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Yoshida M, Matsuzaki J, Fujita K, Kimura M, Umezu T, Tokuda N, Yamaguchi T, Kuroda M, Ochiya T, Saito Y, Kimura K. Plasma extracellular vesicle microRNAs reflecting the therapeutic effect of the CBP/β-catenin inhibitor PRI-724 in patients with liver cirrhosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6266. [PMID: 38491114 PMCID: PMC10943077 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56942-1] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
There is an unmet need for antifibrotic therapies to prevent the progression of liver cirrhosis. Previously, we conducted an exploratory trial to assess the safety and antifibrotic efficacy of PRI-724, a selective CBP/β-catenin inhibitor, in patients with liver cirrhosis. PRI-724 was well tolerated and exerted a potential antifibrotic effect. Here, we investigated whether the profiles of circulating microRNAs packaged in extracellular vesicles (EV-miRNAs) are associated with responses to liver fibrosis treatments. Eighteen patients who received PRI-724 for 12 weeks in a phase 1/2a study were classified as responders (n = 10) or non-responders (n = 8) based on changes in liver stiffness. Plasma samples were obtained before and after PRI-724 administration and the levels of EV-miRNAs were analyzed. Three miRNAs (miR-6510-5p, miR-6772-5p, and miR-4261) were identified as predictors of response or non-response to PRI-724, and the levels of three other miRNAs (miR-939-3p, miR-887-3p, and miR-7112-5p) correlated with the efficacy of treatment. Expression of miR-887-3p was detected in hepatocytes and was decreased significantly in liver tissue following PRI-724 treatment. In addition, transfection of a miR-887-3p mimic activated hepatic stellate cells. Thus, decreases in the miR-887-3p level in blood may reflect recovery from liver fibroses in patients with liver cirrhosis treated with PRI-724, although further validation studies are warranted to confirm this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayu Yoshida
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Juntaro Matsuzaki
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan.
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan
| | - Masamichi Kimura
- Department of Hepatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Umezu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan
| | - Noi Tokuda
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yamaguchi
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kuroda
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Saito
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Kiminori Kimura
- Department of Hepatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
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庞 碧, 黄 娜, 黄 晓, 李 馨, 熊 文, 孔 波, 姚 焱. [Lithocholic acid decreases mRNA stability of nuclear receptor PPAR α by upregulating miR-21 expression in hepatoma HepG2 cells]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2023; 43:2086-2094. [PMID: 38189395 PMCID: PMC10774099 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2023.12.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory effects of lithocholic acid (LCA) on nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor-alpha (PPARα) mRNA stability at the post-transcriptional level. METHODS PPARα 3'UTR luciferase reporter gene vectors were constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells to observe the changes in cellular luciferase activity in response to LCA treatments. Bioinformatic prediction and miRNA PCR array technique were used to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs induced by LCA and their potential binding sites on the 3'UTR. The binding sites (Mut1, Mut2 and Mut1+Mut2) were mutated to compare the changes in cellular luciferase activity following LCA treatment. Western blotting and RTqPCR were used to detect the activated signaling pathway and the expression levels of its downstream transcription factors in LCA-treated cells. The changes in PPARα protein expression level were detected in the cells following overexpression of the transcription factors. RESULTS Treatment with 100 μmol/L LCA significantly reduced luciferase activity of PPARα 3'UTR1 and 3'UTR2 in HepG2 cells by more than 50% (P<0.01) and induced significant upregulation of miR-21 and miR-22, especially the former (by 2.35 folds, P<0.05). Two predicted miR-21-binding sites in the 3'UTR1 were mutated to construct Mut1, Mut2 and Mut1+Mut2 reporter gene vectors. LCA treatment down-regulated 3'UTR1 luciferase activity by 51%, while Mut1, Mut2, and Mut1+Mut2 were down-regulated by 37%, 39%, and 13%, respectively. LCA caused ERK1/2 phosphorylation and activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and treatment with 100 μmol/L LCA upregulated the expression of transcription factor early growth response 1 (EGR1) by 5.83 folds (P<0.01). Transient overexpression of EGR1 significantly decreased cellular PPARα protein levels (P<0.05). CONCLUSION LCA reduces PPARα mRNA stability and thus decreases PPARα mRNA and protein expressions in hepatocytes by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and upregulating EGR1 and miR-21, which targets 3'UTR regulatory region of PPARα mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- 碧滢 庞
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 娜娜 黄
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 晓霞 黄
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 馨 李
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 文婷 熊
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 波 孔
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 焱 姚
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
