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Czaja AJ. Introducing Molecular Chaperones into the Causality and Prospective Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:4098-4116. [PMID: 37755606 PMCID: PMC10570239 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-08118-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Molecular chaperones influence the immunogenicity of peptides and the activation of effector T cells, and their pathogenic roles in autoimmune hepatitis are unclear. Heat shock proteins are pivotal in the processing and presentation of peptides that activate CD8+ T cells. They can also induce regulatory B and T cells and promote immune tolerance. Tapasin and the transporter associated with antigen processing-binding protein influence the editing and loading of high-affinity peptides for presentation by class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex. Their over-expression could enhance the autoimmune response, and their deficiency could weaken it. The lysosome-associated membrane protein-2a isoform in conjunction with heat shock cognate 70 supports the importation of cytosolic proteins into lysosomes. Chaperone-mediated autophagy can then process the peptides for activation of CD4+ T cells. Over-expression of autophagy in T cells may also eliminate negative regulators of their activity. The human leukocyte antigen B-associated transcript three facilitates the expression of class II peptide receptors, inhibits T cell apoptosis, prevents T cell exhaustion, and sustains the immune response. Immunization with heat shock proteins has induced immune tolerance in experimental models and humans with autoimmune disease by inducing regulatory T cells. Therapeutic manipulation of other molecular chaperones may promote T cell exhaustion and induce tolerogenic dendritic cells. In conclusion, molecular chaperones constitute an under-evaluated family of ancillary proteins that could affect the occurrence, severity, and outcome of autoimmune hepatitis. Clarification of their contributions to the immune mechanisms and clinical activity of autoimmune hepatitis could have therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Chen Y, Lei Y, Wang H, Wang L, Xu J, Wang S, Yu M, Peng Z, Xiao F, Tian D, Liu M. Sophoricoside attenuates autoimmune‑mediated liver injury through the regulation of oxidative stress and the NF‑κB signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2023; 52:78. [PMID: 37477163 PMCID: PMC10555480 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5281] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is increasing, yet specific pharmacotherapies remain to be explored. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of sophoricoside (SOP), a bioactive component of medical herbs, on AIH and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Bioinformatic approaches were used to predict the potential targets and underlying regulatory mechanisms of SOP on AIH. The effects of SOP on AIH were evaluated by determining the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, histological liver injury and hepatic fibrosis in an improved chronic cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6)‑AIH mouse model and in a model of concanavalin‑A (ConA)‑induced acute immune‑mediated liver injury. The antioxidant activity of SOP was detected in in vivo and in vitro experiments. The selected signal targeted by SOP in AIH was further confirmed using western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. The results of bioinformatic analysis revealed that the targets of SOP in AIH were related to oxidative stress and the NF‑κB gene set. The NF‑κB transcription factor family is a key player that controls both innate and adaptive immunity. The activation of the NF‑κB signaling pathway is often associated with autoimmune disorders. In the animal experiments, SOP attenuated CYP2D6/ConA‑induced AIH, as evidenced by a significant reduction in the levels of hepatic enzymes in serum, inflammatory cytokine expression and histological lesions in the liver. The oxidative response in AIH was also significantly inhibited by SOP, as evidenced by a decrease in the levels of hepatic malondialdehyde, and elevations in the total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase levels. The results of the in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that SOP significantly reduced the enhanced expression and nuclear translocation of phosphorylated p65 NF‑κB in the livers of mice with AIH and in lipopolysaccharide‑stimulated AML12 cells. On the whole, the present study demonstrates the protective role of SOP in AIH, which may be mediated by limiting the oxidative response and the activation of the NF‑κB signaling pathway in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Lijia Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jiaxin Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Shuhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Meiping Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Zhangqi Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Fang Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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Czaja AJ. Incorporating the Molecular Mimicry of Environmental Antigens into the Causality of Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2023:10.1007/s10620-023-07967-5. [PMID: 37160542 PMCID: PMC10169207 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07967-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Molecular