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Friedline RH, Noh HL, Suk S, Albusharif M, Dagdeviren S, Saengnipanthkul S, Kim B, Kim AM, Kim LH, Tauer LA, Baez Torres NM, Choi S, Kim BY, Rao SD, Kasina K, Sun C, Toles BJ, Zhou C, Li Z, Benoit VM, Patel PR, Zheng DXT, Inashima K, Beaverson A, Hu X, Tran DA, Muller W, Greiner DL, Mullen AC, Lee KW, Kim JK. IFNγ-IL12 axis regulates intercellular crosstalk in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5506. [PMID: 38951527 PMCID: PMC11217362 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49633-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a major cause of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and is characterized by inflammation and insulin resistance. Interferon-γ (IFNγ) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine elevated in obesity and modulating macrophage functions. Here, we show that male mice with loss of IFNγ signaling in myeloid cells (Lyz-IFNγR2-/-) are protected from diet-induced insulin resistance despite fatty liver. Obesity-mediated liver inflammation is also attenuated with reduced interleukin (IL)-12, a cytokine primarily released by macrophages, and IL-12 treatment in vivo causes insulin resistance by impairing hepatic insulin signaling. Following MASH diets, Lyz-IFNγR2-/- mice are rescued from developing liver fibrosis, which is associated with reduced fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 levels. These results indicate critical roles for IFNγ signaling in macrophages and their release of IL-12 in modulating obesity-mediated insulin resistance and fatty liver progression to MASH. In this work, we identify the IFNγ-IL12 axis in regulating intercellular crosstalk in the liver and as potential therapeutic targets to treat MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall H Friedline
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hye Lim Noh
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sujin Suk
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- WCU Biomodulation Major, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahaa Albusharif
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sezin Dagdeviren
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Suchaorn Saengnipanthkul
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Division of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Bukyung Kim
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Allison M Kim
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lauren H Kim
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lauren A Tauer
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Natalie M Baez Torres
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie Choi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bo-Yeon Kim
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Suryateja D Rao
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kaushal Kasina
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Cheng Sun
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Toles
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chan Zhou
- Division of Biostatistics and Health Services Research, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Zixiu Li
- Division of Biostatistics and Health Services Research, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Vivian M Benoit
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Payal R Patel
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Doris X T Zheng
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kunikazu Inashima
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Annika Beaverson
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Xiaodi Hu
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Duy A Tran
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Werner Muller
- Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Dale L Greiner
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alan C Mullen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ki Won Lee
- WCU Biomodulation Major, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- XO Center, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jason K Kim
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- WCU Biomodulation Major, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Smith KR, Wang W, Miller MR, Boucher M, Reynold JE, Daurio NA, Li D, Hirenallur-Shanthappa D, Ahn Y, Beebe DA, Kelly KL, Ross TT, Bence KK, Wan M. GPAT1 Deficiency in Mice Modulates NASH Progression in a Model-Dependent Manner. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:279-291. [PMID: 37844795 PMCID: PMC10829521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.10.002] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and its more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is the leading cause for liver failure and liver cancer. Although the etiology is likely multifactorial, genes involved in regulating lipid metabolism are enriched in human NAFLD genome-wide association studies (GWAS), pointing to dysregulated lipid metabolism as a major pathogenic factor. Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 1 (GPAT1), encoded by GPAM, converts acyl-CoAs and glycerol-3-phosphate into lysophosphatidic acid and has been shown to regulate lipid accumulation in the liver. However, its role in mediating the progression from NAFLD to NASH has not been explored. METHODS GPAT1-deficient mice were generated and challenged with diets inducing hepatic steatosis and NASH. Effects of GPAT1 deficiency on lipid and systemic metabolic end points were evaluated. RESULTS Ablating GPAT1 globally or specifically in mouse hepatocytes reduced hepatic steatosis in the context of diet-induced or genetic obesity. Interestingly, blunting of progression from NAFLD to NASH in global GPAT1 knockout (KO) mice was model dependent. GPAT1 KO mice were protected from choline deficient, amino acid defined high-fat diet-induced NASH development, but not from the high fat, high carbohydrate, and high cholesterol diet-induced NASH. CONCLUSIONS Our preclinical data support the notion that lipid metabolism pathways regulated by GPAT1 in hepatocytes play an essential role in NASH progression, albeit in a model-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R Smith
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Wenshan Wang
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Melissa R Miller
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Magalie Boucher
- WRDM Drug Safety, Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, Groton, Connecticut
| | - Jessica E Reynold
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Natalie A Daurio
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Dongmei Li
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Youngwook Ahn
