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Sokal-Dembowska A, Jarmakiewicz-Czaja S, Ferenc K, Filip R. Can Nutraceuticals Support the Treatment of MASLD/MASH, and thus Affect the Process of Liver Fibrosis? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5238. [PMID: 38791276 PMCID: PMC11120776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are considered to be the main causes of fibrosis. In turn, fibrosis may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma or advanced cirrhosis, i.e., potentially life-threatening conditions. It is likely that therapy aimed at reducing the risk of developing hepatic steatosis and inflammation could be helpful in minimizing the threat/probability of organ fibrosis. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the influence of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the precise role of selected ingredients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, and curcumin. It is likely that the use of these ingredients in the treatment of patients with MASLD/MASH, along with behavioral and pharmacological therapy, may have a beneficial effect on combating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and thereby preventing liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Sokal-Dembowska
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Ferenc
- Institute of Medicine, Medical College, Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Rafał Filip
- Institute of Medicine, Medical College, Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Gastroenterology with IBD Unit, Clinical Hospital No. 2, 35-301 Rzeszow, Poland
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2
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Ariyachet C, Nokkeaw A, Boonkaew B, Tangkijvanich P. ZNF469 is a profibrotic regulator of extracellular matrix in hepatic stellate cells. J Cell Biochem 2024. [PMID: 38704698 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Activation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into proliferative myofibroblasts drives extracellular cellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and liver fibrosis; nevertheless, the transcriptional network that promotes such a process is not completely understood. ZNF469 is a putative C2H2 zinc finger protein that may bind to specific genome sequences. It is found to be upregulated upon HSC activation; however, the molecular function of ZNF469 is completely unknown. Here, we show that knockdown of ZNF469 in primary human HSCs impaired proliferation, migration, and collagen production. Conversely, overexpression of ZNF469 in HSCs yielded the opposite results. Transforming growth factor-β 1 promoted expression of ZNF469 in a Smad3-dependent manner, where the binding of Smad3 was confirmed at the ZNF469 promoter. RNA sequencing data of ZNF469-knockdown HSCs revealed the ECM-receptor interaction, which provides structural and signaling support to cells, was the most affected pathway, and significant downregulation of various collagen and proteoglycan genes was observed. To investigate the function of ZNF469, we cloned a full-length open reading frame of ZNF469 with an epitope tag and identified a nuclear localization of the protein. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed the presence of ZNF469 at the promoter of ECM genes, supporting its function as a transcription factor. Analysis of human fibrotic and cirrhotic tissues showed increased expression of ZNF469 and a positive correlation between expression levels of ZNF469 and ECM genes. Moreover, this observation was similar in other fibrotic organs, including the heart, lung, and skin, suggesting that myofibroblasts from various origins generally require ZNF469 to promote ECM production. Together, this study is the first to reveal the role of ZNF469 as a profibrotic factor in HSCs and suggests ZNF469 as a novel target for antifibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaiyaboot Ariyachet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Archittapon Nokkeaw
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bootsakorn Boonkaew
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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3
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Liu QQ, Chen J, Ma T, Huang W, Lu CH. DCDC2 inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and ameliorates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9425. [PMID: 38658618 PMCID: PMC11043443 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59698-w] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, as a consequence of chronic liver disease, involves the activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) caused by various chronic liver injuries. Emerging evidence suggests that activation of HSC during an inflammatory state can lead to abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Investigating novel strategies to inhibit HSC activation and proliferation holds significant importance for the treatment of liver fibrosis. As a member of the doublecortin domain-containing family, doublecortin domain containing 2 (DCDC2) mutations can lead to neonatal sclerosing cholangitis, but its involvement in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the role of DCDC2 in liver fibrosis. Our findings revealed a reduction in DCDC2 expression in both human fibrotic liver tissues and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse liver fibrotic tissues. Furthermore, exposure to transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1) stimulation resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in DCDC2 expression. The overexpression of DCDC2 inhibited the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen alpha 1 (Col1α1), and reduced the activation of HSC stimulated with TGF-β1. Additionally, we provided evidence that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in this process, wherein DCDC2 was observed to inhibit β-catenin activation, thereby preventing its nuclear translocation. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that DCDC2 could attenuate the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like processes of HSC. In vivo, exogenous DCDC2 could ameliorate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In summary, DCDC2 was remarkably downregulated in liver fibrotic tissues of both humans and mice, as well as in TGF-β1-activated HSC. DCDC2 inhibited the activation of HSC induced by TGF-β1 in vitro and fibrogenic changes in vivo, suggesting that it is a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis and warrants further investigation in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Liu
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Cui-Hua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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4
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Nakano Y, Saijou E, Itoh T, Tanaka M, Miyajima A, Kido T. Development of a high throughput system to screen compounds that revert the activated hepatic stellate cells to a quiescent-like state. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8536. [PMID: 38609454 PMCID: PMC11014936 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58989-6] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury induces fibrosis that often proceeds to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, indicating that prevention and/or resolution of fibrosis is a promising therapeutic target. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major driver of fibrosis by expressing extracellular matrices (ECM). HSCs, in the normal liver, are quiescent and activated by liver injury to become myofibroblasts that proliferate and produce ECM. It has been shown that activated HSCs (aHSCs) become a "quiescent-like" state by removal of liver insults. Therefore, deactivation agents can be a therapeutic drug for advanced liver fibrosis. Using aHSCs prepared from human induced pluripotent stem cells, we found that aHSCs were reverted to a quiescent-like state by a combination of chemical compounds that either inhibit or activate a signaling pathway, Lanifibranor, SB431542, Dorsomorphin, retinoic acid, palmitic acid and Y27632, in vitro. Based on these results, we established a high throughput system to screen agents that induce deactivation and demonstrate that a single chemical compound can induce deactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Nakano
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
- Division of Cancer and Senescence Biology, Cancer Research Institute, and Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Eiko Saijou
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Tohru Itoh
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
- Research Core, Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyajima
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Taketomo Kido
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan.
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Li X, Xu X, Tao S, Su Y, Wen L, Wang D, Liu J, Feng Q. Gut microbes combined with metabolomics reveal the protective effects of Qijia Rougan decoction against CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1347120. [PMID: 38606180 PMCID: PMC11007057 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1347120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The occurrence and development of Hepatic fibrosis (HF) are closely related to the gut microbial composition and alterations in host metabolism. Qijia Rougan decoction (QJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound utilized clinically for the treatment of HF with remarkable clinical efficacy. However, its effect on the gut microbiota and metabolite alterations is unknown. Therefore, our objective was to examine the impact of QJ on the gut microbiota and metabolism in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HF. Methods: 40% CCl4 was used to induce HF, followed by QJ administration for 6 weeks. Serum biochemical analyses, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and non-targeted metabolomics techniques were employed in this study to investigate the interventional effects of QJ on a CCl4-induced HF model in rats. Results: This study demonstrated that QJ could effectively ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, QJ upregulated the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (TJPs) and notably altered the abundance of some gut microbes, for example, 10 genera closely associated with HF-related indicators and TJPs. In addition, metabolomics found 37 key metabolites responded to QJ treatment and strongly associated with HF-related indices and TJPs. Furthermore, a tight relation between 10 genera and 37 metabolites was found post correlation analysis. Among them, Turicibacter, Faecalibaculum, Prevotellaceae UCG 001, and unclassified Peptococcaceae may serve as the core gut microbes of QJ that inhibit HF. Conclusion: These results suggest that QJ ameliorates hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, which may be achieved by improving intestinal tight junctions and modulating gut microbiota composition as well as modulating host metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Dong Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jibin Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Quansheng Feng
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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6
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Wu HX, Long CR, Zhang ZH, Chen YL, Wang YY, Xiang SJ, Zhou BJ. Tryptophan metabolism and liver fibrosis. WORLD CHINESE JOURNAL OF DIGESTOLOGY 2024; 32:192-198. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v32.i3.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2024]
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7
