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Guo Q, Yang A, Zhao R, Zhao H, Mu Y, Zhang J, Han Q, Su Y. Nimodipine ameliorates liver fibrosis via reshaping liver immune microenvironment in TAA-induced in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112586. [PMID: 38955030 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Nimodipine, a calcium antagonist, exert beneficial neurovascular protective effects in clinic. Recently, Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) was reported to protect against liver fibrosis in mice, while the exact effects of Nimodipine on liver injury and hepatic fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the effect of nimodipine in Thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Then, the collagen deposition and liver inflammation were assessed by HE straining. Also, the frequency and phenotype of NK cells, CD4+T and CD8+T cells and MDSC in liver and spleen were analyzed using flow cytometry. Furthermore, activation and apoptosis of primary Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and HSC line LX2 were detected using α-SMA staining and TUNEL assay, respectively. We found that nimodipine administration significantly attenuated liver inflammation and fibrosis. And the increase of the numbers of hepatic NK and NKT cells, a reversed CD4+/CD8+T ratio, and reduced the numbers of MDSC were observed after nimodipine treatment. Furthermore, nimodipine administration significantly decreased α-SMA expression in liver tissues, and increased TUNEL staining adjacent to hepatic stellate cells. Nimodipine also reduced the proliferation of LX2, and significantly promoted high level of apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, nimodipine downregulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, simultaneously increased expression of JNK, p-JNK, and Caspase-3. Together, nimodipine mediated suppression of growth and fibrogenesis of HSCs may warrant its potential use in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanjuan Guo
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ailu Yang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Rongrong Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yongliang Mu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Yuhang Su
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
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2
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Chen ZY, Panga MJ, Zhang X, Qiao S, Chen S, Appiah C, Zhao Y. Estrogen alleviates liver fibrosis and restores metabolic homeostasis in ovariectomy-induced liver injury and carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) exposure. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176774. [PMID: 38936452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
AIM Given estrogen's recognized regulatory influence on diverse metabolic and immune functions, this study sought to explore its potential impact on fibrosis and elucidate the underlying metabolic regulations. METHODS Female mice underwent ovary removal surgery, followed by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration to induce liver injury. Biochemical index analysis and histopathological examination were then conducted. The expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and collagen type 1 alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) were assessed using western blotting to further elucidate the extent of liver injury. Finally, metabolite extraction and metabolomic analysis were performed to evaluate metabolic changes. RESULTS Ovary removal exacerbated CCl4-induced liver damage, while estrogen supplementation provided protection against hepatic changes resulting from OVX. Furthermore, estrogen mitigated liver injury induced by CCl4 treatment in vivo. Estrogen supplementation significantly restored liver damage induced by OVX and CCl4. Comparative analysis revealed significant alterations in pathways including aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, lysine degradation, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism in estrogen treatment. CONCLUSION Estrogen supplementation alleviates liver injury induced by OVX and CCl4, highlighting its protective effects against fibrosis and associated metabolic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Mogellah John Panga
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Xiangrui Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Shuai Qiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Shitian Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Clara Appiah
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China.
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3
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Mishra F, Yuan Y, Yang JJ, Li B, Chan P, Liu Z. Depletion of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells and Capillarized Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Using a Rationally Designed Protein for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7447. [PMID: 39000553 PMCID: PMC11242029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcoholic hepatitis (AH) affect a large part of the general population worldwide. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism and alcohol toxicity drive disease progression by the activation of hepatic stellate cells and the capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. Collagen deposition, along with sinusoidal remodeling, alters sinusoid structure, resulting in hepatic inflammation, portal hypertension, liver failure, and other complications. Efforts were made to develop treatments for NASH and AH. However, the success of such treatments is limited and unpredictable. We report a strategy for NASH and AH treatment involving the induction of integrin αvβ3-mediated cell apoptosis using a rationally designed protein (ProAgio). Integrin αvβ3 is highly expressed in activated hepatic stellate cells (αHSCs), the angiogenic endothelium, and capillarized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (caLSECs). ProAgio induces the apoptosis of these disease-driving cells, therefore decreasing collagen fibril, reversing sinusoid remodeling, and reducing immune cell infiltration. The reversal of sinusoid remodeling reduces the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules on LSECs, thus decreasing leukocyte infiltration/activation in the diseased liver. Our studies present a novel and effective approach for NASH and AH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falguni Mishra
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Jenny J Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Payton Chan
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Zhiren Liu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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4
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Shen X, Mai R, Han X, Wang Q, Wang Y, Ji T, Tong Y, Chen P, Zhao J, He X, Wen T, Liang R, Lin Y, Luo X, Cai X. BTLA deficiency promotes HSC activation and protects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0449. [PMID: 38840336 PMCID: PMC11155569 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000449] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is unavoidable even despite the development of more effective surgical approaches. During hepatic IRI, activated HSC (aHSC) are involved in liver injury and recovery. APPROACH AND RESULT A proportion of aHSC increased significantly both in the mouse liver tissues with IRI and in the primary mouse HSCs and LX-2 cells during hypoxia-reoxygenation. "Loss-of-function" experiments revealed that depleting aHSC with gliotoxin exacerbated liver damage in IRI mice. Subsequently, we found that the transcription of mRNA and the expression of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) protein were lower in aHSC compared with quiescent HSCs. Interestingly, overexpression or knockdown of BTLA resulted in opposite changes in the activation of specific markers for HSCs such as collagen type I alpha 1, α-smooth muscle actin, and Vimentin. Moreover, the upregulation of these markers was also observed in the liver tissues of global BLTA-deficient (BTLA-/-) mice and was higher after hepatic IRI. Compared with wild-type mice, aHSC were higher, and liver injury was lower in BTLA-/- mice following IRI. However, the depletion of aHSC reversed these effects. In addition, the depletion of aHSC significantly exacerbated liver damage in BTLA-/- mice with hepatic IRI. Furthermore, the TGF-β1 signaling pathway was identified as a potential mechanism for BTLA to negatively regulate the activation of HSCs in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These novel findings revealed a critical role of BTLA. Particularly, the receptor inhibits HSC-activated signaling in acute IRI, implying that it is a potential immunotherapeutic target for decreasing the IRI risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Shen
- Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technology Research, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Rongyun Mai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technology Research, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technology Research, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Tong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technology Research, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Tong
- Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technology Research, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Ping Chen
- Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technology Research, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technology Research, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technology Research, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Tong Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Rong Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technology Research, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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5
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Maurotti S, Geirola N, Frosina M, Mirarchi A, Scionti F, Mare R, Montalcini T, Pujia A, Tirinato L. Exploring the impact of lipid droplets on the evolution and progress of hepatocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1404006. [PMID: 38818407 PMCID: PMC11137176 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1404006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past 10 years, the biological role of lipid droplets (LDs) has gained significant attention in the context of both physiological and pathological conditions. Considerable progress has been made in elucidating key aspects of these organelles, yet much remains to be accomplished to fully comprehend the myriad functions they serve in the progression of hepatic tumors. Our current perception is that LDs are complex and active structures managed by a distinct set of cellular processes. This understanding represents a significant paradigm shift from earlier perspectives. In this review, we aim to recapitulate the function of LDs within the liver, highlighting their pivotal role in the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (Hsu and Loomba, 2024) and their contribution to the progression towards more advanced pathological stages up to hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) (Farese and Walther, 2009). We are aware of the molecular complexity and changes occurring in the neoplastic evolution of the liver. Our attempt, however, is to summarize the most important and recent roles of LDs across both healthy and all pathological liver states, up to hepatocarcinoma. For more detailed insights, we direct readers to some of the many excellent reviews already available in the literature (Gluchowski et al., 2017; Hu et al., 2020; Seebacher et al., 2020; Paul et al., 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Maurotti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nadia Geirola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Miriam Frosina
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angela Mirarchi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Scionti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosario Mare
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Tiziana Montalcini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Arturo Pujia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Tirinato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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6
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Du K, Jun JH, Dutta RK, Diehl AM. Plasticity, heterogeneity, and multifunctionality of hepatic stellate cells in liver pathophysiology. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0411. [PMID: 38619452 PMCID: PMC11019831 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
HSCs, the resident pericytes of the liver, have consistently been at the forefront of liver research due to their crucial roles in various hepatic pathological processes. Prior literature often depicted HSCs in a binary framework, categorizing them as either quiescent or activated. However, recent advances in HSC research, particularly the advent of single-cell RNA-sequencing, have revolutionized our understanding of these cells. This sophisticated technique offers an unparalleled, high-resolution insight into HSC populations, uncovering a spectrum of diversity and functional heterogeneity across various physiological states of the liver, ranging from liver development to the liver aging process. The single-cell RNA-sequencing revelations have also highlighted the intrinsic plasticity of HSCs and underscored their complex roles in a myriad of pathophysiological processes, including liver injury, repair, and carcinogenesis. This review aims to integrate and clarify these recent discoveries, focusing on how the inherent plasticity of HSCs is central to their dynamic roles both in maintaining liver homeostasis and orchestrating responses to liver injury. Future research will clarify whether findings from rodent models can be translated to human livers and guide how these insights are harnessed to develop targeted therapeutic interventions.
