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Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. New aspects of activin biology in epididymal function and immunopathology. Andrology 2024; 12:964-972. [PMID: 37644728 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13523] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The activins (A and B) and their binding protein, follistatin, play crucial roles in development, immunoregulation and inflammation throughout the body. In the male reproductive tract of the mouse, activin A and B production is largely confined to the initial segment and proximal caput of the epididymis and the efferent ducts, under normal conditions, with very low expression in the corpus, cauda and vas deferens. However, activin A protein is present throughout the epididymis and vas deferens and is largely associated with the epithelium and interstitial macrophages. Conversely, the activin-binding protein follistatin is produced in the distal epididymis, with very high expression in the vas deferens. Activin activity in the distal tract is inhibited by follistatin, and the activin-follistatin balance is important for regulating coiling of the duct during epididymal development. In further experiments, as described in this report, in situ hybridisation was used to localise activin A mRNA principally to cells in the periductal zone and interstitium in the efferent ducts and proximal caput. Activin B mRNA, on the other hand, was localised to periductal cells in the efferent ducts and proximal epididymis and, most notably, to epithelial cells in the initial segment. Activin A is implicated in the regulation of mononuclear phagocyte function and immune responses in the caput and stimulates the expression of the key immunoregulatory protein, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in this region. Activin A production in the corpus and cauda increases dramatically during bacterial epididymitis in mice, promoting inflammation and fibrosis and causing damage to the epithelium and obstruction of the epididymal duct. Consequently, it appears that the activin-follistatin axis is crucial for maintaining normal epididymal structure and function, but disruption of this balance during inflammation has deleterious effects on male fertility. Follistatin has therapeutic potential in ameliorating the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of activins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
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Nagayama I, Takayanagi K, Hasegawa H, Maeshima A. Tubule-Derived Follistatin Is Increased in the Urine of Rats with Renal Ischemia and Reflects the Severity of Acute Tubular Damage. Cells 2023; 12:801. [PMID: 36899937 PMCID: PMC10000847 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050801] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, is a negative regulator of tubular regeneration after renal ischemia. Activin action is controlled by an endogenous antagonist, follistatin. However, the role of follistatin in the kidney is not fully understood. In the present study, we examined the expression and localization of follistatin in normal and ischemic rat kidneys and measured urinary follistatin in rats with renal ischemia to assess whether urinary follistatin could serve as a biomarker for acute kidney injury. Using vascular clamps, renal ischemia was induced for 45 min in 8-week-old male Wistar rats. In normal kidneys, follistatin was localized in distal tubules of the cortex. In contrast, in ischemic kidneys, follistatin was localized in distal tubules of both the cortex and outer medulla. Follistatin mRNA was mainly present in the descending limb of Henle of the outer medulla in normal kidneys but was upregulated in the descending limb of Henle of both the outer and inner medulla after renal ischemia. Urinary follistatin, which was undetectable in normal rats, was significantly increased in ischemic rats and peaked 24 h after reperfusion. There was no correlation between urinary follistatin and serum follistatin. Urinary follistatin levels were increased according to ischemic duration and were significantly correlated with the follistatin-positive area as well as the acute tubular damage area. These results suggest that follistatin normally produced by renal tubules increases and becomes detectable in urine after renal ischemia. Urinary follistatin might be useful to assess the severity of acute tubular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Akito Maeshima
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Kawagoe 350-8550, Japan
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OTUD4 alleviates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by suppressing the K63-linked ubiquitination of TRAF6. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 523:924-930. [PMID: 31964525 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.12.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury can cause serious liver damage, leading to liver dysfunction after liver surgery, which is associated with NF-κB-mediated inflammation. The K63-linked auto-polyubiquitination of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is essential for the activation of NF-κB. Here, we found that OTU domain-containing protein 4 (OTUD4), a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), interacts with TRAF6 and decreases the K63 auto-polyubiquitination of TRAF6. In addition, the data showed that NF-κB activation was impaired and inflammatory factor levels were reduced after overexpressing OTUD4 in a hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) model and a hepatic IR model. Additionally, the liver inflammatory response and tissue damage were ameliorated in mice overexpressing OTUD4.Taken together, these results show that OTUD4 can negatively regulate NF-κB activation by suppressing the K63-linked ubiquitination of TRAF6, thus alleviating hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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Czigany Z, Hata K, Lai W, Schwandt T, Yamamoto Y, Uemoto S, Tolba RH. A Dual Protective Effect of Intestinal Remote Ischemic Conditioning in a Rat Model of Total Hepatic Ischemia. