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Yan G, Zhang L, Wu D, Jiang S, Wu Q, Dai M. Paeonol attenuates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating intestinal flora and AhR/NLRP3/Caspase-1 metabolic pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 329:118147. [PMID: 38574779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common metabolic liver injury disease that is closely associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. Paeonol, an active ingredient found in Moutan Cortex, a traditional Chinese medicine which exhibits significant therapeutic effect on liver protection, has shown promising effects in treating liver diseases, particularly NASH. However, the specific intervention mechanism of paeonol on NASH is still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY Our objective is to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of paeonol in intervening NASH at the in vivo level, focusing on the impact on intestinal flora, tryptophan-related targeted metabolome, and related Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS Here, we explored the intervention effect of paeonol on NASH by utilizing the NASH mouse model. The Illumina highthroughput sequencing technology was preformed to determine the differences of gut microbiota of model and paeonol treatment group. The concentration of Indoleacetic acid is determined by ELISA. The intervention effect of NASH mouse and AhR/NLRP3/Caspase-1 metabolic pathway is analyzed by HE staining, oil red O staining, Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, Western blot and qRT-PCR assays. Fecal microbiota transplantation experiment also was performed to verify the intervention effect of paeonol on NASH by affecting gut microbiota. RESULTS Firstly, we discovered that paeonol effectively reduced liver pathology and blood lipid levels in NASH mice, thereby intervening in the progression of NASH. Subsequently, through 16S meta-analysis, we identified that paeonol can effectively regulate the composition of intestinal flora in NASH mice, transforming it to resemble that of normal mice. Specifically, paeonol decreased the abundance of certain Gram-negative tryptophan-metabolizing bacteria. Moreover, we discovered that paeonol significantly increased the levels of metabolites Indoleacetic acid, subsequently enhancing the expression of AhR-related pathway proteins. This led to the inhibition of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome production and inflammation generation in NASH. Lastly, we verified the efficacy of paeonol in intervening NASH by conducting fecal microbiota transplantation experiments, which confirmed its role in promoting the AhR/NLRP3/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase-1) pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that paeonol can increase the production of Indoleacetic acid by regulating the gut flora, and promote the AhR/NLRP3/Caspase-1 metabolic pathway to intervene NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiming Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Luning Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Daqiang Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Shengnan Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Qifeng Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Min Dai
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
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Graelmann FJ, Gondorf F, Majlesain Y, Niemann B, Klepac K, Gosejacob D, Gottschalk M, Mayer M, Iriady I, Hatzfeld P, Lindenberg SK, Wunderling K, Thiele C, Abdullah Z, He W, Hiller K, Händler K, Beyer MD, Ulas T, Pfeifer A, Esser C, Weighardt H, Förster I, Reverte-Salisa L. Differential cell type-specific function of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and its repressor in diet-induced obesity and fibrosis. Mol Metab 2024; 85:101963. [PMID: 38821174 PMCID: PMC11214421 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101963] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor regulating xenobiotic responses as well as physiological metabolism. Dietary AhR ligands activate the AhR signaling axis, whereas AhR activation is negatively regulated by the AhR repressor (AhRR). While AhR-deficient mice are known to be resistant to diet-induced obesity (DIO), the influence of the AhRR on DIO has not been assessed so far. METHODS In this study, we analyzed AhRR-/- mice and mice with a conditional deletion of either AhRR or AhR in myeloid cells under conditions of DIO and after supplementation of dietary AhR ligands. Moreover, macrophage metabolism was assessed using Seahorse Mito Stress Test and ROS assays as well as transcriptomic analysis. RESULTS We demonstrate that global AhRR deficiency leads to a robust, but not as profound protection from DIO and hepatosteatosis as AhR deficiency. Under conditions of DIO, AhRR-/- mice did not accumulate TCA cycle intermediates in the circulation in contrast to wild-type (WT) mice, indicating protection from metabolic dysfunction. This effect could be mimicked by dietary supplementation of AhR ligands in WT mice. Because of the predominant expression of the AhRR in myeloid cells, AhRR-deficient macrophages were analyzed for changes in metabolism and showed major metabolic alterations regarding oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial activity. Unbiased transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. Mice with a genetic deficiency of the AhRR in myeloid cells did not show alterations in weight gain after high fat diet (HFD) but demonstrated ameliorated liver damage compared to control mice. Further, deficiency of the AhR in myeloid cells also did not affect weight gain but led to enhanced liver damage and adipose tissue fibrosis compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS AhRR-deficient mice are resistant to diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Although conditional ablation of either the AhR or AhRR in myeloid cells did not recapitulate the phenotype of the global knockout, our findings suggest that enhanced AhR signaling in myeloid cells deficient for AhRR protects from diet-induced liver damage and fibrosis, whereas myeloid cell-specific AhR deficiency is detrimental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederike J Graelmann
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian Gondorf
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Yasmin Majlesain
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Birte Niemann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Katarina Klepac
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Dominic Gosejacob
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Marlene Gottschalk
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Michelle Mayer
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Irina Iriady
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Philip Hatzfeld
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Sophie K Lindenberg
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Wunderling
- Biochemistry & Cell Biology of Lipids, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Christoph Thiele
- Biochemistry & Cell Biology of Lipids, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Zeinab Abdullah
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Wei He
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Karsten Hiller
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kristian Händler
- PRECISE Platform for Single cell Genomics and Epigenomics at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the University of Bonn and West German Genome Center, Bonn, Germany; Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck and University of Kiel, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marc D Beyer
- PRECISE Platform for Single cell Genomics and Epigenomics at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the University of Bonn and West German Genome Center, Bonn, Germany; Immunogenomics & Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Ulas
- PRECISE Platform for Single cell Genomics and Epigenomics at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the University of Bonn and West German Genome Center, Bonn, Germany; Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Pfeifer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Charlotte Esser
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine gGmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Heike Weighardt
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany; IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine gGmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Irmgard Förster
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany.
