MicroRNA-503 Targets Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog 7 Enhancing Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Hepatic Fibrosis

Shugan Jianpi Formula attenuate liver fibrosis via regulation of miR-193a-3p/TGF-β2 in hepatic stellate cells: An in vivo and in vitro study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Chinese herbal medicine Shugan Jianpi Formula (SGJPF) has traditionally been used to treat various chronic liver disorders. Previous studies have indicated that SGJPF inhibits hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation in rats with liver fibrosis (LF) and that miR-193a-3p may be a crucial molecule in LF. However, the mechanisms by which SGJPF regulates HSCs activation through miR-193a-3p remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to determine whether the effect of SGJPF on LF is related to its regulation of miR-193a-3p and TGF-β2, both in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced LF mouse model and in TGF-β1-induced JS-1 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A CCl4-induced LF mouse model was established to evaluate the anti-fibrotic efficacy of SGJPF by examining liver histopathological changes, collagen deposition, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen-I. To investigate the role of miR-193a-3p in HSCs activation, miR-193a-3p mimics and inhibitors were transfected into TGF-β1-induced JS-1 cells. The potential targets of miR-193a-3p were identified using miRDB, TargetScan 8.0, RNA-seq, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Finally, the effects of SGJPF on HSCs activation and the miR-193a-3p/TGF-β2 axis were assessed in TGF-β1-treated JS-1 cells using CCK-8, EDU, scratch, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting assays.

RESULTS

SGJPF significantly reduced liver damage and fibrosis, inhibited HSCs activation, decreased TGF-β2 levels, and increased miR-193a-3p expression in CCl4-induced LF tissue. Additionally, miR-193a-3p was upregulated in HSCs transfected with miR-193a-3p mimics and downregulated in those with miR-193a-3p inhibitors. High levels of miR-193a-3p, combined with miRNA mimics, inhibited HSCs activation, proliferation, and migration. TGF-β2, a target negatively regulated by miR-193a-3p, partially reversed the effects of miR-193a-3p on TGF-β1-induced HSCs activation. SGJPF also reduced HSCs activation, proliferation, and migration in TGF-β1-treated JS-1 cells. Moreover, treatment with SGJPF-containing serum and miR-193a-3p inhibition restored HSCs activation, proliferation, and migration in TGF-β1-induced JS-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that SGJPF ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, which is associated with the regulation of miR-193a-3p and TGF-β2 in HSCs. These findings provide a new pharmacological basis for SGJPF and suggest a novel strategy for treating LF through TCM by regulating miRNAs.

MicroRNA-503 Suppresses Oral Mucosal Fibroblast Differentiation by Regulating RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway

The abnormal proliferation and differentiation of oral mucosal fibroblasts (FBs) is the key to the progression of oral submucosal fibrosis. To clarify the mechanism of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB)-induced FBs fibrosis in oral mucosa, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used in this study to detect the expression of miR-503 and the expression of p-MEK, p-ERK, miR-503, RAF, smooth actin and type I collagen under different time and concentration stimulation of PDGF-BB. The effects of overexpression of miR-503 or RAF on the proliferation and migration of FBs were detected by cell counting kit 8 and cell scratch assay, respectively. A dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeting effect of miR-503 on RAF. The results showed that miR-503 was downregulated in a dose- and time-dependent manner in PDGF-BB-induced FBs. In addition, RAF is a direct target of miR-503 and can be negatively regulated. Overexpression of RAF can promote FB proliferation, migration, differentiation, collagen synthesis, and activation of downstream molecules (MEK/ERK), while overexpression of miR-503 can partially reverse the effects of RAF. Therefore, miR-503 regulates the biological behavior of PDGF-BB-induced oral mucosal FBs by influencing the activation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