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8101546. [PMID: 31561505 PMCID: PMC6832347 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intestinal remote ischemic preconditioning (iRIC) on ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and gut barrier integrity in a rat model of total hepatic ischemia (THI). Male Wistar rats (n = 50; 250–300 g) were randomly allocated into two experimental groups: RIC/Control. Thirty minutes of THI was induced by clamping the hepatoduodenal ligament. iRIC was applied as 4-min of ischemia followed by 11-min of reperfusion by clamping the superior mesenteric artery. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 6, 24 h post-reperfusion (n = 5/group/timepoint). RIC of the gut significantly improved microcirculation of the ileum and the liver. Tissue ATP-levels were higher following iRIC (Liver: 1.34 ± 0.12 vs. 0.97 ± 0.20 μmol/g, p = 0.04) and hepatocellular injury was reduced significantly (ALT: 2409 ± 447 vs. 6613 ± 1117 IU/L, p = 0.003). Systemic- and portal venous IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels were markedly lower following iRIC, demonstrating a reduced inflammatory response. iRIC led to a structural and functional preservation of the intestinal barrier. These results suggest that iRIC might confer a potent protection against the detrimental effects of THI in rats via reducing IRI and systemic inflammatory responses and at the same time by mitigating the dramatic consequences of severe intestinal congestion and bacterial translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Czigany
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Koichiro Hata
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Wei Lai
- Organ Transplantation Department, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Timo Schwandt
- Institutes of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology (IMMEI), University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Yuzo Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Shinji Uemoto
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Rene H Tolba
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, RWTH-Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Zhang Q, Ge Y, Li H, Bai G, Jiao Z, Kong X, Meng W, Wang H. Effect of hydrogen-rich saline on apoptosis induced by hepatic ischemia reperfusion upon laparoscopic hepatectomy in miniature pigs. Res Vet Sci 2018; 119:285-291. [PMID: 30077949 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) occurs commonly in liver surgery and liver transplantation. Hydrogen, a safe and effective antioxidant, exerts a protective effect against liver injury. In this study, we investigated the role of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) in apoptosis in a miniature pig model of laparoscopic HIRI upon hepatectomy. Bama miniature pigs were randomly assigned to sham, I/R and HRS groups. The pigs received 10 mL/kg HRS by portal venous injection 10 min before reperfusion and at 1 d, 2 d, and 3 d after surgery. The results showed that HRS treatment significantly decreased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBIL) activity and TUNEL-positive cells. Upon HRS treatment, the expression of P53 and Bax mRNA and protein by RT-qPCR and Western blot was markedly decreased, whereas the expression of bcl-2 mRNA and protein was significantly increased. Moreover, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 activities were significantly decreased upon treatment with HRS. In conclusion, the results indicate that HRS could alleviate liver injury and improve liver function via inhibiting apoptosis after laparoscopic HIRI and hepatectomy injury in miniature pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianzhen Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yansong Ge
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Ge Bai
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhihui Jiao
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Weijing Meng
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
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Herrera B, Addante A, Sánchez A. BMP Signalling at the Crossroad of Liver Fibrosis and Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 19:ijms19010039. [PMID: 29295498 PMCID: PMC5795989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) belong to the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) family. Initially identified due to their ability to induce bone formation, they are now known to have multiple functions in a variety of tissues, being critical not only during development for tissue morphogenesis and organogenesis but also during adult tissue homeostasis. This review focus on the liver as a target tissue for BMPs actions, devoting most efforts to summarize our knowledge on their recently recognized and/or emerging roles on regulation of the liver regenerative response to various insults, either acute or chronic and their effects on development and progression of liver fibrosis in different pathological conditions. In an attempt to provide the basis for guiding research efforts in this field both the more solid and more controversial areas of research were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Herrera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Annalisa Addante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Saidi SA, Meurisse N, Jochmans I, Heedfeld V, Wylin T, Parkkinen J, Pirenne J, Monbaliu D, El Feki A, van Pelt J. Hepatocellular uptake of cyclodextrin-complexed curcumin during liver preservation: A feasibility study. Biopharm Drug Dispos 2017; 39:18-29. [PMID: 28972677 DOI: 10.1002/bdd.2108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The increasing demand for donor organs and the decreasing organ quality is prompting research toward new methods to reduce ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Several strategies have been proposed to protect preserved organs from this injury. Before curcumin/dextrin complex (CDC), a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, can be used clinically we need to better understand the intracellular uptake under hypothermic conditions on a rat model of liver donation after circulatory death (DCD) and brain death (DBD). To be able to use the fluorescence of CDC for quantification the