jing Chen
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ewelina Krzywinska
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shunmugam Nagarajan
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zheng Fan
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eric Nelius
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Josep M Monné Rodriguez
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology (LAMP), Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frauke Seehusen
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology (LAMP), Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amro Hussein
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Lengghalde 5, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Greta Moschini
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Lengghalde 5, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edries Y Hajam
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka 560065, India
| | - Ravi Kiran
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka 560065, India
| | - Dagmar Gotthardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julien Debbache
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Badoual
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Unit 970, 56 Rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France; Pathology Department and PRB (Plateforme de ressources biologiques), AP-HP, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Tatsuyuki Sato
- Division of Cardiology and Metabolism, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Japan
| | - Takayuki Isagawa
- Division of Cardiology and Metabolism, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Division of Cardiology and Metabolism, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Japan
| | - Corinne Tanchot
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Unit 970, 56 Rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Eric Tartour
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Unit 970, 56 Rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France; Immunology, AP-HP, Hôpital Europeen Georges Pompidou, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Achim Weber
- Department for Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University of Zurich and Zurich University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Werner
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Loffing
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Sommer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Veronika Sexl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carol Feghali-Bostwick
- Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Elena Pachera
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jess Snedeker
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Lengghalde 5, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Colin Jamora
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka 560065, India
| | - Christian Stockmann
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
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8
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Lin Y, Dong M, Liu Z, Xu M, Huang Z, Liu H, Gao Y, Zhou W. A strategy of vascular-targeted therapy for liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2022; 76:660-675. [PMID: 34940991 PMCID: PMC9543235 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS No effective treatments are available for liver fibrosis. Angiogenesis is deeply involved in liver fibrogenesis. However, current controversial results suggest it is difficult to treat liver fibrosis through vascular targeting. There are three different microvessels in liver: portal vessels, liver sinusoids, and central vessels. The changes and roles for each of the three different vessels during liver fibrogenesis are unclear. We propose that they play different roles during liver fibrogenesis, and a single vascular endothelial cell (EC) regulator is not enough to fully regulate these three vessels to treat liver fibrosis. Therefore, a combined regulation of multiple different EC regulatory signaling pathway may provide new strategies for the liver fibrosis therapy. Herein, we present a proof-of-concept strategy by combining the regulation of leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2)/tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and epidermal growth factor-like domains 1 signaling with that of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/recombinant VEGF (rVEGF) signaling. APPROACH AND RESULTS The CCl4 -induced mouse liver fibrosis model and NASH model were both used. During fibrogenesis, vascular changes occurred at very early stage, and different liver vessels showed different changes and played different roles: decreased portal vessels, increased sinusoid capillarization and the increased central vessels the increase of portal vessels alleviates liver fibrosis, the increase of central vessels aggravates liver fibrosis, and the increase of sinusoid capillarization aggravates liver fibrosis. The combinational treatment of adeno-associated viral vector serotype 9 (AAV9)-LECT2-short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and rVEGF showed improved therapeutic effects, but it led to serious side effects. The combination of AAV9-LECT2-shRNA and bevacizumab showed both improved therapeutic effects and decreased side effects. CONCLUSIONS Liver vascular changes occurred at very early stage of fibrogenesis. Different vessels play different roles in liver fibrosis. The combinational treatment of AAV9-LECT2-shRNA and bevacizumab could significantly improve the therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lin
- Department of PathologyShunde HospitalSouthern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde Foshan)FoshanChina,State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure ResearchDepartment of PathologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Meng‐Qi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure ResearchDepartment of PathologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhi‐Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure ResearchDepartment of PathologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorNanfang HospitalFirst Clinical Medical CollegeSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhi‐Hao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure ResearchDepartment of PathologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hong‐Juan Liu
- Department of BioinformationSchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yi Gao
- General Surgery CenterDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery IIGuangdong ProvincialResearch Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue EngineeringGuangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial LiverInstitute of Regenerative MedicineZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wei‐Jie Zhou
- Department of PathologyShunde HospitalSouthern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde Foshan)FoshanChina,State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure ResearchDepartment of PathologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina,Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorNanfang HospitalFirst Clinical Medical CollegeSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina,General Surgery CenterDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery IIGuangdong ProvincialResearch Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue EngineeringGuangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial LiverInstitute of Regenerative MedicineZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina,Microbiome Medicine CenterZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory)GuangzhouChina
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9
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Wang L, Zhang Y, Ren Y, Yang X, Ben H, Zhao F, Yang S, Wang L, Qing J. Pharmacological targeting of cGAS/STING-YAP axis suppresses pathological angiogenesis and ameliorates organ fibrosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 932:175241. [PMID: 36058291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Organ fibrosis is accompanied by pathological angiogenesis. Discovering new ways to ameliorate pathological angiogenesis may bypass organ fibrosis. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-adenosine monophosphate (AMP) synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has been implicated in organ injuries and its activation inhibits endothelial proliferation. Currently, a controversy exists as to whether cGAS/STING activation exacerbates inflammation and tissue injury or mitigates damage, and whether one of these effects predominates under specific context. This study unveiled a new antifibrotic cGAS/STING signaling pathway that suppresses pathological angiogenesis in liver and kidney fibrosis. We showed that cGAS expression was induced in fibrotic liver and kidney, but suppressed in endothelial cells. cGAS genetic deletion promoted liver and kidney fibrosis and pathological angiogenesis, including occurrence of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Meanwhile, cGAS deletion upregulated profibrotic Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling in endothelial cells, which was evidenced by the attenuation of organ fibrosis in mice specifically lacking endothelial YAP. Pharmacological targeting of cGAS/STING-YAP signaling by both a small-molecule STING agonist, SR-717, and a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-based antagonist that blocks the profibrotic activity of endothelial YAP, attenuated liver and kidney fibrosis. Together, our data support that activation of cGAS/STING signaling mitigates organ fibrosis and suppresses pathological angiogenesis. Further, pharmacological targeting of cGAS/STING-YAP axis exhibits the potential to alleviate liver and kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yafeng Ren
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Haijing Ben
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Fulan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Sijin Yang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China; Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Li Wang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Jie Qing
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China; Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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10
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Xie Y, Fan K, Guan S, Hu Y, Gao Y, Zhou W. LECT2: A pleiotropic and promising hepatokine, from bench to bedside. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:3598-3607. [PMID: 35656863 PMCID: PMC9258709 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
LECT2 (leucocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2) is a 16-kDa protein mainly produced by hepatocytes. It was first isolated in PHA-activated human T-cell leukaemia SKW-3 cells and originally identified as a novel neutrophil chemotactic factor. However, many lines of studies suggested that LECT2 was a pleiotropic protein, it not only functioned as a cytokine to exhibit chemotactic property, but also played multifunctional roles in some physiological conditions and pathological abnormalities, involving liver regeneration, neuronal development, HSC(haematopoietic stem cells) homeostasis, liver injury, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, metabolic disorders, inflammatory arthritides, systemic sepsis and systemic amyloidosis. Among the above studies, it was discovered that LECT2 could be a promising molecular biomarker and therapeutic target. This review summarizes LECT2-related receptors and pathways, basic and clinical researches, primarily in mice and human, for a better comprehension and management of these diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xie
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative MedicineZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of General Surgery IIThe First People's Hospital of ZhaoqingZhaoqingChina
| | - Kai‐Wei Fan
- Department of Cerebrovascular DiseaseThe First People's Hospital of ZhaoqingZhaoqingChina
| | - Shi‐Xing Guan
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yi Gao
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative MedicineZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wei‐Jie Zhou
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative MedicineZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, First Clinical Medical CollegeSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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11
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Ghanim AMH, Younis NS, Metwaly HA. Vanillin augments liver regeneration effectively in Thioacetamide induced liver fibrosis rat model. Life Sci 2021; 286:120036. [PMID: 34637793 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study has been designed to investigate the role of vanillin either as prophylaxis or treatment in liver regeneration augmentation and liver fibrosis regression in thioacetamide (TAA) induced liver damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Animals were injected with TAA to induce liver injury (200mg/kg twice weekly) for 8 weeks. In vanillin prophylaxis group; rats were administered vanillin (100 mg/Kg; IP, daily) from day 1 of TAA injection for 8 weeks. In vanillin treatment group; rats were confronted with the same dose of TAA injection for 8 weeks then treated with vanillin (100 mg/Kg, IP, daily) for 4 weeks. ALT, AST activities, serum albumin, hepatic GSH, MDA, HGF, VEGF, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured and also, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and cyclin D gene expression were determined. Liver sections were stained with H&E and Sirius red and immunostained for Ki-67 and α-SMA for histological and immunohistological changes analysis. KEY FINDINGS Vanillin improved liver function and histology. Also, showed a remarkable increase in hepatic HGF and VEGF level, and up-regulation of cyclin D1 expression accompanied by a significant up-regulation of MMP-2 and down- regulation of TIMP-1. All these effects were accompanied by TNF-α, IL-6 and oxidative stress significant attenuation. SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, vanillin enhanced liver regeneration in TAA induced liver damage model; targeting growth factors (HGF, VEGF) and cellular proliferation marker cyclin D1. As well as stimulating fibrosis regression by inhibition of ECM accumulation and enhancing its degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal M H Ghanim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63514, Egypt.
| | - Nancy S Younis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Heba A Metwaly
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21500, Egypt.