mimicry between foreign and self-antigens has been implicated as a cause of autoimmune hepatitis in experimental models and cross-reacting antibodies in patients. This review describes the experimental and clinical evidence for molecular mimicry as a cause of autoimmune hepatitis, indicates the limitations and uncertainties of this premise, and encourages investigations that assess diverse environmental antigens as sources of disease-relevant molecular mimics. Pertinent articles were identified in PubMed using multiple search phrases. Several pathogens have linear or conformational epitopes that mimic the self-antigens of autoimmune hepatitis. The occurrence of an acute immune-mediated hepatitis after vaccination for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has suggested that vaccine-induced peptides may mimic disease-relevant tissue antigens. The intestinal microbiome is an under-evaluated source of gut-derived antigens that could also engage in molecular mimicry. Chaperone molecules may enhance the pathogenicity of molecular mimics, and they warrant investigation. Molecular mimics of immune dominant epitopes within cytochrome P450 IID6, the autoantigen most closely associated with autoimmune hepatitis, should be sought in diverse environmental antigens and assessed for pathogenicity. Avoidance strategies, dietary adjustments, vaccine improvement, and targeted manipulation of the intestinal microbiota may emerge as therapeutic possibilities. In conclusion, molecular mimicry may be a missing causality of autoimmune hepatitis. Molecular mimics of key immune dominant epitopes of disease-specific antigens must be sought in diverse environmental antigens. The ubiquity of molecular mimicry compels rigorous assessments of peptide mimics for immunogenicity and pathogenicity in experimental models. Molecular mimicry may complement epigenetic modifications as causative mechanisms of autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Advancing Biologic Therapy for Refractory Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:4979-5005. [PMID: 35147819 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Biologic agents may satisfy an unmet clinical need for treatment of refractory autoimmune hepatitis. The goals of this review are to present the types and results of biologic therapy for refractory autoimmune hepatitis, indicate opportunities to improve and expand biologic treatment, and encourage comparative clinical trials. English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full-length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. Rituximab (monoclonal antibodies against CD20 on B cells), infliximab (monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-alpha), low-dose recombinant interleukin 2 (regulatory T cell promoter), and belimumab (monoclonal antibodies against B cell activating factor) have induced laboratory improvement in small cohorts with refractory autoimmune hepatitis. Ianalumab (monoclonal antibodies against the receptor for B cell activating factor) is in clinical trial. These agents target critical pathogenic pathways, but they may also have serious side effects. Blockade of the B cell activating factor or its receptors may disrupt pivotal B and T cell responses, and recombinant interleukin 2 complexed with certain interleukin 2 antibodies may selectively expand the regulatory T cell population. A proliferation-inducing ligand that enhances T cell proliferation and survival is an unevaluated, potentially pivotal, therapeutic target. Fully human antibodies, expanded target options, improved targeting precision, more effective delivery systems, and biosimilar agents promise to improve efficacy, safety, and accessibility. In conclusion, biologic agents target key pathogenic pathways in autoimmune hepatitis, and early experiences in refractory disease encourage clarification of the preferred target, rigorous clinical trial, and comparative evaluations.
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Czaja AJ. Examining micro-ribonucleic acids as diagnostic and therapeutic prospects in autoimmune hepatitis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:591-607. [PMID: 35510750 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2074839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Micro-ribonucleic acids modulate the immune response by affecting the post-transcriptional expression of genes that influence the proliferation and function of activated immune cells, including regulatory T cells. Individual expressions or patterns in peripheral blood and liver tissue may have diagnostic value, reflect treatment response, or become therapeutic targets. The goals of this review are to present the properties and actions of micro-ribonucleic acids, indicate the key individual expressions in autoimmune hepatitis, and describe prospective clinical applications in diagnosis and management. AREAS COVERED Abstracts were identified in PubMed using the search words "microRNAs", "microRNAs in liver disease", and "microRNAs in autoimmune hepatitis". The number of abstracts reviewed exceeded 2000, and the number of full-length articles reviewed was 108. EXPERT OPINION Individual micro-ribonucleic acids, miR-21, miR-122, and miR-155, have been associated with biochemical severity, histological grade of inflammation, and pivotal pathogenic mechanisms in autoimmune hepatitis. Antisense oligonucleotides that down-regulate deleterious individual gene expressions, engineered molecules that impair