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7
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Kang X, Chen H, Zhou Z, Tu S, Cui B, Li Y, Dong S, Zhang Q, Xu Y. Targeting Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300403. [PMID: 38103005 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300403] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the integral process of chronic liver diseases caused by multiple etiologies and characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). During liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) transform into a highly proliferative, activated state, producing various cytokines, chemokines, and ECM. However, the precise mechanisms that license HSCs into the highly proliferative state remain unclear. Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is a requisite event for the transition of the G1/S and G2/M phases in eukaryotic cells. In this study, it is demonstrated that CDK1 and its activating partners, Cyclin A2 and Cyclin B1, are upregulated in both liver fibrosis/cirrhosis patient specimens and the murine hepatic fibrosis models, especially in activated HSCs. In vitro, CDK1 is upregulated in spontaneously activated HSCs, and inhibiting CDK1 with specific small-molecule inhibitors (CGP74514A, RO-3306, or Purvalanol A) orshort hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) resulted in HSC apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by regulating Survivin expression. Above all, it is illustrated that increased CDK1 expression licenses the HSCs into a highly proliferative state and can serve as a potential therapeutic target in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Kang
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Huaxin Chen
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhuowei Zhou
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Silin Tu
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Bo Cui
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yanli Li
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
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8
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Amri J, Jamalian M, Salami Z, Akbari A, Alaee M, Soleiman FA, Alimoradian A. Hydroalcoholic extract of Scrophularia striata has a significant therapeutic effect on thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rats. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2023; 44:371-377. [PMID: 38124628 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2022-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Liver cirrhosis is one of the most important causes of death from liver diseases. Nowadays, the use of herbal medicines has increased due to its availability, less side effects and cheapness for the treatment of liver diseases. The present study was conducted to examine therapeutic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Scrophularia striata (S. striata) on thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rats through evaluate its effects on oxidative stress markers and the expression of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP 1), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), and Mitofusin (MFN2) genes. METHODS 24 male rats were selected by simple random sampling. Rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group I: healthy rats, group II: thioacetamide (TAA) injected rats, group III: TAA injected rats+100 mg/kg bw of S. striata and group IV: TAA injected rats+200 mg/kg bw of S. striata. Liver cirrhosis was induced in rats by a 300 mg/kg bw TAA administration twice with an interval of 24 h. After 8 weeks of treatment by S. striata at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw, biochemical factors and oxidative stress markers (SOD, TAC, GPX, CAT and MDA) were measured using spectrophotometric methods. Also, gene expression of TIMP 1, TLR-4, and MFN2 were analyzed using real-time PCR. ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test analysis were applied to evaluate the data. RESULTS The results showed the S. striata extract significantly improve the serum ALT, AST and ALP levels, TIMP 1, TLR-4, and MFN2 genes and oxidative stress markers (SOD, TAC, GPX, CAT and MDA) in the liver tissues when compared to control group (p<0.05). Also, it was found that the beneficial effects of the S. striata were dose-dependent. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results obtained S. striata by reducing the expression of TIMP 1, TLR-4, and MFN2 genes and improving oxidative stress might be used as adjuvant treatment for liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Amri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R, Iran
- Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R, Iran
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jamalian
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Poisoning, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Zahre Salami
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetic, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, I.R, Iran
| | - Ahmad Akbari
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Mona Alaee
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Azizi Soleiman
- Department of Nutrition, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Abbas Alimoradian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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9
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Borrello MT, Mann D. Chronic liver diseases: From development to novel pharmacological therapies: IUPHAR Review 37. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2880-2897. [PMID: 35393658 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15853] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases comprise a broad spectrum of burdensome diseases that still lack effective pharmacological therapies. Our research group focuses on fibrosis, which is a major precursor of liver cirrhosis. Fibrosis consists in a progressive disturbance of liver sinusoidal architecture characterised by connective tissue deposition as a reparative response to tissue injury. Multifactorial events and several types of cells participate in fibrosis initiation and progression, and the process still needs to be completely understood. The development of experimental models of liver fibrosis alongside the identification of critical factors progressing fibrosis to cirrhosis will facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for such condition. This review provides an overlook of the main process leading to hepatic fibrosis and therapeutic approaches that have emerged from a deep knowledge of the molecular regulation of fibrogenesis in the liver. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Advances in Fibrosis as a Therapeutic Target. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.22/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Borrello
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Derek Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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10
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Lan H, Zhang Y, Fan M, Wu B, Wang C. Pregnane X receptor as a therapeutic target for cholestatic liver injury. Drug Metab Rev 2023; 55:371-387. [PMID: 37593784 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2023.2248680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is caused by toxic bile acids (BAs) accumulation in the liver and can lead to inflammation and liver fibrosis. The mechanisms underlying CLI development remain unclear, and this disease has no effective cure. However, regulating BA synthesis and homeostasis represents a promising therapeutic strategy for CLI treatment. Pregnane X receptor (PXR) plays an essential role in the metabolism of endobiotics and xenobiotics via the transcription of metabolic enzymes and transporters, which can ultimately modulate BA homeostasis and exert anticholestatic effects. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that PXR exhibits antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties, providing novel insights into treating CLI. Meanwhile, several drugs have been identified as PXR agonists that improve CLI. Nevertheless, the precise role of PXR in CLI still needs to be fully understood. This review summarizes how PXR improves CLI by ameliorating cholestasis, inhibiting inflammation, and reducing fibrosis and discusses the progress of promising PXR agonists for treating CLI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Lan
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Minqi Fan
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Bingxin Wu
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Caiyan Wang
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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11
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Kim MJ, Song YR, Kim YE, Bae SJ, Lee WY, Bak SB, Kim YW. Kaempferol stimulation of autophagy regulates the ferroptosis under the oxidative stress as mediated with AMP-activated protein kinase. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 208:630-642. [PMID: 37703935 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.09.008] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of Kaempferol (KP), including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its impact on oxidative damage induced by heavy metals and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as arachidonic acid (AA), has not yet been identified. Our objective was to specifically evaluate liver damage due to AA + iron-induced oxidative stress, both in vitro and in vivo. In HepG2 cells, KP activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), suggesting a hepatoprotective effect through AMPK inhibition, as assessed by immunoblot and FACS analysis (EC50 = 10 μM). KP also stimulated autophagy, a degradation process that eliminates aged, damaged, and unnecessary components, via mTOR inhibition and ULK1 phosphorylation. This activation was further validated by the upregulation of autophagy-related genes (ATG5) and Beclin-1, along with the conversion of LC3BI to LC3BII. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic type of cell death characterized by oxidative stress from the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and excessive iron accumulation, was linked to the activation of autophagy, as confirmed through the protein expression of deferoxamine (DFO) and ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), the representative ferroptosis inhibitors (positive controls). In mice, oral administration of KP demonstrated protective effects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, KP provides hepatoprotective effects against oxidative stress induced by AA + iron treatment in vitro and CCl4 treatment in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jin Kim
- AI-Bio Convergence DDI Basic Research Lab., School of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Yu-Rim Song
- AI-Bio Convergence DDI Basic Research Lab., School of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Young Eun Kim
- AI-Bio Convergence DDI Basic Research Lab., School of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Su-Jin Bae
- AI-Bio Convergence DDI Basic Research Lab., School of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Won-Yung Lee
- AI-Bio Convergence DDI Basic Research Lab., School of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan-si, South Korea
| | - Seon-Been Bak
- AI-Bio Convergence DDI Basic Research Lab., School of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Young Woo Kim
- AI-Bio Convergence DDI Basic Research Lab., School of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
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12
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Liao YJ, Lee CY, Twu YC, Suk FM, Lai TC, Chang YC, Lai YC, Yuan JW, Jhuang HM, Jian HR, Huang LC, Chen KP, Hsu MH. Isolation and Biological Evaluation of Alfa-Mangostin as Potential Therapeutic Agents against Liver Fibrosis. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1075. [PMID: 37760177 PMCID: PMC10526009 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10091075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are associated with liver fibrosis development. To date, there are no FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Augmentation of HSCs apoptosis is one of the resolutions for liver fibrosis. In this study, we extracted α-mangostin (1,3,6-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-2,8-bis(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-9H-xanthen-9-one) from the fruit waste components of mangosteen pericarp. The isolated α-mangostin structure was determined and characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and compared with those known compounds. The intracellular signaling pathway activities of α-mangostin on Transforming growth factors-beta 1 (TGF-β1) or Platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGF-BB) induced HSCs activation and were analyzed via Western blot and Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (Q-PCR). α-Mangostin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in HSCs were measured by seahorse assay and caspase-dependent cleavage. The in vivo anti-fibrotic effect of α-mangostin was assessed by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treatment mouse model. The data showed that α-mangostin treatment inhibited TGF-β1-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in HSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Regarding the PDGF-BB-induced HSCs proliferation signaling pathways, α-mangostin pretreatment suppressed the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38. The activation of caspase-dependent apoptosis and dysfunction of mitochondrial respiration (such as oxygen consumption rate, ATP production, and maximal respiratory capacity) were observed in α-mangostin-treated HSCs. The CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model showed that the administration of α-mangostin significantly decreased the expression of the fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen-a2 (col1a2), desmin and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2)) as well as attenuated hepatic collagen deposition and liver damage. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that α-mangostin attenuates the progression of liver fibrosis through inhibiting the proliferation of HSCs and triggering apoptosis signals. Thus, α-mangostin may be used as a potential novel therapeutic agent against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jen Liao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Chun-Ya Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Yuh-Ching Twu
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Fat-Moon Suk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chieh Lai
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ching Chang
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Wei Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Ming Jhuang
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Ruei Jian
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chia Huang
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Po Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 111, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hua Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 500, Taiwan
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13
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Sharma A, Wang J, Gandhi CR. CD14 is not required for carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis with or without lipopolysaccharide challenge. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:1530-1541. [PMID: 37098757 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Binding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to CD14 is required for its cellular effects via TLR4. A role of LPS/TLR4-mediated signaling in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), the major fibrogenic cells, in liver fibrosis has been reported. We investigated effects of LPS on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrosis in CD14-knockout (KO) mice in vivo, and culture-activated HSCs in vitro. CCl4 (biweekly; 4 weeks)-treated wild type (WT) and CD14-KO mice were challenged with single LPS administration for 24 h. Liver injury, inflammation and fibrosis were determined. Culture-activated HSCs from WT or CD14-KO mice were stimulated with LPS. Parameters of fibrogenic activity (expression of collagen1a1 [Col1a1], α-smooth muscle actin [αSMA] and TGFβ1) and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were measured. CCl4 treatment caused similar liver injury and fibrosis in WT and CD14-KO mice. LPS increased liver injury and inflammation similarly in CCl4-treated WT and CD14-KO mice, but downregulated Timp1 and upregulated Mmp13. LPS elicited similar NFκB activation and inflammatory response in WT and CD14-KO aHSCs. LPS similarly downregulated Acta2 (encodes αSMA), Pdgfrb, Col1a1 and Mmp13 expression but did not affect Timp1 expression in WT and CD14-KO aHSCs. LPS did not alter Tgfb1 but increased expression of decorin (Dcn) (inhibitor of TGFβ1) expression in WT and CD14-KO aHSCs. The results indicate that the effects of LPS on HSCs are CD14-independent, and CD14 is not required for hepatic fibrosis. LPS-induced down-modulation of fibrogenic markers in aHSCs is also CD14-independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Sharma
- Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jiang Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Chandrashekhar R Gandhi
- Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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14
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Sun Z, Zou X, Bao M, Huang Z, Lou Y, Zhang Y, Huang P. Role of Ferroptosis in Fibrosis Diseases. Am J Med Sci 2023:S0002-9629(23)01174-6. [PMID: 37192694 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2023.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a pervasive non-apoptotic mode of cell death that is different from autophagy or necrosis. It is mainly caused by an imbalance between the production and degradation of lipid reactive oxygen species in cells. Several metabolic pathways and biochemical processes, such as amino acid and lipid metabolism, iron handling, and mitochondrial respiration, affect and regulate cell sensitivity to peroxidation and ferroptosis. Organ fibrosis, a pathological manifestation of several etiological conditions, leads to chronic tissue injury and is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components. Excessive tissue fibrosis can have diverse pathophysiological effects on several organ systems, eventually causing organ dysfunction and failure. The current manuscript provides a review that illustrates the link between ferroptosis and organ fibrosis and to better understand the underlying mechanisms. It provides novel potential therapeutic approaches and targets for fibrosis diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Sun
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zou
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meihua Bao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongjie Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yutao Lou
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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15
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Lingas EC. Hematological Abnormalities in Cirrhosis: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e39239. [PMID: 37337504 PMCID: PMC10277171 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis remains a major public health issue. Liver fibrosis leading to cirrhosis is the terminal stage of various chronic liver diseases. Inflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis. Patients with cirrhosis often have hematological abnormalities, such as anemia and thrombocytopenia, which have multifactorial etiologies. Anemia in cirrhosis could be related to bleeding leading to iron deficiency anemia or other nutritional anemia such as vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. The pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia in liver cirrhosis has been postulated to range from splenic sequestration to bone marrow suppression from toxic agents, such as alcohol. It often complicates management due to the risk of bleeding with severely low platelets. This review aimed to highlight pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis, hematological abnormalities in liver cirrhosis, and their clinical significance.