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12
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Is the Macrophage Phenotype Determinant for Fibrosis Development? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121747. [PMID: 34944564 PMCID: PMC8698841 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathophysiological process of wound repair that leads to the deposit of connective tissue in the extracellular matrix. This complication is mainly associated with different pathologies affecting several organs such as lung, liver, heart, kidney, and intestine. In this fibrotic process, macrophages play an important role since they can modulate fibrosis due to their high plasticity, being able to adopt different phenotypes depending on the microenvironment in which they are found. In this review, we will try to discuss whether the macrophage phenotype exerts a pivotal role in the fibrosis development in the most important fibrotic scenarios.
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13
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Caligiuri A, Gentilini A, Pastore M, Gitto S, Marra F. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Liver Fibrosis Regression. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102759. [PMID: 34685739 PMCID: PMC8534788 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury of different etiologies may result in hepatic fibrosis, a scar formation process consisting in altered deposition of extracellular matrix. Progression of fibrosis can lead to impaired liver architecture and function, resulting in cirrhosis and organ failure. Although fibrosis was previous thought to be an irreversible process, recent evidence convincingly demonstrated resolution of fibrosis in different organs when the cause of injury is removed. In the liver, due to its high regenerative ability, the extent of fibrosis regression and reversion to normal architecture is higher than in other tissues, even in advanced disease. The mechanisms of liver fibrosis resolution can be recapitulated in the following main points: removal of injurious factors causing chronic hepatic damage, elimination, or inactivation of myofibroblasts (through various cell fates, including apoptosis, senescence, and reprogramming), inactivation of inflammatory response and induction of anti-inflammatory/restorative pathways, and degradation of extracellular matrix. In this review, we will discuss the major cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regression of fibrosis/cirrhosis and the potential therapeutic approaches aimed at reversing the fibrogenic process.
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14
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Sánchez PS, Rigual MDM, Djouder N. Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Mechanisms Controlling Cirrhosis Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205045. [PMID: 34680192 PMCID: PMC8534267 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The liver is continuously exposed to several harmful factors, subsequently activating sophisticated mechanisms set-up in order to repair and regenerate the damaged liver and hence to prevent its failure. When the injury becomes chronic, the regenerative response becomes perpetual and goes awry, leading to cirrhosis with a fatal liver dysfunction. Cirrhosis is a well-known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common, usually lethal, human primary liver neoplasm with very limited therapeutic options. Considering the pivotal role of immune factors in the development of cirrhosis, here we review and discuss the inflammatory pathways and components implicated in the development of cirrhosis. A better understanding of these circuits would help the design of novel strategies to prevent and treat cirrhosis and HCC, two lethal diseases. Abstract Because the liver is considered to be one of the most important metabolic organs in the body, it is continuously exposed to damaging environmental agents. Upon damage, several complex cellular and molecular mechanisms in charge of liver recovery and regeneration are activated to prevent the failure of the organ. When liver injury becomes chronic, the regenerative response goes awry and impairs the liver function, consequently leading to cirrhosis, a liver disorder that can cause patient death. Cirrhosis has a disrupted liver architecture and zonation, along with the presence of fibrosis and parenchymal nodules, known as regenerative nodules (RNs). Inflammatory cues contribute to the cirrhotic process in response to chronic damaging agents. Cirrhosis can progress to HCC, the most common and one of the most lethal liver cancers with unmet medical needs. Considering the essential role of inflammatory pathways in the development of cirrhosis, further understanding of the relationship between immune cells and the activation of RNs and fibrosis would guide the design of innovative therapeutic strategies to ameliorate the survival of cirrhotic and HCC patients. In this review, we will summarize the inflammatory mechanisms implicated in the development of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nabil Djouder
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-3-491-732-8000 (ext. 3830); Fax: +34-3-491-224-6914
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15
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Cheng D, Chai J, Wang H, Fu L, Peng S, Ni X. Hepatic macrophages: Key players in the development and progression of liver fibrosis. Liver Int 2021; 41:2279-2294. [PMID: 33966318 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathological process involving persistent liver injury with various etiologies and subsequent inflammatory responses that occur in chronic liver diseases. If left untreated, liver fibrosis can progress to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and eventually, liver failure. Unfortunately, to date, there is no effective treatment for liver fibrosis, with the exception of liver transplantation. Although the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis is multifactorial and includes the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which are known to drive liver fibrogenesis, hepatic macrophages have emerged as central players in the development of liver fibrosis and regression. Hepatic macrophages, which consist of resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) and monocyte-derived macrophages, have been shown to play an intricate role in the initiation of inflammatory responses to liver injury, progression of fibrosis, and promotion of fibrosis resolution. These features have made hepatic macrophages uniquely attractive therapeutic targets in the fight against hepatic fibrosis. In this review, we synthesised the literature to highlight the functions and regulation of heterogeneity in hepatic macrophages. Furthermore, using the existing findings, we attempt to offer insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic switch from fibrogenic macrophages to restorative macrophages, the regulation of heterogeneity, and modes of action for hepatic macrophages. A better understanding of these mechanisms may guide the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapies (eg macrophage subset-targeted treatments) to combat liver fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin Chai
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Huiwen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shifang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Ni
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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16
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Ma H, Liu X, Zhang M, Niu J. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells are implicated in multiple fibrotic mechanisms. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:2803-2815. [PMID: 33730288 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases are attributed to liver injury. Development of fibrosis from chronic liver diseases is a dynamic process that involves multiple molecular and cellular processes. As the first to be impacted by injury, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are involved in the pathogenesis of liver diseases caused by a variety of etiologies. Moreover, capillarization of LSECs has been recognized as an important event in the development of chronic liver diseases and fibrosis. Studies have reported that various cytokines (such as vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-β), and pathways (such as hedgehog, and Notch), as well as epigenetic and metabolic factors are involved in the development of LSEC-mediated liver fibrosis. This review describes the complexity and plasticity of LSECs in fibrotic liver diseases from several perspectives, including the cross-talk between LSECs and other intra-hepatic cells. Moreover, it summarizes the mechanisms of several kinds of LSECs-targeting anti-fibrosis chemicals, and provides a theoretical basis for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heming Ma
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, NO. 71, Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, NO. 71, Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Mingyuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, NO. 71, Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, NO. 71, Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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17
