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Santana AC, Andraus W, Silva FMO, Sala ACG, Schust AS, Neri LHM, Feliciano R, Pepineli R, Dellê H, Ruiz LM, de Oliveira-Braga KA, Nepomuceno NA, Pêgo-Fernandes PM, Dos Santos MJ, de Moraes EL, Brasil S, Figueiredo EG. Thalidomide modulates renal inflammation induced by brain death experimental model. Transpl Immunol 2022; 75:101710. [PMID: 36096418 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2022.101710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain death (BD) is characterized by a complex inflammatory response, resulting in dysfunction of potentially transplantable organs. This process is modulated by cytokines, which amplify graft immunogenicity. We have investigated the inflammatory response in an animal model of BD and analyzed the effects of thalidomide, a drug with powerful immunomodulatory properties. METHODS BD was induced in male Lewis rats. We studied three groups: Control (sham-operated rats) (n = 6), BD (rats subjected to brain death) (n = 6) and BD + Thalid (BD rats treated with one dose of thalidomide (200 mg/Kg), administered by gavage) (n = 6). Six hours after BD, serum levels of urea and creatinine, as well as systemic and renal tissue protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6, were analyzed. We also determined the mRNA expression of ET-1, and macrophage infiltration by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS BD induced a striking inflammatory status, demonstrated by a significant increase of plasma cytokines: TNF-α (2.8 ± 4.3 pg/mL [BD] vs. 9.4 ± 2.8 pg/mL [Control]), and IL-6 (6219.5 ± 1380.6 pg/mL [BD] vs. 1854.7 ± 822.6 pg/mL [Control]), and in the renal tissue: TNF-α (2.5 ± 0.3 relative expression [BD] vs. 1.0 ± 0.4 relative expression [Control]; p < 0.05), and IL-6 (4.0 ± 0.4 relative expression [BD] vs. 1.0 ± 0.3 relative expression [Control]; p < 0.05). Moreover, BD increased macrophages infiltration (2.47 ± 0.07 cells/field [BD] vs. 1.20 ± 0.05 cells/field [Control]; p < 0.05), and ET-1 gene expression (2.5 ± 0.3 relative expression [BD] vs. 1.0 ± 0.2 relative expression [Control]; p < 0.05). In addition, we have observed deterioration in renal function, characterized by an increase of urea (194.7 ± 25.0 mg/dL [BD] vs. 108.0 ± 14.2 mg/dL [Control]; p < 0.05) and creatinine (1.4 ± 0.04 mg/dL [BD] vs. 1.0 ± 0.07 mg/dL [Control]; p < 0.05) levels. Thalidomide administration significantly reduced plasma cytokines: TNF-α (5.1 ± 1.4 pg/mL [BD + Thalid] vs. BD; p < 0.05), and IL-6 (1056.5 ± 488.3 pg/mL [BD + Thalid] vs. BD; p < 0.05), as well as in the renal tissue: TNF-α (1.5 ± 0.2 relative expression [BD + Thalid] vs. BD; p < 0.05), and IL-6 (2.1 ± 0.3 relative expression [BD + Thalid] vs. BD; p < 0.05). Thalidomide treatment also induced a significant decrease in the expression of ET-1 (1.4 ± 0.3 relative expression [BD + Thalid] vs. BD; p < 0.05), and macrophages infiltration (1.17 ± 0.06 cells/field [BD + Thalid] vs. BD; p < 0.05). Also thalidomide prevented kidney function failure by reduced urea (148.3 ± 4.4 mg/dL [BD + Thalid] vs. BD; p < 0.05), and creatinine (1.1 ± 0.14 mg/dL [BD + Thalid] vs. BD; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The immunomodulatory properties of thalidomide were effective in decreasing systemic and local immunologic response, leading to diminished renal damage, as reflected in the decrease of urea and creatinine levels. These results suggest that use of thalidomide may represent a potential strategy for treating in BD kidney organ donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Chagas Santana
- Neurological Surgery Department, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; Organ Procurement Organization, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Gastroenterology Department, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Regiane Feliciano
- Medical Science Department, Nove de Julho University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Pepineli
- Medical Science Department, Nove de Julho University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Humberto Dellê
- Medical Science Department, Nove de Julho University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Liliane Moreira Ruiz
- Cardiopneumology Department, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Edvaldo Leal de Moraes
- Organ Procurement Organization, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Brasil
- Neurological Surgery Department, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
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Estornut C, Milara J, Bayarri MA, Belhadj N, Cortijo J. Targeting Oxidative Stress as a Therapeutic Approach for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:794997. [PMID: 35126133 PMCID: PMC8815729 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.794997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by an abnormal reepithelialisation, an excessive tissue remodelling and a progressive fibrosis within the alveolar wall that are not due to infection or cancer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a key molecular process in pulmonary fibrosis development and different components of the redox system are altered in the cellular actors participating in lung fibrosis. To this respect, several activators of the antioxidant machinery and inhibitors of the oxidant species and pathways have been assayed in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models and in different clinical trials. This review discusses the role of oxidative stress in the development and progression of IPF and its underlying mechanisms as well as the evidence of oxidative stress in human IPF. Finally, we analyze the mechanism of action, the efficacy and the current status of different drugs developed to inhibit the oxidative stress as anti-fibrotic therapy in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Estornut