stability of CDC in different preservation solutions at 4°C or 37°C was investigated. Livers from Wistar rats were procured after being flushed-out through the portal vein using CDC-enriched preservation solutions and stored at 4°C for variable periods. The CDC signal was stable in different preservation solutions over a period of 4 h and allowed the rapid and lasting uptake of curcumin into cells. After 4 h of preservation, CDC was no longer visible microscopically, and HPLC analysis showed very low to non-detectable tissue levels of CDC, proving metabolization during preservation. However, the distribution of CDC was not affected by warm ischemia damage (p = 0.278) nor by flushing the livers before or after 4 h of cold storage and without a warm preflush. Finally, curcumin reduced oxidative stress, lowered histological injury and did not change gene expression after WI/cold storage. Therefore, the use of CDC flush solution for the initial organ flush can offer a promising approach to the enhancement of liver preservation and the maintenance of its quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Abdelkader Saidi
- Liver Research Facility, Laboratory of Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Animal Ecophysiology/Department of Life Sciences, Sfax, Tunisia.,Faculty of Science and Arts-Khulais, Jeddah University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nicolas Meurisse
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Transplantation, CHU Liege, B4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Ina Jochmans
- Department of Abdominal Transplantation Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Heedfeld
- Department of Abdominal Transplantation Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tine Wylin
- Department of Abdominal Transplantation Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaakko Parkkinen
- Department of Biomedicine/Biochemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jacques Pirenne
- Department of Abdominal Transplantation Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diethard Monbaliu
- Department of Abdominal Transplantation Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abdelfattah El Feki
- Laboratory of Animal Ecophysiology/Department of Life Sciences, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Jos van Pelt
- Liver Research Facility, Laboratory of Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
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Zhang L, Liu K, Han B, Xu Z, Gao X. The emerging role of follistatin under stresses and its implications in diseases. Gene 2017; 639:111-116. [PMID: 29020616 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin (FST), a single-chain glycosylated protein, is expressed in various tissues. The essential biological function of FST is binding and neutralizing transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, including activin, myostatin, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Emerging evidence indicates that FST also serves as a stress responsive protein, which plays a protective role under a variety of stresses. In most cases, FST performs the protective function through its neutralization of TGF-β superfamily. However, under certain circumstances, FST translocates into the nucleus to maintain cellular homeostasis independent of its extracellular antagonism activity. This review provides integrated insight into the most recent advances in understanding the role of FST under various stresses, and the clinical implications corresponding to these findings and discusses the mechanisms to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingda Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kangli Liu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing Han
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengping Xu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangwei Gao
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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The Role of Activin A and B and the Benefit of Follistatin Treatment in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice. Transplant Direct 2016; 2:e87. [PMID: 27830181 PMCID: PMC5087569 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Activins, members of the TGF-β superfamily, are key drivers of inflammation and are thought to play a significant role in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), a process inherent to renal transplantation that negatively impacts early and late allograft function. Follistatin (FS) is a protein that binds activin and inhibits its activity. This study examined the response of activin A and B in mice after renal IRI and the effect of exogenous FS in modulating the severity of renal injury. Methods Mice were treated with recombinant FS288 or vehicle before renal IRI surgery. Activin A, B, and FS levels in the serum and kidney, and renal injury parameters were measured at 3, 6, and 24 hours after reperfusion. Results Serum and kidney activin B levels were increased within 6 hours postrenal IRI, accompanied by renal injury—increased serum creatinine, messenger (m)RNA expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL); endothelial activation—increased E-selectin mRNA; and systemic inflammation—increased serum levels of IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and TNF-α. Further injury was potentiated by an upsurge in activin A by 24 hours, with further increases in serum creatinine, KIM-1 and NGAL mRNA expression. Follistatin treatment significantly reduced the level of serum activin B and subsequently blunted the increase in activin A. Renoprotection was evident with the attenuated rise in serum creatinine, KIM-1 and NGAL expression, tubular injury score, renal cell apoptosis, and serum IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels. Conclusions We propose that activin B initiates and activin A potentiates renal injury after IRI. Follistatin treatment, through binding and neutralizing the actions of activin B and subsequently activin A, reduced renal IRI by minimizing endothelial cell activation and dampening the systemic inflammatory response. These data support the potential clinical application of FS treatment to limit IRI during renal transplantation.