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He C, Shu B, Zhou Y, Zhang R, Yang X. The miR-139-5p/peripheral myelin protein 22 axis modulates TGF-β-induced hepatic stellate cell activation and CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Life Sci 2021; 276:119294. [PMID: 33675896 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source of extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myofibroblasts. When activated by multiple injuries, HSCs become proliferative, contractile, inflammatory and chemotactic and are characterized by enhanced ECM production, which plays a central role in hepatic fibrosis initiation and progression. In the present study, through bioinformatics analysis, we identified the abnormal upregulation of Peripheral Myelin Protein 22 (PMP22) in fibrotic murine liver. In CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model in mice and TGF-β-activated hHSCs, PMP22 was observed remarkably upregulated. In TGF-β-stimulated hHSCs, PMP22 silencing hindered, whereas PMP22 overexpression aggravated TGF-β-induced hHSC activation. In CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model in mice, PMP22 silencing improved CCl4-caused liver damage and fibrotic changes. Through online tools prediction and experimental validation, miR-139-5p was found to bind to the 3'UTR of PMP22 and negatively regulate the expression of PMP22. In contrast to PMP22 silencing, miR-139-5p inhibition enhanced TGF-β-induced hHSC activation; the effects of miR-139-5p inhibition on TGF-β-induced hHSC activation were partially reversed by PMP22 silencing. In conclusion, we identify the abnormal upregulation of PMP22 in TGF-β-activated HSCs and CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model in mice, as well as the pro-fibrotic role of PMP22 through aggravating TGF-β-induced HSCs activation. miR-139-5p targets the 3'UTR of PMP22 and inhibits PMP22 expression; miR-139-5p hinders TGF-β-induced HSCs activation through targeting PMP22.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao He
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Bo Shu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yingxia Zhou
- Department of Surgical Operation, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Ruizhi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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18
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Yuen VWH, Wong CCL. Hypoxia-inducible factors and innate immunity in liver cancer. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:5052-5062. [PMID: 32750043 DOI: 10.1172/jci137553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver has strong innate immunity to counteract pathogens from the gastrointestinal tract. During the development of liver cancer, which is typically driven by chronic inflammation, the composition and biological roles of the innate immune cells are extensively altered. Hypoxia is a common finding in all stages of liver cancer development. Hypoxia drives the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which act as central regulators to dampen the innate immunity of liver cancer. HIF signaling in innate immune cells and liver cancer cells together favors the recruitment and maintenance of pro-tumorigenic immune cells and the inhibition of anti-tumorigenic immune cells, promoting immune evasion. HIFs represent attractive therapeutic targets to inhibit the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and growth of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
- Department of Pathology and.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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19
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Gao L, Yang X, Liang B, Jia Y, Tan S, Chen A, Cao P, Zhang Z, Zheng S, Sun L, Zhang F, Shao J. Autophagy-induced p62 accumulation is required for curcumol to regulate KLF5-mediated angiogenesis in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. Toxicology 2021; 452:152707. [PMID: 33549628 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver pathological angiogenesis is considered to be one of the key events in the development of liver fibrosis. Autophagy is a defense and stress regulation mechanism. However, whether autophagy regulates pathological angiogenesis in liver fibrosis is still questionable. Here, we aimed to study how curcumol regulated liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) angiogenesis through autophagy. We found that curcumol (10, 20 and 40 μM) could inhibit the expression of angiogenesis markers in the LSECs. Importantly, we showed that curcumol might influence LSEC pathological angiogenesis by regulating autophagy level. Furthermore, we indicated that the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) was considered as a key target for curcumol to regulate LSEC angiogenesis. Interestingly, we also suggested that autophagy was as a potential mechanism for curcumol to restrain KLF5 expression. Increased autophagy level could impair the suppression effect of curcumol on KLF5. Fascinatingly, our results indicated that curcumol inhibited autophagy and led to p62 accumulation, which might be a regulation mechanism of KLF5 degradation. Finally, in mice liver fibrosis model, we unanimously showed that curcumol (30 mg/kg) inhibited pathological angiogenesis by reducing LSEC autophagy level and suppressing KLF5 expression. Collectively, these results provided a deeper insight into the molecular mechanism of curcumol to inhibit LSEC pathological angiogenesis during liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Yang
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Baoyu Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, USA
| | - Peng Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixia Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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20
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Mariotti V, Fiorotto R, Cadamuro M, Fabris L, Strazzabosco M. New insights on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in biliary pathophysiology. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100251. [PMID: 34151244 PMCID: PMC8189933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) includes 5 members (VEGF-A to -D, and placenta growth factor), which regulate several critical biological processes. VEGF-A exerts a variety of biological effects through high-affinity binding to tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGFR-1, -2 and -3), co-receptors and accessory proteins. In addition to its fundamental function in angiogenesis and endothelial cell biology, VEGF/VEGFR signalling also plays a role in other cell types including epithelial cells. This review provides an overview of VEGF signalling in biliary epithelial cell biology in both normal and pathologic conditions. VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling stimulates bile duct proliferation in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. VEGF/VEGFR-1/VEGFR-2 and angiopoietins are involved at different stages of biliary development. In certain conditions, cholangiocytes maintain the ability to secrete VEGF-A, and to express a functional VEGFR-2 receptor. For example, in polycystic liver disease, VEGF secreted by cystic cells stimulates cyst growth and vascular remodelling through a PKA/RAS/ERK/HIF1α-dependent mechanism, unveiling a new level of complexity in VEFG/VEGFR-2 regulation in epithelial cells. VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling is also reactivated during the liver repair process. In this context, pro-angiogenic factors mediate the interactions between epithelial, mesenchymal and inflammatory cells. This process takes place during the wound healing response, however, in chronic biliary diseases, it may lead to pathological neo-angiogenesis, a condition strictly linked with fibrosis progression, the development of cirrhosis and related complications, and cholangiocarcinoma. Novel observations indicate that in cholangiocarcinoma, VEGF is a determinant of lymphangiogenesis and of the immune response to the tumour. Better insights into the role of VEGF signalling in biliary pathophysiology might help in the search for effective therapeutic strategies.
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Key Words
- ADPKD, adult dominant polycystic kidney disease
- Anti-Angiogenic therapy
- BA, biliary atresia
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- CCA, cholangiocarcinoma
- CCl4, carbon tetrachloride
- CLDs, chronic liver diseases
- Cholangiocytes
- Cholangiopathies
- DP, ductal plate
- DPM, ductal plate malformation
- DRCs, ductular reactive cells
- Development
- HIF-1α, hypoxia-inducible factor type 1α
- HSCs, hepatic stellate cells
- IHBD, intrahepatic bile ducts
- IL-, interleukin-
- LECs, lymphatic endothelial cells
- LSECs, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells
- Liver repair
- MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases
- PBP, peribiliary plexus
- PC, polycystin
- PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor
- PIGF, placental growth factor
- PLD, polycystic liver diseases
- Polycystic liver diseases
- SASP, senescence-associated secretory phenotype
- TGF, transforming growth factor
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factors
- VEGF-A
- VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling
- VEGFR-1/2, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1/2
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Mariotti
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Romina Fiorotto
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Massimiliano Cadamuro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Fabris
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Abstract
Since it was first described by the German anatomist and histologist, Joseph Hugo Vincenz Disse, the structure and functions of the space of Disse, a thin perisinusoidal area between the endothelial cells and hepatocytes filled with blood plasma, have acquired great importance in liver disease. The space of Disse is home for the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the major fibrogenic players in the liver. Quiescent HSCs (qHSCs) store vitamin A, and upon activation they lose their retinol reservoir and become activated. Activated HSCs (aHSCs) are responsible for secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) into the space of Disse. This early event in hepatic injury is accompanied by loss of the pores—known as fenestrations—of the endothelial cells, triggering loss of balance between the blood flow and the hepatocyte, and underlies the link between fibrosis and organ dysfunction. If the imbalance persists, the expansion of the fibrotic scar followed by the vascularized septae leads to cirrhosis and/or end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, researchers have been focused on finding therapeutic targets that reduce fibrosis. The space of Disse provides the perfect microenvironment for the stem cells niche in the liver and the interchange of nutrients between cells. In the present review article, we focused on the space of Disse, its components and its leading role in liver disease development.
