1
|
Ezhilarasan D, Najimi M. Quiescent hepatic stellate cell activation in liver fibrosis: Have we found the right trigger yet? Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2024; 48:102420. [PMID: 39002817 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2024.102420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Hepatology and Molecular Medicine Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, No.162, PH Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077, India.
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun M, Tang M, Qian Y, Zong G, Zhu G, Jiang Y, Mu Y, Zhou M, Ding Q, Wang H, Zhu F, Yang C. Extracellular vesicles-derived ferritin from lipid-induced hepatocytes regulates activation of hepatic stellate cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33741. [PMID: 39027492 PMCID: PMC11255497 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction and objectives: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key players in intercellular communication within the context of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to explore the intricate crosstalk between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) mediated by EVs in NAFLD. Materials and methods EVs ferritin was detected in hepatocytes stimulated with free fatty acids (FFA) as well as in NAFLD mice. Deferoxamine (DFO) was employed to reduce ferritin levels, while GW4869 was utilized to inhibit EVs. The impact of EVs ferritin on the HSCs activation was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, serum EVs ferritin levels were compared between NAFLD patients and controls. Results FFA treatment induces the formation and secretion of EVs and facilitates the release of ferritin from hepatocytes via EVs. Subsequently, EVs ferritin is hijacked by HSCs, prompting accelerated HSCs activation. Silencing ferritin with DFO and inhibiting EVs formation and secretion with GW4869 can reverse the effects of FFA treatment and disrupt the communication between hepatocytes and HSCs. Accumulation of ferritin leads to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, promoting HSCs fibrogenesis. Conversely, depleting EVs ferritin cargo restores liver function, concurrently mitigating NAFLD-associated fibrosis. Notably, NAFLD patients exhibit significantly elevated levels of serum EVs ferritin. Conclusions This study unveils a previously underestimated role of ferritin in HSCs upon its release from hepatocytes, emphasizing DFO as a promising compound to impede NAFLD advancement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengxue Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guannan Zong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaowang Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Luodian Hospital, Baoshan District, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingjie Mu
- Department of Cadre Ward, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Minjun Zhou
- Kunshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Qin Ding
- Nutrition Department, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Air Force Hospital of Northern Theater PLA, Shenyang, China
| | - Fengshang Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia & Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder Research, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Changqing Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lin L, Li X, Li Y, Lang Z, Li Y, Zheng J. Ginsenoside Rb1 induces hepatic stellate cell ferroptosis to alleviate liver fibrosis via the BECN1/SLC7A11 axis. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100902. [PMID: 38784156 PMCID: PMC11112007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.11.009] [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] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is primarily driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a process associated with ferroptosis. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), a major active component extracted from Panax ginseng, inhibits HSC activation. However, the potential role of GRb1 in mediating HSC ferroptosis remains unclear. This study examined the effect of GRb1 on liver fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro, using CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and primary HSCs, LX-2 cells. The findings revealed that GRb1 effectively inactivated HSCs in vitro, reducing alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Type I collagen (Col1A1) levels. Moreover, GRb1 significantly alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. From a mechanistic standpoint, the ferroptosis pathway appeared to be central to the antifibrotic effects of GRb1. Specifically, GRb1 promoted HSC ferroptosis both in vivo and in vitro, characterized by increased glutathione depletion, malondialdehyde production, iron overload, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Intriguingly, GRb1 increased Beclin 1 (BECN1) levels and decreased the System Xc-key subunit SLC7A11. Further experiments showed that BECN1 silencing inhibited GRb1-induced effects on HSC ferroptosis and mitigated the reduction of SLC7A11 caused by GRb1. Moreover, BECN1 could directly interact with SLC7A11, initiating HSC ferroptosis. In conclusion, the suppression of BECN1 counteracted the effects of GRb1 on HSC inactivation both in vivo and in vitro. Overall, this study highlights the novel role of GRb1 in inducing HSC ferroptosis and promoting HSC inactivation, at least partly through its modulation of BECN1 and SLC7A11.