targeting of gene products, and drugs that non-selectively up-regulate the biogenesis of potentially deficient gene regulators are feasible treatment options. Micro-ribonucleic acids constitute an under-evaluated area in autoimmune hepatitis that promises to improve diagnosis, pathogenic concepts, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Czaja AJ. Immune Inhibitory Properties and Therapeutic Prospects of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta and Interleukin 10 in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:1163-1186. [PMID: 33835375 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-06968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin 10 have diverse immune inhibitory properties that have restored homeostatic defense mechanisms in experimental models of autoimmune disease. The goals of this review are to describe the actions of each cytokine, review their investigational use in animal models and patients, and indicate their prospects as interventions in autoimmune hepatitis. English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full-length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. Transforming growth factor-beta expands the natural and inducible populations of regulatory T cells, limits the proliferation of natural killer cells, suppresses the activation of naïve CD8+ T cells, decreases the production of interferon-gamma, and stimulates fibrotic repair. Interleukin 10 selectively inhibits the CD28 co-stimulatory signal for antigen recognition and impairs antigen-specific activation of uncommitted CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. It also inhibits maturation of dendritic cells, suppresses Th17 cells, supports regulatory T cells, and limits production of diverse pro-inflammatory cytokines. Contradictory immune stimulatory effects have been associated with each cytokine and may relate to the dose and accompanying cytokine milieu. Experimental findings have not translated into successful early clinical trials. The recombinant preparation of each agent in low dosage has been safe in human studies. In conclusion, transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin 10 have powerful immune inhibitory actions of potential therapeutic value in autoimmune hepatitis. The keys to their therapeutic application will be to match their predominant non-redundant function with the pivotal pathogenic mechanism or cytokine deficiency and to avoid contradictory immune stimulatory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Chen Q, Gao M, Yang H, Mei L, Zhong R, Han P, Liu P, Zhao L, Wang J, Li J. Serum ferritin levels are associated with advanced liver fibrosis in treatment-naive autoimmune hepatitis. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:23. [PMID: 35034629 PMCID: PMC8762965 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02098-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim The association between iron-metabolism-related variables and liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now well known. However, the relationship has not been extensively studied in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We aimed to investigate the association between variables associated with iron metabolism and advanced liver fibrosis among untreated patients with AIH. Methods Ninety-seven untreated AIH patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent iron metabolism index detection and liver biopsy. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association of iron-metabolism-related variables with advanced liver fibrosis. Results Among the 97 AIH patients, 38 (39.2%) had advanced liver fibrosis, and 59 (60.8%) did not. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, immunoglobulin G (odds ratio [OR], 1.123; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.023–1.232, P = 0.014), platelet count (OR 0.988; 95% CI 0.979–0.997, P = 0.013), prothrombin time (OR 1.758; 95% CI 1.143–2.704, P = 0.010) and ferritin (OR 1.002; 95% CI 1.001–1.004, P = 0.012) were independent risk factors for predicting advanced liver fibrosis in AIH patients. Conclusion Higher serum ferritin was independently associated with advanced liver fibrosis among patients with treatment-naive AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingling Chen
- Department of Hepatology, Second People's Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, No. 7, Sudi South Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Min Gao
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, No. 7, Sudi South Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Hang Yang
- Department of Hepatology, Second People's Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, No. 7, Sudi South Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Ling Mei
- Department of Hepatology, Second People's Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, No. 7, Sudi South Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Rui Zhong
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, No. 7, Sudi South Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Peiyan Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Second People's Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, No. 7, Sudi South Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, No. 7, Sudi South Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, No. 7, Sudi South Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, No. 7, Sudi South Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China.