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Yashaswini CN, Qin T, Bhattacharya D, Amor C, Lowe S, Lujambio A, Wang S, Friedman SL. Phenotypes and ontogeny of senescent hepatic stellate cells in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00197-1. [PMID: 38508241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the key drivers of fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the fastest growing cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. HSCs are heterogenous, and a senescent subset of HSCs is implicated in hepatic fibrosis and HCC. Administration of anti-uPAR (urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor) CAR T cells has been shown to deplete senescent HSCs and attenuate fibrosis in murine models. However, the comprehensive features of senescent HSCs in MASH, as well as their cellular ontogeny have not been characterized; hence, we aimed to comprehensively characterize and define the origin of HSCs in human and murine MASH. METHODS To comprehensively characterize the phenotype and ontogeny of senescent HSCs in human and murine MASH, we integrated senescence-associated beta galactosidase activity with immunostaining, flow cytometry and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq). We integrated the immunohistochemical profile with a senescence score applied to snRNAseq data to characterize senescent HSCs and mapped the evolution of uPAR expression in MASH. RESULTS Using pseudotime trajectory analysis, we establish that senescent HSCs arise from activated HSCs. While uPAR is expressed in MASH, the magnitude and cell-specificity of its expression evolve with disease stage. In early disease, uPAR is more specific to activated and senescent HSCs, while it is also expressed by myeloid-lineage cells, including Trem2+ macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, in late disease. Furthermore, we identify novel surface proteins expressed on senescent HSCs in human and murine MASH that could be exploited as therapeutic targets. CONCLUSIONS These data define features of HSC senescence in human and murine MASH, establishing an important blueprint to target these cells as part of future antifibrotic therapies. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary drivers of scarring in chronic liver diseases. As injury develops, a subset of HSCs become senescent; these cells are non-proliferative and pro-inflammatory, thereby contributing to worsening liver injury. Here we show that senescent HSCs are expanded in MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) in humans and mice, and we trace their cellular origin from the activated HSC subset. We further characterize expression of uPAR (urokinase plasminogen activated receptor), a protein that marks senescent HSCs, and report that uPAR is also expressed by activated HSCs in early injury, and in immune cells as liver injury advances. We have integrated high-resolution single-nucleus RNA sequencing with immunostaining and flow cytometry to identify five other novel proteins expressed by senescent HSCs, including mannose receptor CD206, which will facilitate future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chittampalli N Yashaswini
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tianyue Qin
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dipankar Bhattacharya
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Corina Amor
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States
| | - Scott Lowe
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, United States
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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8
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Liu W, Zhang L, Wei X, Xu Y, Fang Q, Qi S, Chen J, Wang C, Wang S, Qin L, Liu P, Wu J. Structural characterization of an inulin neoseries-type fructan from Ophiopogonis Radix and the therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis in vivo. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 327:121659. [PMID: 38171656 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Ophiopogonis Radix is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine and functional food that is rich in polysaccharides and has fructan as a characteristic component. In this study, an inulin neoseries-type fructan designated as OJP-W2 was obtained and characterized from Ophiopogonis Radix, and its potential therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis in vivo were investigated. Structural studies revealed that OJP-W2 had a molecular weight of 5.76 kDa and was composed of glucose and fructose with a molar ratio of 1.00:30.87. Further analysis revealed OJP-W2 has a predominantly lineal (1-2)-linked β-D-fructosyl units linked to the glucose moiety of the sucrose molecule with (2-6)-linked β-D-fructosyl side chains. Pharmacological studies revealed that OJP-W2 exerted a marked hepatoprotective effect against liver fibrosis, the mechanism of action was involved in regulating collagen deposition (α-SMA, COL1A1 and liver Hyp contents) and TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway, alleviating liver inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, CCL5 and F4/80) and MAPK signaling pathway, and inhibiting hepatic apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2, ATF4 and Caspase 3). These data provide evidence for expanding Ophiopogonis Radix-acquired fructan types and advancing our understanding of the specific role of inulin neoseries-type fructan in liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Linzhang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Basic Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndrome, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xia Wei
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Basic Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndrome, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongbin Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qinqin Fang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shenglan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Basic Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndrome, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shunchun Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Luping Qin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Basic Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndrome, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jianjun Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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9
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Chuecos MA, Lagor WR. Liver directed adeno-associated viral vectors to treat metabolic disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:22-40. [PMID: 37254440 PMCID: PMC10687323 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the metabolic center of the body and an ideal target for gene therapy of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors can deliver transgenes to the liver with high efficiency and specificity and a favorable safety profile. Recombinant AAV vectors contain only the transgene cassette, and their payload is converted to non-integrating circular double-stranded DNA episomes, which can provide stable expression from months to years. Insights from cellular studies and preclinical animal models have provided valuable information about AAV capsid serotypes with a high liver tropism. These vectors have been applied successfully in the clinic, particularly in trials for hemophilia, resulting in the first approved liver-directed gene therapy. Lessons from ongoing clinical trials have identified key factors affecting efficacy and safety that were not readily apparent in animal models. Circumventing pre-existing neutralizing antibodies to the AAV capsid, and mitigating adaptive immune responses to transduced cells are critical to achieving therapeutic benefit. Combining the high efficiency of AAV delivery with genome editing is a promising path to achieve more precise control of gene expression. The primary safety concern for liver gene therapy with AAV continues to be the small risk of tumorigenesis from rare vector integrations. Hepatotoxicity is a key consideration in the safety of neuromuscular gene therapies which are applied at substantially higher doses. The current knowledge base and toolkit for AAV is well developed, and poised to correct some of the most severe IMDs with liver-directed gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A. Chuecos
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - William R. Lagor
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
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10
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Borrello MT, Mann D. Chronic liver diseases: From development to novel pharmacological therapies: IUPHAR Review 37. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2880-2897. [PMID: 35393658 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15853] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases comprise a broad spectrum of burdensome diseases that still lack effective pharmacological therapies. Our research group focuses on fibrosis, which is a major precursor of liver cirrhosis. Fibrosis consists in a progressive disturbance of liver sinusoidal architecture characterised by connective tissue deposition as a reparative response to tissue injury. Multifactorial events and several types of cells participate in fibrosis initiation and progression, and the process still needs to be completely understood. The development of experimental models of liver fibrosis alongside the identification of critical factors progressing fibrosis to cirrhosis will facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for such condition. This review provides an overlook of the main process leading to hepatic fibrosis and therapeutic approaches that have emerged from a deep knowledge of the molecular regulation of fibrogenesis in the liver. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Advances in Fibrosis as a Therapeutic Target. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.22/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Borrello
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Derek Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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11
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Sun Y, Chen X, Chen L, Bao B, Li C, Zhou Y. MFAP2 promotes HSCs activation through FBN1/TGF-β/Smad3 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3235-3246. [PMID: 37635348 PMCID: PMC10623529 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic inflammatory process characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which contributes to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence suggests that the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) under an inflammatory state leads to the secretion of collagens, which can cause cirrhosis. In this study, we analysed data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between quiescent and fibrotic HSCs. We found that Microfibril Associated Protein 2 (MFAP2) was elevated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 (TGF-β1)-activated HSCs. Knockdown of MFAP2 inhibited HSC proliferation and partially attenuated TGF-β-stimulated fibrogenesis markers. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that Fibrillin-1 (FBN1) was correlated with MFAP2, and the expression of FBN1 was significantly upregulated after MFAP2 overexpression. Silencing MFAP2 partially attenuated the activation of HSCs by inhibiting HSC proliferation and decreasing collagen deposits. In vitro results showed that the inhibition of MFAP2 alleviated hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the activation and inducing the apoptosis of active HSCs in a CCl4-induced mouse model. In conclusion, our results suggest that MFAP2 is a potential target for the clinical treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Sun
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Hospital of Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Department of PediatricsGansu Province People's HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xingxing Chen
- Department of PediatricsGansu Province People's HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Lili Chen
- The First School of Clinical MedicineGansu University of Chinese MedicineLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Baixin Bao
- The First School of Clinical MedicineGansu University of Chinese MedicineLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Chunming Li
- Department of ObstetricsGansu Province People's HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yongning Zhou
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Hospital of Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
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12
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Wang S, Friedman SL. Found in translation-Fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadi0759. [PMID: 37792957 PMCID: PMC10671253 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi0759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a severe form of liver disease that poses a global health threat because of its potential to progress to advanced fibrosis, leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Recent advances in single-cell methodologies, refined disease models, and genetic and epigenetic insights have provided a nuanced understanding of MASH fibrogenesis, with substantial cellular heterogeneity in MASH livers providing potentially targetable cell-cell interactions and behavior. Unlike fibrogenesis, mechanisms underlying fibrosis regression in MASH are still inadequately understood, although antifibrotic targets have been recently identified. A refined antifibrotic treatment framework could lead to noninvasive assessment and targeted therapies that preserve hepatocellular function and restore the liver's architectural integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
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13