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xinmiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Zhichao Lang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Yeping Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang K, Chen H, Zheng J, Chen J, Chen Y, Yuan Y. Engineered liposomes targeting hepatic stellate cells overcome pathological barriers and reverse liver fibrosis. J Control Release 2024; 368:219-232. [PMID: 38367862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Dual pathological barriers, including capillarized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and deposited extracellular matrix (ECM), result in insufficient drug delivery, significantly compromising the anti-fibrosis efficacy. Additionally, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hepatic microenvironment are crucial factors contributing to the progression of liver fibrosis. Hence, hyaluronic acid (HA) modified liposomes co-delivering all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and L-arginine (L-arg) were constructed to reverse hepatic fibrosis. By exhibiting exceptional responsiveness to the fibrotic microenvironment, our cleverly constructed liposomes efficiently disrupted the hepatic sinus pathological barrier, leading to enhanced accumulation of liposomes in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and subsequent induction of HSCs quiescence. Specially, excessive ROS in liver fibrosis promotes the conversion of loaded L-arg to nitric oxide (NO). The ensuing NO serves to reestablish the fenestrae structure of capillarized LSECs, thereby augmenting the likelihood of liposomes reaching the hepatic sinus space. Furthermore, subsequent oxidation of NO by ROS into peroxynitrite activates pro-matrix metalloproteinases into matrix metalloproteinases, which further disrupts the deposited ECM barrier. Consequently, this NO-induced cascade process greatly amplifies the accumulation of liposomes within activated HSCs. More importantly, the released RA could induce quiescence of activated HSCs by significantly downregulating the expression of myosin light chain-2, thereby effectively mitigating excessive collagen synthesis and ultimately leading to the reversal of liver fibrosis. Overall, this integrated systemic strategy has taken a significant step forward in advancing the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Hao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Jiani Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Jiali Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Yue Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hong R, Tan Y, Tian X, Huang Z, Wang J, Ni H, Yang J, Bu W, Yang S, Li T, Yu F, Zhong W, Sun T, Wang X, Li D, Liu M, Yang Y, Zhou J. XIAP-mediated degradation of IFT88 disrupts HSC cilia to stimulate HSC activation and liver fibrosis. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1055-1074. [PMID: 38351372 PMCID: PMC10933415 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00092-y] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a critical role in liver fibrosis. However, the molecular basis for HSC activation remains poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate that primary cilia are present on quiescent HSCs but exhibit a significant loss upon HSC activation which correlates with decreased levels of the ciliary protein intraflagellar transport 88 (IFT88). Ift88-knockout mice are more susceptible to chronic carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Mechanistic studies show that the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for IFT88. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a profibrotic factor, enhances XIAP-mediated ubiquitination of IFT88, promoting its proteasomal degradation. Blocking XIAP-mediated IFT88 degradation ablates TGF-β-induced HSC activation and liver fibrosis. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for ciliary homeostasis in regulating HSC activation and identify the XIAP-IFT88 axis as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Hong
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanjie Tan
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 250014, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 250014, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenzhou Huang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 250014, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaying Wang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 250014, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Ni
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiwen Bu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Te Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, 300052, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Dengwen Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunfan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China.
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China.