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22
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Diaz-Espinosa AM, Link PA, Sicard D, Jorba I, Tschumperlin DJ, Haak AJ. Dopamine D1 receptor stimulates cathepsin K-dependent degradation and resorption of collagen I in lung fibroblasts. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs248278. [PMID: 33172983 PMCID: PMC7746663 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.248278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix resorption is essential to the clearance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) after normal wound healing. A disruption in these processes constitutes a main component of fibrotic diseases, characterized by excess deposition and diminished clearance of fibrillar ECM proteins, such as collagen type I. The mechanisms and stimuli regulating ECM resorption in the lung remain poorly understood. Recently, agonism of dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1), which is predominantly expressed on fibroblasts in the lung, has been shown to accelerate tissue repair and clearance of ECM following bleomycin injury in mice. Therefore, we investigated whether DRD1 receptor signaling promotes the degradation of collagen type I by lung fibroblasts. For cultured fibroblasts, we found that DRD1 agonism enhances extracellular cleavage, internalization and lysosomal degradation of collagen I mediated by cathepsin K, which results in reduced stiffness of cell-derived matrices, as measured by atomic force microscopy. In vivo agonism of DRD1 similarly enhanced fibrillar collagen degradation by fibroblasts, as assessed by tissue labeling with a collagen-hybridizing peptide. Together, these results implicate DRD1 agonism in fibroblast-mediated collagen clearance, suggesting an important role for this mechanism in fibrosis resolution.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Diaz-Espinosa
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Patrick A Link
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Delphine Sicard
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ignasi Jorba
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Andrew J Haak
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Garrido A, Djouder N. Cirrhosis: A Questioned Risk Factor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Trends Cancer 2020; 7:29-36. [PMID: 32917550 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The liver is one of the major metabolic organs in the body, susceptible to injury caused by various factors. In response to injury, sophisticated mechanisms are engaged to repair and regenerate the damaged liver, preventing its failure. When the damage is chronic, regeneration goes awry, impairing liver function and causing cirrhosis. Hence, cirrhosis may rather be a protective response to injury, where wound-healing processes are set to primarily repair the damaged liver. Although cirrhosis is clinically considered a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), comprehensive population-based studies demonstrate a very modest incidence, refuting the idea that cirrhosis progresses to HCC. Here, we discuss and shed light on the provocative question of whether cirrhosis predisposes to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Garrido
- Molecular Oncology Programme, Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Nabil Djouder
- Molecular Oncology Programme, Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain.
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24
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Wilkinson AL, Qurashi M, Shetty S. The Role of Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells in the Axis of Inflammation and Cancer Within the Liver. Front Physiol 2020; 11:990. [PMID: 32982772 PMCID: PMC7485256 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) form a unique barrier between the liver sinusoids and the underlying parenchyma, and thus play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic and immune homeostasis, as well as actively contributing to disease pathophysiology. Whilst their endocytic and scavenging function is integral for nutrient exchange and clearance of waste products, their capillarisation and dysfunction precedes fibrogenesis. Furthermore, their ability to promote immune tolerance and recruit distinct immunosuppressive leukocyte subsets can allow persistence of chronic viral infections and facilitate tumour development. In this review, we present the immunological and barrier functions of LSEC, along with their role in orchestrating fibrotic processes which precede tumourigenesis. We also summarise the role of LSEC in modulating the tumour microenvironment, and promoting development of a pre-metastatic niche, which can drive formation of secondary liver tumours. Finally, we summarise closely inter-linked disease pathways which collectively perpetuate pathogenesis, highlighting LSEC as novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shishir Shetty
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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25
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Hammoutene A, Rautou PE. [Role of autophagy in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis]. Med Sci (Paris) 2020; 36:700-702. [PMID: 32821043 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adel Hammoutene
- Université de Paris, PARCC, Inserm, 75015 Paris, France - Université de Paris, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm U1149, CNRS ERL8252, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Rautou
- Université de Paris, PARCC, Inserm, 75015 Paris, France - Université de Paris, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm U1149, CNRS ERL8252, 75018 Paris, France - Service d'hépatologie, département médico-universitaire Digest, Hôpital Beaujon (AP-HP), 100 boulevard du Général Leclerc, 92100 Clichy, France - Centre de référence des maladies vasculaires du foie, réseau français de référence pour les maladies rares du foie (FILFOIE), réseau européen de référence pour les maladies hépatiques (ERN RARE-LIVER), Paris, France
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26
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Matsuda M, Seki E. The liver fibrosis niche: Novel insights into the interplay between fibrosis-composing mesenchymal cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 143:111556. [PMID: 32640349 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a hepatic wound-healing response caused by chronic liver diseases that include viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and cholestatic liver disease. Liver fibrosis eventually progresses to cirrhosis that is histologically characterized by an abnormal liver architecture that includes distortion of liver parenchyma, formation of regenerative nodules, and a massive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite intensive investigations into the underlying mechanisms of liver fibrosis, developments of anti-fibrotic therapies for liver fibrosis are still unsatisfactory. Recent novel experimental approaches, such as single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics, have revealed the heterogeneity of ECM-producing cells (mesenchymal cells) and ECM-regulating cells (immune cells and endothelial cells). These approaches have accelerated the identification of fibrosis-specific subpopulations among these cell types. The ECM also consists of heterogenous components. Their production, degradation, deposition, and remodeling are dynamically regulated in liver fibrosis, further affecting the functions of cells responsible for fibrosis. These cellular and ECM elements cooperatively form a unique microenvironment: a fibrotic niche. Understanding the complex interplay between these elements could lead to a better understanding of underlying fibrosis mechanisms and to the development of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michitaka Matsuda
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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27
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Saul J, Hutchins E, Reiman R, Saul M, Ostrow LW, Harris BT, Van Keuren-Jensen K, Bowser R, Bakkar N. Global alterations to the choroid plexus blood-CSF barrier in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:92. [PMID: 32586411 PMCID: PMC7318439 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00968-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) is a highly vascularized structure located in the ventricles that forms the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) and separates the blood from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In addition to its role as a physical barrier, the CP functions in CSF secretion, transport of nutrients into the central nervous system (CNS) and a gated point of entry of circulating immune cells into the CNS. Aging and neurodegeneration have been reported to affect CP morphology and function and increase protein leakage from blood to the CSF. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with both upper and lower motor neuron loss, as well as altered proteomic and metabolomic signatures in the CSF. The role of the BCSFB and the CP in ALS is unknown. Here we describe a transcriptomic and ultrastructural analysis of BCSFB and CP alterations in human postmortem tissues from ALS and non-neurologic disease controls. ALS-CP exhibited widespread disruptions in tight junctional components of the CP epithelial layer and vascular integrity. In addition, we detected loss of pericytes around ALS blood vessels, accompanied by activation of platelet aggregation markers vWF and Fibrinogen, reminiscent of vascular injury. To investigate the immune component of ALS-CP, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of cytokines and chemokine panels in CP lysates and found a significant down-regulation of M-CSF and V-CAM1 in ALS, as well as up-regulation of VEGF-A protein. This phenotype was accompanied by an infiltration of MERTK positive macrophages into the parenchyma of the ALS-CP when compared to controls. Taken together, we demonstrate widespread structural and functional disruptions of the BCSFB in human ALS increasing our understanding of the disease pathology and identifying potential new targets for ALS therapeutic development.
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28
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Chan YT, Wang N, Tan HY, Li S, Feng Y. Targeting Hepatic Stellate Cells for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis by Natural Products: Is It the Dawning of a New Era? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:548. [PMID: 32425789 PMCID: PMC7212390 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive liver damage condition that is worth studying widely. It is important to target and alleviate the disease at an early stage before turning into later cirrhosis or liver cancer. There are currently no direct medicines targeting the attenuation or reversal of liver fibrosis, and so there is an urgent need to look into this area. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history in using herbal medicines to treat liver diseases including fibrosis. It is time to integrate the ancient wisdom with modern science and technology to look for the best solution to the disease. In this review, the principal concept of the pathology of liver fibrosis will be described, and then some of the single compounds isolated from herbal medicines, including salvianolic acids, oxymatrine, curcumin, tetrandrine, etc. will be discussed from their effects to the molecular mechanism behind. Molecular targets of the compounds are analyzed by network pharmacology approach, and TGFβ/SMAD was identified as the most common pathway. This review serves to summarize the current findings of herbal medicines combining with modern medicines in the area of fibrosis. It hopefully provides insights in further pharmaceutical research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hor Yue Tan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sha Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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29
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Wise LM, Stuart GS, Jones NC, Fleming SB, Mercer AA. Orf Virus IL-10 and VEGF-E Act Synergistically to Enhance Healing of Cutaneous Wounds in Mice. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9041085. [PMID: 32290480 PMCID: PMC7231296 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9041085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Orf virus (OV) is a zoonotic parapoxvirus that causes highly proliferative skin lesions which resolve with minimal inflammation and scarring. OV encodes two immunomodulators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-E and interleukin-10 (ovIL-10), which individually modulate skin repair and inflammation. This study examined the effects of the VEGF-E and ovIL-10 combination on healing processes in a murine wound model. Treatments with viral proteins, individually and in combination, were compared to a mammalian VEGF-A and IL-10 combination. Wound biopsies were harvested to measure re-epithelialisation and scarring (histology), inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis (immunofluorescence), and gene expression (quantitative polymerase chain reaction). VEGF-E and ovIL-10 showed additive effects on wound closure and re-epithelialisation, and suppressed M1 macrophage and myofibroblast infiltration, while allowing M2 macrophage recruitment. The viral combination also increased endothelial cell density and pericyte coverage, and improved collagen deposition while reducing the scar area. The mammalian combination showed equivalent effects on wound closure, re-epithelialisation and fibrosis, but did not promote blood vessel stabilisation or collagen remodeling. The combination treatments also differentially altered the expression of transforming growth factor beta isoforms, Tgfβ1 and Tgfβ3. These findings show that the OV proteins synergistically enhance skin repair, and act in a complimentary fashion to improve scar quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyn M. Wise
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (G.S.S.); (N.C.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-3-479-7723
| | - Gabriella S. Stuart
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (G.S.S.); (N.C.J.)
| | - Nicola C. Jones
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (G.S.S.); (N.C.J.)
| | - Stephen B. Fleming
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (S.B.F.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Andrew A. Mercer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (S.B.F.); (A.A.M.)