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16
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Singh TP, Kadyan S, Devi H, Park G, Nagpal R. Gut microbiome as a therapeutic target for liver diseases. Life Sci 2023; 322:121685. [PMID: 37044173 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The prominent role of gut in regulating the physiology of different organs in a human body is increasingly acknowledged, to which the bidirectional communication between gut and liver is no exception. Liver health is modulated via different key components of gut-liver axis. The gut-derived products mainly generated from dietary components, microbial metabolites, toxins, or other antigens are sensed and transported to the liver through portal vein to which liver responds by secreting bile acids and antibodies. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can promote homeostasis of this gut-liver axis by regulating the intestinal barrier function and reducing the antigenic molecules. Conversely, liver secretions also regulate the gut microbiome composition. Disturbed homeostasis allows luminal antigens to reach liver leading to impaired liver functioning and instigating liver disorders. The perturbations in gut microbiome, permeability, and bile acid pool have been associated with several liver disorders, although precise mechanisms remain largely unresolved. Herein, we discuss functional fingerprints of a healthy gut-liver axis while contemplating mechanistic understanding of pathophysiology of liver diseases and plausible role of gut dysbiosis in different diseased states of liver. Further, novel therapeutic approaches to prevent the severity of liver disorders are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejinder Pal Singh
- Department of Dairy Microbiology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004, India
| | - Saurabh Kadyan
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Harisha Devi
- Department of Dairy Microbiology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004, India
| | - Gwoncheol Park
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Ravinder Nagpal
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
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17
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Huang X, Song Y, Wei L, Guo J, Xu W, Li M. The emerging roles of ferroptosis in organ fibrosis and its potential therapeutic effect. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109812. [PMID: 36746022 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to the process of excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, eventually leading to excessive scar formation. Fibrotic diseases can occur in many organs and result in high mortality. Currently, there is no effective treatment for fibrosis. As a new form of regulatory cell death (RCD), ferroptosis is mainly mediated by iron overload and lipid peroxidation. Emerging evidence shows that ferroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. Generally, ferroptosis of parenchymal cells exacerbates the progression of fibrosis, while ferroptosis of myofibroblasts may ameliorate it. Therefore, studying the mechanisms of ferroptosis in fibrosis and targeting ferroptosis in certain cells can provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. In the present review, we summarized the mechanisms and regulators of ferroptosis and then described the mechanism of fibrosis and the role of ferroptosis in fibrotic diseases, including liver fibrosis, renal fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and myocardial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuege Huang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yahui Song
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Wei Xu
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Min Li
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou 215123, China.
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18
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Sahu R, Goswami S, Narahari Sastry G, Rawal RK. The Preventive and Therapeutic Potential of the Flavonoids in Liver Cirrhosis: Current and Future Perspectives. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202201029. [PMID: 36703592 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202201029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may vary from moderately mild non-alcohol fatty liver (NAFL) towards the malignant variant known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is marked by fatty liver inflammation and may progress to liver cirrhosis (LC), liver cancer, fibrosis, or liver failure. Flavonoids can protect the liver from toxins through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antifibrogenic pharmacological activities. Furthermore, flavonoids protect against LC by regulation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) trans-differentiation, inhibiting growth factors like TGF-β and platelets-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF), viral infections like hepatitis-B, C and D viruses (HBV, HCV & HDV), autoimmune-induced, alcohol-induced, metabolic disorder-induced, causing by apoptosis, and regulating MAPK pathways. These flavonoids may be explored in the future as a therapeutic solution for hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Sahu
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India
| | - Sourav Goswami
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India
| | - G Narahari Sastry
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ravindra K Rawal
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
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19
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Yang CH, Lin DY, Lin YS, Hsu CY, Tung MC, Tan KT, Ou YC. The Immunological Microenvironment and the Emerging Role of Stem Cells Therapy in Peyronie's Disease: A Systematic Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010777. [PMID: 36614220 PMCID: PMC9821411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Current literature has indicated that Peyronie's disease (PD) could be initiated by microtrauma and the subsequent inflammation episodes that follow. PD could be sorted into acute or chronic status, and it can differ when selecting the clinical therapeutics. PD would cause pain and penile deformity to diseased men and impair their erectile function. Occasionally, surgical revision of the penis might be needed to correct the penile curvature. We find that there are limited effective options of intra-lesion injections for the PD plaques. By searching the databases and screening the literature with the PRISMA 2020 guideline, we observed that several preclinical studies that applied stem cell therapy in treating PD were fruitful in the acute phase. Although in the chronic phase of PD, erectile parameters were not significantly improved, and therefore, future studies might be better elevated in certain aspects, such as the sites selected for harvesting stem cells or changing the centrifugation forces. In this review, we concluded the contemporary understanding of inflammatory microenvironments in PD, the stem cell therapy in PD, and our perspectives on future studies. We concluded that there may be great potential in stem cell therapy for treating both acute and chronic phases PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Hsueh Yang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan
| | - Dian-Yu Lin
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan
- Joshua Taipei Hernia Center, Central Clinic & Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Shu-Tien Urological Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Sheng Lin
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yu Hsu
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan
| | - Min-Che Tung
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan
| | - Kok-Tong Tan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (K.-T.T.); (Y.-C.O.)
| | - Yen-Chuan Ou
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (K.-T.T.); (Y.-C.O.)
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20
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Zhang Y, Hua L, Lin C, Yuan M, Xu W, Raj D. A, Venkidasamy B, Cespedes-Acuna CL, Nile SH, Yan G, Zheng H. Pien-Tze-Huang alleviates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through the inhibition of HSC autophagy and the TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:937484. [PMID: 36188553 PMCID: PMC9523731 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.937484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pien-Tze-Huang (PZH)—a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound—has been employed to treat various liver inflammation and tumors for over 10 decades. Interestingly, most of the pharmacological effects had been validated and explored toward liver ailment along with pro-inflammatory conditions and cancer at the cellular and molecular level to date. Aim of the study: The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of PZH on autophagy and TGF-β1 signaling pathways in rats with liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell line (HSC). Materials and methods: Male SD rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis were used as the animal model. Next, PZH treatment was given for 8 weeks. Afterward, the therapeutic effects of PZH were analyzed through a hepatic tissue structure by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Van Gieson (VG) staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), activity of ALT and AST by enzyme-associated immunosorbent assay as well. Subsequently, mRNA and protein expression were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Then, the cell vitality of PZH-treated HSC and the expression of key molecules prevailing to autophagy were studied in vitro. Meanwhile, SM16 (a novel small molecular inhibitor which inhibits TGFβ-induced Smad2 phosphorylation) was employed to confirm PZH’s effects on the proliferation and autophagy of HSC. Results: PZH pharmacologically exerted anti-hepatic fibrosis effects as demonstrated by protecting hepatocytes and improving hepatic function. The results revealed the reduced production of extracellular collagen by adjusting the balance of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP9, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) in PZH-treated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Interestingly, PZH inhibited the activation of HSC by down-regulating TGF-β1 and phosphorylating Smad2. Furthermore, PZH down-regulated yeast Atg6 (Beclin-1) and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) toward suppressing HSC autophagy, and PZH exhibited similar effects to that of SM16. Conclusion: To conclude, PZH alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis to reduce the production of extracellular collagen and inhibiting the activation of HSC. In addition, their pharmacological mechanisms related to autophagy and TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathways were revealed for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Zhang
- Pharmacy College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Liping Hua
- Pharmacy College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chunfeng Lin
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Mingzhou Yuan
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Pharmacy College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Anand Raj D.
- Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Baskar Venkidasamy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Carlos L. Cespedes-Acuna
- Plant Biochemistry and Phytochemical Ecology Lab, Basic Sciences Department University of Bio Bio, Chillan, Chile
| | - Shivraj Hariram Nile
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Shivraj Hariram Nile, ; Guohong Yan, ; Haiyin Zheng,
| | - Guohong Yan
- Affiliated People’s Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Shivraj Hariram Nile, ; Guohong Yan, ; Haiyin Zheng,
| | - Haiyin Zheng
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Shivraj Hariram Nile, ; Guohong Yan, ; Haiyin Zheng,
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21
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Kitsugi K, Noritake H, Matsumoto M, Hanaoka T, Umemura M, Yamashita M, Takatori S, Ito J, Ohta K, Chida T, Ulmasov B, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Suda T, Kawata K. Arg-Gly-Asp-binding integrins activate hepatic stellate cells via the hippo signaling pathway. Cell Signal 2022; 99:110437. [PMID: 35970425 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110437] [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: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver fibrosis characterizes advanced chronic liver disease, and persistent activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the primary cause of excessive hepatic fibrogenesis. CWHM12, an analog of the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) amino acid sequence found in specific integrins, improves liver fibrosis; however, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the cell signaling mechanisms of CWHM12 in activated HSCs. METHODS Immortalized human HSC lines, LX-2 and TWNT-1, were used to evaluate the effects of CWHM12 on intracellular signaling via the disruption of RGD-binding integrins. RESULTS CWHM12 strongly promoted phosphorylation and inhibited the nuclear accumulation of Yes-associated protein (YAP), which is a critical effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, leading to the inhibition of proliferation, suppression of viability, promotion of apoptosis, and induction of cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase in activated HSCs. Further investigations revealed that inhibition of TGF-β was involved in the consequences of CWHM12. Moreover, CWHM12 suppressed focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation; consequently, Src, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1, and serine-threonine kinase phosphorylation led to the translocation of YAP. These favorable effects of CWHM12 on activated HSCs were reversed by inhibiting FAK. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that pharmacological inhibition of RGD-binding integrins suppresses activated HSCs by blocking the Hippo signaling pathway, a cellular response which may be valuable in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Kitsugi
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hidenao Noritake
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.
| | - Moe Matsumoto
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Hanaoka
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Umemura
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Maho Yamashita
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shingo Takatori
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Jun Ito
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Ohta
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Chida
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Barbara Ulmasov
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Brent A Neuschwander-Tetri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Takafumi Suda
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
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22
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Rauchbach E, Zeigerman H, Abu-Halaka D, Tirosh O. Cholesterol Induces Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Damage and Death in Hepatic Stellate Cells to Mitigate Liver Fibrosis in Mice Model of NASH. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030536. [PMID: 35326188 PMCID: PMC8944482 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis and its end-stage disease cirrhosis are major world health problems arising from chronic injury of the liver. In recent years, the hypothesis that hepatic stellate cells’ (HSCs’) activation and fibrosis can be mitigated by HSC apoptosis and cell death has become of interest. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of cholesterol and bile acids on HSC apoptosis and liver fibrosis. Male C57BL/6J mice (wild type), aged four to five weeks, were fed an AIN-93G based diet (normal diet, ND), ND diet + 1% (w/w) cholesterol (CHOL group), ND diet + 0.5% (w/w) cholic acid (CA group) or ND diet + 1% (w/w) cholesterol + 0.5% (w/w) cholic acid (CHOL + CA group). Female Mdr2(-/-) mice were also treated with ND with and without 1% cholesterol. The effect of cholesterol on liver fibrosis and HSC clearance was evaluated. In addition, we studied the mechanism of cholesterol-induced apoptosis in HSC-T6 and AML-12 hepatocyte cell lines. In animals treated with cholic acids, increased lipid peroxidation and fibrosis were observed after six weeks of treatment. However, addition of cholesterol to the diet of C57BL/6J mice led to HSC-specific apoptosis and resolution of liver fibrosis, verified by double-staining with active caspase and α smooth muscle actin antibodies. In Mdr2 (-/-) mice, a diet supplemented with cholesterol corrected fibrosis and induced active hepatic stellate cells’ clearance. HSC-T6 were found to be much more sensitive to cholesterol-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and apoptosis compared to hepatocytes. These results indicate that cholesterol may be a trigger of HSC lipid peroxidation and death in the liver in a model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. A high cholesterol-to-bile acid ratio may determine the trajectory of the liver disease toward mitigation of fibrosis.
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23
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Qin R, Zhao Q, Han B, Zhu HP, Peng C, Zhan G, Huang W. Indole-Based Small Molecules as Potential Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:845892. [PMID: 35250597 PMCID: PMC8888875 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.845892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Indole alkaloids are widely distributed in nature and have been particularly studied because of their diverse biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant activities. Many kinds of indole alkaloids have been applied to clinical practice, proving that indole alkaloids are beneficial scaffolds and occupy a crucial position in the development of novel agents. Fibrosis is an end-stage pathological condition of most chronic inflammatory diseases and is characterized by excessive deposition of fibrous connective tissue components, ultimately resulting in organ dysfunction and even failure with significant morbidity and mortality. Indole alkaloids and indole derivatives can alleviate pulmonary, myocardial, renal, liver, and islet fibrosis through the suppression of inflammatory response, oxidative stress, TGF-β/Smad pathway, and other signaling pathways. Natural indole alkaloids, such as isorhynchophylline, evodiamine, conophylline, indirubin, rutaecarpine, yohimbine, and vincristine, are reportedly effective in organ fibrosis treatment. In brief, indole alkaloids with a wide range of pharmacological bioactivities are important candidate drugs for organ fibrosis treatment. The present review discusses the potential of natural indole alkaloids, semi-synthetic indole alkaloids, synthetic indole derivatives, and indole-contained metabolites in organ fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong-Ping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Antibiotics Research and Re-Evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Gu Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Huang, ; Gu Zhan,
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Huang, ; Gu Zhan,
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24
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Lee SW, Kim SM, Hur W, Kang BY, Lee HL, Nam H, Yoo SH, Sung PS, Kwon JH, Jang JW, Kim SJ, Yoon SK. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate directly ameliorates liver fibrosis by inducing hepatic stellate cell apoptosis via downregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261067. [PMID: 34879114 PMCID: PMC8654182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antifibrotic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis has not been developed so far. Long term treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients with antiviral drugs tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) results in the regression of liver fibrosis, but the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the direct impact of TDF and ETV on liver fibrosis. Methods Activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) cell lines were used to evaluate the effects of TDF and ETV. After treatment with each antiviral agent, cell viability, morphology, apoptotic features, autophagy and antifibrosis signalling pathways were examined. Then, collagen deposition, fibrosis markers and activated HSCs were measured in liver tissues of the liver fibrosis model mice. Results After TDF treatment, the viabilities of LX2 and HSC-T6 cells were decreased, and the cells exhibited apoptotic features, but ETV did not induce these effects. Cleavage of PARP and Caspase-3 and the inhibition of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-xl indicated activated HSC apoptosis following TDF treatment. TDF simultaneously increased autophagy, which also regulated apoptosis through crosstalk. TDF inactivated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, which was associated with the activation of both apoptosis and autophagy. In the liver fibrosis mouse model, the fibrotic area and activated HSC markers were decreased by TDF but not ETV treatment. Additionally, apoptotic cells were concentrated in the periportal fibrotic area after TDF treatment, which indicated the specific antifibrotic effect of TDF. Conclusions TDF directly ameliorates liver fibrosis by downregulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, which results in the apoptosis of activated HSCs. The antifibrotic effects of TDF indicate that it may be a therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Won Lee
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Min Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Yoon Kang
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Lim Lee
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heechul Nam
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Hong Yoo
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Kwon
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Jun Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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25
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Han H, Zhang Y, Peng G, Li L, Yang J, Yuan Y, Xu Y, Liu ZR. Extracellular PKM2 facilitates organ-tissue fibrosis progression. iScience 2021; 24:103165. [PMID: 34693222 PMCID: PMC8517170 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent activation of fibroblasts and resistance of myofibroblasts to turnover play important roles in organ-tissue fibrosis development and progression. The mechanism that mediates apoptosis resistance of myofibroblasts is not understood. Here, we report that myofibroblasts express and secrete PKM2. Extracellular PKM2 (EcPKM2) facilitates progression of fibrosis by protecting myofibroblasts from apoptosis. EcPKM2 upregulates arginase-1 expression in myofibroblasts and therefore facilitates proline biosynthesis and subsequent collagen production. EcPKM2 interacts with integrin αvβ3 on myofibroblasts to activate FAK-PI3K signaling axis. Activation of FAK-PI3K by EcPKM2 activates downstream NF-κB survival pathway to prevent myofibroblasts from apoptosis. On the other hand, activation of FAK- PI3K by EcPKM2 suppresses PTEN to subsequently upregulate arginase-1 in myofibroblasts. Our studies uncover an important mechanism for organ fibrosis progression. More importantly, an antibody disrupting the interaction between PKM2 and integrin αvβ3 is effective in reversing fibrosis, suggesting a possible therapeutic strategy and target for treatment of organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Han
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Yinwei Zhang
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Guangda Peng
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Liangwei Li
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Jenny Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Yiting Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Zhi-Ren Liu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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26
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Wu X, Dong W, Kong M, Ren H, Wang J, Shang L, Zhu Z, Zhu W, Shi X. Down-Regulation of CXXC5 De-Represses MYCL1 to Promote Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:680344. [PMID: 34621736 PMCID: PMC8490686 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.680344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is mediated by myofibroblasts, a specialized cell type involved in wound healing and extracellular matrix production. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major source of myofibroblasts in the fibrotic livers. In the present study we investigated the involvement of CXXC-type zinc-finger protein 5 (CXXC5) in HSC activation and the underlying mechanism. Down-regulation of CXXC5 was observed in activated HSCs compared to quiescent HSCs both in vivo and in vitro. In accordance, over-expression of CXXC5 suppressed HSC activation. RNA-seq analysis revealed that CXXC5 influenced multiple signaling pathways to regulate HSC activation. The proto-oncogene MYCL1 was identified as a novel target for CXXC5. CXXC5 bound to the proximal MYCL1 promoter to repress MYCL1 transcription in quiescent HSCs. Loss of CXXC5 expression during HSC activation led to the removal of CpG methylation and acquisition of acetylated histone H3K9/H3K27 on the MYCL1 promoter resulting in MYCL1 trans-activation. Finally, MYCL1 knockdown attenuated HSC activation whereas MYCL1 over-expression partially relieved the blockade of HSC activation by CXXC5. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel transcriptional mechanism contributing to HSC activation and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haozhen Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longcheng Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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27
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Sehgal R, Ilha M, Vaittinen M, Kaminska D, Männistö V, Kärjä V, Tuomainen M, Hanhineva K, Romeo S, Pajukanta P, Pihlajamäki J, de Mello VD. Indole-3-Propionic Acid, a Gut-Derived Tryptophan Metabolite, Associates with Hepatic Fibrosis. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13103509. [PMID: 34684510 PMCID: PMC8538297 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Gut microbiota-derived metabolites play a vital role in maintenance of human health and progression of disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a gut-derived tryptophan metabolite, has been recently shown to be lower in individuals with obesity and T2D. IPA’s beneficial effect on liver health has been also explored in rodent and cell models. In this study, we investigated the association of IPA with human liver histology and transcriptomics, and the potential of IPA to reduce hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro. Methods: A total of 233 subjects (72% women; age 48.3 ± 9.3 years; BMI 43.1 ± 5.4 kg/m2) undergoing bariatric surgery with detailed liver histology were included. Circulating IPA levels were measured using LC-MS and liver transcriptomics with total RNA-sequencing. LX-2 cells were used to study hepatoprotective effect of IPA in cells activated by TGF-β1. Results: Circulating IPA levels were found to be lower in individuals with liver fibrosis compared to those without fibrosis (p = 0.039 for all participants; p = 0.013 for 153 individuals without T2D). Accordingly, levels of circulating IPA associated with expression of 278 liver transcripts (p < 0.01) that were enriched for the genes regulating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and hepatic fibrosis signaling. Our results suggest that IPA may have hepatoprotective potential because it is able to reduce cell adhesion, cell migration and mRNA gene expression of classical markers of HSCs activation in LX-2 cells (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The association of circulating IPA with liver fibrosis and the ability of IPA to reduce activation of LX-2 cells suggests that IPA may have a therapeutic potential. Further molecular studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms how IPA can ameliorate hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratika Sehgal
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.S.); (M.I.); (M.V.); (D.K.); (M.T.); (K.H.); (J.P.)