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 250014, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dai Q, Qing X, Jiang W, Wang S, Liu S, Liu X, Huang F, Zhao H. Aging aggravates liver fibrosis through downregulated hepatocyte SIRT1-induced liver sinusoidal endothelial cell dysfunction. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0350. [PMID: 38126919 PMCID: PMC10749712 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging increases the susceptibility to chronic liver diseases and hastens liver fibrosis deterioration, but the underlying mechanisms remain partially understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aging and chronic liver diseases on hepatocyte Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and LSECs and their contribution to liver fibrosis pathogeneses. METHODS Young (8-12 wk) and aged (18-20 mo) mice were subjected to carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Primary HSCs and LSECs were isolated and cocultured for in vitro experiments. Liver tissues and blood samples from healthy controls and patients with liver fibrosis were analyzed. RESULTS Downregulated hepatocytes SIRT1 in aged mice increased high mobility group box 1 acetylation, cytoplasmic translocation, and extracellular secretion, causing LSECs dysfunction by means of the toll-like receptor 4/AK strain transforming (AKT)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway, ultimately activating HSCs and increasing susceptibility to liver injury and fibrosis. Adeno-associated virus-mediated overexpression of SIRT1 in hepatocytes suppressed the abovementioned alterations and attenuated carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrosis in liver fibrosis mice, and there were no significant differences in liver injury and fibrosis indicators between young and aged mice after SIRT1 overexpression treatment. In vitro experiments demonstrated that SIRT1 overexpression and endothelial nitric oxide synthase agonist YC-1 improved LSECs function and inhibited HSCs activation, mediated by nitric oxide. Similarly, downregulated hepatocytes SIRT1 and LSECs dysfunction were observed in the livers of aged individuals compared to young individuals and were more pronounced in aged patients with liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Aging aggravates liver fibrosis through downregulated hepatocytes SIRT1-induced LSECs dysfunction, providing a prospective curative approach for preventing and treating liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Dai
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xin Qing
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Burns, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shouwen Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shengsheng Liu
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xuesheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fan Huang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hongchuan Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sabir U, Gu HM, Zhang DW. Extracellular matrix turnover: phytochemicals target and modulate the dual role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in liver fibrosis. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4932-4962. [PMID: 37461256 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) resolution by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a well-documented mechanism. MMPs play a dual and complex role in modulating ECM degradation at different stages of liver fibrosis, depending on the timing and levels of their expression. Increased MMP-1 combats disease progression by cleaving the fibrillar ECM. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) increase expression of MMP-2, -9, and -13 in different chemicals-induced animal models, which may alleviate or worsen disease progression based on animal models and the stage of liver fibrosis. In the early stage, elevated expression of certain MMPs may damage surrounding tissue and activate HSCs, promoting fibrosis progression. At the later stage, downregulation of MMPs can facilitate ECM accumulation and disease progression. A number of phytochemicals modulate MMP activity and ECM turnover, alleviating disease progression. However, the effects of phytochemicals on the expression of different MMPs are variable and may depend on the disease models and stage, and the dosage, timing and duration of phytochemicals used in each study. Here, we review the most recent advances in the role of MMPs in the effects of phytochemicals on liver fibrogenesis, which indicates that further studies are warranted to confirm and define the potential clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Usman Sabir
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hong-Mei Gu
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Geng Y, Wang J, Serna-Salas SA, Villanueva AH, Buist-Homan M, Arrese M, Olinga P, Blokzijl H, Moshage H. Hepatic stellate cells induce an inflammatory phenotype in Kupffer cells via the release of extracellular vesicles. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2293-2303. [PMID: 37555553 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the response of the liver to chronic liver inflammation. The communication between the resident liver macrophages (Kupffer cells [KCs]) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has been mainly viewed as one-directional: from KCs to HSCs with KCs promoting fibrogenesis. However, recent studies indicated that HSCs may function as a hub of intercellular communications. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of HSCs on the inflammatory phenotype of KCs. Primary rat HSCs and KCs were isolated from male Wistar rats. HSCs-derived conditioned medium (CM) was harvested from different time intervals (Day 0-2: CM-D2 and Day 5-7: CM-D7) during the activation of HSCs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from CM by ultracentrifugation and evaluated by nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot analysis. M1 and M2 markers of inflammation were measured by quantitative PCR and macrophage function by assessing phagocytic capacity. CM-D2 significantly induced the inflammatory phenotype in KCs, but not CM-D7. Neither CM-D2 nor CM-D7 affected the phagocytosis of KCs. Importantly, the proinflammatory effect of HSCs-derived CM is mediated via EVs released from HSCs since EVs isolated from CM mimicked the effect of CM, whereas EV-depleted CM lost its ability to induce a proinflammatory phenotype in KCs. In addition, when the activation of HSCs was inhibited, HSCs produced less EVs. Furthermore, the proinflammatory effects of CM and EVs are related to activating Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in KCs. In conclusion, HSCs at an early stage of activation induce a proinflammatory phenotype in KCs via the release of EVs. This effect is absent in CM derived from HSCs at a later stage of activation and is dependent on the activation of TLR4 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yana Geng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Junyu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Alejandra Serna-Salas
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandra Hernández Villanueva
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Manon Buist-Homan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Arrese
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Blokzijl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Han Moshage
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Song S, Li X, Geng C, Guo Y, Yang Y, Wang C. Uncovering key molecules and immune landscape in cholestatic liver injury: implications for pathogenesis and drug therapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1171512. [PMID: 37229242 PMCID: PMC10203247 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1171512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cholestasis is a common pathological process in a variety of liver diseases that may lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure. Cholestasis relief has been regarded as a principal target in the management of multiple chronic cholestasis liver diseases like primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) at present. However, complicated pathogenesis and limited acknowledgments fettered therapeutic development. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically analyze miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in cholestatic liver injury in order to provide new treatment strategies. Methods: Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE159676) was used to screen differentially expressed hepatic miRNAs and mRNAs in the PSC vs. control comparison and the PBC vs. control comparison, respectively. MiRWalk 2.0 tool was used to predict miRNA-mRNA pairs. Subsequently, functional analysis and immune cell infiltration analysis were performed to explore the pivotal functions of the target genes. RT-PCR was used to verify the result. Results: In total, a miRNA-mRNA network including 6 miRNAs (miR-122, miR-30e, let-7c, miR-107, miR-503, and miR-192) and 8 hub genes (PTPRC, TYROBP, LCP2, RAC2, SYK, TLR2, CD53, and LAPTM5) was constructed in cholestasis. Functional analysis revealed that these genes were mainly involved in the regulation of the immune system. Further analysis revealed that resting memory CD4 T cells and monocytes could potentially participate in cholestatic liver injury. The expressions of DEMis and eight hub genes were verified in ANIT-induced and BDL-induced cholestatic mouse models. Furthermore, SYK was found to have an impact on the response to UDCA, and its mechanism was possibly associated with complement activation and monocyte reduction. Conclusion: In the present study, a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed in cholestatic liver injury, which mostly mediated immune-related pathways. Moreover, the targeted gene SYK and monocytes were found to be related to UDCA response in PBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuailing Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chong Geng
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoyu Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yin KL, Li M, Song PP, Duan YX, Ye WT, Tang W, Kokudo N, Gao Q, Liao R. Unraveling the Emerging Niche Role of Hepatic Stellate Cell-derived Exosomes in Liver Diseases. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:441-451. [PMID: 36643031 PMCID: PMC9817040 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an essential role in various liver diseases, and exosomes are critical mediators of intercellular communication in local and distant microenvironments. Cellular crosstalk between HSCs and surrounding multiple tissue-resident cells promotes or inhibits the activation of HSCs. Substantial evidence has revealed that HSC-derived exosomes are involved in the occurrence and development of liver diseases through the regulation of retinoid metabolism, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, protein metabolism, and mitochondrial metabolism. HSC-derived exosomes are underpinned by vehicle molecules, such as mRNAs and microRNAs, that function in, and significantly affect, the processes of various liver diseases, such as acute liver injury, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, fibrosis, and cancer. As such, numerous exosomes derived from HSCs or HSC-associated exosomes have attracted attention because of their biological roles and translational applications as potential targets for therapeutic targets. Herein, we review the pathophysiological and metabolic processes associated with HSC-derived exosomes, their roles in various liver diseases and their potential clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Li Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pei-Pei Song