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Cristina Estornut, ; Javier Milara,
| | - Javier Milara
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Pharmacy Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Cristina Estornut, ; Javier Milara,
| | - María Amparo Bayarri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nada Belhadj
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julio Cortijo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Pharmacy Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
- Research and Teaching Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, Valencia, Spain
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Altwaijry N, El-Ghlban S, El Sayed IET, El-Bahnsawye M, Bayomi AI, Samaka RM, Shaban E, Elmongy EI, El-Masry TA, Ahmed HMA, Attallah NGM. In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Activity of Indolo[2,3- b] Quinolines, Natural Product Analogs from Neocryptolepine Alkaloid. Molecules 2021; 26:754. [PMID: 33535575 PMCID: PMC7867085 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neocryptolepine (5-methyl-5H-indolo[2,3-b] quinoline) analogs were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their effect versus Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). The analogs showed stronger cytotoxic activity against EAC cells than the reference drug. The in vivo evaluation of the target compounds against EAC-induced solid tumor in the female albino Swiss mice revealed a remarkable decrease in the tumor volume (TV) and hepatic lipid peroxidation. A noticeable increase of both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels was reported (p < 0.001), which set-forth proof of their antioxidant effect. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant activity of the neocryptolepine analogs was screened out using the DPPH method and showed promising activities activity. The histopathological investigations affirmed that the tested analogs have a remarkable curative effect on solid tumors with minimal side-effect on the liver. The study also includes illustrated mechanism of the antitumor activity at the cell level by flow cytometry. The cell cycle analysis showed that the neocryptolepine analogs extensively increase the aggregation of tumor cells in three phases of the cell cycle (G0/G1, S and G2/M) with the emergence of a hypo-diploid DNA content peak (sub-G1) in the cell cycle experiments, which is a clear-cut for the apoptotic cell population. Furthermore, the immunological study manifested a significant elevation in splenic lymphocyte count (p < 0.001) with the elevation of the responsiveness of lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). These results indicate that these naturally-based neocryptolepine alkaloids exhibit marked antitumor activity in vivo and represent an important lead in the development of natural-based anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najla Altwaijry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh P.O. Box 84428, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.); (E.I.E.); (T.A.E.-M.); (N.G.M.A.)
| | - Samah El-Ghlban
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El Koom P.O. Box 32511, Egypt; (S.E.-G.); (M.E.-B.)
| | - Ibrahim E.-T. El Sayed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El Koom P.O. Box 32511, Egypt; (S.E.-G.); (M.E.-B.)
| | - Mohamed El-Bahnsawye
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El Koom P.O. Box 32511, Egypt; (S.E.-G.); (M.E.-B.)
| | - Asmaa I. Bayomi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El Koom P.O. Box 32511, Egypt;
| | - Rehab M. Samaka
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Koom P.O. Box 32511, Egypt;
| | - Elkhabiry Shaban
- Dyeing, Printing and Textile Auxiliaries Department, Textile Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza P.O. Box 12622, Egypt;
| | - Elshaymaa I. Elmongy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh P.O. Box 84428, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.); (E.I.E.); (T.A.E.-M.); (N.G.M.A.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo P.O. Box 11795, Egypt
| | - Thanaa A. El-Masry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh P.O. Box 84428, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.); (E.I.E.); (T.A.E.-M.); (N.G.M.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta P.O. Box 31527, Egypt
| | - Hytham M. A. Ahmed
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shebin El Koom P.O. Box 32511, Menoufia, Egypt;
| | - Nashwah G. M. Attallah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh P.O. Box 84428, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.); (E.I.E.); (T.A.E.-M.); (N.G.M.A.)