| | - Mariana Ilha
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.S.); (M.I.); (M.V.); (D.K.); (M.T.); (K.H.); (J.P.)
| | - Maija Vaittinen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.S.); (M.I.); (M.V.); (D.K.); (M.T.); (K.H.); (J.P.)
| | - Dorota Kaminska
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.S.); (M.I.); (M.V.); (D.K.); (M.T.); (K.H.); (J.P.)
| | - Ville Männistö
- Departments of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Vesa Kärjä
- Department of Pathology, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Marjo Tuomainen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.S.); (M.I.); (M.V.); (D.K.); (M.T.); (K.H.); (J.P.)
| | - Kati Hanhineva
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.S.); (M.I.); (M.V.); (D.K.); (M.T.); (K.H.); (J.P.)
- Department of Life Technologies, Food Chemistry and Food Development Unit, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Päivi Pajukanta
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Institute for Precision Health, School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jussi Pihlajamäki
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.S.); (M.I.); (M.V.); (D.K.); (M.T.); (K.H.); (J.P.)
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio University Hospital, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Vanessa D. de Mello
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.S.); (M.I.); (M.V.); (D.K.); (M.T.); (K.H.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence:
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28
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Turaga RC, Satyanarayana G, Sharma M, Yang JJ, Wang S, Liu C, Li S, Yang H, Grossniklaus H, Farris AB, Gracia-Sancho J, Liu ZR. Targeting integrin αvβ3 by a rationally designed protein for chronic liver disease treatment. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1087. [PMID: 34531529 PMCID: PMC8445973 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02611-2] [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: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Liver Diseases (CLD) are characterized by abnormal accumulation of collagen fibrils, neo-angiogenesis, and sinusoidal remodeling. Collagen deposition along with intrahepatic angiogenesis and sinusoidal remodeling alters sinusoid structure resulting in portal hypertension, liver failure, and other complications. Efforts were made to develop treatments for CLDs. However, the success of such treatments is limited and unpredictable. We report a strategy for CLD treatment by induction of integrin αvβ3 mediated cell apoptosis using a rationally designed protein (ProAgio). ProAgio is designed to target integrin αvβ3 at a novel site. Integrin αvβ3 is highly expressed in activated Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSC), angiogenic endothelium, and capillarized Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells (LSEC). ProAgio induces apoptosis of these disease causative cells. Tests with liver fibrosis mouse models demonstrate that ProAgio reverses liver fibrosis and relieves blood flow resistance by depleting activated HSC and capillarized LSEC. Our studies demonstrate an effective approach for CLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Chakra Turaga
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30324, USA
| | | | - Malvika Sharma
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30324, USA
| | - Jenny J Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | | | | | - Sun Li
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Hua Yang
- Department Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | | | | | - Zhi-Ren Liu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30324, USA.
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29
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Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, which is characterized by a large amount of lipid peroxide accumulation and the imbalance of redox state in cells. Ferroptosis is usually accompanied with the dysfunction of lipid repair enzyme (glutathione peroxidase 4, GPX4), large masses of iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Ferroptosis is related to several signaling pathways, including amino acid and iron metabolism, ferritinophagy, cell adhesion and p53 and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathways. A number of studies have indicated that ferroptosis is closely associated with acute renal failure, tumor, ischemia and reperfusion injury, neurodegenerative diseases and liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis, which has long been a global health problem, still lacks effective treatment till now, and the discovery of ferroptosis provides a new insight into addressing this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kang He
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Yang X, Shu B, Zhou Y, Li Z, He C. Ppic modulates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis and TGF-β-caused mouse hepatic stellate cell activation and regulated by miR-137-3p. Toxicol Lett 2021; 350:52-61. [PMID: 34224798 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell activation, characterized by hyperproliferation and increased release of collagens, is a critical event during the initiation and development of hepatic fibrosis. The deregulated genes among different expression profiles based on online datasets were analyzed, attempting to identify novel potential biomarkers and treatment targets for hepatic fibrosis. The abnormal upregulation of mouse peptidylprolyl isomerase C (Ppic) within the CCl4-caused hepatic fibrosis model in mice was identified according to bioinformatics and experimental analyses. The knockdown of Ppic in the CCl4-caused liver fibrosis murine model significantly improved CCl4-caused liver damage, decreased the fibrotic area, reduced ECM deposition, and reduced the hydroxyproline levels. The knockdown of Ppic in TGF-β-stimulated mouse hepatic stellate cells inhibited cell proliferation and decreased ECM levels. Through direct targeting, miR-137-3p negatively regulated Ppic expression. Contrastingly to Ppic knockdown, miR-137-3p inhibition further promoted cell proliferation and boosted ECM levels; the effects of miR-137-3p inhibition could be partially reversed by Ppic knockdown. Altogether, mmu-miR-137-3p directly targets Ppic and forms a regulatory axis with Ppic, modulating CCl4-caused hepatic fibrosis in mice and TGF-β-caused mouse hepatic stellate cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Bo Shu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yingxia Zhou
- Department of Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zhuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China; Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Chao He
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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31
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Gong X, Wang X, Zhou F. Liver microRNA-29b-3p positively correlates with relative enhancement values of magnetic resonance imaging and represses liver fibrosis. J Biochem 2021; 168:603-609. [PMID: 32653922 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvaa074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to identify potential microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to liver fibrosis progression and investigate how the miRNA is involved. We recruited totally 58 patients. Magnetic resonance imaging was employed to detect fibrosis. Classification of liver fibrosis was carried out by Ishak scoring system. Cell viability was tested using cell counting kit-8. Measurements of mRNA and protein expressions were conducted using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay was recruited for determination of miR-29b-3p targets. We found that relative enhancement (RE) values were reduced with the increases in fibrosis stages and was negatively associated with Ishak scores. In comparison with patients without liver fibrosis, miR-29b-3p level was remarkably reduced in those with liver fibrosis. Its level was found to be positively associated with RE values. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation significantly decreased miR-29b-3p expression. However, miR-29b-3p overexpression repressed TGF-β1-induced collagen I protein and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. As expected, its overexpression also reduced cell viability. We found that miR-29b-3p directly bind to signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and suppressed its expression. Our study demonstrates that low expression of miR-29b-3p may contribute to the progression of liver fibrosis by suppressing STAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijun Gong
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui, China
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32
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Strickland JD, Copple BL. Modulation of macrophage phenotype to treat liver fibrosis-Current approaches and future possibilities. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 91:213-228. [PMID: 34099109 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 2 million deaths annually. Despite its wide prevalence, there are currently no pharmacological therapies that directly reverse the fibrotic process in patients. Studies over the last decade have revealed that liver fibrosis is reversible in patients and in animal models. Further, studies aimed at elucidating the mechanism of fibrosis reversal have revealed that macrophages are central to this process. During resolution of fibrosis, proinflammatory macrophages shift phenotype to pro-resolution macrophages which produce matrix degrading enzymes and mediators that inactivate hepatic stellate cells, the cell type principally involved in matrix production during fibrosis development. Since fibrosis reversal begins when disease-causing macrophages transition to disease-reversing macrophages, studies have focused on identifying pharmacological agents that stimulate this process to occur. If successful, these "drugs" would constitute a first-in-class, macrophage-targeted therapeutic approach to reverse liver fibrosis. In the following review, we summarize the current approaches under investigation to modify macrophage phenotype for liver disease treatment. Further we discuss the potential of other approaches to identify novel macrophage-targeted drugs that modify the phenotype of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna D Strickland
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Bryan L Copple
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.