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu-Xin Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Tao Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Tang
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence to: Qiang Gao, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6695-9906. ; Rui Liao, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0057-2792. E-mail:
| | - Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Correspondence to: Qiang Gao, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6695-9906. ; Rui Liao, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0057-2792. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
You H, Wang X, Ma L, Zhang F, Zhang H, Wang Y, Pan X, Zheng K, Kong F, Tang R. Insights into the impact of hepatitis B virus on hepatic stellate cell activation. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:70. [PMID: 37041599 PMCID: PMC10088164 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatic fibrosis is a serious pathological condition caused by virus-induced liver damage. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central event in the occurrence and progression of liver fibrosis. Although accumulating evidence has shown that HBV directly stimulates HSC activation, whether the virus infects and replicates in HSCs remains controversial. Inflammation is one of the obvious characteristics of chronic HBV infection, and it has been demonstrated that persistent inflammation has a predominant role in triggering and maintaining liver fibrosis. In particular, the regulation of HSC activation by HBV-related hepatocytes via various inflammatory modulators, including TGF-β and CTGF, in a paracrine manner has been reported. In addition to these inflammation-related molecules, several inflammatory cells are essential for the progression of HBV-associated liver fibrosis. Monocytes, macrophages, Th17 cells, NK cells, as well as NKT cells, participate in the modulation of HBV-related liver fibrosis by interacting with HSCs. This review summarizes current findings on the effects of HBV and the relevant molecular mechanisms involved in HSC activation. Because HSC activation is essential for liver fibrosis, targeting HSCs is an attractive therapeutic strategy to prevent and reverse hepatic fibrosis induced by HBV infection. Video abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fulong Zhang
- Imaging Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Huanyang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiucheng Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ezhilarasan D. Molecular mechanisms in thioacetamide-induced acute and chronic liver injury models. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 99:104093. [PMID: 36870405 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104093] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Thioacetamide (TAA) undergoes bioactivation in the liver by the CYP450 2E1 enzyme, resulting in the formation of TAA-S-oxide and TAA-S-dioxide. TAA-S-dioxide induces oxidative stress via lipid peroxidation of the hepatocellular membrane. A single TAA dose (50-300 mg/kg) administration initiates hepatocellular necrosis around the pericentral region after its covalent binding to macromolecules in the liver. Intermittent TAA administration (150-300 mg/kg, weekly thrice, for 11-16 weeks) activates transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/smad3 downstream signaling in injured hepatocytes, causing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to acquire myofibroblast like phenotype. The activated HSCs synthesize a variety of extracellular matrix, leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension. The TAA induced liver injury varies depending on the animal model, dosage, frequency, and routes of administration. However, TAA induces hepatotoxicity in a reproducible manner, and it is an ideal model to evaluate the antioxidant, cytoprotective, and antifibrotic compounds in experimental animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ezhilarasan D, Najimi M. Deciphering the possible reciprocal loop between hepatic stellate cells and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment of the liver. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 182:103902. [PMID: 36621514 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)/myofibroblasts are the important sources of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the liver tumor microenvironment (TME). The crosstalk between activated HSCs and tumor cells mediates HCC progression, metastasis, tumor cell survival, angiogenesis and chemoresistance. In TME, HCC cells secrete various soluble factors responsible for the phenotypic activation of quiescent HSCs. Tumor cells use activated HSC-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) for migration and invasion. Further, in liver TME, activated HSCs and sinusoidal endothelial cells engage in a crosstalk that causes the secretion of angiogenesis and metastasis-related growth factors and cytokines. Activated HSCs and immune cells crosstalk to decrease immune surveillance in the liver TME by increasing the population of T regulatory cells and M2 macrophages or myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Thus, HSCs play a vital role in liver TME cell interactions. Therefore, a deep understanding of HSCs activation and their crosstalk with cancer and immune cells in TME may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to target HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India.
