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Leighton J, Jones DEJ, Dyson JK, Cordell HJ. Network proximity analysis as a theoretical model for identifying potential novel therapies in primary sclerosing cholangitis. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:157. [PMID: 38862968 PMCID: PMC11165726 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01927-2] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease with no licensed therapies. Previous Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have identified genes that correlate significantly with PSC, and these were identified by systematic review. Here we use novel Network Proximity Analysis (NPA) methods to identify already licensed candidate drugs that may have an effect on the genetically coded aspects of PSC pathophysiology.Over 2000 agents were identified as significantly linked to genes implicated in PSC by this method. The most significant results include previously researched agents such as metronidazole, as well as biological agents such as basiliximab, abatacept and belatacept. This in silico analysis could potentially serve as a basis for developing novel clinical trials in this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Leighton
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - David E J Jones
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jessica K Dyson
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Heather J Cordell
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Pham HN, Pham L, Sato K. Navigating the liver landscape: upcoming pharmacotherapies for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:895-906. [PMID: 38813599 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2362263] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a bile duct disorder characterized by ductular reaction, hepatic inflammation, and liver fibrosis. The pathogenesis of PSC is still undefined, and treatment options for patients are limited. Previous clinical trials evaluated drug candidates targeting various cellular functions and pathways, such as bile acid signaling and absorption, gut bacteria and permeability, and lipid metabolisms. However, most of phase III clinical trials for PSC were disappointing, except vancomycin therapy, and there are still no established medications for PSC with efficacy and safety confirmed by phase IV clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the currently ongoing or completed clinical studies for PSC, which are phase II or further, and discusses therapeutic targets and strategies, limitations, and future directions and possibilities of PSC treatments. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov utilizing the combination of the searched term 'primary sclerosing cholangitis' with other keywords, such as 'clinical trials,' 'antibiotics,' or drug names. Clinical trials at phase II or further were included for consideration. EXPERT OPINION Only vancomycin demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in the phase III clinical trial. Other drug candidates showed futility or inconsistent results, and the search for novel PSC treatments is still ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Nam Pham
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Linh Pham
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University - Central Texas, Killeen, TX, USA
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Sohal A, Kowdley KV. Novel preclinical developments of the primary sclerosing cholangitis treatment landscape. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:335-345. [PMID: 38480008 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2330738] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease associated with inflammation, fibrosis, and destruction of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts. Despite substantial recent advances in our understanding of PSC, the only proven treatment of PSC is liver transplantation. There is an urgent unmet need to find medical therapies for this disorder. AREAS COVERED Multiple drugs are currently under evaluation as therapeutic options for this disease. This article summarizes the literature on the various novel therapeutic options that have been investigated and are currently under development for the treatment of PSC. EXPERT OPINION In the next decade, more than one drug will likely be approved for the treatment of the disease, and we will be looking at combination therapies for the optimal management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalam Sohal
- Department of Hepatology, Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle, USA
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Department of Hepatology, Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle, USA
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, USA
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Assis DN, Bowlus CL. Recent Advances in the Management of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2065-2075. [PMID: 37084929 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by fibroinflammatory damage to the biliary tree, typically in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease, with an increased risk of liver failure and cholangiocarcinoma. A complex pathophysiology, heterogeneity in clinical features, and the rare nature of the disease have contributed to the lack of effective therapy to date. However, recent innovations in the characterization and prognostication of patients with PSC, in addition to new tools for medical management and emerging pharmacologic agents, give rise to the potential for meaningful progress in the next several years. This review summarizes current concepts in PSC and highlights particular areas in need of further study.
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Hackler J, Demircan K, Chillon TS, Sun Q, Geisler N, Schupp M, Renko K, Schomburg L. High throughput drug screening identifies resveratrol as suppressor of hepatic SELENOP expression. Redox Biol 2022; 59:102592. [PMID: 36586222 PMCID: PMC9816962 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102592] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that exerts its effects mainly as the proteinogenic amino acid selenocysteine within a small set of selenoproteins. Among all family members, selenoprotein P (SELENOP) constitutes a particularly interesting protein as it serves as a biomarker and serum Se transporter from liver to privileged tissues. SELENOP expression is tightly regulated by dietary Se intake, inflammation, hypoxia and certain substances, but a systematic drug screening has hitherto not been performed. METHODS A compound library of 1861 FDA approved clinically relevant drugs was systematically screened for interfering effects on SELENOP expression in HepG2 cells using a validated ELISA method. Dilution experiments were conducted to characterize dose-responses. A most potent SELENOP inhibitor was further characterized by RNA-seq analysis to assess effect-associated biochemical pathways. RESULTS Applying a 2-fold change threshold, 236 modulators of SELENOP expression were identified. All initial hits were replicated as biological triplicates and analyzed for effects on cell viability. A set of 38 drugs suppressed SELENOP expression more than three-fold, among which were cancer drugs, immunosuppressants, anti-infectious drugs, nutritional supplements and others. Considering a 90% cell viability threshold, resveratrol, vidofludimus, and antimony potassium-tartrate were the most potent substances with suppressive effects on extracellular SELENOP concentrations. Resveratrol suppressed SELENOP levels dose-dependently in a concentration range from 0.8 μM to 50.0 μM, without affecting cell viability, along with strong effects on key genes controlling metabolic pathways and vesicle trafficking. CONCLUSION The results highlight an unexpected direct effect of the plant stilbenoid resveratrol, known for its antioxidative and health-promoting effects, on the central Se transport protein. The suppressive effects on SELENOP may increase liver Se levels and intracellular selenoprotein expression, thereby conferring additional protection to hepatocytes at the expense of systemic Se transport. Further physiological effects from this interaction require analyses in vivo and by clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Hackler
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kamil Demircan
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thilo Samson Chillon
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Qian Sun
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nino Geisler
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schupp
- Institute of Pharmacology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kostja Renko
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, 10115, Berlin, Germany,German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET, 12277, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lutz Schomburg
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Rubner Center (MRC) for Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal Research, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
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Park JW, Kim JH, Kim SE, Jung JH, Jang MK, Park SH, Lee MS, Kim HS, Suk KT, Kim DJ. Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Current Knowledge of Pathogenesis and Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061288. [PMID: 35740310 PMCID: PMC9220082 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiopathies encompass various biliary diseases affecting the biliary epithelium, resulting in cholestasis, inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately liver cirrhosis. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are the most important progressive cholangiopathies in adults. Much research has broadened the scope of disease biology to genetic risk, epigenetic changes, dysregulated mucosal immunity, altered biliary epithelial cell function, and dysbiosis, all of which interact and arise in the context of ill-defined environmental triggers. An in-depth understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these cholestatic diseases will help clinicians better prevent and treat diseases. In this review, we focus on the main underlying mechanisms of disease initiation and progression, and novel targeted therapeutics beyond currently approved treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Jang Han Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Myoung-Kuk Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
| | - Myung-Seok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
| | - Hyoung-Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Suk
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-33-240-5646
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