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Nair B, Jayaprakash Kamath A, Pradeep G, Devan AR, Sethi G, Nath LR. Unveiling the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in chronic liver disease: Therapeutic insights and strategies. Drug Discov Today 2024:104064. [PMID: 38901671 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104064] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a crucial role in adult liver repair by promoting the expansion and differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells into mature hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Elevated Hh signaling is associated with severe chronic liver diseases, making Hh inhibitors a promising therapeutic option. Sonidegib and vismodegib, both FDA-approved Smoothened (Smo) inhibitors for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), have shown potential for application in chronic liver disorders based on clinical evidence. We highlight the vital role of the Hh pathway in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, therapeutic strategies targeting the Hh pathway in chronic liver diseases have been discussed, providing a basis for improving disease management and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India; Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Adithya Jayaprakash Kamath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India; Department of Pharmaceutics, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Govind Pradeep
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Aswathy R Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India; Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore.
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India.
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Qadir A, Samad DA, Asif M, Ali MM, Zain S. Investigating the effect of vandetanib and celecoxib combination on angiogenesis. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2023; 18:1011-1017. [PMID: 36959917 PMCID: PMC10027553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.02.016] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Angiogenesis plays an important role in various physiological and pathological conditions and is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a combination of vandetanib and celecoxib on angiogenic tube formation and its effect on angiogenic genes (MMP-2 and MMP-9) using an in vitro model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods HUVECs were cultured and verified by flow cytometry. HUVECs were then treated with vandetanib, celecoxib, and the combination of both drugs. Then, we investigated cell viability and cell apoptosis by MTT assays and flow cytometry. The process of angiogenesis was analyzed by tube formation assays, and the effect on angiogenic genes was determined by RT-qPCR. Results HUVECs were positive for CD144 and negative for CD14. Vandetanib, celecoxib, and their combination inhibited HUVEC viability in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001). The rate of apoptosis was 13.1%, 9%, and 23.7% (p < 0.001) when treated with vandetanib, celecoxib, or the combination of both drugs, respectively. Vandetanib inhibited tube formation by 43.7%, celecoxib by 21%, and their combination by 77.3% (p < 0.001), respectively. RT-qPCR revealed that both vandetanib and celecoxib reduced the expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and their combination resulted in an even greater extent of reduction in expression levels (p < 0.001). Conclusion Celecoxib enhanced the effect of vandetanib in inhibiting in vitro angiogenesis and the combination of these two drugs led to even greater extents of inhibition than vandetanib alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Qadir
- Department of Pharmacology, United Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
- Corresponding address: United Medical and Dental College, Department of Pharmacology, Sector 48H Korangi Creek, Karachi, Sindh 75190, Pakistan.
| | | | - Mahayrookh Asif
- Department of Pharmacology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mujtaba Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, United Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Zain
- Department of Pharmacology, United Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
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Cao Q, Shan H, Zhao J, Deng J, Xu M, Kang H, Li T, Zhao Y, Liu H, Jiang J. Liver fibrosis in fish research: From an immunological perspective. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 139:108885. [PMID: 37290612 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process whereby the liver is subjected to various acute and chronic injuries, resulting in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), an imbalance of extracellular matrix generation and degradation, and deposition in the liver. This review article summarizes the current understanding of liver fibrosis in fish research. Liver fibrosis is a common pathological condition that occurs in fish raised in aquaculture. It is often associated with poor water quality, stressful conditions, and the presence of pathogens. The review describes the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis in fish, including the roles of various cells and molecules involved in the development and progression of the disease. The review also covers the various methods used to diagnose and assess the severity of liver fibrosis in fish, including histological analysis, biochemical markers, and imaging techniques. In addition, the article discusses the current treatment options for liver fibrosis in fish, including dietary interventions, pharmaceuticals, and probiotics. This review highlights the need for more in-depth research in this area to better understand the mechanisms by which liver fibrosis in fish occurs and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Finally, improved management practices and the development of new treatments will be critical to the sustainability of aquaculture and the health of farmed fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanquan Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Hongying Shan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ju Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jinhe Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Man Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Hao Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Tong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Jun Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Sun Y, Weng J, Chen X, Ma S, Zhang Y, Zhang F, Zhang Z, Wang F, Shao J, Zheng S. Oroxylin A activates ferritinophagy to induce hepatic stellate cell senescence against hepatic fibrosis by regulating cGAS-STING pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114653. [PMID: 37086511 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent study, the pathological mechanism of liver fibrosis has been associated with hepatic stellate cell (HSC) senescence. Targeted induction of HSC senescence is considered as a new strategy to remove activated HSC. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of ferritinophagy in cell senescence. In this study, we reported that Oroxylin A from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi can regulate HSC senescence induced by ferritinophagy through the cGAS-STING pathway to reduce liver fibrosis. We first found that Oroxylin A treatment alleviated the pathological changes of liver fibrosis, reduced collagen deposition, and significantly inhibited liver fibrosis. Interestingly, Oroxylin A treatment can activate HSC ferritinophagy and further induce HSC senescence. It is noteworthy that ferritinophagy is mediated by nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), an important selective mediator for ferritin degradation. NCOA4 siRNA causes Oroxylin A to reduce the degree of telomerase activity in HSCs and induce the expression of senescence markers, such as SA-β-Gal and related marker proteins. Importantly, the cGAS-STING pathway is crucial to the activation of HSC ferritinophagy by Oroxylin A. Specifically, Oroxylin A can promote the secretion of cytokines like IFN-β by the cGAS-STING pathway to regulate ferritinophagy. cGAS siRNA resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the expression of NCOA4, a significant reduction in the expression level of autophagy-related phenotype, and a decrease in the content of ROS and iron ions in HSCs. In conclusion, we identified the new role of ferritinophagy and the GAS-STING pathway in Oroxylin A -mediated anti-hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingdan Weng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuyao Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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A novel mechanistic approach for the anti-fibrotic potential of rupatadine in rat liver via amendment of PAF/NF-ĸB p65/TGF-β1 and hedgehog/HIF-1α/VEGF trajectories. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:845-858. [PMID: 36811777 PMCID: PMC10140091 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01147-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is one of the major worldwide health concerns which requires tremendous research due to the limited outcomes of the current therapies. The present study was designed to assess, for the first time, the potential therapeutic effect of rupatadine (RUP) in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver fibrosis and to explore its possible mechanistic actions. For the induction of hepatic fibrosis, rats were treated with DEN (100 mg/kg, i.p.) once weekly for 6 consecutive weeks, and on the 6th week, RUP (4 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered for 4 weeks. Treatment with RUP ameliorated changes in body weights, liver indices, liver function enzymes, and histopathological alterations induced by DEN. Besides, RUP amended oxidative stress, which led to the inhibition of PAF/NF-κB p65-induced inflammation, and, subsequently, prevention of TGF-β1 elevation and HSCs activation as indicated by reduced α-SMA expression and collagen deposition. Moreover, RUP exerted significant anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic effects by suppressing Hh and HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathways. Our results highlight, for the first time, a promising anti-fibrotic potential of RUP in rat liver. The molecular mechanisms underlying this effect involve the attenuation of PAF/NF-κB p65/TGF-β1 and Hh pathways and, subsequently, the pathological angiogenesis (HIF-1α/VEGF).
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Feng Y, Wang K, Wang N, Jia P, Zhang L, Yuan H, Lu P, Lu Y, Zhang H, Li R, Zhang Y, Li Q, Zhang P. Tetramethylpyrazine protects neural stem cells against sevoflurane-induced toxicity through Akt/GSK-3β pathway. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:2457-2466. [PMID: 35838869 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01008-2] [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: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sevoflurane, a commonly used anesthetic, has been found to cause neural stem cell (NSC) injury, thereby contributing to neurocognitive impairment following general anesthesia. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), one of the most widely used medicinal compounds isolated from a traditional Chinese herb, possess neuroprotective activity. However, its effect on sevoflurane-induced NSC injury remains unclear. NSCs were pretreated with indicated concentrations of TMP for 2 h and then exposed to sevoflurane for 6 h. Cell injury was measured using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Cell viability and proliferation were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling, respectively. Apoptotic cells were detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The levels of cleaved caspase-3, phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) were detected by western blotting. Our results showed exposure to sevoflurane decreased the viability and proliferation of NSCs, while TMP preserved NSC viability and proliferation after sevoflurane exposure. In addition, the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL positive cells were markedly decreased in TMP-treated NSCs compared with the control. Furthermore, pretreatment with TMP significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated Akt and GSK-3β in sevoflurane-injured NSCs. However, an upstream inhibitor of Akt, LY294002 abolished the protective of TMP on the cell viability of NSCs. In conclusion, these findings indicate that TMP protects NSCs from sevoflurane-induced toxicity through Akt/GSK-3β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kui Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengyu Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haozheng Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pan Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengbo Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157# West 5 Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Tetramethylpyrazine: A review on its mechanisms and functions. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113005. [PMID: 35483189 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort (known as Chuanxiong in China, CX) is one of the most widely used and long-standing medicinal herbs in China. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is an alkaloid and one of the active components of CX. Over the past few decades, TMP has been proven to possess several pharmacological properties. It has been used to treat a variety of diseases with excellent therapeutic effects. Here, the pharmacological characteristics and molecular mechanism of TMP in recent years are reviewed, with an emphasis on the signal-regulation mechanism of TMP. This review shows that TMP has many physiological functions, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis properties; autophagy regulation; vasodilation; angiogenesis regulation; mitochondrial damage suppression; endothelial protection; reduction of proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells; and neuroprotection. At present, TMP is used in treating cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive system conditions, cancer, and other conditions and has achieved good curative effects. The therapeutic mechanism of TMP involves multiple targets, multiple pathways, and bidirectional regulation. TMP is, thus, a promising drug with great research potential.
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Li H. Intercellular crosstalk of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:598-613. [PMID: 34344577 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intercellular crosstalk among various liver cells plays an important role in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) precedes fibrosis and accumulating evidence suggests that the crosstalk between LSECs and other liver cells is critical in the development and progression of liver fibrosis. LSECs dysfunction, a key event in the progression from fibrosis to cirrhosis, and subsequently obstruction of hepatic sinuses and increased intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR) contribute to development of portal hypertension (PHT) and cirrhosis. More importantly, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which is closely related to the crosstalk between LSECs and immune liver cells like CD8+ T cells, promotes advances tumorigenesis, especially HCC. However, the connections within the crosstalk between LSECs and other liver cells during the progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis to HCC have yet to be discussed. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge of how different crosstalk between LSECs and other liver cells, including hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), macrophoges, immune cells in liver and extra cellular matrix (ECM) contribute to the physiological function and the progrssion from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis, or even to HCC. Then we examine current treatment strategies for LSECs crosstalk in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Central Laboratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, PR China.