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Acceleration of TAA-Induced Liver Fibrosis by Stress Exposure Is Associated with Upregulation of Nerve Growth Factor and Glycopattern Deviations. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105055. [PMID: 34064584 PMCID: PMC8151393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from many chronic injuries and may often progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In fact, up to 90% of HCC arise in a cirrhotic liver. Conversely, stress is implicated in liver damage, worsening disease outcome. Hence, stress could play a role in disrupting liver homeostasis, a concept that has not been fully explored. Here, in a murine model of TAA-induced liver fibrosis we identified nerve growth factor (NGF) to be a crucial regulator of the stress-induced fibrogenesis signaling pathway as it activates its receptor p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), increasing liver damage. Additionally, blocking the NGF decreased liver fibrosis whereas treatment with recombinant NGF accelerated the fibrotic process to a similar extent than stress challenge. We further show that the fibrogenesis induced by stress is characterized by specific changes in the hepatoglycocode (increased β1,6GlcNAc-branched complex N-glycans and decreased core 1 O-glycans expression) which are also observed in patients with advanced fibrosis compared to patients with a low level of fibrosis. Our study facilitates an understanding of stress-induced liver injury and identify NGF signaling pathway in early stages of the disease, which contributes to the established fibrogenesis.
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Sommerhalder C, Cummins CB, Wang X, Ramdas D, Lopez ON, Gu Y, Zhou J, Radhakrishnan RS. HJC0416 Attenuates Fibrogenesis in Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells via STAT3 and NF-κB Pathways. J Surg Res 2021; 261:334-342. [PMID: 33486415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.12.045] [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: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is wound-healing response that is the result of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and subsequent excess extracellular matrix deposition. HSCs can be activated by a variety of inflammatory stimuli as well as through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. HJC0416 is a novel, orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3 that was developed by our team using a fragment-based drug design approach. Previously, our team has shown that HJC0416 has antifibrogenic effects in activated HSCs. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) plays an important role in the activation of HSCs. In the present study, we examined the role of NF-κB inhibition of HSC activation by HJC0416. METHODS LX-2 (human) and HSC-T6 (rat) cell lines were used. Expression levels of extracellular proteins, NF-κB and STAT3 expression and DNA binding, and inflammatory cytokine levels were determined using western blot, ELISA, and immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS HJC0416 decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner in both cell lines and arrested the cell cycle at the S phase. Increased apoptosis was seen in LX-2 cells through Yo-Pro-1 and propidium iodide immunofluorescent stating. HJC0416 significantly decreased expression of fibronectin and collagen I as well as markedly decreased α-SMA and laminin. HJC0416 inhibited the STAT3 pathway by decreasing phosphorylation of STAT3, as well as signal transduction pathway activation. Notably, HJC0416 also inhibited the classic and alternative pathways of NF-κB activation. HJC0416 inhibited LPS-induced p65 nuclear translocation and DNA binding, as well as prevented phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory protein IκBα. HJC0416 also prevented phosphorylation of serine residue 536 on p65. CONCLUSIONS HJC0416, an inhibitor of STAT3, was found to have antifibrogenic properties in activated hepatic stellate cell lines. In addition, HJC0416 was found to inhibit the NF-κB pathway. Owing to this double effect, HJC0416 demonstrates promise for in vivo experimentation as an antifibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire B Cummins
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Xiaofu Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Divya Ramdas
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Omar Nunez Lopez
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Yanping Gu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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Zhang T, Li Y, Song Y, Chen X, Li J, Peng Q, He J, Fei X. Curcumin- and Cyclopamine-Loaded Liposomes to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy Against Hepatic Fibrosis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2020; 14:5667-5678. [PMID: 33380787 PMCID: PMC7767702 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s287442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hepatic fibrosis is a public health problem characterized by activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which triggers excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM). Inhibition of HSC activation may be an effective treatment. Since various pathways control HSC activation, a combination of drugs with different mechanisms may be more effective than monotherapy. METHODS Here, we prepared liposomes loaded with curcumin and cyclopamine to inhibit HSC activation. We systematically analyzed the physicochemical characteristics of liposomes loaded with the two drugs, as well as their effects on HSC proliferation, activation and collagen production on gene, protein and cellular levels. RESULTS The prepared liposomes helped solubilize both drugs, contributing to their uptake by cells. Liposomes loaded with both drugs inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as induced more apoptosis and perturbed the cell cycle more than the free combination of both drugs in solution or liposomes loaded with either drug alone. Liposomes loaded with both drugs strongly suppressed HSC activation and collagen secretion. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that liposome encapsulation can increase the uptake of curcumin and cyclopamine as well as the synergism between them in anti-fibrosis. This approach shows potential for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanping Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Song
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshuang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinhan He
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaofan Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
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36
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Yoon YC, Fang Z, Lee JE, Park JH, Ryu JK, Jung KH, Hong SS. Selonsertib Inhibits Liver Fibrosis via Downregulation of ASK1/ MAPK Pathway of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2020; 28:527-536. [PMID: 32451370 PMCID: PMC7585640 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2020.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis constitutes a significant health problem worldwide due to its rapidly increasing prevalence and the absence of specific and effective treatments. Growing evidence suggests that apoptosis-signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is activated in oxidative stress, which causes hepatic inflammation and apoptosis, leading to liver fibrogenesis through a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) downstream signals. In this study, we investigated whether selonsertib, a selective inhibitor of ASK1, shows therapeutic efficacy for liver fibrosis, and elucidated its mechanism of action in vivo and in vitro. As a result, selonsertib strongly suppressed the growth and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and induced apoptosis by increasing Annexin V and TUNEL-positive cells. We also observed that selonsertib inhibited the ASK1/MAPK pathway, including p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in HSCs. Interestingly, dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis was significantly alleviated by selonsertib treatment in rats. Furthermore, selonsertib reduced collagen deposition and the expression of extracellular components such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and collagen type I in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, selonsertib suppressed fibrotic response such as HSC proliferation and extracellular matrix components by blocking the ASK1/MAPK pathway. Therefore, we suggest that selonsertib may be an effective therapeutic drug for ameliorating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Chan Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhenghuan Fang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hee Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
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37
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Sovaila S, Purcarea A, Gheonea D, Ionescu S, Ciurea T. Cellular Interactions in the Human Fatty Liver. J Med Life 2020; 12:338-340. [PMID: 32025251 PMCID: PMC6993300 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2019-1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis morbidity and mortality is on the rise due to the obesity pandemic. Its pathophysiology is not well understood and implies complex interactions between local hepatic cells populations, adipocytes, immune effectors that lead to hepatic lipid excess, lipotoxicity, cellular stress and inflammation, as well as programmed cell death. A better understanding of these pathogenic interactions would allow better identification of therapeutic targets in a disease that has no known pharmacological therapy until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sovaila
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Dan Gheonea
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
| | - Sanziana Ionescu
- First Surgical Clinic, Colentina University Hospital, Carol Davila Univeristy of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tudorel Ciurea
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
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38
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Mohanty SK, Lobeck I, Donnelly B, Dupree P, Walther A, Mowery S, Coots A, Bondoc A, Sheridan RM, Poling HM, Temple H, McNeal M, Sestak K, Bansal R, Tiao G. Rotavirus Reassortant-Induced Murine Model of Liver Fibrosis Parallels Human Biliary Atresia. Hepatology 2020; 71:1316-1330. [PMID: 31442322 PMCID: PMC7384231 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Biliary atresia (BA) is a devastating neonatal cholangiopathy that progresses to fibrosis and end-stage liver disease by 2 years of age. Portoenterostomy may reestablish biliary drainage, but, despite drainage, virtually all afflicted patients develop fibrosis and progress to end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation for survival. APPROACH AND RESULTS In the murine model of BA, rhesus rotavirus (RRV) infection of newborn pups results in a cholangiopathy paralleling human BA and has been used to study mechanistic aspects of the disease. Unfortunately, nearly all RRV-infected pups succumb by day of life 14. Thus, in this study we generated an RRV-TUCH rotavirus reassortant (designated as TR(VP2,VP4) ) that when injected into newborn mice causes an obstructive jaundice phenotype with lower mortality rates. Of the mice that survived, 63% developed Ishak stage 3-5 fibrosis with histopathological signs of inflammation/fibrosis and bile duct obstruction. CONCLUSIONS This model of rotavirus-induced neonatal fibrosis will provide an opportunity to study disease pathogenesis and has potential to be used in preclinical studies with an objective to identify therapeutic targets that may alter the course of BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujit K. Mohanty
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Inna Lobeck
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Bryan Donnelly
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Phylicia Dupree
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Ashley Walther
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Sarah Mowery
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Abigail Coots
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Alexander Bondoc
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Rachel M. Sheridan
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Holly M. Poling
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Haley Temple
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Monica McNeal
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOH,Division of Infectious DiseasesCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
| | - Karol Sestak
- Tulane National Primate Research CenterCovingtonLA
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, Technical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
| | - Greg Tiao
- Department of Pediatric and Thoracic SurgeryCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOH
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Atluri K, Brouillette MJ, Seol D, Khorsand B, Sander E, Salem AK, Fredericks D, Petersen E, Smith S, Fowler TP, Martin JA. Sulfasalazine Resolves Joint Stiffness in a Rabbit Model of Arthrofibrosis. J Orthop Res 2020; 38:629-638. [PMID: 31692083 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Joint stiffness due to fibrosis/capsule contracture is a seriously disabling complication of articular injury that surgical interventions often fail to completely resolve. Fibrosis/contracture is associated with the abnormal persistence of myofibroblasts, which over-produce and contract collagen matrices. We hypothesized that intra-articular therapy with drugs targeting myofibroblast survival (sulfasalazine), or collagen production (β-aminopropionitrile and cis-hydroxyproline), would reduce joint stiffness in a rabbit model of fibrosis/contracture. Drugs were encapsulated in poly[lactic-co-glycolic] acid pellets and implanted in joints after fibrosis/contracture induction. Capsule α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and intimal thickness were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry, respectively. Joint stiffness was quantified by flexion-extension testing. Drawer tests were employed to determine if the drugs induced cruciate ligament laxity. Joint capsule fibroblasts were tested in vitro for contractile activity and α-SMA expression. Stiffness in immobilized joints treated with blank pellets (control) was significantly higher than in non-immobilized, untreated joints (normal) (p = 0.0008), and higher than in immobilized joints treated with sulfasalazine (p = 0.0065). None of the drugs caused significant cruciate ligament laxity. Intimal thickness was significantly lower than control in the normal and sulfasalazine-treated groups (p = 0.010 and 0.025, respectively). Contractile activity in the cells from controls was significantly increased versus normal (p = 0.001). Sulfasalazine and β-aminopropionitrile significantly inhibited this effect (p = 0.005 and 0.0006, respectively). α-SMA expression was significantly higher in control versus normal (p = 0.0021) and versus sulfasalazine (p = 0.0007). These findings support the conclusion that sulfasalazine reduced stiffness by clearing myofibroblasts from fibrotic joints. Statement of clinical significance: The results provide proof-of-concept that established joint stiffness can be resolved non-surgically. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:629-638, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthi Atluri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
| | - Marc J Brouillette
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
| | - Dongrim Seol
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
| | - Behnoush Khorsand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
| | - Edward Sander
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
| | - Aliasger K Salem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
| | - Douglas Fredericks
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
| | - Emily Petersen
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
| | - Sonja Smith
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
| | - Timothy P Fowler
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
| | - James A Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242.,Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242
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40
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Hao G, Zhai J, Jiang H, Zhang Y, Wu M, Qiu Y, Fan C, Yu L, Bai S, Sun L, Yang Z. Acetylshikonin induces apoptosis of human leukemia cell line K562 by inducing S phase cell cycle arrest, modulating ROS accumulation, depleting Bcr-Abl and blocking NF-κB signaling. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 122:109677. [PMID: 31810012 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylshikonin, a natural naphthoquinone derivative compound from Lithospermum erythrorhyzon, has been reported to kill bacteria, suppress inflammation, and inhibit tumor growth. However, the effect of acetylshikonin on human chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) cells apoptosis and its detailed mechanisms remains unknown. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether acetylshikonin could inhibit proliferation or induce apoptosis of the K562 cells, and whether by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway to suppress the development of CML. K562 cells were treated with serial diluted acetylshikonin at different concentrations. Our data showed that K562 cell growth was significantly inhibited by acetylshikonin with an IC50 of 2.03 μM at 24 h and 1.13 μM at 48 h, with increased cell cycle arrest in S-phase. The results of annexin V-FITC/PI and AO/EB staining showed that acetylshikonin induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. K562 cells treated with acetylshikonin underwent massive apoptosis accompanied by a rapid generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Scavenging the ROS completely blocked the induction of apoptosis following acetylshikonin treatment. The levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 increased with increased concentrations of acetylshikonin, while the level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was downregulated. The levels of Cyt C and AIF, which are characteristic proteins of the mitochondria-regulated intrinsic apoptotic pathway, also increased in the cytosol after acetylshikonin treatment. However, the mitochondrial fraction of Cyt C and AIF were decreased under acetylshikonin treatment. In addition, acetylshikonin decreased Bcr-Abl expression and inhibited its downstream signaling. Acetylshikonin could lead to a blockage of the NF-κB signaling pathway via decreasing nuclear NF-κB P65 and increasing cytoplasmic NF-κB P65. Moreover, acetylshikonin significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of IkBα and IKKα/β in K562 cells. These results demonstrated that acetylshikonin significantly inhibited K562 cell growth and induced cell apoptosis through the mitochondria-regulated intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The mechanisms may involve the modulating ROS accumulation, inhibition of NF-κB and BCR-ABL expression. The inhibition of BCR-ABL expression and the inactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway caused by acetylshikonin treatment resulted in K562 cell apoptosis. Together, our results indicate that acetylshikonin could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the future treatment of CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangping Hao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China.
| | - Jing Zhai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Hanming Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanying Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Mengdi Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Yuyu Qiu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Cundong Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Lijuan Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Suyun Bai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongfa Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, China; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.
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Khomich O, Ivanov AV, Bartosch B. Metabolic Hallmarks of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 9:E24. [PMID: 31861818 PMCID: PMC7016711 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a regenerative process that occurs after injury. It is characterized by the deposition of connective tissue by specialized fibroblasts and concomitant proliferative responses. Chronic damage that stimulates fibrogenic processes in the long-term may result in the deposition of excess matrix tissue and impairment of liver functions. End-stage fibrosis is referred to as cirrhosis and predisposes strongly to the loss of liver functions (decompensation) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver fibrosis is a pathology common to a number of different chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis. The predominant cell type responsible for fibrogenesis is hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In response to inflammatory stimuli or hepatocyte death, HSCs undergo trans-differentiation to myofibroblast-like cells. Recent evidence shows that metabolic alterations in HSCs are important for the trans-differentiation process and thus offer new possibilities for therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the metabolic changes that occur during HSC activation with a particular focus on the retinol and lipid metabolism, the central carbon metabolism, and associated redox or stress-related signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khomich
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 03, 69424 Lyon, France;
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Ivanov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Birke Bartosch
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 03, 69424 Lyon, France;
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A Novel Hepatic Anti-Fibrotic Strategy Utilizing the Secretome Released from Etanercept-Synthesizing Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246302. [PMID: 31847135 PMCID: PMC6940971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-driven inflammatory reaction plays a crucial role in the initiation of liver fibrosis. We herein attempted to design genetically engineered adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) producing etanercept (a potent TNF-α inhibitor), and to determine the anti-fibrotic potential of the secretome released from the etanercept-synthesizing ASCs (etanercept-secretome). First, we generated the etanercept-synthesizing ASCs by transfecting the ASCs with mini-circle plasmids containing the gene insert encoding for etanercept. We subsequently collected the secretory material released from the etanercept-synthesizing ASCs and determined its anti-fibrotic effects both in vitro (in thioacetamide [TAA]-treated AML12 and LX2 cells) and in vivo (in TAA-treated mice) models of liver fibrosis. We observed that while etanercept-secretome increased the viability of the TAA-treated AML12 hepatocytes (p = 0.021), it significantly decreased the viability of the TAA-treated LX2 HSCs (p = 0.021). In the liver of mice with liver fibrosis, intravenous administration of the etanercept-secretome induced significant reduction in the expression of both fibrosis-related and inflammation-related markers compared to the control group (all Ps < 0.05). The etanercept-secretome group also showed significantly lower serum levels of liver enzymes as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α (p = 0.020) and IL-6 (p = 0.021). Histological examination of the liver showed the highest reduction in the degree of fibrosis in the entanercept-secretome group (p = 0.006). Our results suggest that the administration of etanercept-secretome improves liver fibrosis by inhibiting TNF-α-driven inflammation in the mice with liver fibrosis. Thus, blocking TNF-α-driven inflammation at the appropriate stage of liver fibrosis could be an efficient strategy to prevent fibrosis.
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Kim KH, Lee JI, Kim OH, Hong HE, Kwak BJ, Choi HJ, Ahn J, Lee TY, Lee SC, Kim SJ. Ameliorating liver fibrosis in an animal model using the secretome released from miR-122-transfected adipose-derived stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:990-1004. [PMID: 31768225 PMCID: PMC6851007 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i11.990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, the exclusive use of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-secreted molecules, called secretome, rather than cells, has been evaluated for overcoming the limitations of cell-based therapy, while maintaining its advantages. However, the use of naïve secretome may not fully satisfy the specificity of each disease. Therefore, it appears to be more advantageous to use the functionally reinforced secretome through a series of processes involving physico-chemical adjustments or genetic manipulation rather than to the use naïve secretome.
AIM To determine the therapeutic potential of the secretome released from miR-122-transfected adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs).
METHODS We collected secretory materials released from ASCs that had been transfected with antifibrotic miR-122 (MCM) and compared their antifibrotic effects with those of the naïve secretome (CM). MCM and CM were intravenously administered to the mouse model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis, and their therapeutic potentials were compared.
RESULTS MCM infusion provided higher therapeutic potential in terms of: (A) Reducing collagen content in the liver; (B) Inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines; and (C) Reducing abnormally elevated liver enzymes than the infusion of the naïve secretome. The proteomic analysis of MCM also indicated that the contents of antifibrotic proteins were significantly elevated compared to those in the naïve secretome.