- WRDM Target Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - David A Beebe
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kenneth L Kelly
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Trenton T Ross
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kendra K Bence
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Min Wan
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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3
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Kim DS, Lee HJ, Sim DY, Park JE, Park Y, Kim B, Shim B, Kim SH. The underlying hepatoprotective mechanism of PKC#963 in alcohol or carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury via inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, and p-STAT3 and enhancement of SOD and catalase. Phytother Res 2023; 37:505-514. [PMID: 36151597 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7630] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to explore the underlying hepatoprotective mechanism of PKC#963, consisting of Pinus koraiensis, Saururus chinensis, and Lycium barbarum in association with acute and chronic liver injury induced by alcohol or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Here, PKC#963 significantly suppressed aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) in CCl4-treated HepG2 cells. Also, PKC#963 significantly suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HepG2 cells. Consistently, PKC#963 suppressed the expression of AST, ALT, p-STAT3, iNOS, COX-2, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and increased procaspase 3 in the liver tissues of CCl4 treated rats. In addition, PKC#963 enhanced alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) for alcohol metabolism, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase as antioxidant enzymes and also suppressed AST and ALT in alcohol-treated rats. Furthermore, PKC#963 reduced hepatic steatosis and necrosis in CCl4-treated rats by H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) staining. Taken together, these findings highlight evidence that PKC#963 has hepatoprotective potential via inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, and p-STAT3 and enhancement of SOD and catalase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Sub Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok Yong Sim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eon Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsang Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bonglee Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumsang Shim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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4
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Hübscher SG, Feng S, Gouw ASH, Haga H, Kang HJ, Kelly DA, Komuta M, Lesniak A, Popp BA, Verkade HJ, Yu E, Demetris AJ. Standardizing the histological assessment of late posttransplantation biopsies from pediatric liver allograft recipients. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:1475-1489. [PMID: 35429359 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26482] [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: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Excellent short-term survival after pediatric liver transplantation (LT) has shifted attention toward the optimization of long-term outcomes. Despite considerable progress in imaging and other noninvasive modalities, liver biopsies continue to be required to monitor allograft health and to titrate immunosuppression. However, a standardized approach to the detailed assessment of long-term graft histology is currently lacking. The aim of this study was to formulate a list of histopathological features relevant for the assessment of long-surviving liver allograft health and to develop an approach for assessing the presence and severity of these features in a standardized manner. Whole-slide digital images from 31 biopsies obtained ≥4 years after transplantation to determine eligibility for an immunosuppression withdrawal trial were selected to illustrate a range of typical histopathological findings seen in children with clinically stable grafts, including those associated with alloantibodies. Fifty histological features were independently assessed and, where appropriate, scored semiquantitatively by six pathologists to determine inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of the histopathological features using unweighted and weighted kappa statistics; the latter metric enabled distinction between minor and major disagreements in parameter severity scoring. Weighted interobserver kappa statistics showed a high level of agreement for various parameters of inflammation, interface activity, fibrosis, and microvascular injury. Intraobserver agreement for these features was even more substantial. The results of this study will help to standardize the assessment of biopsies from long-surviving liver allografts, aid the recognition of important histological features, and facilitate international comparisons and clinical trials aiming to improve outcomes for children undergoing LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan G Hübscher
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sandy Feng
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Annette S H Gouw
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hironori Haga
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deirdre A Kelly
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's NHS Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mina Komuta
- Department of Pathology, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Andrew Lesniak
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Benjamin A Popp
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Henkjan J Verkade
- Pediatric Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eunsil Yu
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Anthony J Demetris
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Dai X, Zeng Y, Zhang H, Gu Z, Gong Q, Luo K. Advances on Nanomedicines for Diagnosis and Theranostics of Hepatic Fibrosis. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202000091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xinghang Dai
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology Functional and molecular imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- West China School of Medicine Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Yujun Zeng
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology Functional and molecular imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Hu Zhang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology Functional and molecular imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- Amgen Bioprocessing Centre Keck Graduate Institute CA 91711 USA