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Yao L, Hu X, Yuan M, Liu P, Zhang Q, Wang Z, Chen P, Xiong Z, Wu L, Dai K, Jiang Y. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells alleviate liver cirrhosis through the Hippo/YAP/Id1 pathway and macrophage-dependent mechanism. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110456. [PMID: 37494836 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few effective anti-fibrotic therapies are currently available for liver cirrhosis. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) ameliorate liver fibrosis and contribute to liver regeneration after cirrhosis, attracting much attention as a potential therapeutic strategy for the disease. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of their therapeutic effect is still unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hUC-MSCs) in treating liver cirrhosis and their underlying mechanisms. METHODS We used carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mice as liver cirrhosis models and treated them with hUC-MSCs via tail vein injection. We assessed the changes in liver function, inflammation, and fibrosis by histopathology and serum biochemistry and explored the mechanism of hUC-MSCs by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) using liver tissues. In addition, we investigated the effects of hUC-MSCs on hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and macrophages by in vitro co-culture experiments. RESULTS We found that hUC-MSCs considerably improved liver function and attenuated liver inflammation and fibrosis in CCl4-injured mice. We also showed that these cells exerted therapeutic effects by regulating the Hippo/YAP/Id1 axis in vivo. Our in vitro experiments demonstrated that hUC-MSCs inhibit HSC activation by regulating the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway and targeting Id1. Moreover, hUC-MSCs also alleviated liver inflammation by promoting the transformation of macrophages to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that hUC-MSCs relieve liver cirrhosis in mice through the Hippo/YAP/Id1 pathway and macrophage-dependent mechanisms, providing a theoretical basis for the future use of these cells as a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Yao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengqin Yuan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingji Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuling Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyu Xiong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Lun Wu
- Experiment Center of Medicine, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442008, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kai Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yingan Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Abstract
Chronic liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or viral hepatitis are characterized by persistent inflammation and subsequent liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis critically determines long-term morbidity (for example, cirrhosis or liver cancer) and mortality in NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Inflammation represents the concerted response of various hepatic cell types to hepatocellular death and inflammatory signals, which are related to intrahepatic injury pathways or extrahepatic mediators from the gut-liver axis and the circulation. Single-cell technologies have revealed the heterogeneity of immune cell activation concerning disease states and the spatial organization within the liver, including resident and recruited macrophages, neutrophils as mediators of tissue repair, auto-aggressive features of T cells as well as various innate lymphoid cell and unconventional T cell populations. Inflammatory responses drive the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and HSC subsets, in turn, modulate immune mechanisms via chemokines and cytokines or transdifferentiate into matrix-producing myofibroblasts. Current advances in understanding the pathogenesis of inflammation and fibrosis in the liver, mainly focused on NAFLD or NASH owing to the high unmet medical need, have led to the identification of several therapeutic targets. In this Review, we summarize the inflammatory mediators and cells in the diseased liver, fibrogenic pathways and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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15
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Cogliati B, Yashaswini CN, Wang S, Sia D, Friedman SL. Friend or foe? The elusive role of hepatic stellate cells in liver cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:647-661. [PMID: 37550577 PMCID: PMC10671228 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a substantial risk factor for the development and progression of liver cancer, which includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Studies utilizing cell fate mapping and single-cell transcriptomics techniques have identified quiescent perisinusoidal hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) as the primary source of activated collagen-producing HSCs and liver cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in HCC and liver metastasis, complemented in iCCA by contributions from portal fibroblasts. At the same time, integrative computational analysis of single-cell, single-nucleus and spatial RNA sequencing data have revealed marked heterogeneity among HSCs and CAFs, with distinct subpopulations displaying unique gene expression signatures and functions. Some of these subpopulations have divergent roles in promoting or inhibiting liver fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. In this Review, we discuss the dual roles of HSC subpopulations in liver fibrogenesis and their contribution to liver cancer promotion, progression and metastasis. We review the transcriptomic and functional similarities between HSC and CAF subpopulations, highlighting the pathways that either promote or prevent fibrosis and cancer, and the immunological landscape from which these pathways emerge. Insights from ongoing studies will yield novel strategies for developing biomarkers, assessing prognosis and generating new therapies for both HCC and iCCA prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Cogliati
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Sia
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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16
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Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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17
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Li L, Diao S, Chen Z, Zhang J, Chen W, Wang T, Chen X, Zhao Y, Xu T, Huang C, Li J. DNMT3a-mediated methylation of TCF21/hnRNPA1 aggravates hepatic fibrosis by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Pharmacol Res 2023; 193:106808. [PMID: 37268177 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is caused by liver damage as a consequence of wound healing response. Recent studies have shown that hepatic fibrosis could be effectively reversed, partly through regression of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Transcription factor 21 (TCF21), a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in various diseases. However, the mechanism by which TCF21 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in hepatic fibrosis has not been elucidated. In this research, we found that hnRNPA1, the downstream binding protein of TCF21, accelerates hepatic fibrosis reversal by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, the combination of DNMT3a with TCF21 promoter results in TCF21 hypermethylation. Our results suggest that DNMT3a regulation of TCF21 is a significant event in reversing hepatic fibrosis. In conclusion, this research identifies a novel signaling axis, DNMT3a-TCF21-hnRNPA1, that regulates HSCs activation and hepatic fibrosis reversal, providing a novel treatment strategy for hepatic fibrosis. The clinical trial was registered in the Research Registry (researchregistry9079).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Shaoxi Diao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Zixiang Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jintong Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Wei Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Tao Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University.
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University.
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18
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Shan L, Wang F, Zhai D, Meng X, Liu J, Lv X. Matrix metalloproteinases induce extracellular matrix degradation through various pathways to alleviate hepatic fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114472. [PMID: 37002573 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common consequence of various chronic liver injuries and is mainly characterized by the imbalance between the production and degradation of extracellular matrix, which leads to the accumulation of interstitial collagen and other matrix components. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific inhibitors, that is, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), play a crucial role in collagen synthesis and lysis. Previous in vivo and in vitro studies of our laboratory found repressing extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation by restoring the balance between MMPs and TIMPs can alleviate liver fibrosis. We conducted a review of articles published in PubMed and Science Direct in the last decade until February 1, 2023, which were searched for using these words "MMPs/TIMPs" and "Hepatic Fibrosis." Through a literature review, this article reviews the experimental studies of liver fibrosis based on MMPs/TIMPs, summarizes the components that may exert an anti-liver fibrosis effect by affecting the expression or activity of MMPs/TIMPs, and attempts to clarify the mechanism of MMPs/TIMPs in regulating collagen homeostasis, so as to provide support for the development of anti-liver fibrosis drugs. We found the MMP-TIMP-ECM interaction can result in better understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of hepatic fibrosis from a different angle, and targeting this interaction may be a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis. Additionally, we summarized and analyzed the drugs that have been found to reduce liver fibrosis by changing the ratio of MMPs/TIMPs, including medicine natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fengling Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China
| | - Dandan Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China
| | - Xiangyun Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China.
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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19
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Ni YH, Wang R, Wang W, Li DZ, Liu G, Jiang CS, Wang Y, Lin X, Zeng XP. Tcf21 Alleviates Pancreatic Fibrosis by Regulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells. Dig Dis Sci 2023:10.1007/s10620-023-07849-w. [PMID: 36943591 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07849-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) plays a key role in the occurrence and development of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic fibrosis, which is related to the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study was designed to investigate the effect and mechanism of Tcf21 (one of tumor suppressor genes) on pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. METHODS C57BL/6 male mice were intraperitoneally injected with caerulein for 6 weeks to establish CP animal model. Fixed pancreatic tissue paraffin-embedded sections were used for immunohistochemistry staining of Tcf21, fibrosis-related markers (α-SMA), interstitial markers (Vimentin) and epithelial markers (E-cadherin). Western blotting and qRT-PCR assay were performed to analyze the change of expression of the above markers after stimulation of TGF-β1 or overexpressed Tcf21 lentivirus transfection in human pancreatic stellate cells (HPSCs). RESULTS The pancreatic expression of α-SMA and Vimentin of CP mice significantly increased, while the expression of Tcf21 and E-cadherin significantly decreased. TGF-β1 could promote activation and EMT process of HPSCs, and inhibited the expression of Tcf21. Overexpression of Tcf21 could significantly down-regulate the expression of α-SMA, Fibronectin and Vimentin, and up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 of HPSCs. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and scratch wound-healing assay results showed that overexpression of Tcf21 could significantly inhibit the cell migration and proliferation of HPSCs. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of Tcf21 could significantly alleviate the activation, proliferation, migration of PSCs by regulating the EMT process. Tcf21 had a potential prospect of a new target for CP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hong Ni
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, 156 North Road of West No.2 Ring, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, 156 North Road of West No.2 Ring, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Da-Zhou Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, 156 North Road of West No.2 Ring, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, 156 North Road of West No.2 Ring, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Shen Jiang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, 156 North Road of West No.2 Ring, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xia Lin
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, 156 North Road of West No.2 Ring, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Xiang-Peng Zeng
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, 156 North Road of West No.2 Ring, Fuzhou, 350025, China.
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China.