- National Organization of Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza P.O. Box 29 Pyramids, Egypt
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El-Maadawy WH, Hammam OA, Seif el-Din SH, El-Lakkany NM. α-Lipoic acid modulates liver fibrosis: A cross talk between TGF-β1, autophagy, and apoptosis. Hum Exp Toxicol 2019; 39:440-450. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327119891212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy and apoptosis are important players in the progression of hepatic fibrosis via activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Despite the recently depicted antifibrotic effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), however, its modulatory effects on HSCs autophagy remain unverified. Our study aimed to elucidate the underlying antifibrotic mechanisms through which ALA mediates HSC autophagy and apoptosis. Liver fibrosis was induced via thioacetamide (TAA) intoxication in rats; TAA-intoxicated rats were treated with either silymarin or ALA. Effect of ALA on biochemical parameters and immunohistopathological examinations was measured and compared to silymarin. ALA restored normal hepatic architecture (S1 vs. S4), liver functions, hepatic glutathione, and transforming growth factor-β1 levels. ALA ameliorated hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, platelet-derived growth factor, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases-1, hydroxyproline, and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin. Moreover, ALA significantly reduced messenger RNA expression of LC3-II genes and triggered caspase-3 expression. Interestingly, ALA exhibited superior activities over silymarin regarding suppression of proliferation, activation and autophagy of HSCs, collagen deposition, and induction of HSCs apoptosis. In conclusion, treatment of TAA-intoxicated rats with ALA inhibited autophagy and induced apoptotic clearance of activated HSCs. Accordingly, this study provides mechanistic insights into the possible applicability of ALA in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- WH El-Maadawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - OA Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - SH Seif el-Din
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - NM El-Lakkany
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Gong Z, Lin J, Zheng J, Wei L, Liu L, Peng Y, Liang W, Hu G. Dahuang Zhechong pill attenuates CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:1431-1440. [PMID: 31502329 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
It is well characterized that activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) exert critical functions in accelerating the progression of liver fibrosis. Previous studies have indicated that Dahuang Zhechong pill (DHZCP), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is capable of inactivating HSCs and thus attenuate the formation of liver fibrosis in rats. However, pharmacological mechanisms of DHZCP in alleviating liver fibrosis remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the antifibrotic role of DHZCP through inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. DHZCP was found to significantly suppresses extracellular matrix formation and immune cell infiltration, thus alleviating liver fibrosis symptoms in the in vivo model. Moreover, DHZCP reduced serum levels of transforming growth factor β1 and tumor necrosis factor-α in rats with liver fibrosis. DHZCP treatment remarkably downregulated protein levels of PI3K and phosphorylated Akt, as well as fibrosis markers. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that DHZCP markedly suppressed HSCs proliferation by downregulating PI3K/Akt, which exerted a synergistic effect with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. To sum up, our results confirmed that DHZCP exerted an antifibrotic effect in the animal model through inactivating the PI3K/Akt pathway, thus protecting rats from liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Gong
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiayu Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liya Wei
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanzhong Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weicheng Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guoxin Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Ebrahimi H, Naderian M, Sohrabpour AA. New Concepts on Reversibility and Targeting of Liver Fibrosis; A Review Article. Middle East J Dig Dis 2018; 10:133-148. [PMID: 30186577 PMCID: PMC6119836 DOI: 10.15171/mejdd.2018.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, liver fibrosis and its complications are regarded as critical health problems.