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Lafoz E, Ruart M, Anton A, Oncins A, Hernández-Gea V. The Endothelium as a Driver of Liver Fibrosis and Regeneration. Cells 2020; 9:E929. [PMID: 32290100 PMCID: PMC7226820 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common feature of sustained liver injury and represents a major public health problem worldwide. Fibrosis is an active research field and discoveries in the last years have contributed to the development of new antifibrotic drugs, although none of them have been approved yet. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) are highly specialized endothelial cells localized at the interface between the blood and other liver cell types. They lack a basement membrane and display open channels (fenestrae), making them exceptionally permeable. LSEC are the first cells affected by any kind of liver injury orchestrating the liver response to damage. LSEC govern the regenerative process initiation, but aberrant LSEC activation in chronic liver injury induces fibrosis. LSEC are also main players in fibrosis resolution. They maintain liver homeostasis and keep hepatic stellate cell and Kupffer cell quiescence. After sustained hepatic injury, they lose their phenotype and protective properties, promoting angiogenesis and vasoconstriction and contributing to inflammation and fibrosis. Therefore, improving LSEC phenotype is a promising strategy to prevent liver injury progression and complications. This review focuses on changes occurring in LSEC after liver injury and their consequences on fibrosis progression, liver regeneration, and resolution. Finally, a synopsis of the available strategies for LSEC-specific targeting is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Lafoz
- Unidad de Hemodinámica Hepática, Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Augusto Pi Suñer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (E.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Maria Ruart
- Unidad de Hemodinámica Hepática, Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Augusto Pi Suñer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (E.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Aina Anton
- Unidad de Hemodinámica Hepática, Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Augusto Pi Suñer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (E.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Anna Oncins
- Unidad de Hemodinámica Hepática, Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Augusto Pi Suñer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (E.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Virginia Hernández-Gea
- Unidad de Hemodinámica Hepática, Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Augusto Pi Suñer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (E.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.); (A.O.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A in liver tissues of infants with biliary atresia. Clin Exp Hepatol 2019; 5:308-316. [PMID: 31893243 PMCID: PMC6935852 DOI: 10.5114/ceh.2019.89476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study Assessment of hepatic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in liver tissues of infants with biliary atresia (BA). Material and methods This retrospective study included 35 infants with BA (BA group), and 38 infants with cholestasis due to causes other than BA (non-BA group). All patients had undergone full history taking, through clinical examination, routine investigations and immunostaining of liver tissue for VEGF-A and cytokeratin 7 (CK7). The diagnosis of BA was confirmed by intraoperative cholangiography. In the non-BA group, other specific laboratory tests according to the expected etiology were done. Results Most of the BA group showed positive VEGF-A expression with variable degrees in both bile ducts (BDs; 80%), and arterial walls (AWs; 77.2%), while most of the non-BA group showed negative staining of VEGF in both BDs and AWs (89.5% and 86.8% respectively) (p < 0.0001). Positive VEGF expression in the portal structures in both BDs and AWs had 84.9% and 82.19% accuracy; respectively. The majority of BA group showed either grade II of positive cytokeratin-7 expression in liver tissues (45.7%) or grade III (34.3%), while most of the non-BA group showed grade I (71.1%) (p < 0.0001). Positive CK7 expression in > 25% of the liver tissues had 80.8% accuracy in discriminating between BA and non-BA. Conclusions VEGF-A expression in the portal structures in liver tissues in both BDs and AWs had very good accuracy in discriminating between BA and non-BA patients.
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Wu Y, Li Z, Xiu AY, Meng DX, Wang SN, Zhang CQ. Carvedilol attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and hepatic sinusoidal capillarization in mice. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:2667-2676. [PMID: 31534314 PMCID: PMC6681906 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s210797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Aim To investigate the effect of carvedilol on liver fibrosis and hepatic sinusoidal capillarization in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrosis. Methods A liver fibrosis mouse model was induced by intraperitoneal CCl4 injection for 8 weeks. The mice were divided into five experimental groups: the normal group, the oil group, the CCl4 group, the CCl4+carvedilol (5 mg/kg/d) group, and the CCl4+carvedilol (10 mg/kg/d) group. The extent of liver fibrosis was evaluated by histopathological staining, and the changes in fenestrations of hepatic sinus endothelial cells were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vascular endothelial markers was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays. The effect of carvedilol on cell apoptosis was studied via Terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay, and the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiopoietin-2 were detected through a Luminex assay. Results Liver fibrosis in CCl4-treated mice was attenuated by reduced accumulation of collagen and the reaction of inflammation with carvedilol treatment. Carvedilol reduced the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and increased the number of apoptotic cells. The expression of α-SMA, CD31, CD34 and VWF (von Willebrand factor) was significantly decreased after carvedilol treatment. In addition, the number of fenestrae in the hepatic sinusoid showed notable differences between the groups, and the serum levels of MMP-8, VEGF and angiopoietin-2 were increased in the mice with liver fibrosis and reduced by carvedilol treatment. Conclusion The study demonstrated that carvedilol could prevent further development of liver fibrosis and hepatic sinusoidal capillarization in mice with CCl4-induced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Health Digestion, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai-Yuan Xiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Xiao Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Ning Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Qing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
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Hammoutene A, Rautou PE. Role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Hepatol 2019; 70:1278-1291. [PMID: 30797053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its complications are an expanding health problem associated with the metabolic syndrome. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are highly specialized endothelial cells localized at the interface between the blood derived from the gut and the adipose tissue on the one side, and other liver cells on the other side. In physiological conditions, LSECs are gatekeepers of liver homeostasis. LSECs display anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic properties by preventing Kupffer cell and hepatic stellate cell activation and regulating intrahepatic vascular resistance and portal pressure. This review focusses on changes occurring in LSECs in NAFLD and on their consequences on NAFLD progression and complications. Capillarization, namely the loss of LSEC fenestrae, and LSEC dysfunction, namely the loss of the ability of LSECs to generate vasodilator agents in response to increased shear stress both occur early in NAFLD. These LSEC changes favour steatosis development and set the stage for NAFLD progression. At the stage of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, altered LSECs release inflammatory mediators and contribute to the recruitment of inflammatory cells, thus promoting liver injury and inflammation. Altered LSECs also fail to maintain hepatic stellate cell quiescence and release fibrogenic mediators, including Hedgehog signalling molecules, promoting liver fibrosis. Liver angiogenesis is increased in NAFLD and contributes to liver inflammation and fibrosis, but also to hepatocellular carcinoma development. Thus, improving LSEC health appears to be a promising approach to prevent NAFLD progression and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Hammoutene
- Inserm, UMR-970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, PARCC, Paris, France; University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Rautou
- Inserm, UMR-970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, PARCC, Paris, France; INSERM, UMR1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France; University Paris Diderot, Paris, France; Service d'Hépatologie, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, DHU Unity, Pôle des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, France.