CONCLUSION We could, thus, conclude that the secretome released from miR-122-transfected ASCs has higher antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties than the naïve secretome. Because miR-122 transfection into ASCs provides a specific way of potentiating the antifibrotic properties of ASC secretome, it could be considered as an enhanced method for reinforcing secretome effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kee-Hwan Kim
- Department of Surgery, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 11765, South Korea
- Catholic Central Laboratory of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Industry, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
| | - Jae Im Lee
- Department of Surgery, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 11765, South Korea
| | - Ok-Hee Kim
- Catholic Central Laboratory of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Industry, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
| | - Ha-Eun Hong
- Catholic Central Laboratory of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Industry, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
| | - Bong Jun Kwak
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
| | - Ho Joong Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
| | - Joseph Ahn
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
| | - Tae Yun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
| | - Sang Chul Lee
- Department of Surgery, Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 34943, South Korea
| | - Say-June Kim
- Catholic Central Laboratory of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Industry, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea
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Chen CH, Chang CL, Chen KH, Cheng BC, Chen HH, Chiang JY, Sung PH, Yip HK. Level and Value of T Cell-derived Circulating Microparticles in Liver Cirrhosis Patients. In Vivo 2019; 33:2265-2272. [PMID: 31662566 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11732] [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: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM We examined the hypothesis that T cell-derived-circulating microparticles (MPs) are increased in liver-cirrhosis (LC) patients compared to normal subjects and are also increased in chronic hepatitis compared to acute-decompensated-liver cirrhosis (ADLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 66 LC patients, including 35 with ADLC and 31 with non-decompensated-LC (NDLC), were enrolled in the study. Ten volunteers served as controls. RESULTS Flow-cytometric analysis showed that circulating levels of T-cell derived MPs (i.e., total MPs and CD4+/CD8+/CD54+MPs) were higher in LC patients than in the controls (all p<0.003). Total MPs and CD8+MPs were higher in NDLC than in ADLC patients. There were good correlations between CD8+MPs and ADLC as well as between total MPs and chronic hepatitis. Multivariate-linear-regression analysis showed that NDLC was independently predictive of increased circulating CD8+MPs levels (p<0.05) and chronic hepatitis independently predictive of increased circulating total MPs levels (p<0.001)/CD4+MPs (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Circulating levels of T-cell-derived MPs were increased in ADLC patients and were even more elevated in NDLC patients compared to healthy-control subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hung Chen
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chia-Lo Chang
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kuan-Hung Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ben-Chung Cheng
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hong-Hwa Chen
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - John Y Chiang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pei-Hsun Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C. .,Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hon-Kan Yip
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C. .,Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Nursing, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Li C, Meng M, Guo M, Wang M, Ju A, Wang C. The polysaccharides from Grifola frondosa attenuate CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. RSC Adv 2019; 9:33684-33692. [PMID: 35528887 PMCID: PMC9073534 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra04679h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway has been linked to hepatic fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that yellow polysaccharide can prevent the development of hepatic fibrosis. However, it is unclear whether the polysaccharide affects the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. In this experiment, 50 experimental rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, model group, low GFP dose group (50 mg kg-1), medium GFP dose group (100 mg kg-1), and high GFP dose group (200 mg kg-1). A cirrhotic portal hypertension rat model was established by a CCl4 compound method. After 12 weeks of intragastric administration, the liver index of the medium dose and high dose group was significantly lower than that of the model group. The hepatic fibrosis lesions of rats in each dose group were improved to different extents, and the effect was most significant in the high dose group. The contents of ALT, AST, TBIL and CIV, PCIII, LN and HA in serum were significantly decreased. The activity of SOD and GSH-Px in the liver tissue of GFP medium and high dose groups was significantly increased and the content of MDA was significantly decreased. The contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly decreased. The western blot results showed that the expressions of p-Smad 2/3, Smad4, PAI-1, Imp7 and Imp8 in medium dose and high dose groups were significantly lower than those in the model group, while the expression of Smad7 was significantly higher than that of the model group. The GFP-treated group was able to reduce the expression level of mi R-154 in liver tissue and increase the expression level of miR-146a. GFP has a significant intervention effect on rat hepatic fibrosis, and its mechanism may inhibit the progression of hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response and regulating TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and mi RNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin Economy Technological Development Area Tianjin 300457 People Republic of China +86-022-60912421 +86-022-60912421
| | - Meng Meng
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin Economy Technological Development Area Tianjin 300457 People Republic of China +86-022-60912421 +86-022-60912421
| | - Mingzhu Guo
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin Economy Technological Development Area Tianjin 300457 People Republic of China +86-022-60912421 +86-022-60912421
| | - Mengyang Wang
- Cangzhou Institutes for Food and Drug Control Cangzhou 061000 People Republic of China
| | - Aining Ju
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University Yantai 264100 People Republic of China
| | - Chunling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin Economy Technological Development Area Tianjin 300457 People Republic of China +86-022-60912421 +86-022-60912421
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Li C, Yang G, Lin L, Xuan Y, Yan S, Ji X, Song F, Lu M, Lan T. Slit2 signaling contributes to cholestatic fibrosis in mice by activation of hepatic stellate cells. Exp Cell Res 2019; 385:111626. [PMID: 31545977 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver Cholestasis is a widespread disease of broad etiologies and ultimately results in fibrosis, which is still lacking effective therapeutic strategies. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key event of liver fibrosis. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of the Slit2 signaling in cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis. Our findings revealed that the serum levels and hepatic expression of Slit2 were significantly increased in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Additionally, Slit2-Tg mice were much more vulnerable to BDL-induced liver injury and fibrosis compared to WT control. Slit2 up-regulation by Slit2 recombinant protein induced proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis of human HSCs cell line LX-2 via p38 and ERK signaling pathway, resulting in the activation of HSCs. In contrast, Slit2 down-regulation by siRNA silencing inhibit the activation of HSCs. In conclusion, Slit2 is involved in the activation of HSCs and liver fibrogenesis, highlighting Slit2 as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changzheng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guizhi Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Liteng Lin
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China; Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xuan
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Sishan Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoqian Ji
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fenyun Song
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Minqiang Lu
- Department of HBP SURGERY II, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tian Lan
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Alamri ZZ. Effect of Luteolin and Quercetin on Thioacetamide Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats. INT J PHARMACOL 2019. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2019.863.871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Widjaja AA, Singh BK, Adami E, Viswanathan S, Dong J, D'Agostino GA, Ng B, Lim WW, Tan J, Paleja BS, Tripathi M, Lim SY, Shekeran SG, Chothani SP, Rabes A, Sombetzki M, Bruinstroop E, Min LP, Sinha RA, Albani S, Yen PM, Schafer S, Cook SA. Inhibiting Interleukin 11 Signaling Reduces Hepatocyte Death and Liver Fibrosis, Inflammation, and Steatosis in Mouse Models of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Gastroenterology 2019; 157:777-792.e14. [PMID: 31078624 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We studied the role of interleukin 11 (IL11) signaling in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), hepatocytes, and mouse models of NASH. METHODS We stimulated mouse and human fibroblasts, HSCs, or hepatocytes with IL11 and other cytokines and analyzed them by imaging, immunoblot, and functional assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Mice were given injections of IL11. Mice with disruption of the interleukin 11 receptor subunit alpha1 gene (Il11ra1-/-) mice and Il11ra1+/+ mice were fed a high-fat methionine- and choline-deficient diet (HFMCD) or a Western diet with liquid fructose (WDF) to induce steatohepatitis; control mice were fed normal chow. db/db mice were fed with methionine- and choline-deficient diet for 12 weeks and C57BL/6 NTac were fed with HFMCD for 10 weeks or WDF for 16 weeks. Some mice were given intraperitoneal injections of anti-IL11 (X203), anti-IL11RA (X209), or a control antibody at different timepoints on the diets. Livers and blood were collected; blood samples were analyzed by biochemistry and liver tissues were analyzed by histology, RNA sequencing, immunoblots, immunohistochemistry, hydroxyproline, and mass cytometry time of flight assays. RESULTS HSCs incubated with cytokines produced IL11, resulting in activation (phosphorylation) of ERK and expression of markers of fibrosis. Livers of mice given injections of IL11 became damaged, with increased markers of fibrosis, hepatocyte cell death and inflammation. Following the HFMCD or WDF, livers from Il11ra1-/- mice had reduced steatosis, fibrosis, expression of markers of inflammation and steatohepatitis, compared to and Il11ra1+/+ mice on the same diets. Depending on the time of administration of anti-IL11 or anti-IL11RA antibodies to wild-type mice on the HFMCD or WDF, or to db/db mice on the methionine and choline-deficient diet, the antibodies prevented, stopped, or reversed development of fibrosis and steatosis. Blood samples from Il11ra1+/+ mice fed the WDF and given injections of anti-IL11 or anti-IL11RA, as well as from Il11ra1-/- mice fed WDF, had lower serum levels of lipids and glucose than mice not injected with antibody or with disruption of Il11ra1. CONCLUSIONS Neutralizing antibodies that block IL11 signaling reduce fibrosis, steatosis, hepatocyte death, inflammation and hyperglycemia in mice with diet-induced steatohepatitis. These antibodies also improve the cardiometabolic profile of mice and might be developed for the treatment of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa A Widjaja
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Brijesh K Singh
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Eleonora Adami
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Sivakumar Viswanathan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jinrui Dong
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Giuseppe A D'Agostino
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Ng
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Wen Lim
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jessie Tan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bhairav S Paleja
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth/Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore
| | - Madhulika Tripathi
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Sze Yun Lim
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shamini Guna Shekeran
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Sonia P Chothani
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Anne Rabes
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Martina Sombetzki
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Eveline Bruinstroop
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Lio Pei Min
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rohit A Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Salvatore Albani
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth/Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore
| | - Paul M Yen
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Sebastian Schafer
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stuart A Cook
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK.
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Kucherenko AM, Moroz LV, Bevz TI, Bulavenko VI, Antypkin YG, Berezenko VS, Dyba MB, Pampukha VM, Gorodna OV, Livshits LA. Investigation of rs11536889 + 3725G/C Polymorphism of the TLR4 Gene in Patients with Autoimmune and Chronic Viral Hepatitis C. CYTOL GENET+ 2019. [DOI: 10.3103/s0095452719040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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50
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El Awdan SA, Abdel Rahman RF, Ibrahim HM, Hegazy RR, El Marasy SA, Badawi M, Arbid MS. Regression of fibrosis by cilostazol in a rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis: Up regulation of hepatic cAMP, and modulation of inflammatory, oxidative stress and apoptotic biomarkers. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216301. [PMID: 31067255 PMCID: PMC6505801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In liver fibrosis, conversion of fibroblasts to profibrogenic myofibroblasts significantly drives the development of the disease. A crucial role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in regulation of fibroblast function has been reported. Increase in cAMP levels has been found to decrease fibroblast proliferation, inhibit their conversion to myofibroblast, and stimulate their death. cAMP is generated by adenyl cyclase (AC), and degraded by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE). In this study, the antifibrotic effect of a PDE inhibitor, cilostazol (Cilo), on a rat model of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) was investigated. Four groups of rats were used; the first group received the vehicles and served as the normal control group, while liver fibrosis was induced in the other groups using (TAA, 200 mg/kg/biweekly for 8 successive weeks, ip). The last two groups were treated with Cilo (50 and 100 mg/kg/day, po, respectively). Induction of liver fibrosis in TAA-treated rats was observed as evidenced by the biochemical and histopathological findings. On the other hand, a potent antifibrotic effect was observed in the groups treated with Cilo, with preference to the higher dose. In these groups, a significant increase in the liver content of cAMP was demonstrated that was accompanied by reduction in the hepatic expression of key fibrogenic cytokines, growth factors, and inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B, and transforming growth factor-beta as compared to TAA group. Moreover, amelioration of TAA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the liver has been observed. These findings reveal the antifibrotic effect of Cilo against TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats, and suggest regulation of cAMP pathway, together with the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis as mechanistic cassette underlines this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A. El Awdan
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Heba M. Ibrahim
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rehab R. Hegazy
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Salma A. El Marasy
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Manal Badawi
- Pathology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud S. Arbid
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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