With the studies showing the reversible nature of liver fibrogenesis, scientists have focused
on understanding the underlying mechanism of this condition in order to develop new
therapeutic strategies. Although hepatic stellate cells are known as the primary cells
responsible for liver fibrogenesis, studies have shown contributing roles for other cells,
pathways, and molecules in the development of fibrosis depending on the etiology of
liver fibrosis. Hence, interventions could be directed in the proper way for each type of
liver diseases to better address this complication. There are two main approaches in clinical
reversion of liver fibrosis; eliminating the underlying insult and targeting the fibrosis
process, which have variable clinical importance in the treatment of this disease. In this
review, we present recent concepts in molecular pathways of liver fibrosis reversibility
and their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedyeh Ebrahimi
- The Liver, Pancreatic, and Biliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Naderian
- The Liver, Pancreatic, and Biliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Sohrabpour
- Associate Professor, The Liver, Pancreatic, and Biliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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El-Lakkany NM, El-Maadawy WH, Seif El-Din SH, Hammam OA, Mohamed SH, Ezzat SM, Safar MM, Saleh S. Rosmarinic acid attenuates hepatic fibrogenesis via suppression of hepatic stellate cell activation/proliferation and induction of apoptosis. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2017. [PMID: 28647181 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the antifibrotic role of rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural polyphenolic compound, on HSCs activation/proliferation and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The impact of RA on stellate cell line (HSC-T6) proliferation, activation and apoptosis was assessed along with its safety on primary hepatocytes. In vivo, rats were divided into: (i) normal; (ii) thioacetamide (TAA)-intoxicated rats for 12 weeks; (iii) TAA + silymarin or (iv) TAA + RA. At the end of experiment, liver functions, oxidative stress, inflammatory and profibrogenic markers, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases type-1 (TIMP-1) and hydroxyproline (HP) levels were evaluated. Additionally, liver histopathology and immunohistochemical examinations of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), caspase-3 and proliferation cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) were determined. RESULTS RA exhibited anti-proliferative effects on cultured HSCs in a time and concentration dependent manner showing an IC50 of 276 μg/mL and 171 μg/mL for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, with morphological reversion of activated stellate cell morphology to quiescent form. It significantly improved ALT, AST, oxidative stress markers and reduced TIMP-1, HP levels, inflammatory markers and fibrosis score (S1 vs S4). Furthermore, reduction in α-SMA plus elevation in caspase-3 expressions of HSCs in vitro and in vivo associated with an inhibition in proliferation of damaged hepatocytes were recorded. CONCLUSIONS RA impeded the progression of liver fibrosis through inhibition of HSCs activation/proliferation and induction of apoptosis with preservation of hepatic architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt.
| | - Walaa H El-Maadawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Sayed H Seif El-Din
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Salwa H Mohamed
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Shahira M Ezzat
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Safar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Samira Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
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Wang Y, Zhang X, Yang Y, Yang X, Ye B. Study on the Antifibrotic Effects of Recombinant Shark Hepatical Stimulator Analogue (r-sHSA) in Vitro and in Vivo. Mar Drugs 2015; 13:5201-18. [PMID: 26295240 PMCID: PMC4557020 DOI: 10.3390/md13085201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is an effusive wound healing process, characterized by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), as the consequence of chronic liver injury of any etiology. Current therapeutic repertoire for hepatic fibrosis is limited to withdrawal of the noxious agent, which is not always feasible. Hence, in this article, the antifibrotic effects and possible mechanisms of r-sHSA, a recombinant protein with hepatoprotection potential, were investigated. Using NIH/3T3 (mouse embro-fibroblast cell line), skin fibroblasts (human skin fibroblasts, SFBs) and HSC-T6 (rat hepatic stellate cell line), the in vitro effect of r-sHSA was evaluated by measuring the expression levels of alpha-1 Type I collagen (Col1A1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). It turned out those fibrosis indicators were typically inhibited by r-sHSA, suggesting its capacity in HSCs inactivation. The antifibrotic activity of r-sHSA was further investigated in vivo on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, in view of significant improvement of the biochemical and histological indicators. More specifically, CCl4-intoxication induced a significant increase in serological biomarkers, e.g., transaminase (AST, ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as disturbed hepatic antioxidative status; most of the parameters were spontaneously ameliorated to a large extent by withdrawal of CCl4, although the fibrotic lesion was observed histologically. In contrast, r-sHSA treatment markedly eliminated fibrous deposits and restored architecture of the liver in a dose dependent manner, concomitantly with the phenomena of inflammation relief and HSCs deactivation. To sum up, these findings suggest a therapeutic potential for r-sHSA in hepatic fibrosis, though further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Boping Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Zhu X, Jiang S, Hu N, Luo F, Dong H, Kang YM, Jones KR, Zou Y, Xiong L, Ren J. Tumour necrosis factor-α inhibition with lenalidomide alleviates tissue oxidative injury and apoptosis in ob/ob obese mice. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2015; 41:489-501. [PMID: 24739012 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lenalidomide (Revlimid; Selleck Chemicals, Houston, TX, USA), an analogue of thalidomide, possesses potent cytokine modulatory capacity through inhibition of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a cytokine pivotal for the onset and development of complications in obesity and diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of lenalidomide on oxidative stress, protein and DNA damage in multiple organs in an ob/ob murine model of obesity. To this end, C57BL/6 lean and ob/ob obese mice were administered lenalidomide (50 mg/kg per day, p.o.) for 5 days. Oxidative stress, protein and DNA damage were assessed using the conversion of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG), carbonyl formation and Comet assay, respectively. Apoptosis was evaluated using caspase 3 activity, and levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Bip, caspase 8, caspase 9 and TNF-α were assessed using western blot analysis. Lenalidomide treatment did not affect glucose clearance in lean or ob/ob mice. Obese mice exhibited a reduced GSH/GSSG ratio in the liver, gastrocnemius skeletal muscle and small intestine, as well as enhanced protein carbonyl formation, DNA damage and caspase 3 activity in the liver, kidney, skeletal muscle and intestine; these effects were alleviated by lenalidomide, with the exception of obesity-associated DNA damage in the liver and kidney. Western blot analysis revealed elevated TNF-α, Bax, Bcl-2, Bip, caspase 8 and caspase 9 in ob/ob mice with various degrees of reversal by lenalidomide treatment. Together, these data indicate that lenalidomide protects against obesity-induced tissue injury and protein damage, possibly in association with antagonism of cytokine production and cytokine-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Zhu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Center for Cardiovascular Research and Alternative Medicine, University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, Laramie, WY, USA
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Chong LW, Hsu YC, Lee TF, Lin Y, Chiu YT, Yang KC, Wu JC, Huang YT. Fluvastatin attenuates hepatic steatosis-induced fibrogenesis in rats through inhibiting paracrine effect of hepatocyte on hepatic stellate cells. BMC Gastroenterol 2015; 15:22. [PMID: 25886887 PMCID: PMC4336504 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-015-0248-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with hepatic fibrogenesis. Despite well-known cholesterol-lowering action of statins, their mechanisms against NASH-mediated fibrogenesis remain unclear. This study aimed at investigating the in vitro and in vivo anti-fibrotic properties of fluvastatin (Flu). Methods Palmitate (PA)-induced changes in intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels in primary rat hepatocytes (PRHs) and human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) were quantified by dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) dye assay, whereas changes in expressions of NADPH oxidase gp91phox subunit, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and NFκB p65 nuclear translocation were quantified with Western blotting. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) was used to investigate mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory genes (ICAM-1, IL-6, TNF-α). Conditioned medium (CM) from PA-treated PRHs was applied to cultured rat hepatic stellate cell line, HSC-T6, with or without Flu-pretreatment for 2 h. Pro-fibrogenic gene expressions (COL1, TIMP-1, TGF-β1, α-SMA) and protein expression of α-SMA were analyzed. In vivo study using choline-deficient L-amino acid defined (CDAA) diet-induced rat NASH model was performed by randomly assigning Wistar rats (n = 28) to normal controls (n = 4), CDAA diet with vehicles, and CDAA diet with Flu (5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) (n = 8 each) through gavage for 4 or 8 weeks. Livers were harvested for histological, Western blot (α-SMA), and q-PCR analyses for expressions of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, iNOS, ICAM-1) and pro-fibrogenic (Col1, α-SMA, TIMP-1) genes. Results In vitro, Flu (1–20 μM) inhibited PA-induced free-radical production, gp91phox expression, and NFκB p65 translocation in HepG2 and PRHs, while CM-induced α-SMA protein expression and pro-fibrogenic gene expressions in HSC-T6 were suppressed in Flu-pretreated cells compared to those without pretreatment. Moreover, α-SMA protein expression was significantly decreased in HSC-T6 cultured with CM from PA-Flu-treated PRHs compared to those cultured with CM from PA-treated PRHs. Flu also reduced steatosis and fibrosis scores, α-SMA protein expression, mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic genes in livers of CDAA rats. Conclusions We demonstrated PA-induced HSC activation through paracrine effect of hepatocyte in vitro that was significantly suppressed by pre-treating HSC with Flu. In vivo, Flu alleviated steatosis-induced HSC activation and hepatic fibrogenesis through mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting possible therapeutic role of Flu against NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Won Chong
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chao Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Ting-Fang Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yun Lin
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, No. 155-1, Li-Nong Street, Sec. 2, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
| | - Yung-Tsung Chiu
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Kuo-Ching Yang
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Jaw-Ching Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Translational Research Division, Medical Research Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Tsau Huang
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, No. 155-1, Li-Nong Street, Sec. 2, Taipei, 112, Taiwan. .,Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Zhang S, Wu J, Wang H, Wang T, Jin L, Shu D, Shan W, Xiong S. Liposomal oxymatrine in hepatic fibrosis treatment: formulation, in vitro and in vivo assessment. AAPS PharmSciTech 2014; 15:620-9. [PMID: 24515270 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-014-0086-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim was to develop a liposomal oxymatrine conjugating D-alpha tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (OMT-LIP) for enhanced therapeutics of hepatic fibrosis. OMT-LIP was prepared using the remote loading method. The influences of formulation compositions on the encapsulation efficiency of OMT-LIP were investigated. Mean particle size, zeta potential, morphology, in vitro release, fibrotic liver targeting, and therapeutics of OMT-LIP were thoroughly assessed. The intraliposomal buffer composition and concentration, extraliposomal phase composition and pH, types of phospholipid, lipid molar ratio composition, and theoretical drug loading are crucial factors to entrap OMT into liposomes. The optimum OMT-LIP presented spherically unilamellar microstructures with entrapment efficiency of 79.7 ± 3.9%, mean particle size of 121.6 ± 52.9 nm, and zeta potential of -5.87 mV. OMT-LIP significantly increased the accumulation of OMT in the fibrotic liver with an 11.5-fold greater AUC than OMT solution in the dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced hepatic fibrosis animals. OMT-LIP could be a potential strategy to improve treatment outcomes for hepatic fibrosis, showing the protective effects to mice given CCl4 and the enhanced therapeutics to mice with either DMN or CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis.