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8
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Zhang L, Chen D, Tu Y, Sang T, Pan T, Lin H, Cai C, Jin X, Wu F, Xu L, Chen Y. Vitexin attenuates autoimmune hepatitis in mouse induced by syngeneic liver cytosolic proteins via activation of AMPK/AKT/GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 917:174720. [PMID: 34953801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic progressive liver disease that currently does not have a successful therapeutic option. Vitexin, a bioflavonoid isolated from various medicinal plants, possesses a variety of activities; however, whether vitexin protects against AIH remains unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effects and mechanism of action of vitexin in both an experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) mouse model and in D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D-GalN/LPS)-induced hepatocyte injury. Syngeneic liver antigen S100 was used to establish EAH. Vitexin treatment significantly decreased the infiltration of inflammatory and CD4+ T cells in the liver, reduced ALT and AST levels in the serum and attenuated hepatic injury due to oxidative stress. Moreover, vitexin mitigated the upregulation of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and the downregulation of Bcl-2 in the livers of AIH mice. These regulations were accompanied by not only increased phosphorylation of AMPK, AKT and GSK-3β but also activation of Nrf2. Furthermore, vitexin inhibited apoptosis and the overexpression of inflammatory cytokines in D-GalN/LPS-treated AML12 cells. In addition, vitexin enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPK, AKT and GSK-3β. When AML12 cells were treated with an inhibitor of AMPK/AKT or specific siRNA targeting Nrf2, vitexin did not further induce the activation of Nrf2/HO-1. A molecular docking study confirmed that vitexin could interact with AMPK through hydrogen bonding interactions. In conclusion, vitexin ameliorated hepatic injury in EAH mice through activation of the AMPK/AKT/GSK-3β pathway and upregulation of the Nrf2 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325006, China
| | - Dazhi Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Peking University, BeiJing, 100032, China
| | - Yulu Tu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Hospital, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tiantian Sang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325006, China
| | - Tongtong Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325006, China
| | - Hongwei Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325006, China
| | - Chao Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325006, China
| | - Xiaozhi Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325006, China
| | - Faling Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325006, China
| | - Lanman Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yongping Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325006, China.
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Mack CL, Adams D, Assis DN, Kerkar N, Manns MP, Mayo MJ, Vierling JM, Alsawas M, Murad MH, Czaja AJ. Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Adults and Children: 2019 Practice Guidance and Guidelines From the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2020; 72:671-722. [PMID: 31863477 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cara L Mack
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - David Adams
- Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - David N Assis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Nanda Kerkar
- Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlyn J Mayo
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas SW Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - John M Vierling
- Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Mohammad H Murad
- Mayo Knowledge and Encounter Research Unit, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
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10
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Therapeutic benefits of apocynin in mice with lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury via suppression of the late stage pro-apoptotic AMPK/JNK pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 125:110020. [PMID: 32106375 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays crucial roles in the development of acute liver injury. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) is responsible for the robust production of ROS under inflammatory circumstance, but the pathological roles of NOX and the pharmacological significance of NOX inhibitor in acute liver injury remains unclear. In the present study, the potential roles of NOX in acute liver injury were investigated in a mouse model with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-Gal)-induced acute liver injury. The results indicated that LPS/D-Gal exposure time-dependently increased the level of ROS in liver tissue. Pretreatment with the NOX inhibitor apocynin suppressed LPS/D-Gal induced upregulation of ROS, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), protein carbonyl content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Pretreatment with apocynin also suppressed LPS/D-Gal-induced elevation of aminotransferase, alleviated histological abnormalities, inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), blocked the activation of caspase cascade, reduced the count of TUNEL-positive cells and prevented LPS/D-Gal-induced mortality. Interestingly, post insult treatment with apocynin also suppressed LPS/D-Gal-induced oxidative stress, hepatocyte apoptosis, liver damage but improved the survival rate. Mechanistically, posttreatment with apocynin prohibited LPS/D-Gal-induced activation of the late stage pro-apoptotic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Post-insult treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine also resulted in suppressed activation of AMPK/JNK, mitigated apoptosis and alleviated liver injury. These data suggest that NOX-derived ROS might be a crucial late stage detrimental factor in LPS/D-Gal-induced acute liver injury via promoting the activation of the pro-apoptotic AMPK/JNK pathway, and the NOX inhibitor might have important value in the pharmacological intervention of inflammation-base liver damage.