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Tetramethylpyrazine Retards the Progression and Fibrogenesis of Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1170-1187. [PMID: 35099777 PMCID: PMC8907108 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00813-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The development of more efficacious, non-hormonal therapeutics for endometriosis is still an unmet medical need begging to be fulfilled. Growing evidence indicates that endometriotic lesions are wounds undergoing repeated tissue injury and repair, and, as such, platelets play an important role in lesional progression. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a compound derived from a herb that has been used for thousands of years to combat “blood stasis” in traditional Chinese medicine, is a prescription drug in China for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders. We tested the hypothesis that TMP can decelerate lesional progression through arresting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT), and fibrogenesis. We found in our in vitro experiments that TMP treatment suppresses platelet-induced EMT, FMT, cellular contractility, and collagen production in a concentration-dependent manner. We also showed that in a mouse model of endometriosis, treatment with TMP significantly reduced lesion weight and the extent of lesional fibrosis and improved hyperalgesia, mostly likely through the reduction of lesional aggregation of platelets and the lesional expression of markers of EMT, FMT, and fibrogenesis. In light of our results and in view of its excellent safety profiles, TMP appears to be a promising drug candidate for treating endometriosis.
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Hui Z, Wang S, Li J, Wang J, Zhang Z. Compound Tongluo Decoction inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced ferroptosis and promoted angiogenesis by activating the Sonic Hedgehog pathway in cerebral infarction. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 283:114634. [PMID: 34536518 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cerebral infarction is one of the most common types of cerebrovascular diseases that threaten people's health. Compound Tongluo Decoction (CTLD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has various pharmacological activities, including the alleviation of cerebral infarction symptoms. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the potential mechanism by which CTLD alleviates cerebral infarction. MATERIAL AND METHODS Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model and oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) cell model were established for research. The expression of proteins related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ferroptosis, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway and angiogenesis was analyzed by Western blot analysis. The expression of CD31 was detected by immunofluorescence to investigate angiogenesis. In addition, the expression of GRP78 and XBP-1 in brain tissues was investigated by immunohistochemistry. With the application of Prussian blue staining, iron deposition in brain tissue was detected. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected using ELISA kits. The angiogenesis was analyzed by tube formation assay. RESULTS The results presented in this research showed that CTLD and 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA; the inhibitor of ER stress) could alleviate cerebral infarction. Mechanistically, CTLD and 4-PBA rescued ER stress and ferroptosis, but promoted SHH signaling in rats with cerebral infarction. In addition, cerebral infarction exhibited a high level of angiogenesis, which was aggravated by CTLD but suppressed by 4-PBA. Furthermore, CTLD inhibited ER stress and ferroptosis, but promoted SHH signaling and angiogenesis in OGD/R-induced PC12 cells, which was partly abolished by SANT-1, an antagonist of SHH signaling. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study revealed that CTLD might inhibit ferroptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress and promote angiogenesis by activating the Sonic Hedgehog pathway in rats with cerebral infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Hui
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210001, Jiangsu province, PR China
| | - Sulei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210001, Jiangsu province, PR China
| | - Jianxiang Li
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210001, Jiangsu province, PR China
| | - Jingqing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210001, Jiangsu province, PR China
| | - Zhennian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210001, Jiangsu province, PR China.
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Li YJ, Liu RP, Ding MN, Zheng Q, Wu JZ, Xue XY, Gu YQ, Ma BN, Cai YJ, Li S, Lin S, Zhang LY, Li X. Tetramethylpyrazine prevents liver fibrotic injury in mice by targeting hepatocyte-derived and mitochondrial DNA-enriched extracellular vesicles. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2026-2041. [PMID: 35027662 PMCID: PMC9343419 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00843-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common consequence of almost all liver diseases and has become an urgent clinical problem without efficient therapies. Recent evidence has shown that hepatocytes-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in liver pathophysiology, but little is known about the role of damaged hepatocytes-derived EVs in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and following fibrosis. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) from Ligusticum wallichii Franchat exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities including liver protection. In this study, we investigated whether TMP exerted liver-protective action through regulating EV-dependent intercellular communication between hepatocytes and HSCs. Chronic liver injury was induced in mice by CCl4 (1.6 mg/kg, i.g.) twice a week for 8 weeks. In the last 4 weeks of CCl4 administration, mice were given TMP (40, 80, 160 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.). Acute liver injury was induced in mice by injection of a single dose of CCl4 (0.8 mg/kg, i.p.). After injection, mice were treated with TMP (80 mg/kg) every 24 h. We showed that TMP treatment dramatically ameliorated CCl4-induced oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation as well as acute or chronic liver fibrosis. In cultured mouse primary hepatocytes (MPHs), treatment with CCl4 or acetaminophen resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction, release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from injured hepatocytes to adjacent hepatocytes and HSCs through EVs, mediating hepatocyte damage and fibrogenic responses in activated HSCs; pretreatment of MPHs with TMP (25 μM) prevented all these pathological effects. Transplanted serum EVs from TMP-treated mice prevented both initiation and progression of liver fibrosis caused by CCl4. Taken together, this study unravels the complex mechanisms underlying the protective effects of TMP against mtDNA-containing EV-mediated hepatocyte injury and HSC activation during liver injury, and provides critical evidence inspiring the development of TMP-based innovative therapeutic agents for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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12
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Ren J, Cai J, Wang C. Tetramethylpyrazine inhibits the proliferation, invasiveness and migration of cervical cancer C33A cells by retarding the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:66. [PMID: 35069875 PMCID: PMC8756559 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ren