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bai JJ, Zhang X, Wei X, Wang Y, Du C, Wang ZJ, Chen ML, Wang JH. Dean-Flow-Coupled Elasto-Inertial Focusing Accelerates Exosome Purification to Facilitate Single Vesicle Profiling. Anal Chem 2023; 95:2523-2531. [PMID: 36657481 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are recognized as noteworthy biomarkers playing unprecedented roles in intercellular communication and disease diagnosis and treatment. It is a prerequisite to obtain high-purity exosomes for the comprehension of exosome biochemistry and further illustration of their functionality/mechanisms. However, the isolation of nanoscale exosomes from endogenous proteins is particularly challenging for small-volume biological samples. Herein, a Dean-flow-coupled elasto-inertial microfluidic chip (DEIC) was developed. It consists of a spiral microchannel with dimensional confined concave structures and facilitates elasto-inertial separation of exosomes with lower protein contaminants from cell culture medium and human serum. The presence of 0.15% (w/v) poly-(oxyethylene) controls the elastic lift force acting on suspended nanoscale particles and makes it feasible for field-free purification of integrity exosomes with a 70.6% recovery and a 91.4% removal rate for proteins. As a proof of concept, the technique demonstrated the individual-vesicle-level biomarker (EpCAM and PD-L1) profiling in combination with simultaneous aptamer-mediated analysis to disclose the sensibility for immune response. Overall, DEIC enables the collection of high-purity exosomes and exhibits potential in integration with downstream analyses of exosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Bai
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning110819, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning110819, P. R. China
| | - Xing Wei
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning110819, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning110819, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Du
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning110819, P. R. China
| | - Ze-Jun Wang
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning110819, P. R. China
| | - Ming-Li Chen
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning110819, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Hua Wang
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning110819, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Effect of Ethanol on Exosome Biogenesis: Possible Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020222. [PMID: 36830592 PMCID: PMC9953654 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020222] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Most eukaryotic cells, including hepatocytes, secrete exosomes into the extracellular space, which are vesicles facilitating horizontal cell-to-cell communication of molecular signals and physiological cues. The molecular cues for cellular functions are carried by exosomes via specific mRNAs, microRNAs, and proteins. Exosomes released by liver cells are a vital part of biomolecular communication in liver diseases. Importantly, exosomes play a critical role in mediating alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and are potential biomarkers for ALD. Moreover, alcohol exposure itself promotes exosome biogenesis and release from the livers of humans and rodent models. However, the mechanisms by which alcohol promotes exosome biogenesis in hepatocytes are still unclear. Of note, alcohol exposure leads to liver injury by modulating various cellular processes, including autophagy, ER stress, oxidative stress, and epigenetics. Evidence suggests that there is a link between each of these processes with exosome biogenesis. The aim of this review article is to discuss the interplay between ethanol exposure and these altered cellular processes in promoting hepatocyte exosome biogenesis and release. Based on the available literature, we summarize and discuss the potential mechanisms by which ethanol induces exosome release from hepatocytes, which in turn leads to the progression of ALD.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhao J, Bai J, Peng F, Qiu C, Li Y, Zhong L. USP9X-mediated NRP1 deubiquitination promotes liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:40. [PMID: 36653359 PMCID: PMC9849111 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05527-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a complex fibrotic process that develops early in the course of cirrhosis and is caused by chronic liver damage. The activation of hepatic stellate cells is primarily responsible for the fibrosis process. Studies show that NRP1 influences HSC motility and migration. However, whether NRP1 regulates HSC activation remains unknown. C57BL/6 male mice (6-8 weeks old) were intraperitoneally injected with 10% CCl4 in olive oil (5 μl/g body weight) every three days for four weeks to create an animal model of liver fibrosis. Control mice received olive oil (5 μl/g body weight). Different assays such as immunohistochemistry, immunostaining, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, immunoprecipitation, immunoprecipitation, and GST pull-down assays, and in vivo and in vitro ubiquitination assays were conducted. We found that NRP1 expression was significantly elevated both in mouse and