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology Functional and molecular imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Kui Luo
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology Functional and molecular imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
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Song Y, Kim S, Heo J, Shum D, Lee SY, Lee M, Kim AR, Seo HR. Identification of hepatic fibrosis inhibitors through morphometry analysis of a hepatic multicellular spheroids model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10931. [PMID: 34035369 PMCID: PMC8149639 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90263-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A chronic, local inflammatory milieu can cause tissue fibrosis that results in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), increased abundance of fibroblasts, and further acceleration of fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to identify potential mechanisms and inhibitors of fibrosis using 3D model-based phenotypic screening. We established liver fibrosis models using multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) composed of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and stromal cells such as fibroblasts (WI38), hepatic stellate cells (LX2), and endothelial cells (HUVEC) seeded at constant ratios. Through high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs, we identified retinoic acid and forskolin as candidates to attenuate the compactness of MCTSs as well as inhibit the expression of ECM-related proteins. Additionally, retinoic acid and forskolin induced reprogramming of fibroblast and cancer stem cells in the HCC microenvironment. Of interest, retinoic acid and forskolin had anti-fibrosis effects by decreasing expression of α-SMA and F-actin in LX2 cells and HUVEC cells. Moreover, when sorafenib was added along with retinoic acid and forskolin, apoptosis was increased, suggesting that anti-fibrosis drugs may improve tissue penetration to support the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. Collectively, these findings support the potential utility of morphometric analyses of hepatic multicellular spheroid models in the development of new drugs with novel mechanisms for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis and HCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonhwa Song
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghwa Kim
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyeong Heo
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - David Shum
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Yeon Lee
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Lee
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology, Deajeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - A-Ram Kim
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeng Ran Seo
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Voutilainen SH, Kosola SK, Lohi J, Mutka A, Jahnukainen T, Pakarinen M, Jalanko H. Expression of 6 Biomarkers in Liver Grafts After Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Correlations with Histology, Biochemistry, and Outcome. Ann Transplant 2020; 25:e925980. [PMID: 33060556 PMCID: PMC7574360 DOI: 10.12659/aot.925980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subclinical graft inflammation and fibrosis after pediatric liver transplantation (LT) are common. Biomarkers are needed that precede and are associated with these changes and graft outcome. Material/Methods We evaluated immunohistochemical expression of 6 biomarkers [α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, decorin, vimentin, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), and CD34] in biopsies taken intraoperatively at LT (baseline) (n=29) and at 11.3 years after LT (first follow-up) (n=51). Liver biochemistry and graft histology were assessed at the first follow-up and at final assessment (19.6 years after LT) (n=48). Second follow-up biopsies for histology were available from 24 patients. The immunostainings were correlated with liver histology, biochemistry, and outcome at these time-points. Results Baseline levels of the biomarkers were unrelated to presence of fibrosis at follow-up. Increased α-SMA, collagen I levels, decorin, and vimentin were associated with simultaneous fibrosis at the first follow-up (p=0.001–0.027). Increased SMA, collagen I, decorin, vimentin, PSGL-1, and CD34 expression at first follow-up were associated with simultaneous portal inflammation (p=0.001–0.025). α-SMA, decorin, and vimentin expression were increased in patients without fibrosis at the first follow-up but who developed fibrosis in second follow-up (p=0.014 p=0.024 and p=0.024). Significant fibrosis (F2) and markedly increased α-SMA, collagen I, decorin, and vimentin levels at first follow-up were associated with suboptimal liver status at the final assessment (p=0.002–0.042). Conclusions The expression of the biomarkers at LT was unrelated to later development of graft fibrosis. α-SMA, decorin, and vimentin were associated with later graft fibrosis and suboptimal liver status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silja H Voutilainen
- Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation Surgery, Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Silja K Kosola
- Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jouko Lohi
- Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aino Mutka
- Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Jahnukainen
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Pakarinen
- Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation Surgery, Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Jalanko
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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8