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Yang Y, He X, Rojas M, Leung PSC, Gao L. Mechanism-based target therapy in primary biliary cholangitis: opportunities before liver cirrhosis? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1184252. [PMID: 37325634 PMCID: PMC10266968 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1184252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an immune-mediated liver disease characterized by cholestasis, biliary injuries, liver fibrosis, and chronic non-suppurative cholangitis. The pathogenesis of PBC is multifactorial and involves immune dysregulation, abnormal bile metabolism, and progressive fibrosis, ultimately leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA) are currently used as first- and second-line treatments, respectively. However, many patients do not respond adequately to UDCA, and the long-term effects of these drugs are limited. Recent research has advanced our understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis in PBC and greatly facilitated development of novel drugs to target mechanistic checkpoints. Animal studies and clinical trials of pipeline drugs have yielded promising results in slowing disease progression. Targeting immune mediated pathogenesis and anti-inflammatory therapies are focused on the early stage, while anti-cholestatic and anti-fibrotic therapies are emphasized in the late stage of disease, which is characterized by fibrosis and cirrhosis development. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that currently, there exists a dearth of therapeutic options that can effectively impede the progression of the disease to its terminal stages. Hence, there is an urgent need for further research aimed at investigating the underlying pathophysiology mechanisms with potential therapeutic effects. This review highlights our current knowledge of the underlying immunological and cellular mechanisms of pathogenesis in PBC. Further, we also address current mechanism-based target therapies for PBC and potential therapeutic strategies to improve the efficacy of existing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - XiaoSong He
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Manuel Rojas
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Patrick S. C. Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Lixia Gao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Ouchi H, Mizutani Y, Yoshimura K, Sato Y, Kimura K, Haruyama Y, Harada K. Anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of CBP/β-catenin inhibitor for hepatocytes: small molecular inhibitor, OP-724 possibly improves liver function. Med Mol Morphol 2023; 56:94-105. [PMID: 36645521 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-022-00343-8] [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: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signals are associated with several functions, including organ fibrosis. A synthetic small molecule, OP-724 (prodrug of C-82), an inhibitor of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP)/β-catenin, has demonstrated antifibrotic activity in mouse models of hepatic fibrosis. OP-724 is mediated by profibrotic and antifibrotic cells, such as hepatic stellate cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In this study, the direct effects of C-82 on hepatocytes in hepatic inflammation were investigated. Immortalized human hepatocytes were pretreated with inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the alteration of mRNA and protein expressions of cytokines and chemokines associated with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and of mitochondria-related molecules after C-82 treatment were analyzed in this study. The mRNA expression of several proinflammatory and profibrotic chemokines was upregulated by the stimulation of these inflammatory cytokines. In addition, this increase was prevented by C-82. In particular, the protein secretion of CCL2, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL9, and CXCL10 was noticeably upregulated by TNFα and prevented by additional C-82. Moreover, C-82 increased the VEGF-A and FGF-2 proteins, categorized as anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic molecules, respectively. It also increased the expression of mitochondrial components and mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, C-82 inhibits hepatocyte-mediated proinflammation and fibrogenesis. It also directly activates the mitochondrial function, thus improving liver dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Ouchi
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yuki Mizutani
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kaori Yoshimura
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sato
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kiminori Kimura
- Division of Hepatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan.
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Kimura M, Ogawa E, Harada K, Imamura J, Saio M, Ikura Y, Yatsuhashi H, Murata K, Miura K, Ieiri I, Tanaka A, Kimura K. Feasibility, safety and tolerability of the CREB-binding protein/β-catenin inhibitor OP-724 in patients with advanced primary biliary cholangitis: an investigator-initiated, open-label, non-randomised, two-centre, phase 1 study. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2022; 9:bmjgast-2022-001001. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2022-001001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of OP-724, a CREB-binding protein/β-catenin inhibitor, in patients with advanced primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).DesignAn open-label, non-randomised, phase 1 trial was conducted at two hospitals in Japan. Patients with advanced PBC classified as stage III or higher according to the Scheuer classification by liver biopsy between 4 September 2019 and 21 September 2021 were enrolled. Seven patients received intravenous OP-724 infusions at escalating dosages of 280 and 380 mg/m2/4 hours two times weekly for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs). The secondary endpoints were the incidence of AEs and the improvement in the modified Histological Activity Index (mHAI) score.ResultsSeven patients (median age, 68 years) were enrolled. Of these seven patients, five completed twelve cycles of treatment, one discontinued prematurely for personal reasons in the 280 mg/m2/4 hours cohort, and one in the 380 mg/m2/4 hours cohort was withdrawn from the study due to drug-induced liver injury (grade 2). Consequently, the recommended dosage was determined to be 280 mg/m2/4 hours. SAEs did not occur. The most common AEs were abdominal discomfort (29%) and abnormal hepatic function (43%). OP-724 treatment was associated with histological improvements in the fibrosis stage (2/5 (40%)) and mHAI score (3/5 (60%)) on histological analysis.ConclusionAdministration of intravenous OP-724 infusion at a dosage of 280 mg/m2/4 hours two times weekly for 12 weeks was well tolerated by patients with advanced PBC. However, further evaluation of antifibrotic effects in patients with PBC is warranted.Trial registration numberNCT04047160.
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