human fibrotic livers, mainly in activated HSCs at the fibrotic foci. NRP1 promoted HSC activation via the cytokine TGF-β1, VEGFA, and PDGF-BB. Moreover, USP9X was found to be a critical deubiquitinating enzyme for the stability and high activity of NRP1 and NRP1 deubiquitination mediated by USP9X enhanced HSC activation and liver fibrosis. NRP1 deubiquitination mediated by USP9X enhances HSC activation, implying that targeting NRP1 or USP9X potentiates novel options in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiu Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fengling Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chan Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongguo Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Li Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tang C, Hou YX, Shi PX, Zhu CH, Lu X, Wang XL, Que LL, Zhu GQ, Liu L, Chen Q, Li CF, Xu Y, Li JT, Li YH. Cardiomyocyte-specific Peli1 contributes to the pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis through miR-494-3p-dependent exosomal communication. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22699. [PMID: 36520055 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200597r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is an essential pathological process in pressure overload (PO)-induced heart failure. Recently, myocyte-fibroblast communication is proven to be critical in heart failure, in which, pathological growth of cardiomyocytes (CMs) may promote fibrosis via miRNAs-containing exosomes (Exos). Peli1 regulates the activation of NF-κB and AP-1, which has been demonstrated to engage in miRNA transcription in cardiomyocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that Peli1 in CMs regulates the activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) through an exosomal miRNA-mediated paracrine mechanism, thereby promoting cardiac fibrosis. We found that CM-conditional deletion of Peli1 improved PO-induced cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, Exos from mechanical stretch (MS)-induced WT CMs (WT MS-Exos) promote activation of CFs, Peli1-/- MS-Exos reversed it. Furthermore, miRNA microarray and qPCR analysis showed that miR-494-3p was increased in WT MS-Exos while being down regulated in Peli1-/- MS-Exos. Mechanistically, Peli1 promoted miR-494-3p expression via NF-κB/AP-1 in CMs, and then miR-494-3p induced CFs activation by inhibiting PTEN and amplifying the phosphorylation of AKT, SMAD2/3, and ERK. Collectively, our study suggests that CMs Peli1 contributes to myocardial fibrosis via CMs-derived miR-494-3p-enriched exosomes under PO, and provides a potential exosomal miRNA-based therapy for cardiac fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Xing Hou
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng-Xi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng-Hao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xia Lu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Lu Wang
- Center of Clinical Research, the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lin-Li Que
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Qing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuan-Fu Li
- Department of Surgery, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian-Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue-Hua Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Muñoz-Hernández R, Rojas Á, Gato S, Gallego J, Gil-Gómez A, Castro MJ, Ampuero J, Romero-Gómez M. Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers in Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416217. [PMID: 36555854 PMCID: PMC9786586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived vesicles released by a variety of cell types, including hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and immune cells in normal and pathological conditions. Depending on their biogenesis, there is a complex repertoire of EVs that differ in size and origin. EVs can carry lipids, proteins, coding and non-coding RNAs, and mitochondrial DNA causing alterations to the recipient cells, functioning as intercellular mediators of cell-cell communication (auto-, para-, juxta-, or even endocrine). Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered in relation to the function of EVs under physiological and pathological conditions. The development and optimization of methods for EV isolation are crucial for characterizing their biological functions, as well as their potential as a treatment option in the clinic. In this manuscript, we will comprehensively review the results from different studies that investigated the role of hepatic EVs during liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In general, the identification of patients with early-stage liver disease leads to better therapeutic interventions and optimal management. Although more light needs to be shed on the mechanisms of EVs, their use for early diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis has come into the focus of research as a high-potential source of 'liquid biopsies', since they can be found in almost all biological fluids. The use of EVs as new targets or nanovectors in drug delivery systems for liver disease therapy is also summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Muñoz-Hernández
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.-H.); (M.R.-G.)