| | - Laia Reverte-Salisa
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Germany.
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Sugino KY, Janssen RC, McMahan RH, Zimmerman C, Friedman JE, Jonscher KR. Vertical Transfer of Maternal Gut Microbes to Offspring of Western Diet-Fed Dams Drives Reduced Levels of Tryptophan Metabolites and Postnatal Innate Immune Response. Nutrients 2024; 16:1808. [PMID: 38931163 PMCID: PMC11206590 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121808] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity and/or Western diet (WD) is associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in offspring, driven, in part, by the dysregulation of the early life microbiome. Here, using a mouse model of WD-induced maternal obesity, we demonstrate that exposure to a disordered microbiome from WD-fed dams suppressed circulating levels of endogenous ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR; indole, indole-3-acetate) and TMAO (a product of AHR-mediated transcription), as well as hepatic expression of Il10 (an AHR target), in offspring at 3 weeks of age. This signature was recapitulated by fecal microbial transfer from WD-fed pregnant dams to chow-fed germ-free (GF) lactating dams following parturition and was associated with a reduced abundance of Lactobacillus in GF offspring. Further, the expression of Il10 was downregulated in liver myeloid cells and in LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) in adult offspring, suggestive of a hypo-responsive, or tolerant, innate immune response. BMDMs from adult mice lacking AHR in macrophages exhibited a similar tolerogenic response, including diminished expression of Il10. Overall, our study shows that exposure to maternal WD alters microbial metabolites in the offspring that affect AHR signaling, potentially contributing to innate immune hypo-responsiveness and progression of MASLD, highlighting the impact of early life gut dysbiosis on offspring metabolism. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between maternal diet, gut microbial function, and the development of neonatal innate immune tolerance and potential therapeutic interventions targeting these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameron Y. Sugino
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (K.Y.S.); (R.C.J.); (J.E.F.)
| | - Rachel C. Janssen
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (K.Y.S.); (R.C.J.); (J.E.F.)
| | - Rachel H. McMahan
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Chelsea Zimmerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Jacob E. Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (K.Y.S.); (R.C.J.); (J.E.F.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Karen R. Jonscher
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (K.Y.S.); (R.C.J.); (J.E.F.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Wu L, Hu Z, Lv Y, Ge C, Luo X, Zhan S, Huang W, Shen X, Yu D, Liu B. Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides ameliorate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolism regulation in an aged laying hen model. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 273:132735. [PMID: 38825293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132735] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Polysaccharides extracted from Hericium erinaceus (HEP) exhibit hepatoprotective activity in the alleviation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the mechanisms underlying whether and how HEP regulation of the gut microbiota to alleviate liver-associated metabolic disorders are not well understood. This study used an aged laying hen model to explore the mechanisms through which HEP alleviates NAFLD, with a focus on regulatory function of HEP in the gut microbiome. The results showed that HEP ameliorated hepatic damage and metabolic disorders by improving intestinal barrier function and shaping the gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolic profiles. HEP increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and certain tryptophan metabolites, including indole-3-carboxylic acid, kynurenic acid, and tryptamine in the cecum. These metabolites upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin by activating the AhR and restoring the intestinal barrier integrity. The increased intestinal barrier functions decreased LPS transferring from the intestine to the liver, inhibited hepatic LPS/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway activation, and reduced hepatic inflammatory response and apoptosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation experiments further confirmed that the hepatoprotective effect is likely mediated by HEP-altered gut microbiota and their metabolites. Overall, dietary HEP could ameliorate the hepatic damage and metabolic disorders of NAFLD through regulating the "gut-liver" axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianchi Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhaoying Hu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yujie Lv
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chaoyue Ge
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinyu Luo
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shenao Zhan
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weichen Huang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinyu Shen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dongyou Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; ZJU-Xinchang Joint Innovation Centre (TianMu Laboratory), Gaochuang Hi-Tech Park, Xinchang 312500, China.
| | - Bing Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; ZJU-Xinchang Joint Innovation Centre (TianMu Laboratory), Gaochuang Hi-Tech Park, Xinchang 312500, China.