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Deng Z, Zhang S, Ge S, Kong F, Cao S, Pan Z. Gexia-Zhuyu Decoction Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice Partly via Liver Angiogenesis Mediated by Myeloid Cells. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:2835-2844. [PMID: 30995213 PMCID: PMC6482864 DOI: 10.12659/msm.913481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims to demonstrate the underlying correlation between the resolution of liver fibrosis induced by Gexia-Zhuyu decoction (GZD) treatment and myeloid cell-mediated angiogenesis. Material/Methods A liver fibrosis mouse model induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intervention was employed in this study. Dynamics of blood liver function parameters were followed. The liver pathology was detected by Sirius Red and Masson staining. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2/9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1/2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A expression levels were measured. Bone marrow chimera mice were generated by transfer of bone morrow cells from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-knockin mice into irradiated wild-type mice, and were used it to visualize the role of myeloid cells on the fibrosis resolution induced by GZD treatment. Results The result of Sirius Red and Masson staining and the dynamics of blood liver function parameters showed that 5 weeks of GZD treatment attenuated the severity of liver fibrosis with continual CCl4 administration. GZD treatment promoted the expression of MMP2/9 and repressed the heightened level of TIMP-1/2 in the recovery phase. More notably, the increased VEGF-A and augmented endothelial progenitor cells were observed in the liver and blood in mice that received GZD, and contributed to the remodeling of hepatic vascular though the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Then, chimera mice with GFP-positive bone marrow cells were used to show angiogenesis driven by GZD-induced myeloid cell motivation. We found that GZD facilitated myeloid cells binding to the vascular CXCR4 and induced the resolution of fibrosis. Conclusions This study shows that activation of myeloid cells induced by GZD administration accelerates the functional angiogenesis, which benefits the resolution of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengming Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Shihu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Shaohua Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Fanping Kong
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Shibing Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Zhaoxia Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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35
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Jiang A, Okabe H, Popovic B, Preziosi ME, Pradhan-Sundd T, Poddar M, Singh S, Bell A, England SG, Nagarajan S, Monga SP. Loss of Wnt Secretion by Macrophages Promotes Hepatobiliary Injury after Administration of 3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-Dihydrocollidine Diet. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:590-603. [PMID: 30610845 PMCID: PMC6436111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of mice to a diet containing 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) induces porphyrin accumulation, cholestasis, immune response, and hepatobiliary damage mimicking hepatic porphyria and sclerosing cholangitis. Although β-catenin signaling promotes hepatocyte proliferation, and macrophages are a source of Wnts, the role of macrophage-derived Wnts in modulating hepatobiliary injury/repair remains unresolved. We investigated the effect of macrophage-specific deletion of Wntless, a cargo protein critical for cellular Wnt secretion, by feeding macrophage-Wntless-knockout (Mac-KO) and wild-type littermates a DDC diet for 14 days. DDC exposure induced Wnt11 up-regulation in macrophages. Mac-KO mice on DDC showed increased serum alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, direct bilirubin, and histologic evidence of more cell death, inflammation, and ductular reaction. There was impaired hepatocyte proliferation evidenced by Ki-67 immunostaining, which was associated with decreased hepatocyte β-catenin activation and cyclin-D1 in Mac-KO. Mac-KO also showed increased CD45, F4/80, and neutrophil infiltration after DDC diet, along with increased expression of several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Gene expression analyses of bone marrow-derived macrophages from Mac-KO mice and F4/80+ macrophages isolated from DDC-fed Mac-KO livers showed proinflammatory M1 polarization. In conclusion, this study shows that a lack of macrophage Wnt secretion leads to more DDC-induced hepatic injury due to impaired hepatocyte proliferation and increased M1 macrophages, which promotes immune-mediated cell injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Jiang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnostics and Biotherapy, Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China; Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hirohisa Okabe
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Chuo-Ku Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Branimir Popovic
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Morgan E Preziosi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tirthadipa Pradhan-Sundd
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Aaron Bell
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven G England
- Division of Future Therapeutics and Technologies, Abbvie, North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shanmugam Nagarajan
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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36
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Lin M, Guo R, Su Z, Ke S, Zeng D. Combination leflunomide and methotrexate impedes the recovery of liver fibrosis, partly through inhibition of myeloid cell admittance. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:1622-1628. [PMID: 30628675 PMCID: PMC6390013 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of liver fibrosis is reversible and involves a recovery phase. In the present study, the potential side effects of combination leflunomide and methotrexate (LEF+MTX), a conventional rheumatoid arthritis therapy used in the resolution of liver fibrosis, was investigated. In a carbon tetrachloride‑induced liver fibrosis model, the results of hepatic pathology demonstrated that the LEF+MTX combination delayed the recovery of fibrosis, although the activation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro was inhibited. A total of four liver fibrosis‑associated indicators, hyaluronic acid, laminin, procollagen type III and collagen IV, maintained high levels in the serum of LEF+MTX‑treated mice, while detection of bone marrow‑driven monocytes in the blood by flow cytometry indicated that they were significantly decreased. Notably, the results of immunofluorescence staining of hepatic myeloid cells and detection of vascular growth factor A (VEGF‑A) in blood and liver suggested that the reduced degeneration of collagen in liver sinusoids was associated with decreased myeloid cell adhesion and the downregulation of VEGF‑A in the liver. The present results suggested that in certain cases, treatment with LEF+MTX may impede the recovery of hepatic fibrosis‑associated diseases in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Lin
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Quanzhou City, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Ruyi Guo
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Quanzhou City, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Zhijun Su
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Quanzhou City, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Shaopeng Ke
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Quanzhou City, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Dawu Zeng
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Quanzhou City, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
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37
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Tsuchida T. [Mechanisms of hepatic stellate cell activation as a therapeutic target for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2019; 154:203-209. [PMID: 31597900 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.154.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a rising cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Although majority of patients with NAFLD are benign and non-progressive, having only steatosis, some fraction of patients develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and eventually increased liver-related mortality. Among histological features of NAFLD, it has been reported that liver fibrosis is the most important predictor of long-term outcomes. Liver fibrosis is a dynamic process characterized by the over-accumulation of extracellular matrix due to chronic liver injury resulting from any etiology including not only NASH, but also viral infection and alcoholic liver disease. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has been well established as a central driver of fibrosis in experimental animal models and human liver injury. It is a transdifferentiation of quiescent, vitamin-A‑storing cells into proliferative and fibrogenic myofibroblasts. However, the discovery of novel pathways and mediators reveals the complexity of HSC activation. These emerging pathways include hedgehog, autophagy, free cholesterol, YAP1, hepcidin, and nuclear/G-protein coupled receptor-mediated signals. In addition, pathways of HSC clearance have been uncovered such as apoptosis, senescence, and reversion to an inactivated state. Thus, clarifying the underlying mechanisms of HSC activation could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for NASH, and several drug candidates are currently being developed in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Tsuchida
- Research Unit/Frontier Soyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation
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38
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Targeting Endothelial Erk1/2-Akt Axis as a Regeneration Strategy to Bypass Fibrosis during Chronic Liver Injury in Mice. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2779-2797. [PMID: 30266653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) have great capacity for liver regeneration, and this capacity can easily switch to profibrotic phenotype, which is still poorly understood. In this study, we elucidated a potential target in LSECs for regenerative treatment that can bypass fibrosis during chronic liver injury. Proregenerative LSECs can be transformed to profibrotic phenotype after 4 weeks of carbon tetrachloride administration or 10 days of bile duct ligation. This phenotypic alternation of LSECs was mediated by extracellular regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (Erk1/2)-Akt axis switch in LSECs during chronic liver injury; Erk1/2 was normally associated with maintenance of the LSEC proregenerative phenotype, inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and promoting tissue repair by enhancing nitric oxide (NO)/reactive oxygen species (ROS) ratio and increasing expression of hepatic growth factor (HGF) and Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 2 (Wnt2). Alternatively, Akt induced LSEC profibrotic phenotype, which mainly stimulated HSC activation and concomitant senescence by reducing NO/ROS ratio and decreasing HGF/Wnt2 expression. LSEC-targeted adenovirus or drug particle to promote Erk1/2 activity can alleviate liver fibrosis, accelerate fibrosis resolution, and enhance liver regeneration. This study demonstrated that the Erk1/2-Akt axis acted as a switch to regulate the proregenerative and profibrotic phenotypes of LSECs, and targeted therapy promoted liver regeneration while bypassing fibrosis, providing clues for a more effective treatment of liver diseases.