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20
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Wiering L, Subramanian P, Hammerich L. Hepatic Stellate Cells: Dictating Outcome in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1277-1292. [PMID: 36828280 PMCID: PMC10148161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a fast growing, chronic liver disease affecting ∼25% of the global population. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease severity ranges from the less severe simple hepatic steatosis to the more advanced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The presence of NASH predisposes individuals to liver fibrosis, which can further progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This makes hepatic fibrosis an important indicator of clinical outcomes in patients with NASH. Hepatic stellate cell activation dictates fibrosis development during NASH. Here, we discuss recent advances in the analysis of the profibrogenic pathways and mediators of hepatic stellate cell activation and inactivation, which ultimately determine the course of disease in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leke Wiering
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Junior Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pallavi Subramanian
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
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21
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Fu Y, Zhou Y, Mu Y, Lv Y, Chen G, Zhang H, Liu P, Chen J. Testicular orphan receptor 4 induced hepatic stellate cells activation via the regulation of TGF-β receptor Ⅰ/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:100775. [PMID: 36280014 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Liver fibrosis is a common pathological change in many chronic liver diseases. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the core event in liver fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the role of testicular orphan receptor 4 (TR4) in the activation of HSCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo, bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced rat liver fibrosis model was established, and the expressions of TR4 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in liver tissues were detected. In vitro, TR4 knockdown and overexpression in JS-1 cells using lentiviral vectors were constructed, and the expressions of TR4, α-SMA, Col-I, and TGF-β1/smads and retinoid X receptor (RXR) pathway-related genes were detected. RESULTS TR4 was highly expressed in BDL-induced fibrotic liver, accompanied by increased expression of α-SMA. Knockdown of TR4 significantly inhibited the expressions of α-SMA, Col-I, p-TβRI, and p-Smad2/3, and up-regulated the expression of RXRα in HSCs in vitro. In contrast, TR4 overexpression significantly increased the expressions of α-SMA, Col-I, p-TβRI, and p-Smad2/3, and inhibited the expression of RXRα. CONCLUSIONS TR4 may promote the activation of HSCs by up-regulating TβR I/Smad2/3 signaling pathway and down-regulating RXRα signaling, thereby promoting the progression of liver fibrosis. Our findings may provide a new therapeutic target against hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Fu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuping Zhou
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongping Mu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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22
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Gong L, Zhou H, Zhang S, Wang C, Fu K, Ma C, Zhang Y, Peng C, Li Y. CD44-Targeting Drug Delivery System of Exosomes Loading Forsythiaside A Combats Liver Fibrosis via Regulating NLRP3-Mediated Pyroptosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202228. [PMID: 36603210 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive pathological process induced by various stimuli and may progress to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Forsythiaside A (FA) is an active ingredient extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Forsythiae Fructus and has prominent hepatoprotective activities. However, the unsatisfactory pharmacokinetic properties restrict its clinical application. In this study, the nanocarrier of CD44-specific ligand Hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified milk-derived exosomes (mExo) encapsulated with FA (HA-mExo-FA) is developed. As a result, HA modification could deliver drug-loaded exosomes to the target cells and form a specific ligand-receptor interaction with CD44, thus improving the anti-liver fibrosis effect of FA. In vitro findings indicate that HA-mExo-FA could inhibit TGF-β1-induced LX2 cell proliferation, reduce α-SMA and collagen gene and protein levels, and promote the apoptosis of activated LX2 cells. In vivo results demonstrate that HA-mExo-FA could improve liver morphology and function changes in zebrafish larvae. The anti-liver fibrosis mechanism of HA-mExo-FA may be attributed to the inhibition of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. In addition, the effect of HA-mExo-FA on TAA-induced increase in NLRP3 production is attenuated by NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. Collectively, this study demonstrates the promising application of HA-mExo-FA in drug delivery with high specificity and provides a powerful and novel delivery platform for liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Honglin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Shenglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yafang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
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Chen X, Lv X, Han M, Hu Y, Zheng W, Xue H, Li Z, Li K, Tan W. EMP1 as a Potential Biomarker in Liver Fibrosis: A Bioinformatics Analysis. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2023; 2023:2479192. [PMID: 37008256 PMCID: PMC10060069 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2479192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to chronic injury, which may result in cirrhosis and liver failure. Studies have been carried on the mechanisms and pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. However, the potential cell-specific expressed marker genes involved in fibrotic processes remain unknown. In this study, we combined a publicly accessible single-cell transcriptome of human liver with microarray datasets to evaluate the cell-specific expression patterns of differentially expressed genes in the liver. We noticed that EMP1 (epithelial membrane protein 1) is significantly active not only in CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride)-treated mouse liver fibrosis but also in BDL (bile duct ligation)-induced liver fibrosis and even in human fibrotic liver tissues such as alcoholic hepatitis, NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), and advanced stage liver fibrosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that EMP1 is a specific fibrotic gene expressed in HSCs (hepatic stellate cells) and endothelial cells using the Protein Atlas single-cell transcriptome RNA-sequencing clustering. Its expression was significantly elevated in fibrotic HSCs or CCl4 and NASH-induced fibroblasts. Previous research revealed that EMP1 plays a role in proliferation, migration, metastasis, and tumorigeneses in different cancers via a variety of mechanisms. Because HSC activation and proliferation are two important steps following liver injury, it would be interesting to investigate the role of EMP1 in these processes. All of this information suggested that EMP1 could be used as a novel fibrotic liver marker and a possible target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchen Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinliang Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Manman Han
- Department of General Surgery, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yexiao Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanqiong Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haibo Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuokai Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kui Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Lishui Central Hospital, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Lishui, Zhejiang, China
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24
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Xia J, Hou Y, Cai A, Xu Y, Yang W, Huang M, Mou S. An integrated co-expression network analysis reveals novel genetic biomarkers for immune cell infiltration in chronic kidney disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129524. [PMID: 36875100 PMCID: PMC9981626 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129524] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by persistent damage to kidney function or structure. Progression to end-stage leads to adverse effects on multiple systems. However, owing to its complex etiology and long-term cause, the molecular basis of CKD is not completely known. Methods To dissect the potential important molecules during the progression, based on CKD databases from Gene Expression Omnibus, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the key genes in kidney tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Correlation analysis of these genes with clinical relevance was evaluated based on Nephroseq. Combined with a validation cohort and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), we found the candidate biomarkers. The immune cell infiltration of these biomarkers was evaluated. The expression of these biomarkers was further detected in folic acid-induced nephropathy (FAN) murine model and immunohistochemical staining. Results In total, eight genes (CDCP1, CORO1C, DACH1, GSTA4, MAFB, TCF21, TGFBR3, and TGIF1) in kidney tissue and six genes (DDX17, KLF11, MAN1C1, POLR2K, ST14, and TRIM66) in PBMC were screened from co-expression network. Correlation analysis of these genes with serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate from Nephroseq showed a well clinical relevance. Validation cohort and ROC identified TCF21, DACH1 in kidney tissue and DDX17 in PBMC as biomarkers for the progression of CKD. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that DACH1 and TCF21 were correlated with eosinophil, activated CD8 T cell, activated CD4 T cell, while the DDX17 was correlated with neutrophil, type-2 T helper cell, type-1 T helper cell, mast cell, etc. FAN murine model and immunohistochemical staining confirmed that these three molecules can be used as genetic biomarkers to distinguish CKD patients from healthy people. Moreover, the increase of TCF21 in kidney tubules might play important role in the CKD progression. Discussion We identified three promising genetic biomarkers which could play important roles in the progression of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xia
- Department of Nephrology, Molecular Cell Lab for Kidney Disease, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yutong Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Anxiang Cai
- Department of Nephrology, Molecular Cell Lab for Kidney Disease, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Masha Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Mou
- Department of Nephrology, Molecular Cell Lab for Kidney Disease, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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25
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Du C, Dong J, Wang Q, Xu C, Feng S, Feng R, Lv X, Li J, Zhang L, Huang C, Ma T. Hastatoside attenuatescarbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis by targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3β. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 109:154585. [PMID: 36610117 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hastatoside is an iridoid glycoside extracted from the herb, Verbena officinalis, that exerts various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, sleep-promoting, and analgesic effects. However, only a few studies have reported the efficacy of hastatoside in liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is a pathophysiological process, and its persistence can seriously affect the quality of life and well-being of the patients. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the role of hastatoside on liver fibrosis and its possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS C57BL/6 J mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis were used as the in vivo models. Histological features of the liver were observed using Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels and the hepatic fibrosis indices (type 3 procollagen, laminin, and hyaluronic acid) were measured using corresponding assay kits. LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulated with the transforming growth factor β1 were used as the vitro models. Transfection of the glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β small interfering RNA (siRNA) and β-catenin plasmids was also performed in vitro. Protein levels of GSK-3β, phospho-GSK-3β (Ser 9), α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I alpha 1, c-Myc, cyclin D1, and β-catenin were determined via western blotting. Moreover, the p-GSK-3β:GSK-3β ratio was calculated to determine the GSK-3β activity. RESULTS Hastatoside prevented CCl4-induced liver injury and histological damage. It inhibited the upregulation of α-SMA and Col1α1 levels in a CCl4-induced mouse hepatic fibrosis model. In vitro, hastatoside inhibited the proliferation and activation of HSCs by decreasing the expression levels of cyclin D1 and c-Myc and the proportion of LX-2 cells activated in the G0/G1 phase. Molecular docking results showed that hastatoside bound to GSK-3β. Hastatoside significantly increased the GSK-3β activity and inhibited the downstream effector expression of β-catenin. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that hastatoside can bind to GSK-3β and promote its activity, while inhibiting the GSK-3β downstream effector expression of β-catenin, thereby inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs, which further prevents the development of liver fibrosis. These results provide innovative insights into the underlying liver fibrosis. Moreover, hastatoside is a potential anti-fibrosis monomer that can potentially be used for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changlin Du
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Jiahui Dong
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Chuanting Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Shiqi Feng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China.
| | - Taotao Ma
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China.