Noncoding RNA-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation in Hepatic Stellate Cells of Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a significant contributor to liver-related disease mortality on a global scale. Despite this, there remains a dearth of effective therapeutic interventions capable of reversing this condition. Consequently, it is imperative that we gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving liver fibrosis. In this regard, the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is recognized as a pivotal factor in the development and progression of liver fibrosis. The role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in epigenetic regulation of HSCs transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts has been established, providing new insights into gene expression changes during HSCs activation. NcRNAs play a crucial role in mediating the epigenetics of HSCs, serving as novel regulators in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. As research on epigenetics expands, the connection between ncRNAs involved in HSCs activation and epigenetic mechanisms becomes more evident. These changes in gene regulation have attracted considerable attention from researchers in the field. Furthermore, epigenetics has contributed valuable insights to drug discovery and the identification of therapeutic targets for individuals suffering from liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. As such, this review offers a thorough discussion on the role of ncRNAs in the HSCs activation of liver fibrosis.

The miR-3074/BMP7 axis regulates TGF-β-caused activation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro and CCl4-caused murine liver fibrosis in vivo

Continuously progressive hepatic fibrosis might cause chronic liver diseases, resulting in hepatic failure. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) residing in the liver might induce and influence hepatic fibrosis. In the present study, microRNA 3074 (miR-3074) was found increased within transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-activated HSCs and enriched within the TGF-β signaling. In activated HSCs by TGF-β, miR-3074 overexpression aggravated TGF-β-induced fibrotic changes, whereas miR-3074 inhibition exerted opposite effects. miR-3074 directly targeted bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) and inhibited BMP7 expression. Under TGF-β induction, overexpressed BMP7 notably attenuated the promotive roles of miR-3074 overexpression in TGF-β-activated HSCs. Within carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-caused liver fibrosis murine model, miR-3074 agomir administration promoted, while LV-BMP7 administration alleviated CCl4-induced fibrotic changes; LV-BMP7 significantly attenuated the effects of miR-3074 agomir. Lastly, mmu-miR-3074 also targeted mouse BMP7 and inhibited mouse BMP7 expression. In conclusion, the miR-3074/BMP7 axis regulates TGF-β-caused activation of HSCs in vitro and CCl4-caused murine liver fibrosis in vivo. BMP7-mediated Smad1/5/8 activation might be involved.

Uncovering key molecules and immune landscape in cholestatic liver injury: implications for pathogenesis and drug therapy

Background: Cholestasis is a common pathological process in a variety of liver diseases that may lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure. Cholestasis relief has been regarded as a principal target in the management of multiple chronic cholestasis liver diseases like primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) at present. However, complicated pathogenesis and limited acknowledgments fettered therapeutic development. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically analyze miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in cholestatic liver injury in order to provide new treatment strategies. Methods: Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE159676) was used to screen differentially expressed hepatic miRNAs and mRNAs in the PSC vs. control comparison and the PBC vs. control comparison, respectively. MiRWalk 2.0 tool was used to predict miRNA-mRNA pairs. Subsequently, functional analysis and immune cell infiltration analysis were performed to explore the pivotal functions of the target genes. RT-PCR was used to verify the result. Results: In total, a miRNA-mRNA network including 6 miRNAs (miR-122, miR-30e, let-7c, miR-107, miR-503, and miR-192) and 8 hub genes (PTPRC, TYROBP, LCP2, RAC2, SYK, TLR2, CD53, and LAPTM5) was constructed in cholestasis. Functional analysis revealed that these genes were mainly involved in the regulation of the immune system. Further analysis revealed that resting memory CD4 T cells and monocytes could potentially participate in cholestatic liver injury. The expressions of DEMis and eight hub genes were verified in ANIT-induced and BDL-induced cholestatic mouse models. Furthermore, SYK was found to have an impact on the response to UDCA, and its mechanism was possibly associated with complement activation and monocyte reduction. Conclusion: In the present study, a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed in cholestatic liver injury, which mostly mediated immune-related pathways. Moreover, the targeted gene SYK and monocytes were found to be related to UDCA response in PBC.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and non-coding RNAs: Regulatory and therapeutic role in liver diseases