- Department of Biochemistry, Shijiazhuang Medical College, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Jiping Cai
- Department of Biochemistry, Shijiazhuang Medical College, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Changfeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Shijiazhuang Medical College, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
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13
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Zheng Y, Wang J, Zhao T, Wang L, Wang J. Modulation of the VEGF/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway to regulate liver angiogenesis to explore the anti-hepatic fibrosis mechanism of curcumol. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114480. [PMID: 34358654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Curcuma is a common Chinese herbal medicine that is used in the clinical treatment of chronic liver disease. Studies have found that curcumol is the main active ingredient of curcuma and has good hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there are few reports on the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-liver fibrosis effect of curcumol. AIM To explore the effect of curcumol on liver angiogenesis, and to reveal the mechanism of curcumol against liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used liver collagenase perfusion combined with Percoll density gradient sedimentation to separate primary liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and then applied a leptin-activated cell pathological model. The cells were divided into four treatment groups as follows: blank group, model group, curcumol group, and solafini group. MTT was used to detect the cell proliferation rate in each group, and RT-PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expressions of VEGF, AKT, eNOS, CD31, and vWF. A fluorescent probe was used to detect NO expression, and scanning electron microscopy was used to observe changes in the cell fenestration structure. Angiogenesis assays were used to observe blood vessel formation in each group. RESULTS The results of the MTT test found that the proliferation rate of each group was higher. The results of the molecular biology tests found that curcumol inhibited the activity of the VEGF/AKT/eNOS pathway, thereby increasing fenestration of sinusoidal endothelial cells and inhibiting liver angiogenesis. These differences were statistically significant compared with the model group. CONCLUSIONS Curcumol inhibits the activity of the VEGF/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway, regulates the structure of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, and inhibits liver angiogenesis, which together may explain its anti-liver fibrosis mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese, Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530222, China
| | - Jiaru Wang
- College of Nursing,Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523000, China
| | - Tiejian Zhao
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530222, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese, Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530222, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese, Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530222, China.
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14
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Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) form the wall of the hepatic sinusoids. Unlike other capillaries, they lack an organized basement membrane and have cytoplasm that is penetrated by open fenestrae, making the hepatic microvascular endothelium discontinuous. LSECs have essential roles in the maintenance of hepatic homeostasis, including regulation of the vascular tone, inflammation and thrombosis, and they are essential for control of the hepatic immune response. On a background of acute or chronic liver injury, LSECs modify their phenotype and negatively affect neighbouring cells and liver disease pathophysiology. This Review describes the main functions and phenotypic dysregulations of LSECs in liver diseases, specifically in the context of acute injury (ischaemia-reperfusion injury, drug-induced liver injury and bacterial and viral infection), chronic liver disease (metabolism-associated liver disease, alcoholic steatohepatitis and chronic hepatotoxic injury) and hepatocellular carcinoma, and provides a comprehensive update of the role of LSECs as therapeutic targets for liver disease. Finally, we discuss the open questions in the field of LSEC pathobiology and future avenues of research.
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15
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Cai S, Wu L, Yuan S, Liu G, Wang Y, Fang L, Xu D. Carvacrol alleviates liver fibrosis by inhibiting TRPM7 and modulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 898:173982. [PMID: 33647257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a compensatory response to the tissue repair process. The activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are thought to be related to the occurrence of hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs is a key step in alleviating liver fibrosis. As a non-specific inhibitor of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), carvacrol has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatic fibrosis activities. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of carvacrol on liver fibrosis and related molecular mechanisms. A CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB)-activated HSC-T6 cells (a rat hepatic stellate cell line) were employed for in vivo and in vitro experiments. C57BL/6J mice were orally administered different concentrations of carvacrol every day for 6 weeks during the development of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The results show that carvacrol could effectively reduce liver damage and the progression of liver fibrosis in mice, which are expressed as fibrotic markers levels were reduced and histopathological characteristics were improved. Moreover, carvacrol inhibited the proliferation and activation of HSC-T6 cells induced by PDGF-BB. In addition, it was found that carvacrol inhibits the expression of TRPM7 and mediated through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Collectively, our study shows that carvacrol can reduce liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, and the MAPK signaling pathway might be involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Cai
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Siyu Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guofang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yalu Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Dujuan Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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16
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Zhang L, Wang H, Liu Y, Wang L, Pan W, Yuan B. Morroniside protects HT-22 cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2020; 42:9-15. [PMID: 33100110 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2020.1837872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a devastating condition that affects neurodevelopment and results in brain injury in infants. Morroniside (MOR), a natural secoiridoid glycoside, has been found to possess neuroprotective effect. However, the effects of MOR on neonatal HIE are unclear. An in vitro HIE model was established in murine hippocampal neurons HT-22 cells using oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) stimulation. Our results showed that MOR improved OGD/R-caused cell viability reduction in HT-22 cells. MOR suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were significantly elevated by MOR. Moreover, MOR treatment caused a significant increase in bcl-2 expression, and obvious decreases in the expression levels of bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9 expression. Furthermore, MOR significantly upregulated the expression levels of nuclear Nrf2 and HO-1 in OGD/R-treated HT-22 cells. Additionally, knockdown of Nrf2 or HO-1 abrogated the effects of MOR on OGD/R-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in HT-22 cells. In conclusion, these findings suggested that MOR protects HT-22 cells against OGD/R via regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huiping Wang