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5
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Kandalgaonkar MR, Kumar V, Vijay‐Kumar M. Digestive dynamics: Unveiling interplay between the gut microbiota and the liver in macronutrient metabolism and hepatic metabolic health. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e16114. [PMID: 38886098 PMCID: PMC11182692 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16114] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the liver is the largest metabolic organ in the body, it is not alone in functionality and is assisted by "an organ inside an organ," the gut microbiota. This review attempts to shed light on the partnership between the liver and the gut microbiota in the metabolism of macronutrients (i.e., proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids). All nutrients absorbed by the small intestines are delivered to the liver for further metabolism. Undigested food that enters the colon is metabolized further by the gut microbiota that produces secondary metabolites, which are absorbed into portal circulation and reach the liver. These microbiota-derived metabolites and co-metabolites include ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, and trimethylamine N-oxide. Further, the liver produces several compounds, such as bile acids that can alter the gut microbial composition, which can in turn influence liver health. This review focuses on the metabolism of these microbiota metabolites and their influence on host physiology. Furthermore, the review briefly delineates the effect of the portosystemic shunt on the gut microbiota-liver axis, and current understanding of the treatments to target the gut microbiota-liver axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrunmayee R. Kandalgaonkar
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOhioUSA
| | - Virender Kumar
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of ToledoToledoOhioUSA
| | - Matam Vijay‐Kumar
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOhioUSA
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Ye Z, Yang S, Lu L, Zong M, Fan L, Kang C. Unlocking the potential of the 3-hydroxykynurenine/kynurenic acid ratio: a promising biomarker in adolescent major depressive disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01815-x. [PMID: 38819463 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01815-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Metabolites disruptions in tryptophan (TRP) and kynurenine pathway (KP) are believed to disturb neurotransmitter homeostasis and contribute to depressive symptoms. This study aims to investigate serum levels of KP metabolites in adolescent major depressive disorder (AMDD), and examine their relationship with depression severities. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to analyze serum levels of TRP, kynurenic acid (KYNA), kynurenine (KYN), and 3-hydroxy-kynurenine (3-HK) in 143 AMDD participants and 98 healthy controls (HC). Clinical data, including Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) scores, were collected and analyzed using statistical methods, such as ANOVA, logistic regression, Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and a significance level of p < 0.05 was used for all analyses. AMDD showed significantly decreased serum levels of KYNA (-25.5%), KYN (-14.2%), TRP (-11.0%) and the KYNA/KYN ratio (-11.9%) compared to HC (p < 0.01). Conversely, significant increases were observed in 3-HK levels (+50.4%), the 3-HK/KYNA ratio (+104.3%) and the 3-HK/KYN ratio (+93.0%) (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis identified increased level of 3-HK as a contributing factor to AMDD, while increased level of KYNA acted as a protective factor against AMDD. The 3-HK/KYNA ratio demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.952. This study didn't explore AMDD's inflammatory status and its metabolites relationship explicitly. These findings indicate that metabolites of TRP and KP may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AMDD, emphasizing the potential of the 3-HK/KYNA ratio as a laboratory biomarker for early detection and diagnosis of AMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Ji Mo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Shuran Yang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Ji Mo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Liu Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Ji Mo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Ming Zong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Ji Mo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Lieying Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Ji Mo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Chuanyuan Kang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Ji Mo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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7
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Li Y, Yu X, Shi J, Zhao J, Li L. The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptors in nutrient metabolism and immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface. Placenta 2024; 154:9-17. [PMID: 38830294 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.05.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The maternal-fetal interface is composed of the placenta, which is affiliated with the fetus, and the maternal decidua. During pregnancy, the placenta is mainly responsible for nutrient transport and immune tolerance maintenance, which plays a key role in fetal growth and development and pregnancy maintenance. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that exists in various cell types at the maternal-fetal interface and is involved in multiple cellular processes. Recent studies have highlighted the role of AhR in regulating various physiological processes, including glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as tryptophan metabolism and immune responses, within non-pregnant tissues. This review shifts focus towards understanding how AhR modulation impacts metabolism and immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface. This may implicate the development of pregnancy-related complications and the potential target of the AhR pathway for therapeutic strategies against poor pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China; The Laboratory of Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center (Institute of Translational Medicine), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences) of China, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Xiaojun Yu
- School of Public Health Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100083, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