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Ramani K, Mavila N, Abeynayake A, Tomasi ML, Wang J, Matsuda M, Seki E. Targeting A-kinase anchoring protein 12 phosphorylation in hepatic stellate cells regulates liver injury and fibrosis in mouse models. eLife 2022; 11:e78430. [PMID: 36193675 PMCID: PMC9531947 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Trans-differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to activated state potentiates liver fibrosis through release of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, distorting the liver architecture. Since limited antifibrotics are available, pharmacological intervention targeting activated HSCs may be considered for therapy. A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) is a scaffolding protein that directs protein kinases A/C (PKA/PKC) and cyclins to specific locations spatiotemporally controlling their biological effects. It has been shown that AKAP12's scaffolding functions are altered by phosphorylation. In previously published work, observed an association between AKAP12 phosphorylation and HSC activation. In this work, we demonstrate that AKAP12's scaffolding activity toward the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident collagen chaperone, heat-shock protein 47 (HSP47) is strongly inhibited by AKAP12's site-specific phosphorylation in activated HSCs. CRISPR-directed gene editing of AKAP12's phospho-sites restores its scaffolding toward HSP47, inhibiting HSP47's collagen maturation functions, and HSC activation. AKAP12 phospho-editing dramatically inhibits fibrosis, ER stress response, HSC inflammatory signaling, and liver injury in mice. Our overall findings suggest a pro-fibrogenic role of AKAP12 phosphorylation that may be targeted for therapeutic intervention in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Ramani
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
- Applied Cell Biology Division, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Nirmala Mavila
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
- Applied Cell Biology Division, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Aushinie Abeynayake
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Maria Lauda Tomasi
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
- Applied Cell Biology Division, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Jiaohong Wang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Michitaka Matsuda
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Eki Seki
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
- Applied Cell Biology Division, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesUnited States
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Huc-MSC-derived exosomes modified with the targeting peptide of aHSCs for liver fibrosis therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:432. [PMID: 36183106 PMCID: PMC9526331 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01636-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective therapeutics to stop or reverse liver fibrosis have not emerged, because these potential agents cannot specifically target activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) or are frequently toxic to parenchymal cells. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (Huc-MSC)-derived exosomes show promise in nanomedicine for the treatment of liver fibrosis. However, systemic injection showed that unmodified exosomes were mainly taken up by the mononuclear phagocyte system. The discovery of ligands that selectively bind to a specific target plays a crucial role in clinically relevant diagnostics and therapeutics. Herein, we aimed to identify the targeting peptide of aHSCs by screening a phage-displayed peptide library, and modify Huc-MSC-derived exosomes with the targeting peptide. Results In this study, we screened a phage-displayed peptide library by biopanning for peptides preferentially bound to HSC-T6 cells. The identified peptide, HSTP1, also exhibited better targeting ability to aHSCs in pathological sections of fibrotic liver tissues. Then, HSTP1 was fused with exosomal enriched membrane protein (Lamp2b) and was displayed on the surface of exosomes through genetic engineering technology. The engineered exosomes (HSTP1-Exos) could be more efficiently internalized by HSC-T6 cells and outperformed both unmodified exosomes (Blank-Exos) and Lamp2b protein overexpressed exosomes (Lamp2b + Exos) in enhancing the ability of exosomes to promote HSC-T6 reversion to a quiescent phenotype. In vivo results showed HSTP1-Exos could specifically target to the aHSC region after intravenous administration, as demonstrated by coimmunofluorescence with the typical aHSCs marker α-SMA, and enhance the therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis. Conclusion These results suggest that HSTP1 is a reliable targeting peptide that can specifically bind to aHSCs and that HSTP1-modified exosomes realize the precise treatment for aHSCs in complex liver tissue. We provide a novel strategy for clinical liver fibrosis therapy. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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28
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Bu FT, Jia PC, Zhu Y, Yang YR, Meng HW, Bi YH, Huang C, Li J. Emerging therapeutic potential of adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy in liver fibrosis. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:191-206. [PMID: 35859692 PMCID: PMC9271983 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response that results from various chronic damages. If the causes of damage are not removed or effective treatments are not given in a timely manner, it will progress to cirrhosis, even liver cancer. Currently, there are no specific medical therapies for liver fibrosis. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy, one of the frontiers of modern medicine, has gained more attention in many fields due to its high safety profile, low immunogenicity, long-term efficacy in mediating gene expression, and increasingly known tropism. Notably, increasing evidence suggests a promising therapeutic potential for AAV-mediated gene therapy in different liver fibrosis models, which helps to correct abnormally changed target genes in the process of fibrosis and improve liver fibrosis at the molecular level. Moreover, the addition of cell-specific promoters to the genome of recombinant AAV helps to limit gene expression in specific cells, thereby producing better therapeutic efficacy in liver fibrosis. However, animal models are considered to be powerless predictive of tissue tropism, immunogenicity, and genotoxic risks in humans. Thus, AAV-mediated gene therapy will face many challenges. This review systemically summarizes the recent advances of AAV-mediated gene therapy in liver fibrosis, especially focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms of transferred genes, and presents prospective challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Tian Bu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Jia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Ru Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hong-Wu Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-Hui Bi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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29
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Zhou Y, Long D, Zhao Y, Li S, Liang Y, Wan L, Zhang J, Xue F, Feng L. Oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial fission promotes hepatic stellate cell activation via stimulating oxidative phosphorylation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:689. [PMID: 35933403 PMCID: PMC9357036 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics in fibrotic livers and hepatocytes. Little is currently known about how mitochondrial dynamics are involved, nor is it clear how mitochondrial dynamics participate in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. In the present study, we investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamics in HSC activation and the underlying mechanisms. We verified that mitochondrial fission was enhanced in human and mouse fibrotic livers and active HSCs. Moreover, increased mitochondrial fission driven by fis1 overexpression could promote HSC activation. Inhibiting mitochondrial fission using mitochondrial fission inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1) could inhibit activation and induce apoptosis of active HSCs, indicating that increased mitochondrial fission is essential for HSC activation. Mdivi-1 treatment also induced apoptosis in active HSCs in vivo and thus ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. We also found that oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) was increased in active HSCs, and OxPhos inhibitors inhibited activation and induced apoptosis in active HSCs. Moreover, increasing mitochondrial fission upregulated OxPhos, while inhibiting mitochondrial fission downregulated OxPhos, suggesting that mitochondrial fission stimulates OxPhos during HSC activation. Next, we found that inhibition of oxidative stress using mitoquinone mesylate (mitoQ) and Tempol inhibited mitochondrial fission and OxPhos and induced apoptosis in active HSCs, suggesting that oxidative stress contributes to excessive mitochondrial fission during HSC activation. In conclusion, our study revealed that oxidative stress contributes to enhanced mitochondrial fission, which triggers OxPhos during HSC activation. Importantly, inhibiting mitochondrial fission has huge prospects for alleviating liver fibrosis by eliminating active HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Zhou
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology of the Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Dan Long
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology of the Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhao
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Shengfu Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology of the Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Yan Liang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Research Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Lin Wan
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Jingyao Zhang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Fulai Xue
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Li Feng
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
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30
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Fibrogenic Pathways in Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136996. [PMID: 35805998 PMCID: PMC9266719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently also re-defined as metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is rapidly increasing, affecting ~25% of the world population. MALFD/NAFLD represents a spectrum of liver pathologies including the more benign hepatic steatosis and the more advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is associated with enhanced risk for liver fibrosis and progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation underlies NASH-related fibrosis. Here, we discuss the profibrogenic pathways, which lead to HSC activation and fibrogenesis, with a particular focus on the intercellular hepatocyte–HSC and macrophage–HSC crosstalk.