- Department of Neonatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Neonatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Neonatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weikang Pan
- Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, China
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17
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Ma X, Jiang Y, Wen J, Zhao Y, Zeng J, Guo Y. A comprehensive review of natural products to fight liver fibrosis: Alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and other compounds. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 888:173578. [PMID: 32976828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of drugs to treat liver fibrosis has long been a challenge over the past decades due to its complicated pathogenesis. As a primary approach for drug development, natural products account for 30% of clinical drugs used for disease treatment. Therefore, natural products are increasingly important for their medicinal value in liver fibrosis therapy. In this part of the review, special focus is placed on the effect and mechanism of natural compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and others. A total of 36 kinds of natural compounds demonstrate significant antifibrotic effects in various liver fibrosis models in vivo and in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. Revealing the mechanism will provide further basis for clinical conversion, as well as accelerate drug discovery. The mechanism was further summarized with the finding of network regulation by several natural products, such as oxymatrine, paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1 and taurine. Moreover, there are still improvements needed in investigating clinical efficacy, determining mechanisms, and combining applications, as well as semisynthesis and modification. Therefore, natural products area promising resource for agents that protect against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yinxiao Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jianxia Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yaoguang Guo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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18
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Wilkinson AL, Qurashi M, Shetty S. The Role of Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells in the Axis of Inflammation and Cancer Within the Liver. Front Physiol 2020; 11:990. [PMID: 32982772 PMCID: PMC7485256 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) form a unique barrier between the liver sinusoids and the underlying parenchyma, and thus play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic and immune homeostasis, as well as actively contributing to disease pathophysiology. Whilst their endocytic and scavenging function is integral for nutrient exchange and clearance of waste products, their capillarisation and dysfunction precedes fibrogenesis. Furthermore, their ability to promote immune tolerance and recruit distinct immunosuppressive leukocyte subsets can allow persistence of chronic viral infections and facilitate tumour development. In this review, we present the immunological and barrier functions of LSEC, along with their role in orchestrating fibrotic processes which precede tumourigenesis. We also summarise the role of LSEC in modulating the tumour microenvironment, and promoting development of a pre-metastatic niche, which can drive formation of secondary liver tumours. Finally, we summarise closely inter-linked disease pathways which collectively perpetuate pathogenesis, highlighting LSEC as novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shishir Shetty
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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19
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Cui H, Xu Z, Qu C. Tetramethylpyrazine ameliorates isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting neuroinflammation via miR-150 in rats. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:3878-3887. [PMID: 32855738 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has neuroprotective effects in the pathogenesis of some human diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. The present study aimed to investigate the role of TMP in isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats, and further identify the mechanisms involved in the protective effects of TMP. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive function of rats exposed to isoflurane or treated with TMP. ELISA was conducted to evaluate the effects of isoflurane or TMP on neuroinflammation. The expression of microRNA-150 (miR-150) was measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and the potential target genes of miR-150 were predicted and verified. The impaired cognitive function induced by isoflurane in the rats was significantly ameliorated by treatment with TMP. In addition, TMP treatment in rats attenuated neuroinflammation caused by isoflurane. The expression of miR-150 was inhibited by isoflurane exposure, but was enhanced by TMP treatment in rats. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-150 alleviated the isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation, while the neuroprotective effects of TMP were significantly abrogated by the knockdown of miR-150. AKT3 was a direct target of miR-150, and its mRNA expression was significantly decreased by the overexpression of miR-150 in isoflurane- and TMP-treated rats. These results demonstrated the protective effects of TMP against isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction, which were achieved by attenuating neuroinflammation via the regulation of the miR-150/AKT3 pathway. In addition, miR-150 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for the alleviation of cognitive dysfunction induced by anesthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaqing Cui
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Dongying Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongying, Shandong 257055, P.R. China
| | - Zhonghui Xu
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Dongying Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongying, Shandong 257055, P.R. China
| | - Chunshan Qu
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Dongying Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongying, Shandong 257055, P.R. China
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20