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Wang Y, Shen M, Li Y, Shao J, Zhang F, Guo M, Zhang Z, Zheng S. COVID-19-associated liver injury: Adding fuel to the flame. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:1076-1092. [PMID: 37947373 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3883] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is mainly characterized by respiratory disorders and progresses to multiple organ involvement in severe cases. With expansion of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 research, correlative liver injury has been revealed. It is speculated that COVID-19 patients exhibited abnormal liver function, as previously observed in the SARS and MERS pandemics. Furthermore, patients with underlying diseases such as chronic liver disease are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and indicate a poor prognosis accompanied by respiratory symptoms, systemic inflammation, or metabolic diseases. Therefore, COVID-19 has the potential to impair liver function, while individuals with preexisting liver disease suffer from much worse infected conditions. COVID-19 related liver injury may be owing to direct cytopathic effect, immune dysfunction, gut-liver axis interaction, and inappropriate medication use. However, discussions on these issues are infancy. Expanding research have revealed that angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression mediated the combination of virus and target cells, iron metabolism participated in the virus life cycle and the fate of target cells, and amino acid metabolism regulated immune response in the host cells, which are all closely related to liver health. Further exploration holds great significance in elucidating the pathogenesis, facilitating drug development, and advancing clinical treatment of COVID-19-related liver injury. This article provides a review of the clinical and laboratory hepatic characteristics in COVID-19 patients, describes the etiology and impact of liver injury, and discusses potential pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Shen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, 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
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, 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
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, 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
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, 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
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Ohtani N, Kamiya T, Kawada N. Recent updates on the role of the gut-liver axis in the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH, HCC, and beyond. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0241. [PMID: 37639702 PMCID: PMC10462074 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut and the liver are anatomically and physiologically connected, and this connection is called the "gut-liver axis," which exerts various influences on liver physiology and pathology. The gut microbiota has been recognized to trigger innate immunity and modulate the liver immune microenvironment. Gut microbiota influences the physiological processes in the host, such as metabolism, by acting on various signaling receptors and transcription factors through their metabolites and related molecules. The gut microbiota has also been increasingly recognized to modulate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we discuss recent updates on gut microbiota-associated mechanisms in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases such as NAFLD and NASH, as well as liver cancer, in light of the gut-liver axis. We particularly focus on gut microbial metabolites and components that are associated with these liver diseases. We also discuss the role of gut microbiota in modulating the response to immunotherapy in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Ohtani
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomonori Kamiya
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Yehezkel AS, Abudi N, Nevo Y, Benyamini H, Elgavish S, Weinstock M, Abramovitch R. AN1284 attenuates steatosis, lipogenesis, and fibrosis in mice with pre-existing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and directly affects aryl hydrocarbon receptor in a hepatic cell line. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1226808. [PMID: 37664863 PMCID: PMC10469006 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1226808] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an aggressive form of fatty liver disease with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis for which there is currently no drug treatment. This study determined whether an indoline derivative, AN1284, which significantly reduced damage in a model of acute liver disease, can reverse steatosis and fibrosis in mice with pre-existing NASH and explore its mechanism of action. The mouse model of dietary-induced NASH reproduces most of the liver pathology seen in human subjects. This was confirmed by RNA-sequencing analysis. The Western diet, given for 4 months, caused steatosis, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. AN1284 (1 mg or 5 mg/kg/day) was administered for the last 2 months of the diet by micro-osmotic-pumps (mps). Both doses significantly decreased hepatic damage, liver weight, hepatic fat content, triglyceride, serum alanine transaminase, and fibrosis. AN1284 (1 mg/kg/day) given by mps or in the drinking fluid significantly reduced fibrosis produced by carbon tetrachloride injections. In human HUH7 hepatoma cells incubated with palmitic acid, AN1284 (2.1 and 6.3 ng/ml), concentrations compatible with those in the liver of mice treated with AN1284, decreased lipid formation by causing nuclear translocation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). AN1284 downregulated fatty acid synthase (FASN) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and upregulated Acyl-CoA Oxidase 1 and Cytochrome P450-a1, genes involved in lipid metabolism. In conclusion, chronic treatment with AN1284 (1mg/kg/day) reduced pre-existing steatosis and fibrosis through AhR, which affects several contributors to the development of fatty liver disease. Additional pathways are also influenced by AN1284 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi S. Yehezkel
- The Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nathalie Abudi
- The Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Nevo
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hadar Benyamini
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sharona Elgavish
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marta Weinstock
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rinat Abramovitch
- The Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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11