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31
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Zhu S, Chen X, Chen SY, Wang A, Wu S, Wu YY, Cheng M, Xu JJ, Li XF, Huang C, Li J. Hesperetin derivative decreases CCl 4 -induced hepatic fibrosis by Ptch1-dependent mechanisms. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2022; 36:e23149. [PMID: 35712856 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF), a continuous wound-healing response of the liver to repeated injuries, is characterized by abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered a major cell type for ECM production. However, recent evidence indicates the lack of effective treatments for HF. Hesperetin, a Traditional Chinese Medicine monomer, has been isolated from the fruit peel of Citrusaurantium L. (Rutaceae). Growing evidence suggests the partial function of hesperetin in HF treatment. A hesperetin derivative (HD) was synthesized in our laboratory to increase the bioavailability and the water solubility of hesperetin. In this study, we detected the functions of HD in a mouse model of CCl4 -induced HF and transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated HSC-T6 cells, in vivo and in vitro. HD reduced histological damage and CCl4 -induced HF. Moreover, HD interference was associated with the activation of indicators in HSC-T6 cells, showing that HD is involved in HSCs activation in HF. Mechanistically, the Hedgehog pathway is involved in the HD treatment of HF, and HD may attenuate the aberrant expression of patched1. In conclusion, the studies indicate that HD may function as a potential antifibrotic Traditional Chinese Medicine monomer in HF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Ao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Sha Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Miao Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Jin-Jin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China
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32
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Established Liposome-Coated IMB16-4 Polymeric Nanoparticles (LNPs) for Increasing Cellular Uptake and Anti-Fibrotic Effects In Vitro. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123738. [PMID: 35744862 PMCID: PMC9230879 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As a global health problem, liver fibrosis still does not have approved treatment. It was proved that N-(3,4,5-trichlorophenyl)-2(3-nitrobenzenesulfonamide) benzamide (IMB16-4) has anti-hepatic fibrosis activity. However, IMB16-4 displays poor water solubility and poor bioavailability. We are devoted to developing biodegraded liposome-coated polymeric nanoparticles (LNPs) as IMB16-4 delivery systems for improving aqueous solubility, cellular uptake, and anti-fibrotic effects. The physical states of IMB16-4−LNPs were analyzed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results show that IMB16-4−LNPs increased the drug loading compared to liposomes and enhanced cellular uptake behavior compared with IMB16-4−NPs. In addition, IMB16-4−LNPs could repress the expression of hepatic fibrogenesis-associated proteins, indicating that IMB16-4−LNPs exhibited evident anti-fibrotic effects.
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33
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Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis and Its TCM Therapeutic Perspectives. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5325431. [PMID: 35529927 PMCID: PMC9071861 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5325431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process of abnormal tissue proliferation in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors, which will further develop into cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma if liver injury is not intervened in time. As a diffuse progressive liver disease, its clinical manifestations are mostly excessive deposition of collagen-rich extracellular matrix resulting in scar formation due to liver injury. Hepatic fibrosis can be caused by hepatitis B and C, fatty liver, alcohol, and rare diseases such as hemochromatosis. As the metabolic center of the body, the liver regulates various vital activities. During the development of fibrosis, it is influenced by many other factors in addition to the central event of hepatic stellate cell activation. Currently, with the increasing understanding of TCM, the advantages of TCM with multiple components, pathways, and targets have been demonstrated. In this review, we will describe the factors influencing liver fibrosis, focusing on the effects of cells, intestinal flora, iron death, signaling pathways, autophagy and angiogenesis on liver fibrosis, and the therapeutic effects of herbal medicine on liver fibrosis.
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34
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Liu Z, Xu B, Ding Y, Ding X, Yang Z. Guizhi Fuling pill attenuates liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and activating IFN-γ/Smad7 signaling pathways. Bioengineered 2022; 13:9357-9368. [PMID: 35387552 PMCID: PMC9161976 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2054224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis resulting from chronic liver injuries (CLI) is a common health problem globally. Guizhi Fuling pill (GZFL), a modern preparation from traditional Chinese medicine, exhibited anti-dysmenorrhea, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulative effects. However, the effect of GZFL on liver fibrosis remains unknown. In this research, LX-2 cells were stimulated with acetaldehyde for mimicking liver fibrosis progression in vitro. In addition, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis was established as well. The data revealed GZFL obviously suppressed the proliferation and triggered the apoptosis of acetaldehyde-stimulated LX-2 cells. In addition, GZFL prevented acetaldehyde-induced activation of LX-2 cells via downregulation of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, CUGBP1, and upregulation of p-STAT1 and Smad7. Meanwhile, GZFL significantly alleviated CCl4‑induced liver fibrosis, as evidenced by the decrease of ALT and AST levels. Moreover, GZFL downregulated the expressions of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, and CUGBP1 in CCl4-treated mice. Furthermore, GZFL remarkably elevated the levels of IFN-γ, p-STAT1, and Smad7 in CCl4-treated mice. To sum up, GZFL was able to inhibit liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo through suppressing TGF-β1/Smad2/3-CUGBP1 signaling and activating IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 signaling. Thus, GZFL might have a potential to act as a therapeutic agent for anti-fibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongliang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Zhoushan, P.R. China
| | - Baogui Xu
- School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Yaping Ding
- Department of Nutrition, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Zhoushan, P.R. China
| | - Xianjun Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Zhoushan, P.R. China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhoushan Hospital, P.R. China
| | - Zuisu Yang
- School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
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35
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Probiotic Bacillus Alleviates Oxidative Stress-Induced Liver Injury by Modulating Gut-Liver Axis in a Rat Model. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020291. [PMID: 35204173 PMCID: PMC8868294 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests a key role of gut microbiota in maintaining liver functions through modulating the gut–liver axis. In this study, we investigated whether microbiota alteration mediated by probiotic Bacillus was involved in alleviating oxidative stress- induced liver injury. Sprague–Dawley rats were orally administered Bacillus SC06 or SC08 for a 24-day period and thereafter intraperitoneally injected diquat (DQ) to induce oxidative stress. Results showed that Bacillus, particularly SC06 significantly inhibited hepatic injuries, as evidenced by the alleviated damaged liver structure, the decreased levels of ALT, AST, ALP and LDH, and the suppressed mitochondrial dysfunction. SC06 pretreatment markedly enhanced the liver antioxidant capacity by decreasing MDA and p47, and increasing T-AOC, SOD and HO-1.16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that DQ significantly changed the diversities and composition of gut microbiota, whereas Bacillus pretreatments could attenuate gut dysbiosis. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that AST and MDA exerted a positive correlation with the opportunistic pathogenic genera and species (Escherichia and Shigella), and negatively correlated with the potential probiotics (Lactobacillus), while SOD exerted a reverse trend. The microbial metagenomic analysis demonstrated that Bacillus, particularly SC06 markedly suppress the metabolic pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins. Furthermore, SC06 decreased the gene abundance of the pathways mediating bacterial replication, secretion and pathogenicity. Taken together, Bacillus SC06 alleviates oxidative stress-induced liver injuries via optimizing the composition, metabolic pathways and pathogenic replication and secretion of gut microbiota. These findings elucidate the mechanisms of probiotics in alleviating oxidative stress and provide a promising strategy for preventing liver diseases by targeting gut microbiota.
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36
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Two distinct Notch signals, Delta-like 4/Notch1 and Jagged-1/Notch2, antagonistically regulate chemical hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. Commun Biol 2022; 5:85. [PMID: 35064244 PMCID: PMC8782997 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is one of the most common drivers of carcinogenesis in many types of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, it occasionally suppresses tumor progression. Moreover, it is virtually unknown how different sets of Notch ligands and receptors regulate the HCC development. In this study, we demonstrate that the expression of the Notch ligands, Delta-like 4 (Dll4) and Jagged-1 (Jag1), is upregulated during diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Dll4 is detected in the preneoplastic hepatocytes and HCC cells, but not in the normal hepatocytes, while Jag1 is expressed in the desmin-positive mesenchymal cells. Hepatocyte-specific Dll4 knockout abolishes the Notch1 signaling and suppresses the tumor progression. In contrast, Jag1 deletion induces the ectopic expression of Dll4 in hepatocytes along with the loss of Notch2 signaling, leading to the tumor progression. These results indicate that the two distinct Notch signals, Dll4/Notch1 and Jag1/Notch2, are antagonistic to each other, exerting opposite effects on HCC progression. Dll4/Notch1 signal promotes the progression of HCC, while Jag1/Notch2 signal antagonistically suppresses it in murine chemical hepatocarcinogenesis. Nakano et al. report that two distinct Notch signals regulate the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using tissue specific loss of function mouse mutants. They find Dll4/Notch1 signal promotes HCC progression, while the Jag1/Notch2 signal antagonistically suppresses it.