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39
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Cav-1 deficiency promotes liver fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced mice by regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation responses. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 102:26-33. [PMID: 29549726 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), as a membrane protein involved in the formation of caveolae, binds steroid receptors and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, limiting its translocation and activation. In the present study, we investigated the role of Cav-1 in the progression of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in murine animals. Therefore, the wild type (WT) and Cav-1-knockout (Cav-1-/-) mice were used in our study and subjected to CCl4. The results indicated that CCl4 induced the decrease of Cav-1 expression in liver tissue samples. And Cav-1-/- intensified CCl4-triggered hepatic injury, evidenced by the stronger hepatic histological alterations, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and liver terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells. CCl4 led to oxidative stress, supported by the reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) and O2- levels in liver samples. And the process was intensified by Cav-1-/-. Additionally, CCl4-caused hepatic inflammation was aggregated by Cav-1-/- via further increasing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, CCl4-caused fibrosis was strengthened by Cav-1-/-, which was evidenced by the up-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen alpha 1 type 1 (Col1A1), lysyl oxidase (Lox) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in liver tissues. Similar results were observed in TGF-β1-stimulated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and LX-2 cells without Cav-1 expressions that in vitro, suppressing Cav-1 further accelerated TGF-β1-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis development. In conclusion, our results indicated that Cav-1 played an important role in CCl4-induced hepatic injury, which may be used as potential therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis treatment.
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40
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Abstract
Fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix that often occurs as a wound healing response to repeated or chronic tissue injury, and may lead to the disruption of organ architecture and loss of function. Although fibrosis was previously thought to be irreversible, recent evidence indicates that certain circumstances permit the resolution of fibrosis when the underlying causes of injury are eradicated. The mechanism of fibrosis resolution encompasses degradation of the fibrotic extracellular matrix as well as elimination of fibrogenic myofibroblasts through their adaptation of various cell fates, including apoptosis, senescence, dedifferentiation, and reprogramming. In this Review, we discuss the present knowledge and gaps in our understanding of how matrix degradation is regulated and how myofibroblast cell fates can be manipulated, areas that may identify potential therapeutic approaches for fibrosis.
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41
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Roderfeld M. Matrix metalloproteinase functions in hepatic injury and fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2017; 68-69:452-462. [PMID: 29221811 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the most common final outcome for chronic liver diseases. The complex pathogenesis includes hepatic parenchymal damage as a result of a persistent noxe, activation and recruitment of immune cells, activation of hepatic stellate cells, and the synthesis of fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) components leading to scar formation. Clinical studies and animal models demonstrated that fibrosis can be reversible. In this regard matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been focused as therapeutic targets due to their ability to modulate tissue turnover during fibrogenesis as well as regeneration and, of special interest, due to their influence on cellular behavior like proliferation, gene expression, and apoptosis that, in turn, impact fibrosis and regeneration. The current review aims to summarize and update the knowledge about expression pattern and the central roles of MMPs in hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Roderfeld
- Department of Gastroenterology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Gaffkystr. 11c, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
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42
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Liu L, You Z, Yu H, Zhou L, Zhao H, Yan X, Li D, Wang B, Zhu L, Xu Y, Xia T, Shi Y, Huang C, Hou W, Du Y. Mechanotransduction-modulated fibrotic microniches reveal the contribution of angiogenesis in liver fibrosis. NATURE MATERIALS 2017; 16:1252-1261. [PMID: 29170554 DOI: 10.1038/nmat5024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The role of pathological angiogenesis on liver fibrogenesis is still unknown. Here, we developed fibrotic microniches (FμNs) that recapitulate the interaction of liver sinusoid endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We investigated how the mechanical properties of their substrates affect the formation of capillary-like structures and how they relate to the progression of angiogenesis during liver fibrosis. Differences in cell response in the FμNs were synonymous of the early and late stages of liver fibrosis. The stiffness of the early-stage FμNs was significantly elevated due to condensation of collagen fibrils induced by angiogenesis, and led to activation of HSCs by LSECs. We utilized these FμNs to understand the response to anti-angiogenic drugs, and it was evident that these drugs were effective only for early-stage liver fibrosis in vitro and in an in vivo mouse model of liver fibrosis. Late-stage liver fibrosis was not reversed following treatment with anti-angiogenic drugs but rather with inhibitors of collagen condensation. Our work reveals stage-specific angiogenesis-induced liver fibrogenesis via a previously unrevealed mechanotransduction mechanism which may offer precise intervention strategies targeting stage-specific disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longwei Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhifeng You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hongsheng Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lyu Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaojun Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Dulei Li
- Institute for Immunology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bingjie Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lu Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuzhou Xu
- Sequencing core facility, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tie Xia
- Institute for Immunology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Institute for Immunology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chenyu Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Tianjin Second People's Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Ni Y, Li JM, Liu MK, Zhang TT, Wang DP, Zhou WH, Hu LZ, Lv WL. Pathological process of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver diseases. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:7666-7677. [PMID: 29209108 PMCID: PMC5703927 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i43.7666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis develops from liver fibrosis and is the severe pathological stage of all chronic liver injury. Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection is especially common. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis involve excess production of extracellular matrix, which is closely related to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Damaged LSECs can synthesize transforming growth factor-beta and platelet-derived growth factor, which activate hepatic stellate cells and facilitate the synthesis of extracellular matrix. Herein, we highlight the angiogenic cytokines of LSECs related to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis at different stages and focus on the formation and development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Inhibition of LSEC angiogenesis and antiangiogenic therapy are described in detail. Targeting LSECs has high therapeutic potential for liver diseases. Further understanding of the mechanism of action will provide stronger evidence for the development of anti-LSEC drugs and new directions for diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Endothelial Cells/virology
- Extracellular Matrix/metabolism
- Extracellular Matrix/pathology
- Hepacivirus/pathogenicity
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/pathology
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/virology
- Hepatitis B virus/pathogenicity
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/diagnosis
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/drug therapy
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/pathology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/virology
- Humans
- Liver/blood supply
- Liver/cytology
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/virology
- Liver Cirrhosis/diagnosis
- Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy
- Liver Cirrhosis/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis/virology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Ni
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Juan-Mei Li
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ming-Kun Liu
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Dong-Ping Wang
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Wen-Hui Zhou
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ling-Zi Hu
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Wen-Liang Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
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Kantari-Mimoun C, Krzywinska E, Castells M, Milien C, Klose R, Meinecke AK, Lemberger U, Mathivet T, Gojkovic M, Schrödter K, Österreicher C, Fandrey J, Rundqvist H, Stockmann C. Boosting the hypoxic response in myeloid cells accelerates resolution of fibrosis and regeneration of the liver in mice. Oncotarget 2017; 8:15085-15100. [PMID: 28118605 PMCID: PMC5362469 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) specifically in scar-infiltrating myeloid cells prevented remodeling of the sinusoidal vasculature and abrogated the resolution of murine liver fibrosis, thereby unmasking an unanticipated link between angiogenesis and resolution of fibrosis. In a gain of function approach, we wanted to test the impact of VEGF overexpression in myeloid cells on fibrolysis. We observe that genetic inactivation of the von Hippel Lindau protein (VHL), a negative regulator of Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) in myeloid cells, leads to increased VEGF expression and most importantly, accelerated matrix degradation and reduced myofibroblast numbers after CCl4 challenge. This is associated with enhanced expression of MMP-2 and -14 as well as lower expression of TIMP-2 in liver endothelial cells. In addition, we report increased expression of MMP-13 in scar-associated macrophages as well as improved liver regeneration upon ablation of VHL in myeloid cells. Finally, therapeutic infusion of macrophages nulli-zygous for VHL or treated with the pharmacologic hydroxylase inhibitor and HIF-inducer Dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) accelerates resolution of fibrosis. Hence, boosting the HIF-VEGF signaling axis in macrophages represents a promising therapeutic avenue for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chahrazade Kantari-Mimoun
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Ewelina Krzywinska
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Magali Castells
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Milien
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Ralph Klose
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | | | - Ursula Lemberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine III Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Mathivet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Milos Gojkovic
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katrin Schrödter
- Institut für Physiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Österreicher
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Joachim Fandrey
- Institut für Physiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Helene Rundqvist
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Stockmann
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
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45