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Dolly A, Pötgens SA, Thibaut MM, Neyrinck AM, de Castro GS, Galbert C, Lefevre C, Wyart E, Gomes SP, Gonçalves DC, Lanthier N, Baldin P, Huot JR, Bonetto A, Seelaender M, Delzenne NM, Sokol H, Bindels LB. Impairment of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling promotes hepatic disorders in cancer cachexia. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:1569-1582. [PMID: 37127348 PMCID: PMC10235873 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is expressed in the intestine and liver, where it has pleiotropic functions and target genes. This study aims to explore the potential implication of AHR in cancer cachexia, an inflammatory and metabolic syndrome contributing to cancer death. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that targeting AHR can alleviate cachectic features, particularly through the gut-liver axis. METHODS AHR pathways were explored in multiple tissues from four experimental mouse models of cancer cachexia (C26, BaF3, MC38 and APCMin/+ ) and from non-cachectic mice (sham-injected mice and non-cachexia-inducing [NC26] tumour-bearing mice), as well as in liver biopsies from cancer patients. Cachectic mice were treated with an AHR agonist (6-formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole [FICZ]) or an antibody neutralizing interleukin-6 (IL-6). Key mechanisms were validated in vitro on HepG2 cells. RESULTS AHR activation, reflected by the expression of Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2, two major AHR target genes, was deeply reduced in all models (C26 and BaF3, P < 0.001; MC38 and APCMin/+ , P < 0.05) independently of anorexia. This reduction occurred early in the liver (P < 0.001; before the onset of cachexia), compared to the ileum and skeletal muscle (P < 0.01; pre-cachexia stage), and was intrinsically related to cachexia (C26 vs. NC26, P < 0.001). We demonstrate a differential modulation of AHR activation in the liver (through the IL-6/hypoxia-inducing factor 1α pathway) compared to the ileum (attributed to the decreased levels of indolic AHR ligands, P < 0.001), and the muscle. In cachectic mice, FICZ treatment reduced hepatic inflammation: expression of cytokines (Ccl2, P = 0.005; Cxcl2, P = 0.018; Il1b, P = 0.088) with similar trends at the protein levels, expression of genes involved in the acute-phase response (Apcs, P = 0.040; Saa1, P = 0.002; Saa2, P = 0.039; Alb, P = 0.003), macrophage activation (Cd68, P = 0.038) and extracellular matrix remodelling (Fga, P = 0.008; Pcolce, P = 0.025; Timp1, P = 0.003). We observed a decrease in blood glucose in cachectic mice (P < 0.0001), which was also improved by FICZ treatment (P = 0.026) through hepatic transcriptional promotion of a key marker of gluconeogenesis, namely, G6pc (C26 vs. C26 + FICZ, P = 0.029). Strikingly, these benefits on glycaemic disorders occurred independently of an amelioration of the gut barrier dysfunction. In cancer patients, the hepatic expression of G6pc was correlated to Cyp1a1 (Spearman's ρ = 0.52, P = 0.089) and Cyp1a2 (Spearman's ρ = 0.67, P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS With this set of studies, we demonstrate that impairment of AHR signalling contributes to hepatic inflammatory and metabolic disorders characterizing cancer cachexia, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Dolly
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research InstituteUCLouvain, Université catholique de LouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Sarah A. Pötgens
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research InstituteUCLouvain, Université catholique de LouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Morgane M. Thibaut
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research InstituteUCLouvain, Université catholique de LouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Audrey M. Neyrinck
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research InstituteUCLouvain, Université catholique de LouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Gabriela S. de Castro
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Department of Surgery, LIM26 HC‐USPUniversity of São PauloSão PauloBrazil
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências BiomédicasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Chloé Galbert
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint‐Antoine, CRSA, AP‐HP, Saint Antoine Hospital, Gastroenterology DepartmentParisFrance
- Paris Center for Microbiome Medicine (PaCeMM) FHUParisFrance
| | - Camille Lefevre
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research InstituteUCLouvain, Université catholique de LouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Elisabeth Wyart
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoTurinItaly
| | - Silvio P. Gomes
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina VeterinariaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | | | - Nicolas Lanthier
- Service d'Hépato‐Gastroentérologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint‐LucUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
- Laboratory of Hepatogastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et CliniqueUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Pamela Baldin
- Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Cliniques Universitaires Saint‐LucUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Joshua R. Huot
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & PhysiologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Andrea Bonetto
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraCOUSA
| | - Marília Seelaender
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Department of Surgery, LIM26 HC‐USPUniversity of São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Nathalie M. Delzenne
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research InstituteUCLouvain, Université catholique de LouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Harry Sokol
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint‐Antoine, CRSA, AP‐HP, Saint Antoine Hospital, Gastroenterology DepartmentParisFrance
- Paris Center for Microbiome Medicine (PaCeMM) FHUParisFrance
- INRAE, UMR1319 Micalis and AgroParisTechJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
| | - Laure B. Bindels
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research InstituteUCLouvain, Université catholique de LouvainBrusselsBelgium
- WELBIO DepartmentWEL Research InstituteWavreBelgium
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12