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11
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Zhang M, Li Q, Zhou C, Zhao Y, Li R, Zhang Y. Demethyleneberberine attenuates concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice through inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 80:106137. [PMID: 31931366 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Demethyleneberberine (DMB) is a natural product which has been reported to possess mitochondria-targeting anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect. However, the pharmacological action and molecular mechanism of DMB on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have not been explored. In this study, AIH was induced by intravenously injecting Con A (20 mg/kg) in mice for 8 h, and DMB protected against Con A-induced AIH, evidenced by obvious reduction of hepatic enzymes in serum and histological lesion. DMB significantly inhibited the infiltration of CD4+ T cell and Kupffer cell as well as the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IFN-γ by ELISA and qPCR analysis. Western blotting analysis illustrated that DMB remarkably inhibited Con A-induced phosphorylation of IKK, IκB, NF-κB p65, ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK and STAT3 induced by Con A. Moreover, DMB also effectively suppressed hepatic oxidative stress with reduction of MDA and elevation of GSH. Taken together, our findings indicated that DMB could prevent Con A-induced AIH by regulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling, suggesting that DMB can serve as a promising candidate for therapy of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biochemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qingxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biochemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Cuisong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biochemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yaxing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biochemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ruiyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biochemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yubin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biochemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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12
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Czaja AJ. Letter: high ferritin to haemoglobin ratio is related to early mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis - author's reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 49:1457-1458. [PMID: 31074897 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
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Czaja AJ. Review article: iron disturbances in chronic liver diseases other than haemochromatosis - pathogenic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 49:681-701. [PMID: 30761559 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disturbances in iron regulation have been described in diverse chronic liver diseases other than hereditary haemochromatosis, and iron toxicity may worsen liver injury and outcome. AIMS To describe manifestations and consequences of iron dysregulation in chronic liver diseases apart from hereditary haemochromatosis and to encourage investigations that clarify pathogenic mechanisms, define risk thresholds for iron toxicity, and direct management METHODS: English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. RESULTS Hyperferritinemia is present in 4%-65% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, chronic viral hepatitis, or alcoholic liver disease, and hepatic iron content is increased in 11%-52%. Heterozygosity for the C282Y mutation is present in 17%-48%, but this has not uniformly distinguished patients with adverse outcomes. An inappropriately low serum hepcidin level has characterised most chronic liver diseases with the exception of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and the finding has been associated mainly with suppression of transcriptional activity of the hepcidin gene. Iron overload has been associated with oxidative stress, advanced fibrosis and decreased survival, and promising therapies beyond phlebotomy and oral iron chelation have included hepcidin agonists. CONCLUSIONS Iron dysregulation is common in chronic liver diseases other than hereditary haemochromatosis, and has been associated with liver toxicity and poor prognosis. Further evaluation of iron overload as a co-morbid factor should identify the key pathogenic disturbances, establish the risk threshold for iron toxicity, and promote molecular interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
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Evolving Role of Vitamin D in Immune-Mediated Disease and Its Implications in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:324-344. [PMID: 30370494 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5351-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic actions that may impact on the occurrence and outcome of immune-mediated disease. The goals of this review are to describe the nature of these expanded roles, examine the implications of vitamin D deficiency in autoimmune hepatitis, and identify opportunities for future investigation. Abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full-length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. Vitamin D receptors are expressed on the principal cell populations involved in the innate and adaptive immune responses. Macrophages and dendritic cells can produce 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D within the microenvironment. This active form of vitamin D can inhibit immune cell proliferation, promote an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile, expand regulatory T cells, enhance glucocorticoid actions, increase glutathione production, and inhibit hepatic stellate cells. Vitamin D deficiency has been commonly present in patients with immune-mediated liver and non-liver diseases, and it has been associated with histological severity, advanced hepatic fibrosis, and non-response to conventional glucocorticoid therapy in autoimmune hepatitis. Vitamin D analogues with high potency, low calcemic effects, and independence from hepatic hydroxylation are possible interventions. In conclusion, vitamin D has properties that could ameliorate immune-mediated disease, and vitamin D deficiency has been a common finding in immune-mediated liver and non-liver diseases, including autoimmune hepatitis. Loss of vitamin D-dependent homeostatic mechanisms may promote disease progression. Vitamin D analogues that are independent of hepatic hydroxylation constitute an investigational opportunity to supplement current management of autoimmune hepatitis.