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He D, Guo Z, Pu JL, Zheng DF, Wei XF, Liu R, Tang CY, Wu ZJ. Resveratrol preconditioning protects hepatocytes against hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury via Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 35:201-209. [PMID: 27064547 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol against hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) and explore the potential underlying mechanism. Resveratrol-pretreated BRL-3A (rat liver) cells and rats underwent hypoxia/reoxygenation and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion, respectively. BRL-3A cell damage was evaluated, and the mRNA and protein expression of related signal molecules was assessed in cell model. The protein expression of related signal molecules was also assessed in rat model. Inflammatory cytokines levels were determined in the cell supernatant and rat serum while rat liver function and hepatocyte apoptosis were assessed. The results revealed that resveratrol significantly enhanced cell viability, inhibited cell apoptosis, and decreased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-(IL)-1β in the cell supernatant. In addition, resveratrol ameliorated elevated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and the depressed inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB)-α caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation stimulation in BRL-3A cells. Moreover, resveratrol inhibited the translocation of NF-κB p65 after the stimulation of hypoxia/reoxygenation in BRL-3A cells. In vivo assays revealed that resveratrol reduced levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and liver pathological changes, while it alleviated hepatocyte apoptosis, negatively mediated the production of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum, and reversed TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway caused by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion stimulation in liver tissues. The results indicate that resveratrol protected hepatocytes against HIRI, which may be mediated in part via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diao He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun-Liang Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dao-Feng Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xu-Fu Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng-Yong Tang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Zhong-Jun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Tseng FY, Chen YT, Chi YC, Chen PL, Yang WS. Serum Levels of Follistatin Are Positively Associated With Serum-Free Thyroxine Levels in Patients With Hyperthyroidism or Euthyroidism. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e2661. [PMID: 26844494 PMCID: PMC4748911 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin is a glycoprotein with various biologic functions that plays a role in adipocyte differentiation, muscle stimulation, anti-inflammation, and energy homeostasis. Thyroid hormones influence energy expenditure, glucose, and lipid metabolism. The association between serum follistatin level and thyroid function statuses has seldom been evaluated.The objectives of this study were to compare serum follistatin concentrations in different thyroid function statuses and to evaluate the associations between serum follistatin and free thyroxine (fT4) levels.In this study, 30 patients with hyperthyroidism (HY group) and 30 euthyroid individuals (EU group) were recruited. The patients of HY group were treated with antithyroid regimens as clinically indicated, whereas no medication was given to EU group. The demographic and anthropometric characteristics, biochemical data, serum levels of follistatin, and thyroid function of both groups at baseline and at the 6th month were compared. Data of all patients were pooled for the analysis of the associations between the levels of follistatin and fT4.At baseline, the HY group had significantly higher serum follistatin levels than the EU group (median [Q1, Q3]: 1.81 [1.33, 2.78] vs 1.13 [0.39, 1.45] ng/mL, P < 0.001). When treated with antithyroid regimens, the follistatin serum levels in HY group decreased to 1.54 [1.00, 1.88] ng/mL at the 6th month. In all patients, the serum levels of follistatin were positively associated with fT4 levels at baseline (β = 0.54, P = 0.005) and at the 6th month (β = 0.59, P < 0.001). The association between follistatin and fT4 levels remained significant in the stepwise multivariate regression analysis, both initially and at the 6th month.In comparison to the EU group, patients with hyperthyroidism had higher serum follistatin levels, which decreased after receiving antithyroid treatment. In addition, the serum follistatin concentrations were positively associated with serum fT4 levels in patients with hyperthyroidism or euthyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen-Yu Tseng
- From the Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital (F-YT, P-LC, W-SY); Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University (Y-TC, Y-CC, W-SY); Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University (P-LC); and Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (P-LC)
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Snell JN, Westall GP, Snell GI. The potential role of activin and follistatin in lung transplant dysfunction. Expert Rev Respir Med 2015; 9:697-701. [DOI: 10.1586/17476348.2015.1098537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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13