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Haghshenas R, Aftabi Y, Doaei S, Gholamalizadeh M. Synergistic effect of endurance training and nettle leaf extract on the IDO1-KYN-AHR pathway homeostasis and inhibiting of liver toxicity in rats with STZ-induced diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1071424. [PMID: 37305057 PMCID: PMC10251405 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1071424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diabetes adversely affects a number of hepatic molecular pathways, including the kynurenine (KYN) pathway. KYN is produced by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). This study evaluated the effect of endurance training (EndTr) and nettle leaf extract (NLE) on the IDO1-KYN-AHR pathway in the livers of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Methods We divided 48 rats into six groups: controls (Ct), treated with EndTr (EndTr), diabetes-induced (D), D treated with NLE (D + NLE), D treated with EndTr (D + EnTr), and D treated with EndTr and NLE (D + EndTr + NLE). EndTr, D + EnTr, and D + EndTr + NLE groups were subjected to training with running on treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 days per week, 25 min in first session to 59 min at last session with intensity of 55% to 65% VO2max. Using real-time PCR gene (Ahr, Cyp1a1, and Ido1) expressions and ELISA, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein (IDO1, AHR, and CYP1A1) levels were determined in the liver samples. Results A significant three-way interaction of exercise, nettle, and diabetes was observed on the all variables (P< 0.001). In particular, significant increases in blood glucose level (BGL), in gene and protein expression, and in MDA and KYN levels were observed in the liver samples of the D group versus the Ct group (P< 0.05). BGL and liver MDA levels were significantly lower in the D + EndTr and D + NLE groups than that in the D group. However, the D + EndTr + NLE group showed a more significant decrease in these factors (P< 0.05). In addition, liver KYN levels were significantly lower in the EndTr group compared with that in the Ct group as well as in the D + EndTr + NLE and D + EndTr groups compared with that in the D groups (P< 0.05). Whereas both the EndTr and D + NLE groups showed lower Ahr expression and AHR level compared with the Ct and D groups, respectively (P< 0.05), the D + EndTr + NLE group showed a higher significant reduction in the AHR level than the D group (P< 0.05). The Cyp1a1 expression and IDO1 level significantly decreased only in the D + EndTr + NLE group compared to that in the D group (P< 0.05). Conclusion Overall, this study showed that the combination of EndTr and NLE may synergistically restore the imbalanced IDO1-KYN-AHR pathway in diabetic liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhollah Haghshenas
- Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| | - Younes Aftabi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saied Doaei
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Gholamalizadeh
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Polyphenols as Drivers of a Homeostatic Gut Microecology and Immuno-Metabolic Traits of Akkermansia muciniphila: From Mouse to Man. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010045. [PMID: 36613488 PMCID: PMC9820369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucosal symbiont considered a gut microbial marker in healthy individuals, as its relative abundance is significantly reduced in subjects with gut inflammation and metabolic disturbances. Dietary polyphenols can distinctly stimulate the relative abundance of A. muciniphila, contributing to the attenuation of several diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, and liver damage. However, mechanistic insight into how polyphenols stimulate A. muciniphila or its activity is limited. This review focuses on dietary interventions in rodents and humans and in vitro studies using different phenolic classes. We provide critical insights with respect to potential mechanisms explaining the effects of polyphenols affecting A. muciniphila. Anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavanones, stilbenes, and phenolic acids are shown to increase relative A. muciniphila levels in vivo, whereas lignans exert the opposite effect. Clinical trials show consistent findings, and high intervariability relying on the gut microbiota composition at the baseline and the presence of multiple polyphenol degraders appear to be cardinal determinants in inducing A. muciniphila and associated benefits by polyphenol intake. Polyphenols signal to the AhR receptor and impact the relative abundance of A. muciniphila in a direct and indirect fashion, resulting in the restoration of intestinal epithelial integrity and homeostatic crosstalk with the gut microbiota by affecting IL-22 production. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that A. muciniphila participates in the initial hydrolysis of some polyphenols but does not participate in their complete metabolism. In conclusion, the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods targeting A. muciniphila as a pivotal intermediary represents a promising precision nutritional therapy to prevent and attenuate metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
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Mei S, Deng Z, Chen Y, Ning D, Guo Y, Fan X, Wang R, Meng Y, Zhou Q, Tian X. Dysbiosis: The first hit for digestive system cancer. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1040991. [DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1040991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer may be associated with dysbiosis, which is characterized by an alteration of the gut microbiota. Understanding the role of gut microbiota in the development of gastrointestinal cancer is useful for cancer prevention and gut microbiota-based therapy. However, the potential role of dysbiosis in the onset of tumorigenesis is not fully understood. While accumulating evidence has demonstrated the presence of dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota of both healthy individuals and patients with various digestive system diseases, severe dysbiosis is often present in patients with digestive system cancer. Importantly, specific bacteria have been isolated from the fecal samples of these patients. Thus, the association between dysbiosis and the development of digestive system cancer cannot be ignored. A new model describing this relationship must be established. In this review, we postulate that dysbiosis serves as the first hit for the development of digestive system cancer. Dysbiosis-induced alterations, including inflammation, aberrant immune response, bacteria-produced genotoxins, and cellular stress response associated with genetic, epigenetic, and/or neoplastic changes, are second hits that speed carcinogenesis. This review explains the mechanisms for these four pathways and discusses gut microbiota-based therapies. The content included in this review will shed light on gut microbiota-based strategies for cancer prevention and therapy.