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Czaja AJ. Under-Evaluated or Unassessed Pathogenic Pathways in Autoimmune Hepatitis and Implications for Future Management. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:1706-1725. [PMID: 29671161 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5072-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is a consequence of perturbations in homeostatic mechanisms that maintain self-tolerance but are incompletely understood. The goals of this review are to describe key pathogenic pathways that have been under-evaluated or unassessed in autoimmune hepatitis, describe insights that may shape future therapies, and encourage investigational efforts. The T cell immunoglobulin mucin proteins constitute a family that modulates immune tolerance by limiting the survival of immune effector cells, clearing apoptotic bodies, and expanding the population of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Galectins influence immune cell migration, activation, proliferation, and survival, and T cell exhaustion can be induced and exploited as a possible management strategy. The programmed cell death-1 protein and its ligands comprise an antigen-independent inhibitory axis that can limit the performance of activated T cells by altering their metabolism, and epigenetic changes can silence pro-inflammatory genes or de-repress anti-inflammatory genes that affect disease severity. Changes in the intestinal microbiota and permeability of the intestinal mucosal barrier can be causative or consequential events that affect the occurrence and phenotype of immune-mediated disease, and they may help explain the female propensity for autoimmune hepatitis. Perturbations within these homeostatic mechanisms have been implicated in experimental models and limited clinical experiences, and they have been favorably manipulated by monoclonal antibodies, recombinant molecules, pharmacological agents or dietary supplements. In conclusion, pathogenic mechanisms that have been implicated in other systemic immune-mediated and liver diseases but under-evaluated or unassessed in autoimmune hepatitis warrant consideration and rigorous evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Czaja AJ. Review article: next-generation transformative advances in the pathogenesis and management of autoimmune hepatitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 46:920-937. [PMID: 28901565 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in autoimmune hepatitis that transform current concepts of pathogenesis and management can be anticipated as products of ongoing investigations driven by unmet clinical needs and an evolving biotechnology. AIM To describe the advances that are likely to become transformative in autoimmune hepatitis, based on the direction of current investigations. METHODS Pertinent abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full-length articles were selected for review, and a secondary bibliography was developed. The discovery process was repeated, and a tertiary bibliography was identified. The number of abstracts reviewed was 2830, and the number of full-length articles reviewed exceeded 150. RESULTS Risk-laden allelic variants outside the major histocompatibility complex (rs3184504, r36000782) are being identified by genome-wide association studies, and their gene products are potential therapeutic targets. Epigenetic changes associated with environmental cues can enhance the transcriptional activity of genes, and chromatin re-structuring and antagonists of noncoding molecules of ribonucleic acid are feasible interventions. The intestinal microbiome is a discovery field for microbial products and activated immune cells that may translocate to the periphery and respond to manipulation. Epidemiological studies and controlled interview-based surveys may implicate environmental and xenobiotic factors that warrant evidence-based changes in lifestyle, and site-directed molecular and cellular interventions promise to change the paradigm of treatment from one of blanket immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS Advances in genetics, epigenetics, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and site-directed molecular and cellular interventions constitute the next generation of transformative advances in autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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Peng XG, Li YY, Chen HT, Zhou Y, Ma JG, Yin HM. Evolution of correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmune liver disease. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:1487-1490. [PMID: 28810614 PMCID: PMC5526153 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was planned to evaluate correlation between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and autoimmune liver disease (AILD). A total of 60 patients diagnosed with AILD in Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College were continuously enrolled in the present study. HP infection was detected by 13C-urea breath test. The levels of anti-myeloperoxidase were tested by ELISA. The positive rate of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA), anti-smooth muscle antibody (SMA) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA) were tested by indirect immunofluorescence. The positive rates of anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA-M2), anti-liver-kidney microsomal antibody (LKM-1), anti-liver cytoplasm antibody I (LC-1) and anti-soluble liver antigen/liver-pancreas antigen (SLA/LP) were tested by immunoblotting. Liver function indexes including alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and glutamyltransferase, were analyzed with a fully automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of serum cytokine IFN-γ, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were tested by ELISA. A total of 37 patients (61.67%) were observed to be HP-positive. MPO-positive rate, positive rate of ANA, AMA, SMA and ANCA and positive rate of AMA-M2, LKM-1, LC-1 and SLA/LP in patients with positive HP infection were significantly higher than those of patients with negative HP infection. On the other hand, the levels of liver function indices did not showed any significant differences among HP-positive cases or HP-negative cases. However, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in patients with positive HP infection were significantly higher than those of patients with negative HP infection. In conclusion, the positive infection rate of HP infection in patients with AILD is high and is closely associated with various positive immune antibodies as well as cytokine levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Guo Peng
- Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Yuan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Ting Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Yantai Mountain Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Guo Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Central Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Min Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Central Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Czaja
- Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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