Liver disease has become a major health problem worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, a large body of literature has shown that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) are able to play similar physiological roles as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). More importantly, there is no immune rejection caused by transplanted cells and the risk of tumor formation, which has become a new strategy for the treatment of various liver diseases. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are the main effectors by which they exert hepatoprotective effects. Therefore, by searching the databases of Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and CNKI, this review comprehensively reviewed the therapeutic effects of MSC-Exo and ncRNAs in liver diseases, including liver injury, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. According to the data, the therapeutic effects of MSC-Exo and ncRNAs on liver diseases are closely related to a variety of molecular mechanisms, including inhibition of inflammatory response, alleviation of liver oxidative stress, inhibition of apoptosis of hepatocytes and endothelial cells, promotion of angiogenesis, blocking the cell cycle of hepatocellular carcinoma, and inhibition of activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells. These important findings will provide a direction and basis for us to explore the potential of MSC-Exo and ncRNAs in the clinical treatment of liver diseases in the future.

Recent progress in molecular mechanisms of postoperative recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatectomy is currently considered the most effective option for treating patients with early and intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, the postoperative prognosis of patients with HCC remains unsatisfactory, predominantly because of high postoperative metastasis and recurrence rates. Therefore, research on the molecular mechanisms of postoperative HCC metastasis and recurrence will help develop effective intervention measures to prevent or delay HCC metastasis and recurrence and to improve the long-term survival of HCC patients. Herein, we review the latest research progress on the molecular mechanisms underlying postoperative HCC metastasis and recurrence to lay a foundation for improving the understanding of HCC metastasis and recurrence and for developing more precise prevention and intervention strategies.

Traditional Chinese medicine: An important source for discovering candidate agents against hepatic fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) refers to the pathophysiological process of connective tissue dysplasia in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Nowadays, HF is becoming a severe threat to the health of human being. However, the drugs available for treating HF are limited. Currently, increasing natural agents derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been found to be beneficial for HF. A systemic literature search was conducted from PubMed, GeenMedical, Sci-Hub, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, with the keywords of "traditional Chinese medicine," "herbal medicine," "natural agents," "liver diseases," and "hepatic fibrosis." So far, more than 76 natural monomers have been isolated and identified from the TCMs with inhibitory effect on HF, including alkaloids, flavones, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides, etc. The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of these compounds include hepatoprotection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation, regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis & secretion, regulation of autophagy, and antioxidant & anti-inflammation, etc. Natural compounds and extracts from TCMs are promising agents for the prevention and treatment of HF, and this review would be of great significance to development of novel drugs for treating HF.

Noncoding RNAs Interactions in Hepatic Stellate Cells during Hepatic Fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible wound healing process following liver injury. Although this process is necessary for maintaining liver integrity, severe excessive extracellular matrix accumulation (ECM) could lead to permanent scar formation and destroy the liver structure. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key event in hepatic fibrosis. Previous studies show that most antifibrotic therapies focus on the apoptosis of HSCs and the prevention of HSC activation. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a substantial role in HSC activation and are likely to be biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. This review summarizes and discusses the previously reported ncRNAs, including the microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, highlighting their regulatory roles and interactions in the signaling pathways that regulate HSC activation in hepatic fibrosis.

Promising diagnostic biomarkers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: From clinical proteomics to microbiome

Fatty liver has been present in the lives of patients and physicians for almost two centuries. Vast knowledge has been generated regarding its etiology and consequences, although a long path seeking novel and innovative diagnostic biomarkers for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is still envisioned. On the one hand, proteomics and lipidomics have emerged as potential noninvasive resources for NAFLD diagnosis. In contrast, metabolomics has been able to distinguish between NAFLD and NASH, even detecting degrees of fibrosis. On the other hand, genetic and epigenetic markers have been useful in monitoring disease progression, eventually functioning as target therapies. Other markers involved in immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation are involved in the instauration and evolution of the disease. Finally, the fascinating gut microbiome is significantly involved in NAFLD and NASH. This review presents state-of-the-art biomarkers related to NAFLD and NASH and new promises that could eventually be positioned as diagnostic resources for this disease. As is evident, despite great advances in studying these biomarkers, there is still a long path before they translate into clinical benefits.