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Li X, Jin Q, Yao Q, Zhou Y, Zou Y, Li Z, Zhang S, Tu C. Placental Growth Factor Contributes to Liver Inflammation, Angiogenesis, Fibrosis in Mice by Promoting Hepatic Macrophage Recruitment and Activation. Front Immunol 2017; 8:801. [PMID: 28744285 PMCID: PMC5504098 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF), a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, mediates wound healing and inflammatory responses, exerting an effect on liver fibrosis and angiogenesis; however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. The aims of this study are to identify the role of PlGF in liver inflammation and fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice and to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism. PlGF small interfering RNA (siRNA) or non-targeting control siRNA was injected by tail vein starting 2 days after BDL. Liver inflammation, fibrosis, angiogenesis, macrophage infiltration, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation were examined. Our results showed that PlGF was highly expressed in fibrotic livers and mainly distributed in activated HSCs and macrophages. Furthermore, PlGF silencing strongly reduced the severity of liver inflammation and fibrosis, and inhibited the activation of HSCs. Remarkably, PlGF silencing also attenuated BDL-induced hepatic angiogenesis, as evidenced by attenuated liver endothelial cell markers CD31 and von Willebrand factor immunostaining and genes or protein expression. Interestingly, these pathological ameliorations by PlGF silencing were due to a marked reduction in the numbers of intrahepatic F4/80+, CD68+, and Ly6C+ cell populations, which were reflected by a lower expression of these macrophage marker molecules in fibrotic livers. In addition, knockdown of PlGF by siRNA inhibited macrophages activation and substantially suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in fibrotic livers. Mechanistically, evaluation of cultured RAW 264.7 cells revealed that VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) mainly involved in mediating the role of PlGF in macrophages recruitment and activation, since using VEGFR1 neutralizing antibody blocking PlGF/VEGFR1 signaling axis significantly inhibited macrophages migration and inflammatory responses. Together, these findings indicate that PlGF plays an important role in liver inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis by promoting hepatic macrophage recruitment and activation, and suggest that blockage of PlGF could be a promising novel therapy for chronic fibrotic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianwen Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qunyan Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanting Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuncai Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuantao Tu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
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46
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Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic process characterized by the net accumulation of extracellular matrix resulting from chronic liver injury of any aetiology, including viral infection, alcoholic liver disease and NASH. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) - transdifferentiation of quiescent, vitamin-A-storing cells into proliferative, fibrogenic myofibroblasts - is now well established as a central driver of fibrosis in experimental and human liver injury. Yet, the continued discovery of novel pathways and mediators, including autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, retinol and cholesterol metabolism, epigenetics and receptor-mediated signals, reveals the complexity of HSC activation. Extracellular signals from resident and inflammatory cells including macrophages, hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, platelets and B cells further modulate HSC activation. Finally, pathways of HSC clearance have been greatly clarified, and include apoptosis, senescence and reversion to an inactivated state. Collectively, these findings reinforce the remarkable complexity and plasticity of HSC activation, and underscore the value of clarifying its regulation in hopes of advancing the development of novel diagnostics and therapies for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Tsuchida
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, Box 1123, New York, New York 10029, USA.,Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 2-2-50, Kawagishi, Toda-shi, Saitama 335-8505, Japan
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, Box 1123, New York, New York 10029, USA
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47
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Ge H, Zhu H, Xu N, Zhang D, Ou J, Wang G, Fang X, Zhou J, Song Y, Bai C. Increased Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Aquaporin 1-Null Mice Is Mediated via Decreased Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 2α Stability. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 54:882-91. [PMID: 26649797 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0363oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin (AQP) 1, a water channel protein expressed widely in vascular endothelia, has been shown to regulate cell migration, angiogenesis, and organ regeneration. Even though its role in the pathogenesis of lung ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury has been defined, the functional role of AQP1 during long-term IR resolution remains to be clarified. Here, we found that AQP1 expression was increased at late time points (7-14 d) after IR and colocalized with endothelial cell (EC) marker CD31. Compared with IR in wild-type mice, IR in Aqp1(-/-) mice had significantly enhanced leukocyte infiltration, collagen deposition, and microvascular permeability, as well as inhibited angiogenic factor expression. AQP1 knockdown repressed hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α protein stability. HIF-2α overexpression rescued the angiogenic factor expression in pulmonary microvascular ECs with AQP1 knockdown exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation. Furthermore, AQP1 knockdown suppressed cellular viability and capillary tube formation, and enhanced permeability in pulmonary microvascular ECs, which were partly rescued by HIF-2α overexpression. Thus, this study demonstrates that AQP1 deficiency delays long-term IR resolution, partly through repressing angiogenesis mediated by destabilizing HIF-2α. These results suggest that AQP1 participates in long-term IR resolution, at least in part by promoting angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Ge
- 1 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Huadong Hospital, and.,2 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huili Zhu
- 1 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Huadong Hospital, and
| | - Nuo Xu
- 2 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- 2 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxian Ou
- 2 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guifang Wang
- 2 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaocong Fang
- 2 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- 2 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanlin Song
- 2 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxue Bai
- 2 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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48
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Thomson J, Hargrove L, Kennedy L, Demieville J, Francis H. Cellular crosstalk during cholestatic liver injury. LIVER RESEARCH 2017; 1:26-33. [PMID: 29552372 PMCID: PMC5854144 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The functions of the liver are very diverse. From detoxifying blood to storing glucose in the form of glycogen and producing bile to facilitate fat digestion, the liver is a very active and important organ. The liver is comprised of many varied cell types whose functions are equally diverse. Cholangiocytes line the biliary tree and aid in transporting and adjusting the composition of bile as it travels to the gallbladder. Hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts are located in different areas within the liver architecture, but both contribute to the development of fibrosis upon activation after liver injury. Vascular cells, including those that constitute the peribiliary vascular plexus, are involved in functions other than blood delivery to and from the liver, such as supporting the growth of the biliary tree during development. Mast cells are normally found in healthy livers but in very low numbers. However, after injury, mast cell numbers greatly increase as they infiltrate and release factors that exacerbate the fibrotic response. While not an all-inclusive list, these cells have individual roles within the liver, but they are also able to communicate with each other by cellular crosstalk. In this review, we examine some of these pathways that can lead to an increase in the homeostatic dysfunction seen in liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Thomson
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, TX, USA
| | - Laura Hargrove
- Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, TX, USA
- Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | | | - Heather Francis
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, TX, USA
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, TX, USA
- Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
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49
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Li X, Yao QY, Liu HC, Jin QW, Xu BL, Zhang SC, Tu CT. Placental growth factor silencing ameliorates liver fibrosis and angiogenesis and inhibits activation of hepatic stellate cells in a murine model of chronic liver disease. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:2370-2385. [PMID: 28378526 PMCID: PMC5618674 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and is involved in pathological angiogenesis associated with chronic liver diseases. However, the precise mechanisms underlying PlGF signalling contributing to liver fibrosis and angiogenesis remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess the effect of reducing PlGF expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) on experimental liver fibrosis and angiogenesis, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Fibrosis was induced in mice by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 8 weeks, and mice were treated with PlGF siRNA or non‐targeting control siRNA starting two weeks after initiating CCl4 injections. The results showed that PlGF was highly expressed in cirrhotic human and mice livers; which mainly distributed in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). PlGF silencing robustly reduced liver inflammation, fibrosis, intrahepatic macrophage recruitment, and inhibited the activation of HSCs in vivo. Moreover, PlGF siRNA‐treated fibrotic mice showed diminished hepatic microvessel density and angiogenic factors, such as hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), VEGF and VEGF receptor‐1. Moreover, down‐regulation of PlGF with siRNA in HSCs inhibited the activation and proliferation of HSCs. Mechanistically, overexpression of PlGF in activated HSCs was induced by hypoxia dependent on HIF‐1α, and PlGF induces HSC activation and proliferation via activation the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling pathways. These findings indicate that PlGF plays an important role in liver fibrosis‐associated angiogenesis and that blockage of PlGF could be an effective strategy for chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun-Yan Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Chun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian-Wen Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei-Li Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shun-Cai Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan-Tao Tu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
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50
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Abstract
In chronic liver diseases, an ongoing hepatocellular injury together with inflammatory reaction results in activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and increased deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) termed as liver fibrosis. It can progress to cirrhosis that is characterized by parenchymal and vascular architectural changes together with the presence of regenerative nodules. Even at late stage, liver fibrosis is reversible and the underlying mechanisms include a switch in the inflammatory environment, elimination or regression of activated HSCs and degradation of ECM. While animal models have been indispensable for our understanding of liver fibrosis, they possess several important limitations and need to be further refined. A better insight into the liver fibrogenesis resulted in a large number of clinical trials aiming at reversing liver fibrosis, particularly in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Collectively, the current developments demonstrate that reversal of liver fibrosis is turning from fiction to reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Eugenio Zoubek
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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