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15
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Patil NY, Rus I, Downing E, Mandala A, Friedman JE, Joshi AD. Cinnabarinic Acid Provides Hepatoprotection Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 383:32-43. [PMID: 35933113 PMCID: PMC9513857 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic condition in which excess lipids accumulate in the liver and can lead to a range of progressive liver disorders including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. While lifestyle and diet modifications have proven to be effective as NAFLD treatments, they are not sustainable in the long-term, and currently no pharmacological therapies are approved to treat NAFLD. Our previous studies demonstrated that cinnabarinic acid (CA), a novel endogenous Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) agonist, activates the AhR target gene, Stanniocalcin 2, and confers cytoprotection against a plethora of ER/oxidative stressors. In this study, the hepatoprotective and anti-steatotic properties of CA were examined against free fatty-acid-induced in vitro and high-fat-diet fed in vivo NAFLD models. The results demonstrated that CA treatment significantly lowered weight gain and attenuated hepatic lipotoxicity both before and after the established fatty liver, thereby protecting against steatosis, inflammation, and liver injury. CA mitigated intracellular free fatty acid uptake concomitant with the downregulation of CD36/fatty acid translocase. Genes involved in fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis were also downregulated in response to CA treatment. Additionally, suppressing AhR and Stc2 expression using RNA interference in vitro verified that the hepatoprotective effects of CA were absolutely dependent on both AhR and its target, Stc2. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the endogenous AhR agonist, CA, confers hepatoprotection against NAFLD by regulating hepatic fatty acid uptake and lipogenesis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study using in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrate that cinnabarinic acid (CA), an endogenous AhR agonist, provides protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. CA bestows cytoprotection against steatosis and liver injury by controlling expression of several key genes associated with lipid metabolism pathways, limiting the hepatic lipid uptake, and controlling liver inflammation. Moreover, CA-induced hepatoprotection is absolutely dependent on AhR and Stc2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Y Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Iulia Rus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Emma Downing
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Ashok Mandala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jacob E Friedman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (N.Y.P., I.R., E.D., A.D.J.) and Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (A.M., J.E.F., A.D.J.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Alhamad DW, Bensreti H, Dorn J, Hill WD, Hamrick MW, McGee-Lawrence ME. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated signaling as a critical regulator of skeletal cell biology. J Mol Endocrinol 2022; 69:R109-R124. [PMID: 35900841 PMCID: PMC9448512 DOI: 10.1530/jme-22-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been implicated in regulating skeletal progenitor cells and the activity of bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts, thereby impacting bone mass and the risk of skeletal fractures. The AhR also plays an important role in the immune system within the skeletal niche and in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into other cell lineages including chondrocytes and adipocytes. This transcription factor responds to environmental pollutants which can act as AhR ligands, initiating or interfering with various signaling cascades to mediate downstream effects, and also responds to endogenous ligands including tryptophan metabolites. This review comprehensively describes the reported roles of the AhR in skeletal cell biology, focusing on mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, and discusses how AhR exhibits sexually dimorphic effects in bone. The molecular mechanisms mediating AhR's downstream effects are highlighted to emphasize the potential importance of targeting this signaling cascade in skeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima W. Alhamad
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Husam Bensreti
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer Dorn
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - William D. Hill
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of South Carolina, Thurmond/Gazes Bldg-Room 506A, 30 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29403 Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Mark W. Hamrick
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Meghan E. McGee-Lawrence
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
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Gut Microbiota Regulation of AHR Signaling in Liver Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091244. [PMID: 36139083 PMCID: PMC9496174 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver health plays a vital role in human health and disease. Emerging evidence has shown the importance of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease, and liver failure. As a ligand-activated transcription factor, AHR can be activated by endogenous ligands of microbial metabolites such as tryptophan (Trp), kynurenine (Kyn) or indole derivatives locally or distantly. However, the therapeutic effects of the gut microbiota-regulated AHR pathway remain to be clarified. In this review, we summarize recent progress and examine the role of AHR signaling as a target for gut microbiota intervention in liver diseases. The focus on AHR signaling will identify a promising target in the gut microbiota for better understanding and therapeutic opportunities in liver diseases.