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37
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Liu P, Li H, Gong J, Geng Y, Jiang M, Xu H, Xu Z, Shi J. Chitooligosaccharides alleviate hepatic fibrosis by regulating the polarization of M1 and M2 macrophages. Food Funct 2021; 13:753-768. [PMID: 34940780 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo03768d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regulating immune homeostasis by targeting liver macrophage polarization is a potential therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis. Chitooligosaccharide (COS) is a bioactive oligosaccharide possessing potent immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects. In this study the hepatoprotective effect of COS on hepatic fibrosis was examined in mice and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Herein, mice were induced to hepatic fibrosis using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and concurrently treated with COS orally. Kupffer cells (KCs) were skewed towards M1 macrophage polarization by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and towards M2 macrophage polarization by interleukin-4 (IL-4) in vitro, which were utilized for COS treatment. The results showed that mice were rescued from hepatic fibrosis by COS, marked by a reduction in the deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and histological lesions. COS had an inhibitory effect on the polarization of M1 and M2 macrophages both in vivo and in vitro, characterized by the raised biomarker of the M1 and M2 macrophages slipping towards the basal levels. Furthermore, COS inhibited the JAK2/STAT1 pathways on M1 macrophages and the JAK1/STAT6 pathways on M2 macrophages in KCs. In summary, this study revealed a molecular mechanism for the impact of COS effectiveness on the polarization of liver macrophages, suggesting that is could be a possible intervention for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Heng Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Jinsong Gong
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Yan Geng
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Min Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Hongyu Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenghong Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jinsong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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38
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Zhang XJ, She ZG, Wang J, Sun D, Shen LJ, Xiang H, Cheng X, Ji YX, Huang YP, Li PL, Yang X, Cheng Y, Ma JP, Wang HP, Hu Y, Hu F, Tian S, Tian H, Zhang P, Zhao GN, Wang L, Hu ML, Yang Q, Zhu LH, Cai J, Yang J, Zhang X, Ma X, Xu Q, Touyz RM, Liu PP, Loomba R, Wang Y, Li H. Multiple omics study identifies an interspecies conserved driver for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabg8117. [PMID: 34910546 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abg8117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhi-Gang She
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Junyong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Dating Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Li-Jun Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xu Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yan-Xiao Ji
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yong-Ping Huang
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Peng-Long Li
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yanjie Cheng
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jun-Peng Ma
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hai-Ping Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yufeng Hu
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fengjiao Hu
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Song Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Han Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guang-Nian Zhao
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Man-Li Hu
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Li-Hua Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jingjing Cai
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xinliang Ma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19004, USA
| | - Qingbo Xu
- Centre for Clinic Pharmacology, The William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- British Heart Foundation Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine, and Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Peter P Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4W7, Canada
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Epidemiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yibin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hongliang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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39
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Arroyo N, Villamayor L, Díaz I, Carmona R, Ramos-Rodríguez M, Muñoz-Chápuli R, Pasquali L, Toscano MG, Martín F, Cano DA, Rojas A. GATA4 induces liver fibrosis regression by deactivating hepatic stellate cells. JCI Insight 2021; 6:150059. [PMID: 34699385 PMCID: PMC8675192 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to liver injury, hepatic stellate cells activate and acquire proliferative and contractile features. The regression of liver fibrosis appears to involve the clearance of activated hepatic stellate cells, either by apoptosis or by reversion toward a quiescent-like state, a process called deactivation. Thus, deactivation of active hepatic stellate cells has emerged as a novel and promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis. However, our knowledge of the master regulators involved in the deactivation and/or activation of fibrotic hepatic stellate cells is still limited. The transcription factor GATA4 has been previously shown to play an important role in embryonic hepatic stellate cell quiescence. In this work, we show that lack of GATA4 in adult mice caused hepatic stellate cell activation and, consequently, liver fibrosis. During regression of liver fibrosis, Gata4 was reexpressed in deactivated hepatic stellate cells. Overexpression of Gata4 in hepatic stellate cells promoted liver fibrosis regression in CCl4-treated mice. GATA4 induced changes in the expression of fibrogenic and antifibrogenic genes, promoting hepatic stellate cell deactivation. Finally, we show that GATA4 directly repressed EPAS1 transcription in hepatic stellate cells and that stabilization of the HIF2α protein in hepatic stellate cells leads to liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Arroyo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Villamayor
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Díaz
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rita Carmona
- Universidad de Málaga y Centro Andaluz de Nanomedicina, Málaga, Spain.,Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Legal Medicine and History of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Mireia Ramos-Rodríguez
- Endocrine Regulatory Genomics, Department of Experimental & Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Lorenzo Pasquali
- Endocrine Regulatory Genomics, Department of Experimental & Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Franz Martín
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Madrid, Spain
| | - David A Cano
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Anabel Rojas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Madrid, Spain
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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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Dong XC, Chowdhury K, Huang M, Kim HG. Signal Transduction and Molecular Regulation in Fatty Liver Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:689-717. [PMID: 33906425 PMCID: PMC8558079 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Fatty liver disease is a major liver disorder in the modern societies. Comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms is essential for the prevention and treatment of the disease. Recent Advances: Remarkable progress has been made in the recent years in basic and translational research in the field of fatty liver disease. Multiple signaling pathways have been implicated in the development of fatty liver disease, including AMP-activated protein kinase, mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, inflammation, transforming growth factor β, and yes1-associated transcriptional regulator/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ). In addition, critical molecular regulations at the transcriptional and epigenetic levels have been linked to the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease. Critical Issues: Some critical issues remain to be solved so that research findings can be translated into clinical applications. Robust and reliable biomarkers are needed for diagnosis of different stages of the fatty liver disease. Effective and safe molecular targets remain to be identified and validated. Prevention strategies require solid scientific evidence and population-wide feasibility. Future Directions: As more data are generated with time, integrative approaches are needed to comprehensively understand the disease pathophysiology and mechanisms at multiple levels from population, organismal system, organ/tissue, to cell. The interactions between genes and environmental factors require deeper investigation for the purposes of prevention and personalized treatment of fatty liver disease. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 689-717.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocheng Charlie Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kushan Chowdhury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Menghao Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Hyeong Geug Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Wang SS, Tang XT, Lin M, Yuan J, Peng YJ, Yin X, Shang G, Ge G, Ren Z, Zhou BO. Perivenous Stellate Cells Are the Main Source of Myofibroblasts and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Formed After Chronic Liver Injuries. Hepatology 2021; 74:1578-1594. [PMID: 33817801 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Studies of the identity and pathophysiology of fibrogenic HSCs have been hampered by a lack of genetic tools that permit specific and inducible fate-mapping of these cells in vivo. Here, by single-cell RNA sequencing of nonparenchymal cells from mouse liver, we identified transcription factor 21 (Tcf21) as a unique marker that restricted its expression to quiescent HSCs. APPROACH AND RESULTS Tracing Tcf21+ cells by Tcf21-CreER (Cre-Estrogen Receptor fusion protein under the control of Tcf21 gene promoter) targeted ~10% of all HSCs, most of which were located at periportal and pericentral zones. These HSCs were quiescent under steady state but became activated on injuries, generating 62%-67% of all myofibroblasts in fibrotic livers and ~85% of all cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in liver tumors. Conditional deletion of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 2 (Tgfbr2) by Tcf21-CreER blocked HSC activation, compromised liver fibrosis, and inhibited liver tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, Tcf21-CreER-targeted perivenous stellate cells are the main source of myofibroblasts and CAFs in chronically injured livers. TGF-β signaling links HSC activation to liver fibrosis and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Wang
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Thomas Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Yuan
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Jacky Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiujuan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - GuoGuo Shang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaoxiang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo O Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
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Merkt W, Zhou Y, Han H, Lagares D. Myofibroblast fate plasticity in tissue repair and fibrosis: Deactivation, apoptosis, senescence and reprogramming. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:678-691. [PMID: 34117675 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In response to tissue injury, fibroblasts differentiate into professional repair cells called myofibroblasts, which orchestrate many aspects of the normal tissue repair programme including synthesis, deposition and contraction of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to wound closure. Successful tissue repair responses involve termination of myofibroblast activities in order to prevent pathologic fibrotic scarring. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms limiting myofibroblast activities during physiological tissue repair, including myofibroblast deactivation, apoptosis, reprogramming and immune clearance of senescent myofibroblasts. In addition, we summarize pathological mechanisms leading to myofibroblast persistence and survival, a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Finally, we discuss emerging anti-fibrotic therapies aimed at targeting myofibroblast fate such as senolytics, gene therapy, cellular immunotherapy and CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Merkt
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Internal Medicine V, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yan Zhou
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Physiology, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongwei Han
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Lagares
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Fallowfield JA, Jimenez-Ramos M, Robertson A. Emerging synthetic drugs for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2021; 26:149-163. [PMID: 33856246 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2021.1918099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The number of deaths and prevalent cases of cirrhosis are increasing worldwide, but there are no licensed antifibrotic or pro-regenerative medicines and liver transplantation is a limited resource. Cirrhosis is characterized by extreme liver fibrosis, organ dysfunction, and complications related to portal hypertension. Advances in our understanding of liver fibrosis progression and regression following successful etiological therapy betray vulnerabilities in common and disease-specific mechanisms that could be targeted pharmacologically.Area covered: This review summarizes the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of cirrhosis as a preface to discussion of the current drug development landscape. The dominant indication for global pharma R&D pipelines is cirrhosis related to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We searched Clinicaltrials.gov, GlobalData, Pharmaprojects and PubMed for pertinent information on emerging synthetic drugs for cirrhosis, with a focus on compounds listed in phase 2 and phase 3 trials.Expert opinion: Although cirrhosis can regress following successful etiological treatment, there are no specific antifibrotic or pro-regenerative drugs approved for this condition. Obstacles to drug development in cirrhosis include intrinsic biological factors, a heterogeneous patient population, and lack of acceptable surrogate endpoints. Nevertheless, several synthetic drugs are being evaluated in clinical trials and the NASH field is rapidly embracing a drug combination approach.