| | - Ángela Rojas
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheila Gato
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Gallego
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Gómez
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Castro
- Servicio de Citometría y Separación Celular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.-H.); (M.R.-G.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ezhilarasan D, Lakshmi T, Mallineni SK. Nano-based targeted drug delivery for lung cancer: therapeutic avenues and challenges. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:1855-1869. [PMID: 35311343 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Most anticancer drugs often fail in clinical trials due to poor solubility, poor bioavailability, lack of targeted delivery and several off-target effects. Polymeric nanoparticles such as poly(lactide), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), ALB-loading paclitaxel (Abraxane® ABI-007), lomustine-loaded chitosan, gelatin (decorated with EGF receptor-targeted biotinylated EGF) and so on offer controlled and sustained drug-release properties, biocompatibility and promising anticancer effects. EGF, folic acid, transferrin, sigma and urokinase plasminogen activator receptors-targeting nano preparations improve bioavailability and accumulate drugs on the lung tumor cell surface. However, route of administration, size, pharmacokinetic properties, immune clearance and so on hamper nanomedicines' clinical uses. This review focuses on the benefits, avenues and challenges of nanoparticle-based drug-delivery systems for lung cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Gold Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600077, India
| | - Thangavelu Lakshmi
- Department of Pharmacology, Gold Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600077, India
| | - Sreekanth Kumar Mallineni
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Almajmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
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 ![]()
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen Z, Ma Y, Cai J, Sun M, Zeng L, Wu F, Zhang Y, Hu M. Serum biomarkers for liver fibrosis. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 537:16-25. [PMID: 36174721 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common pathway in most chronic liver diseases, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation. Without treatment, fibrosis will ultimately result in cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and even liver failure. It is considered that liver fibrosis is reversible while cirrhosis is not, making it significant to diagnose and evaluate liver fibrogenesis timely. As the gold standard, liver biopsy is imperfect due to its invasiveness and sampling error. Therefore, attempts at uncovering noninvasive tests have become a hot topic in liver fibrosis. Nowadays, as an important category of noninvasive tests, serum biomarkers, which are safer, convenient, repeatable, and more acceptable, are widely discussed and commonly used in clinical practice. Serum biomarkers of liver fibrosis can be divided into class I (direct) and classⅡ (indirect) markers. However, the diagnostic efficiency still varies among studies. This article summarizes the most established and newly discovered serum biomarkers for hepatic fibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyang Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yichen Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingyao Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mei Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fengxi Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiru Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Extracellular Vesicles from Steatotic Hepatocytes Provoke Pro-Fibrotic Responses in Cultured Stellate Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050698. [PMID: 35625625 PMCID: PMC9138794 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic steatosis and chronic hepatocyte damage ultimately lead to liver fibrosis. Key pathophysiological steps are the activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells. We assessed the interplay between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells under normal and steatotic conditions. We hypothesized that hepatocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) modify the phenotype of stellate cells. By high speed centrifugation, EVs were isolated from conditioned media of the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 under baseline conditions (C-EVs) or after induction of steatosis by linoleic and oleic acids for 24 h (FA-EVs). Migration of the human stellate cell line TWNT4 and of primary human stellate cells towards the respective EVs and sera of MAFLD patients were investigated using Boyden chambers. Phenotype alterations after incubation with EVs were determined by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. HepG2 cells released more EVs after treatment with fatty acids. Chemotactic migration of TWNT4 and primary hepatic stellate cells was increased, specifically towards FA-EVs. Prolonged incubation of TWNT4 cells with FA-EVs induced expression of proliferation markers and a myofibroblast-like phenotype. Though the expression of the collagen type 1 α1 gene did not change after FA-EV treatment, expression of the myofibroblast markers, e.g., α-smooth-muscle-cell actin and TIMP1, was significantly increased. We conclude that EVs from steatotic hepatocytes can influence the behavior, phenotypes and expression levels of remodeling markers of stellate cells and guides their directed migration. These findings imply EVs as operational, intercellular communicators in the pathophysiology of steatosis-associated liver fibrosis and might represent a novel diagnostic parameter and therapeutic target.
Collapse
|