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Wu X, Wang Z, Wu G, Xu X, Zhang J, Li Y, Zhang H, Guo S. Tetramethylpyrazine Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Proliferation of Hypertrophic Scar-Derived Fibroblasts via Inhibiting the Phosphorylation of AKT. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:602. [PMID: 32431617 PMCID: PMC7214921 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a serious fibrotic skin disease and often considered as a kind of benign skin tumor. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), the main chemical composition of the traditional Chinese medicine Chuanxiong Rhizoma, has shown significant clinical benefits in the treatment of fibrosis disease and tumor, while the role in HS and the concrete mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, the protective effects of TMP in the treatment of HS was investigated and the results showed that the protein expression levels of type I collagen (Col I), type III collagen (Col III), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were all inhibited remarkably after addition of TMP in HS-derived fibroblasts (HFs). Moreover, TMP also suppressed fibroblast proliferative and induced cell apoptosis. The protein expression levels of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were all decreased comparing with the control group while proapoptotic proteins Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 were increased. In addition, TMP treatment markedly reduced the phosphorylation levels of AKT. Taken together, our investigations demonstrated that TMP could down-regulate the expression of fibrosis-related molecules, inhibit scar fibroblast proliferation and activate cell apoptosis, during which AKT pathway was involved. Thus, this study shed more light on the pharmacological mechanisms of TMP, and provided a novel therapeutic alternative for prevention and treatment of HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Gaofeng Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaofan Xu
- Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Shuzhen Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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21
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Yang X, Wang Z, Kai J, Wang F, Jia Y, Wang S, Tan S, Shen X, Chen A, Shao J, Zhang F, Zhang Z, Zheng S. Curcumol attenuates liver sinusoidal endothelial cell angiogenesis via regulating Glis-PROX1-HIF-1α in liver fibrosis. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12762. [PMID: 32119185 PMCID: PMC7106966 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatic sinusoidal angiogenesis owing to dysfunctional liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) accompanied by an abnormal angioarchitecture is a symbol related to liver fibrogenesis, which indicates a potential target for therapeutic interventions. However, there are few researches connecting angiogenesis with liver fibrosis, and the deeper mechanism remains to be explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell angiogenesis and angiogenic protein were examined in primary LSECs of rats, and multifarious cellular and molecular assays revealed the efficiency of curcumol intervention in fibrotic mice. RESULTS We found that curcumol inhibited angiogenic properties through regulating their upstream mediator hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The transcription activation of HIF-1α was regulated by hedgehog signalling on the one hand, and the protein stabilization of HIF-1α was under the control of Prospero-related homeobox 1 (PROX1) on the other. A deubiquitinase called USP19 could be recruited by PROX1 and involved in ubiquitin-dependent degradation of HIF-1α. Furthermore, our researches revealed that hedgehog signalling participated in the activation of PROX1 transcription probably in vitro. Besides, curcumol was found to ameliorate liver fibrosis and sinusoid angiogenesis via hedgehog pathway in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) induced liver fibrotic mice. The protein expression of key regulatory factors, PROX1 and HIF-1α, was consistent with the Smo, the marker protein of Hh signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS In this article, we evidenced that curcumol controlling LSEC-mediated angiogenesis could be a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Kai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xikun Shen
- Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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22
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Giarretta I, Gaetani E, Bigossi M, Tondi P, Asahara T, Pola R. The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Ischemic Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215270. [PMID: 31652910 PMCID: PMC6862352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) proteins are prototypical morphogens known to regulate epithelial/mesenchymal interactions during embryonic development. In addition to its pivotal role in embryogenesis, the Hh signaling pathway may be recapitulated in post-natal life in a number of physiological and pathological conditions, including ischemia. This review highlights the involvement of Hh signaling in ischemic tissue regeneration and angiogenesis, with particular attention to the heart, the brain, and the skeletal muscle. Updated information on the potential role of the Hh pathway as a therapeutic target in the ischemic condition is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Giarretta
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Gaetani
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Margherita Bigossi
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Paolo Tondi
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Takayuki Asahara
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Roberto Pola
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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23
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Hammoutene A, Rautou PE. Role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Hepatol 2019; 70:1278-1291. [PMID: 30797053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its complications are an expanding health problem associated with the metabolic syndrome. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are highly specialized endothelial cells localized at the interface between the blood derived from the gut and the adipose tissue on the one side, and other liver cells on the other side. In physiological conditions, LSECs are gatekeepers of liver homeostasis. LSECs display anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic properties by preventing Kupffer cell and hepatic stellate cell activation and regulating intrahepatic vascular resistance and portal pressure. This review focusses on changes occurring in LSECs in NAFLD and on their consequences on NAFLD progression and complications. Capillarization, namely the loss of LSEC fenestrae, and LSEC dysfunction, namely the loss of the ability of LSECs to generate vasodilator agents in response to increased shear stress both occur early in NAFLD. These LSEC changes favour steatosis development and set the stage for NAFLD progression. At the stage of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, altered LSECs release inflammatory mediators and contribute to the recruitment of inflammatory cells, thus promoting liver injury and inflammation. Altered LSECs also fail to maintain hepatic stellate cell quiescence and release fibrogenic mediators, including Hedgehog signalling molecules, promoting liver fibrosis. Liver angiogenesis is increased in NAFLD and contributes to liver inflammation and fibrosis, but also to hepatocellular carcinoma development. Thus, improving LSEC health appears to be a promising approach to prevent NAFLD progression and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Hammoutene
- Inserm, UMR-970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, PARCC, Paris, France; University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Rautou
- Inserm, UMR-970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, PARCC, Paris, France; INSERM, UMR1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France; University Paris Diderot, Paris, France; Service d'Hépatologie, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, DHU Unity, Pôle des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, France.