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18
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Teixeira LD, Harrison NA, da Silva DR, Mathews CE, Gonzalez CF, Lorca GL. Nanovesicles From Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2 Reduce Apoptosis in Human Beta Cells by Promoting AHR Translocation and IL10 Secretion. Front Immunol 2022; 13:899413. [PMID: 35757772 PMCID: PMC9221839 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.899413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
L. johnsonii N6.2 releases nano-sized vesicles (NVs) with distinct protein and lipid contents. We hypothesized that these NVs play a central role in the delivery of bioactive molecules that may act as mechanistic effectors in immune modulation. In this report, we observed that addition of NVs to the human pancreatic cell line βlox5 reduced cytokine-induced apoptosis. Through RNAseq analyses, increased expression of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, AHRR, and TIPARP genes in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathways were found to be significantly induced in presence of NVs. AHR nuclear translocation was confirmed by confocal microscopy. The role of NVs on beta cell function was further evaluated using primary human pancreatic islets. It was found that NVs significantly increased insulin secretion in presence of high glucose concentrations. These increases positively correlated with increased GLUT6 and SREBF1 mRNA and coincided with reduced oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, incubation of NVs with THP-1 macrophages promoted the M2 tolerogenic phenotype through STAT3 activation, expression of AHR-dependent genes and secretion of IL10. Altogether, our findings indicate that bacterial NVs have the potential to modulate glucose homeostasis in the host by directly affecting insulin secretion by islets and through the induction of a tolerogenic immune phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro D Teixeira
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Genetics Institute, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Natalie A Harrison
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Genetics Institute, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Danilo R da Silva
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Genetics Institute, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Clayton E Mathews
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Claudio F Gonzalez
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Genetics Institute, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Graciela L Lorca
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Genetics Institute, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors: Evidence of Therapeutic Targets in Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051087. [PMID: 35625824 PMCID: PMC9139118 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, is important for xenobiotic metabolism and binds to various endogenous and exogenous ligands present in the skin. AhR is known to be associated with diseases in various organs; however, its functions in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PS), have recently been elucidated. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of AhR related to chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as AD and PS, and the mechanisms of action of AhR on the skin immune system. The importance of AhR molecular biological pathways, clinical features in animal models, and AhR ligands in skin diseases need to be investigated. In conclusion, the therapeutic effects of AhR ligands are demonstrated based on the relationship between AhR and skin diseases. Nevertheless, further studies are required to elucidate the detailed roles of AhR in chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
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20
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Liu J, Pi Z, Xiao Y, Zeng Z, Yu J, Zou P, Tang B, Qiu X, Tang R, Shi Y, Xiao R. Esomeprazole alleviates fibrosis in systemic sclerosis by modulating AhR/Smad2/3 signaling. Pharmacol Res 2022; 176:106057. [PMID: 34995795 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease with the involvement of complex signaling pathways, such as TGF-β/Smad2/3. SSc can lead to severe multiple organ fibrosis, but no effective therapy is currently available because of its unclear pathogenesis. Exploring new treatments is the focus of recent research on SSc. Recent studies have implied a potential antifibrotic role of esomeprazole (ESO), but with currently unidentified mechanisms. Signaling of AhR, a ligand-dependent transcription factor, has been described as a key controller of fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and immune balance. Recently, it has been reported that ESO may be an exogenous agonist of AhR signaling, while no previous study has revealed the effects of ESO on SSc and its underlying mechanisms. In this study, we demonstrate that ESO suppresses the migration of SSc dermal fibroblasts, downregulates profibrotic markers, including COLIA1, α-SMA CTGF and MMP1, and limits collagen production potentially via the activation of AhR signaling. More importantly, ESO could block Smad2/3 phosphorylation concurrently with the reduction in collagen via AhR signaling. Moreover, our results from the bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc model in skin and lung shows that ESO ameliorates fibrosis in vivo, which in keeping with our in vitro results. We conclude that ESO is a potential therapeutic drug for SSc fibrosis.
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MESH Headings
- Actins/genetics
- Animals
- Bleomycin
- Cells, Cultured
- Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain/genetics
- Connective Tissue Growth Factor/genetics
- Cytokines/genetics
- Esomeprazole/pharmacology
- Esomeprazole/therapeutic use
- Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Fibrosis
- Humans
- Lung/drug effects
- Lung/metabolism
- Lung/pathology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/genetics
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism
- Scleroderma, Systemic/drug therapy
- Scleroderma, Systemic/genetics
- Scleroderma, Systemic/metabolism
- Scleroderma, Systemic/pathology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Skin/drug effects
- Skin/metabolism
- Skin/pathology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zixin Pi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yangfan Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Puyu Zou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Bingsi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xiangning Qiu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yaqian Shi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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21
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Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects of Microalgal Carotenoids. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19100531. [PMID: 34677429 PMCID: PMC8539290 DOI: 10.3390/md19100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute inflammation is a key component of the immune system’s response to pathogens, toxic agents, or tissue injury, involving the stimulation of defense mechanisms aimed to removing pathogenic factors and restoring tissue homeostasis. However, uncontrolled acute inflammatory response may lead to chronic inflammation, which is involved in the development of many diseases, including cancer. Nowadays, the need to find new potential therapeutic compounds has raised the worldwide scientific interest to study the marine environment. Specifically, microalgae are considered rich sources of bioactive molecules, such as carotenoids, which are natural isoprenoid pigments with important beneficial effects for health due to their biological activities. Carotenoids are essential nutrients for mammals, but they are unable to synthesize them; instead, a dietary intake of these compounds is required. Carotenoids are classified as carotenes (hydrocarbon carotenoids), such as α- and β-carotene, and xanthophylls (oxygenate derivatives) including zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, lutein, α- and β-cryptoxanthin, and canthaxanthin. This review summarizes the present up-to-date knowledge of the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of microalgal carotenoids both in vitro and in vivo, as well as the latest status of human studies for their potential use in prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer.
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22
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Mediators of liver inflammation and carcinogenesis. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:477-479. [PMID: 34528106 PMCID: PMC8443494 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00880-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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