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Rockey DC, Friedman SL. Fibrosis Regression After Eradication of Hepatitis C Virus: From Bench to Bedside. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:1502-1520.e1. [PMID: 33529675 PMCID: PMC8601597 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its complications have been the major cause of cirrhosis and its complications for several decades in the Western world. Until recently, treatment for HCV with interferon-based regimens was associated with moderate success but was difficult to tolerate. More recently, however, an arsenal of novel and highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs has transformed the landscape by curing HCV in a broad range of patients, including those with established advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, comorbidities, and even those with complications of cirrhosis. Fibrosis is a dynamic process comprising both extracellular matrix deposition, as well as its degradation. With almost universal sustained virologic response (SVR) (ie, elimination of HCV), it is timely to explore whether HCV eradication can reverse fibrosis and cirrhosis. Indeed, fibrosis in several types of liver disease is reversible, including HCV. However, we do not know with certainty in whom fibrosis regression can be expected after HCV elimination, how quickly it occurs, and whether antifibrotic therapies will be indicated in those with persistent cirrhosis. This review summarizes the evidence for reversibility of fibrosis and cirrhosis after HCV eradication, its impact on clinical outcomes, and therapeutic prospects for directly promoting fibrosis regression in patients whose fibrosis persists after SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don C Rockey
- The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Inactivation in NASH-Fibrosis-Roles as Putative Treatment Targets? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040365. [PMID: 33807461 PMCID: PMC8066583 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the primary predictor of mortality in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this process, the activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) constitute the principal cells responsible for the deposition of a fibrous extracellular matrix, thereby driving the hepatic scarring. HSC activation, migration, and proliferation are controlled by a complex signaling network involving growth factors, lipotoxicity, inflammation, and cellular stress. Conversely, the clearance of activated HSCs is a prerequisite for the resolution of the extracellular fibrosis. Hence, pathways regulating the fate of the HSCs may represent attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of NASH-associated hepatic fibrosis. However, the development of anti-fibrotic drugs for NASH patients has not yet resulted in clinically approved therapeutics, underscoring the complex biology and challenges involved when targeting the intricate cellular signaling mechanisms. This narrative review investigated the mechanisms of activation and inactivation of HSCs with a focus on NASH-associated hepatic fibrosis. Presenting an updated overview, this review highlights key cellular pathways with potential value for the development of future treatment modalities.
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Payen VL, Lavergne A, Alevra Sarika N, Colonval M, Karim L, Deckers M, Najimi M, Coppieters W, Charloteaux B, Sokal EM, El Taghdouini A. Single-cell RNA sequencing of human liver reveals hepatic stellate cell heterogeneity. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100278. [PMID: 34027339 PMCID: PMC8121977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims The multiple vital functions of the human liver are performed by highly specialised parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells organised in complex collaborative sinusoidal units. Although crucial for homeostasis, the cellular make-up of the human liver remains to be fully elucidated. Here, single-cell RNA-sequencing was used to unravel the heterogeneity of human liver cells, in particular of hepatocytes (HEPs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Method The transcriptome of ~25,000 freshly isolated human liver cells was profiled using droplet-based RNA-sequencing. Recently published data sets and RNA in situ hybridisation were integrated to validate and locate newly identified cell populations. Results In total, 22 cell populations were annotated that reflected the heterogeneity of human parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells. More than 20,000 HEPs were ordered along the portocentral axis to confirm known, and reveal previously undescribed, zonated liver functions. The existence of 2 subpopulations of human HSCs with unique gene expression signatures and distinct intralobular localisation was revealed (i.e. portal and central vein-concentrated GPC3+ HSCs and perisinusoidally located DBH+ HSCs). In particular, these data suggest that, although both subpopulations collaborate in the production and organisation of extracellular matrix, GPC3+ HSCs specifically express genes involved in the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans, whereas DBH+ HSCs display a gene signature that is reminiscent of antigen-presenting cells. Conclusions This study highlights metabolic zonation as a key determinant of HEP transcriptomic heterogeneity and, for the first time, outlines the existence of heterogeneous HSC subpopulations in the human liver. These findings call for further research on the functional implications of liver cell heterogeneity in health and disease. Lay summary This study resolves the cellular landscape of the human liver in an unbiased manner and at high resolution to provide new insights into human liver cell biology. The results highlight the physiological heterogeneity of human hepatic stellate cells. A cell atlas from the near-native transcriptome of >25,000 human liver cells is presented. Hepatocytes were ordered along the portocentral axis to reveal previously undescribed gene expression patterns and zonated liver functions. Two subpopulations of human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are reported, characterised by different spatial distribution in the native tissue. Characteristic gene signatures of HSC subpopulations are suggestive of far-reaching functional differences.
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Key Words
- BSA, bovine serum albumin
- CC, cholangiocyte
- CV, central vein
- DEG, differentially expressed gene
- EC, endothelial cell
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- Extracellular matrix
- FFPE, formaldehyde-fixed paraffin embedded
- GAG, glycosaminoglycan
- GEO, Gene Expression Omnibus
- GO, gene ontology
- HEP, hepatocyte
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- HRP, horseradish peroxidase
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- Hepatocyte
- ISH, in situ hybridisation
- KLR, killer lectin-like receptor
- LP, lymphoid cell
- Liver cell atlas
- MP, macrophage
- MZ, midzonal
- PC, pericentral
- PP, periportal
- PV, portal vein
- TBS, Tris buffered saline
- TSA, tyramide signal amplification
- UMAP, uniform manifold approximation and projection
- UMI, unique molecular identifier
- VIM, vimentin
- Zonation
- scRNA-seq, single-cell RNA-sequencing
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéry L. Payen
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy (PEDI), IREC Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials (ADDB), LDRI Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Lavergne
- Genomics Platform, GIGA Institute, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Niki Alevra Sarika
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy (PEDI), IREC Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials (ADDB), LDRI Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Megan Colonval
- Genomics Platform, GIGA Institute, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Latifa Karim
- Genomics Platform, GIGA Institute, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Manon Deckers
- Genomics Platform, GIGA Institute, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy (PEDI), IREC Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wouter Coppieters
- Genomics Platform, GIGA Institute, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Etienne M. Sokal
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy (PEDI), IREC Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Corresponding authors. Address: Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy (PEDI), IREC Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52 Box B1.52.03, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Adil El Taghdouini
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy (PEDI), IREC Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Corresponding authors. Address: Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy (PEDI), IREC Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52 Box B1.52.03, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are resident non-parenchymal liver pericytes whose plasticity enables them to regulate a remarkable range of physiologic and pathologic responses. To support their functions in health and disease, HSCs engage pathways regulating carbohydrate, mitochondrial, lipid, and retinoid homeostasis. In chronic liver injury, HSCs drive hepatic fibrosis and are implicated in inflammation and cancer. To do so, the cells activate, or transdifferentiate, from a quiescent state into proliferative, motile myofibroblasts that secrete extracellular matrix, which demands rapid adaptation to meet a heightened energy need. Adaptations include reprogramming of central carbon metabolism, enhanced mitochondrial number and activity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and liberation of free fatty acids through autophagy-dependent hydrolysis of retinyl esters that are stored in cytoplasmic droplets. As an archetype for pericytes in other tissues, recognition of the HSC's metabolic drivers and vulnerabilities offer the potential to target these pathways therapeutically to enhance parenchymal growth and modulate repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Trivedi
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Li Y, Jin C, Shen M, Wang Z, Tan S, Chen A, Wang S, Shao J, Zhang F, Zhang Z, Zheng S. Iron regulatory protein 2 is required for artemether -mediated anti-hepatic fibrosis through ferroptosis pathway. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 160:845-859. [PMID: 32947011 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the existing treatments have not cured the liver fibrosis thoroughly. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered way of cell death, which is closely related to many diseases. Previous studies have shown that ferroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis, but the further mechanism remains to be discovered. METHODS LX-2 cells were used as the research object, fibrosis activation index was detected by Western blot, PCR and Immunofluorescence, ferroptosis was detected by kits, the binding and interaction between IRP2 (iron regulatory protein 2) and STUB1 (STIP1 homology and U-box containing protein 1) were detected by Immunoprecipitation and ubiquitin test, and IRP2 knockdown mice were constructed by interfering plasmid to verify the results of in vitro experiment. RESULT Our research showed that ART (artemether) had a good anti-fibrosis effect in vivo and in vitro, and ferroptosis played an important role in this process. Further studies have found that ART could lead to the accumulation of IRP 2 a in hepatic stellate cell by inhibiting the ubiquitination of it, thus inducing the increase of iron in HSC (hepatic stellate cell), which could product a large number of ROS (reactive oxide species), resulting the occurrence of ferroptosis in cells. Our findings provided an experimental basis for ART to become a drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION Our results show that IRP2-Iron-ROS axis is necessary for ART to induce ferroptosis in HSC and play an anti-fibrotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Jin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenyi Wang
- 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
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shandong Co-innovation Center of TCM Formula, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, 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
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, 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.
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Wang S, Friedman SL. Hepatic fibrosis: A convergent response to liver injury that is reversible. J Hepatol 2020; 73:210-211. [PMID: 32402525 PMCID: PMC10664493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
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