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24
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Lin Y, Shao Y, Li J, Zhang W, Zheng K, Zheng X, Huang X, Liao Z, Xie Y, He J. The hierarchical micro-/nanotextured topographies promote the proliferation and angiogenesis-related genes expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by initiation of Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 46:S1141-S1151. [PMID: 30453796 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2018.1533845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lin
- The Department of Stomatology, Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, SunYat-sen University, Jieyang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiming Shao
- The Intensive Care Unit, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jieyin Li
- The Department of Stomatology, Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, SunYat-sen University, Jieyang, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenying Zhang
- The Intensive Care Unit, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaibin Zheng
- The Department of Stomatology, Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, SunYat-sen University, Jieyang, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuying Zheng
- The Department of Stomatology, Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, SunYat-sen University, Jieyang, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoman Huang
- The Department of Stomatology, Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, SunYat-sen University, Jieyang, Guangdong, China
| | - Zipeng Liao
- The Department of Stomatology, Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, SunYat-sen University, Jieyang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yirui Xie
- The Department of Stomatology, Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, SunYat-sen University, Jieyang, Guangdong, China
| | - Junbing He
- The Intensive Care Unit, Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, SunYat-sen University, Jieyang, Guangdong, China
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25
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Wang L, Zhang Z, Li M, Wang F, Jia Y, Zhang F, Shao J, Chen A, Zheng S. P53-dependent induction of ferroptosis is required for artemether to alleviate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation. IUBMB Life 2018; 71:45-56. [PMID: 30321484 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is recently reported as a new mode of regulated cell death. Its essential characteristics are disturbed redox homeostasis, overloaded iron, and increased lipid peroxidation. However, the role of ferroptosis in liver fibrosis remains poorly understood. In this study, we attempted to investigate the effect of artemether (ART) on ferroptosis in hepatic fibrosis and to further clarify the possible mechanisms. Our data showed that ART treatment markedly attenuated liver injury and reduced fibrotic scar formation in the mouse model of liver fibrosis. Moreover, experiments in vitro also confirmed that ART treatment significantly decreased expression of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers. Interestingly, HSCs treated by ART presented morphological features of ferroptosis. Furthermore, ART remarkably triggered ferroptosis by promoting the accumulation of iron and lipid peroxides, whereas inhibition of ferroptosis by specific inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) completely abolished ART-induced antifibrosis effect. More importantly, our discovery determined that tumor suppressor P53 was an upstream molecule in the facilitation of ART-induced HSC ferroptosis. Conversely, knockdown of P53 by siRNA evidently blocked ART-induced HSC ferroptosis in turn exacerbated liver fibrosis. Overall, our findings revealed that P53-dependent induction of ferroptosis is necessary for ART to ameliorate CCl4 -induced hepatic fibrosis and inhibit HSC activation. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):45-56, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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26
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Peters KM, Wilson RB, Borradaile NM. Non-parenchymal hepatic cell lipotoxicity and the coordinated progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. Curr Opin Lipidol 2018; 29:417-422. [PMID: 30015675 PMCID: PMC6125757 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) appears to be independently associated with the development of atherosclerosis. The biological mechanisms underlying this association are complex, and likely involve liver-resident cell types other than hepatocytes. Thus, we review recent evidence that non-parenchymal hepatic cell responses to lipid excess contribute to the pathogenesis of both NAFLD and atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS Significant independent associations between NAFLD and atherosclerosis have been identified through cross-sectional studies and meta-analyses. Mechanistic studies in cell cultures and in rodent models suggest that liver-resident macrophages, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) mount lipotoxic responses under NAFLD conditions which can contribute to the progression of both NAFLD and atherosclerosis. SUMMARY Non-parenchymal hepatic cell types exhibit some similarity in their responses to lipid excess, and in their pathogenic mechanisms, which likely contribute to the coordinated progression of NAFLD and atherosclerosis. In response to lipotoxic conditions, macrophages, Kupffer cells and HSC initiate robust inflammatory responses, whereas LSEC generate excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). The extent to which inflammatory cytokines and ROS produced by non-parenchymal cells contribute to the progression of both NAFLD and atherosclerosis warrants further investigation.
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27
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Machado MV, Diehl AM. Hedgehog signalling in liver pathophysiology. J Hepatol 2018; 68:550-562. [PMID: 29107151 PMCID: PMC5957514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide despite recent successes in the field of viral hepatitis, because increases in alcohol consumption and obesity are fuelling an epidemic of chronic fatty liver disease for which there are currently no effective medical therapies. About 20% of individuals with chronic liver injury ultimately develop end-stage liver disease due to cirrhosis. Hence, treatments to prevent and reverse cirrhosis in individuals with ongoing liver injury are desperately needed. The development of successful treatments requires an improved understanding of the mechanisms controlling liver disease progression. The liver responds to diverse insults with a conserved wound healing response, suggesting that it might be generally beneficial to optimise pathways that are crucial for effective liver repair. The Hedgehog pathway has emerged as a potential target based on compelling preclinical and clinical data, which demonstrate that it critically regulates the liver's response to injury. Herein, we will summarise evidence of the Hedgehog pathway's role in liver disease and discuss how modulating pathway activity might be applied to improve liver disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Verdelho Machado
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Gastroenterology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Effect of tetramethylpyrazine on tibial dyschondroplasia incidence, tibial angiogenesis, performance and characteristics via HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway in chickens. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2495. [PMID: 29410465 PMCID: PMC5802779 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20562-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tibial dyschodroplasia (TD) is a most common pathological condition in many avian species that is characterized by failure of growth plate (GP) modeling that leads to the persistence of avascular lesion in the GP. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is widely used to treat neurovascular disorders and pulmonary hypertension, but no report is available about promoting effect of TMP against TD. Therefore, a total of 210 broiler chicks were equally divided into three groups; Control, TD and TMP. During the experiment mortality rate, chicken performance indicators (daily weight, average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio), tibia bone indicators (weight, length, width of tibial and the size of GP) in addition to gene expression of HIF-1α and VEGF were examined. The results showed that TMP administration restore the GP width, increase growth performance, and mitigated the lameness in broiler chickens. The expression of HIF-1α and VEGF increased significantly in TD affected thiram induced chicks. Whereas, TMP treatment down-regulated HIF-1α and VEGF genes and proteins expressions. The present study demonstrates that the TMP plays an important role in angiogenesis during the impairment and recovery of GP in TD via regulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway in chickens.