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Chen Y, Rothnie C, Spring D, Verrier E, Venardos K, Kaye D, Phillips DJ, Hedger MP, Smith JA. Regulation and actions of activin A and follistatin in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Cytokine 2014; 69:255-62. [PMID: 25052838 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Revised: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is stimulated early in inflammation via the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signalling pathway, which is also activated in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion. Neutralising activin A by treatment with the activin-binding protein, follistatin, reduces inflammation and mortality in several disease models. This study assesses the regulation of activin A and follistatin in a murine myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion model and determines whether exogenous follistatin treatment is protective against injury. Myocardial activin A and follistatin protein levels were elevated following 30 min of ischaemia and 2h of reperfusion in wild-type mice. Activin A, but not follistatin, gene expression was also up-regulated. Serum activin A did not change significantly, but serum follistatin decreased. These responses to ischaemia-reperfusion were absent in TLR4(-/-) mice. Pre-treatment with follistatin significantly reduced ischaemia-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction. In mouse neonatal cardiomyocyte cultures, activin A exacerbated, while follistatin reduced, cellular injury after 3h of hypoxia and 2h of re-oxygenation. Neither activin A nor follistatin affected hypoxia-reoxygenation induced reactive oxygen species production by these cells. However, activin A reduced cardiomyocyte mitochondrial membrane potential, and follistatin treatment ameliorated the effect of hypoxia-reoxygenation on cardiomyocyte mitochondrial membrane potential. Taken together, these data indicate that myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion, through activation of TLR4 signalling, stimulates local production of activin A, which damages cardiomyocytes independently of increased reactive oxygen species. Blocking activin action by exogenous follistatin reduces this damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Christine Rothnie
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6410, USA
| | - Denise Spring
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6410, USA
| | - Edward Verrier
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6410, USA
| | - Kylie Venardos
- Heart Failure Research Group, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - David Kaye
- Heart Failure Research Group, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - David J Phillips
- MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Epworth Research Institute, Epworth HealthCare, Richmond, Victoria 3121, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Julian A Smith
- Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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14
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Hedger MP, de Kretser DM. The activins and their binding protein, follistatin-Diagnostic and therapeutic targets in inflammatory disease and fibrosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2013; 24:285-95. [PMID: 23541927 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The activins, as members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, are pleiotrophic regulators of cell development and function, including cells of the myeloid and lymphoid lineages. Clinical and animal studies have shown that activin levels increase in both acute and chronic inflammation, and are frequently indicators of disease severity. Moreover, inhibition of activin action can reduce inflammation, damage, fibrosis and morbidity/mortality in various disease models. Consequently, activin A and, more recently, activin B are emerging as important diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Activin antagonists such as follistatin, an endogenous activin-binding protein, offer considerable promise as therapies in conditions as diverse as sepsis, liver fibrosis, acute lung injury, asthma, wound healing and ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Hedger
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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15
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Vekemans K, Monbaliu D, Balligand E, Heedfeld V, Jochmans I, Pirenne J, van Pelt J. Improving the function of liver grafts exposed to warm ischemia by the Leuven drug protocol: exploring the molecular basis by microarray. Liver Transpl 2012; 18:206-18. [PMID: 21987442 DOI: 10.1002/lt.22446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Livers exposed to warm ischemia (WI) before transplantation are at risk for primary nonfunction (PNF), graft dysfunction, and ischemic biliary strictures, all associated with ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Our multifactorial approach, Leuven drug protocol (LDP), has been shown to reduce these effects and increase recipient survival in WI/IRI-damaged porcine liver transplantation. The aim was the identification of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the hepatoprotective effects of the LDP. Porcine livers were exposed to 45 minutes of WI, cold-stored for 4 hours, transplanted, and either modulated (LDP group; n = 3) or not modulated (control group; n = 4). In the LDP group, the donor livers were flushed with streptokinase and epoprostenol before cold perfusion; the recipients received intravenous glycine, a-1-acid-glycoprotein, FR167653 (a mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor), a-tocopherol, glutathione, and apotransferrin. Liver samples were taken before WI and 1 hour after reperfusion. Gene expression was determined with microarrays and molecular pathways and key regulatory genes were identified. The number of genes changed between baseline and 1 hour after reperfusion was 686 in the LDP group and 325 in the control group. The extra genes in the LDP group belonged predominantly to pathways related to cytokine activity, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. We identified 7 genes that were suppressed in the LDP group. These genes could be linked in part to the administered drugs. New potential drug targets were identified on the basis of genes induced in the control group but unaffected in the LDP group and interactions predicted by the literature. In conclusion, the LDP primarily resulted in the suppression of inflammation-regulating genes in IRI. Furthermore, the microarray technique helped us to identify additional gene targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Vekemans
- Liver Research Facility/Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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