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Cousin VL, Rougemont AL, Rubbia-Brandt L, Wildhaber BE, Villard J, Ferrari-Lacraz S, McLin VA. Peripheral Donor-specific Antibodies Are Associated With Histology and Cellular Subtypes in Protocol Liver Biopsies of Pediatric Recipients. Transplantation 2020; 104:1633-1643. [PMID: 32732841 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cellular infiltrate in protocol liver biopsies (PB) following pediatric liver transplantation remains mostly uncharacterized, yet there is increasing concern about the role of inflammation and fibrosis in long-term liver allografts. We aimed to define cell types in PB and to analyze their relationship with donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and histological phenotype. METHODS PB were performed at least 1 year after transplantation. We identified 4 phenotypes: normal, fibrosis, inflammation, inflammation with fibrosis. Cell types were counted after immunostaining for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD68, CD20, MUM1, and FoxP3. RESULTS Forty-four patients underwent 1 PB between 2000 and 2015. Eleven percent (5/44) of PB displayed normal histology, 13.6% (6/44) fibrosis, 34.1% (15/44) inflammation, and 40.9% (18/44) inflammation and fibrosis. The main cell types in the portal tracts and lobules were CD3+ and CD68+ cells. Frequency of de novo DSA was 63% (27/44). The presence of CD8+ cells in the lobules was associated with fibrosis. Inflammation and fibrosis in PB were associated with the presence of circulating de novo DSA, number of de novo DSA, and C1q binding activity when compared to other phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS T cells (CD3+) and macrophages (CD68+) were the most prevalent cell-types in PB. In the presence of inflammation, portal tracts were enriched in CD3+, CD20+ but displayed fewer CD68+. This coincided with the presence and number of de novo DSA. How these cellular and humoral actors interact is unclear, but peripheral DSA may be a marker of immune cellular activity in the seemingly quiescent allograft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir L Cousin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Laure Rougemont
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Rubbia-Brandt
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Barbara E Wildhaber
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean Villard
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology Unit and National Reference Laboratory for Histocompatibility, Geneva University Hospital and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sylvie Ferrari-Lacraz
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology Unit and National Reference Laboratory for Histocompatibility, Geneva University Hospital and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valérie A McLin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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9
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Jiang Y, Que W, Zhu P, Li XK. The Role of Diverse Liver Cells in Liver Transplantation Tolerance. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1203. [PMID: 32595648 PMCID: PMC7304488 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the ideal treatment approach for a variety of end-stage liver diseases. However, life-long, systemic immunosuppressive treatment after transplantation is required to prevent rejection and graft loss, which is associated with severe side effects, although liver allograft is considered more tolerogenic. Therefore, understanding the mechanism underlying the unique immunologically privileged liver organ is valuable for transplantation management and autoimmune disease treatment. The unique hepatic acinus anatomy and a complex cellular network constitute the immunosuppressive hepatic microenvironment, which are responsible for the tolerogenic properties of the liver. The hepatic microenvironment contains a variety of hepatic-resident immobile non-professional antigen-presenting cells, including hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells, that are insufficient to optimally prime T cells locally and lead to the removal of alloreactive T cells due to the low expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory molecules and proinflammatory cytokines but a rather high expression of coinhibitory molecules and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Hepatic dendritic cells (DCs) are generally immature and less immunogenic than splenic DCs and are also ineffective in priming naïve allogeneic T cells via the direct recognition pathway in recipient secondary lymphoid organs. Although natural killer cells and natural killer T cells are reportedly associated with liver tolerance, their roles in liver transplantation are multifaceted and need to be further clarified. Under these circumstances, T cells are prone to clonal deletion, clonal anergy and exhaustion, eventually leading to tolerance. Other proposed liver tolerance mechanisms, such as soluble donor MHC class I molecules, passenger leukocytes theory and a high-load antigen effect, have also been addressed. We herein comprehensively review the current evidence implicating the tolerogenic properties of diverse liver cells in liver transplantation tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhi Jiang
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weitao Que
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ping Zhu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Kang Li
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Apelin promotes hepatic fibrosis through ERK signaling in LX-2 cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2019; 460:205-215. [PMID: 31270645 PMCID: PMC6745032 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-019-03581-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Apelin participates in cardiovascular functions, metabolic disease, and homeostasis disorder. However, the biological function of apelin in liver diseases, especially liver fibrosis is still under investigation. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of apelin in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the mechanism of apelin promoting hepatic fibrosis through ERK signaling in hepatic stellate LX-2 cells. The results showed that the ALT and AST levels in serum were increased in the mice fed HFC. The histological staining revealed that hepatocellular steatosis and ballooning degeneration was severe, and fibrogenesis appeared as increased pericellular collagen deposition along with pericentral (lobular) collagen deposition in the mice fed HFC. Immunochemistry and qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of apelin and profibrotic genes was higher as compared to the control group. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that apelin-13 upregulated the transcription and translation levels of collagen type I (collagen-I) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in LX-2 cells. The immunofluorescent staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blot results showed that the overexpression of apelin markedly increased the expression of α-SMA and cyclinD1. The LX-2 cells treated with apelin-13 displayed an increased expression of pERK1/2 in a time-dependent manner, while the pretreatment with PD98059 abolished the apelin-induced expression of α-SMA and cyclinD1. Furthermore, the in vivo and in vitro assays suggested a key role of apelin in promoting liver fibrosis, and the underlying mechanism might be ascribed to the apelin expression of profibrotic genes via ERK signaling pathway.