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29
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Chen W, Zhang Z, Yao Z, Wang L, Zhang F, Shao J, Chen A, Zheng S. Activation of autophagy is required for Oroxylin A to alleviate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 56:148-155. [PMID: 29414645 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible pathophysiological process correlated with intense repair and cicatrization mechanisms, and its end-stage cirrhosis is responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Interestingly, the use of natural products as a realistic option for the treatment of liver fibrosis has broadly been accepted. Oroxylin A, a safe and natural product, shows a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor properties. However, the effects of Oroxylin A on liver fibrosis remain poorly understood. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of Oroxylin A on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, and to further examine the molecular mechanisms. We found that treatment with Oroxylin A markedly decreased the level of liver injury markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, Oroxylin A treatment remarkably inhibited extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and significantly down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of liver fibrosis markers including α1(I)collagen, fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), PDGF-βR, and TGF-βR1 in CCl4-induced murine model of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, experimental results in vitro showed that Oroxylin A treatment reduced the mRNA and protein expression of HSC activation markers, α-SMA, desmin, α1 (I) collagen, fibronectin, TGF-β, and TNF-α, in a dose dependent manner. Attractively, Oroxylin A treatment also markedly up-regulated the expression of autophagy makers, LC3-B, Atg3, Atg4, Atg5, Beclin1/Atg6, Atg7, Atg9, ATG12, and Atg14, and apparently reduced the expression of autophagy substrate p62 in both CCl4-induced murine model of liver fibrosis and PDGF-BB-treated HSCs. Importantly, inhibition of autophagy by specific inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) completely abolished Oroxylin A-induced anti-fibrosis effect, indicating that activation of autophagy was required for Oroxylin A to alleviate liver fibrosis. Overall, these results provide novel implications to reveal the molecular mechanism of Oroxylin A-induced anti-fibrosis properties, by which points to the possibility of using Oroxylin A for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhen Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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30
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Guo M. Cellular senescence and liver disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 96:1527-1537. [PMID: 29174037 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.11.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a fundamental cell fate caused by several cellular injuries which results in irreversible cell cycle arrest yet remaining metabolically active across all species. Cellular senescence not only can prevent tumor occurrence by inhibiting the proliferation of injured cells, but also can affect the surrounding cells through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Attractively, accumulating evidence shows that cellular senescence is closely related to various liver diseases. Therapeutic opportunities based on targeting senescent cells and the SASP are considered to be potential strategy for liver diseases. However, although research on cell senescence has attracted widespread attention, the overview on detailed mechanism and biological function of cell senescence in liver disease is still largely unknown. The present review summarizes the specific role of cell senescence in various liver diseases, and updates the molecular mechanisms underlying cell senescence. Moreover, the review also explores new strategies for prevention and treatment of liver disease through promoting senescence or counteracting excessive pathological senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology of Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
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31
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Ni Y, Li JM, Liu MK, Zhang TT, Wang DP, Zhou WH, Hu LZ, Lv WL. Pathological process of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver diseases. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:7666-7677. [PMID: 29209108 PMCID: PMC5703927 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i43.7666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis develops from liver fibrosis and is the severe pathological stage of all chronic liver injury. Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection is especially common. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis involve excess production of extracellular matrix, which is closely related to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Damaged LSECs can synthesize transforming growth factor-beta and platelet-derived growth factor, which activate hepatic stellate cells and facilitate the synthesis of extracellular matrix. Herein, we highlight the angiogenic cytokines of LSECs related to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis at different stages and focus on the formation and development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Inhibition of LSEC angiogenesis and antiangiogenic therapy are described in detail. Targeting LSECs has high therapeutic potential for liver diseases. Further understanding of the mechanism of action will provide stronger evidence for the development of anti-LSEC drugs and new directions for diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Endothelial Cells/virology
- Extracellular Matrix/metabolism
- Extracellular Matrix/pathology
- Hepacivirus/pathogenicity
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/pathology
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/virology
- Hepatitis B virus/pathogenicity
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/diagnosis
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/drug therapy
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/pathology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/virology
- Humans
- Liver/blood supply
- Liver/cytology
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/virology
- Liver Cirrhosis/diagnosis
- Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy
- Liver Cirrhosis/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis/virology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Ni
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Juan-Mei Li
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ming-Kun Liu
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Dong-Ping Wang
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Wen-Hui Zhou
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ling-Zi Hu
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Wen-Liang Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
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