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11
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Abou-Beih S, Masson S, Saunders R, Haugk B, Oakley F, Tiniakos D. Sinusoidal and pericellular fibrosis in adult post-transplant liver biopsies: association with hepatic stellate cell activation and patient outcome. Virchows Arch 2019; 475:233-243. [PMID: 31201503 PMCID: PMC6647882 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-019-02585-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Post-transplant sinusoidal fibrosis (SF) and pericellular fibrosis (PCF) have not been extensively investigated in adults. Fifty-two post-transplant liver biopsies from 28 consented patients (12 men, mean age 49, range 33–67 years) were studied. Tissue morphology, including an arbitrary summative fibrosis score was assessed in detail. Collagen proportionate area (CPA) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunostain were evaluated by digital image analysis (DIA). Anti-keratin 7, anti-C4d and anti-sonic hedgehog (Shh) immunostains were scored semi-quantitatively. SF was observed in 36/52 (69.2%) biopsies and most of these (20/36, 55.6%) had centrilobular fibrosis (CLF). PCF was seen in 7/52 (13.5%) biopsies exclusively in cases with CLF. CPA was significantly correlated with time since liver transplantation (p = 0.043), summative fibrosis score and its main components but not with α-SMA. α-SMA-positive area significantly correlated with the Banff rejection score (p = 0.022) and centrilobular inflammatory changes were more severe in cases with CLF (p = 0.003). Hepatocyte ballooning of cholestatic type was associated with PCF (p = 0.016) and Shh expression (p < 0.001). Sinusoidal fibrosis is a frequent occurrence in post-transplant adult livers, with predilection toward centrilobular areas. Graft age and oxidative stress may contribute to SF development, while hepatocyte ballooning may be implicated in PCF development. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is likely affected by centrilobular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Abou-Beih
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, W. Leech Building, M4.143, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Steven Masson
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, W. Leech Building, M4.143, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.,Liver Transplant Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rachael Saunders
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, W. Leech Building, M4.143, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Beate Haugk
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, NUTH NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, W. Leech Building, M4.143, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Dina Tiniakos
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, W. Leech Building, M4.143, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. .,Department of Pathology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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12
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Yamada N, Katano T, Hirata Y, Okada N, Sanada Y, Ihara Y, Urahashi T, Ushijima K, Karasawa T, Takahashi M, Mizuta K. Serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer predicts the activation of hepatic stellate cells after liver transplantation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:418-424. [PMID: 30101431 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel fibrosis marker for various chronic liver diseases. We investigated the ability of M2BPGi to predict liver fibrosis in liver transplant (LT) recipients. METHODS A total of 116 liver biopsies were performed in 113 LT recipients. The serum level of M2BPGi was also measured on the same day. The median age at LT and liver biopsy was 1.1 and 11.8 years, respectively. Serum M2BPGi levels and liver fibrosis status using METAVIR fibrosis score were compared. Immunohistological evaluation by anti-α-smooth-muscle actin (αSMA) was performed, and the relationship between αSMA positive rate and serum M2BPGi levels was investigated. RESULTS The median M2BPGi level was 0.78 (range, 0.22-9.50), and 65, 29, 16, 5, and 1 patient(s) had METAVIR fibrosis scores of F0, F1, F2, F3, and F4, respectively. In patients with F0 fibrosis, median M2BPGi level was 0.69 and was significantly lower than in patients with F1 (median 0.99, P < 0.01), F2 (median 1.00, P = 0.01), and F3 fibrosis (median 1.53, P < 0.01). Area-under-the-curve analysis of the ability of M2BPGi level to predict liver fibrosis grade were > F1: 0.716, > F2: 0.720, and > F3: 0.900. Three patients with acute cellular rejection showed high levels of M2BPGi, which decreased after the treatment. A positive correlation existed between M2BPGi levels and αSMA positive rate (r2 = 0.715, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer is a novel liver fibrosis marker in LT recipients and is also increased in patients with acute liver injuries, especially acute cellular rejection, even when fibrosis is absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Yamada
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.,Division of Inflammation Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takumi Katano
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuta Hirata
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Noriki Okada
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Sanada
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Ihara
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Taizen Urahashi
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ushijima
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tadayoshi Karasawa
- Division of Inflammation Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masafumi Takahashi
- Division of Inflammation Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Koichi Mizuta
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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13
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Demetris AJ. Longterm outcome of the liver graft: The pathologist's perspective. Liver Transpl 2017; 23:S70-S75. [PMID: 28834080 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Demetris
- Division of Transplant Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
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