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Liu X, Qian L, Nan H, Cui M, Hao X, DU Y. Function of the transforming growth factor-β1/c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway in the action of thalidomide on a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis. Exp Ther Med 2013; 7:669-674. [PMID: 24520265 PMCID: PMC3919921 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2013.1457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to observe the effects of thalidomide on a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis, to determine the protein expression levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and to explore the mechanism underlying the preventive effect of thalidomide on pulmonary fibrosis. Ninety healthy male Wistar rats (200±20 g) were randomly divided into control (N), model (M), SP600125 (SP), thalidomide (T) and SP600125 plus thalidomide (SP + T) groups. Pulmonary fibrosis models were established in groups M, SP, T and SP + T by the intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM). A gavage of thalidomide was administered to the rats in groups T and SP + T once daily, whereas normal saline was administered to the rats in the other groups. The rats in the SP and SP + T groups were injected intraperitoneally with SP600125 following BLM administration, whereas the rats in the other groups received dimethyl sulfoxide. Rats were randomly sacrificed on days 7, 14 and 28. Pathological changes were examined by light microscopy using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Hydroxyproline (HYP) levels in the lung tissues were detected using alkaline hydrolysis. The protein expression levels of p-JNK and α-SMA were measured by immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis. In group M, alveolitis was most serious on day 7 and then eased on day 14; marked pulmonary fibrosis was observed on day 28. The fibrosis was markedly attenuated in the SP + T group compared with that in group M. The HYP content increased gradually with time after BLM administration and peaked on day 28. On days 14 and 28, the HYP content was lower in groups T and SP than in group M (P<0.05). The expression levels of p-JNK protein and α-SMA were significantly lower in groups SP, T and SP + T than those in group M on day 14 (P<0.05). The expression level of α-SMA was lower in group SP + T than those in groups SP and T on days 14 and 28 (P<0.05). The expression level of p-JNK protein in group T was higher than those in groups SP and SP + T on days 14 and 28 (P<0.05). Thus, thalidomide eased the degree of BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by downregulating p-JNK and α-SMA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Liu
- Department of Geriatric Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Li Qian
- Department of Geriatric Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Haoyu Nan
- Department of Geriatric Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Miao Cui
- Department of Geriatric Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Hao
- Department of Geriatric Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Yufeng DU
- Department of Geriatric Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
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Anti-liver fibrotic lignans from the fruits of Schisandra arisanensis and Schisandra sphenanthera. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:880-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Chong LW, Hsu YC, Chiu YT, Yang KC, Huang YT. Antifibrotic effects of triptolide on hepatic stellate cells and dimethylnitrosamine-intoxicated rats. Phytother Res 2012; 25:990-9. [PMID: 21213358 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Triptolide (C₃₈H₄₂O₆N₂, TP, a diterpene triepoxide derived from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F.), is a potent immunosuppresive and antiinflammatory agent. The present study investigated whether TP exerted antihepatofibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo. A cell line of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) was stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. The inhibitory effects of TP on the nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) signaling cascade and fibrosis markers, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen, were assessed. An in vivo therapeutic study was conducted in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-treated rats. The rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control rats, DMN rats receiving vehicle only and DMN rats receiving TP (20 μg/kg). Treatment was given by gavage twice daily for 3 weeks starting 1 week after the start of DMN administration. TP (5-100 nM) concentration-dependently inhibited the NFκB transcriptional activity induced by TNF-α, lipopolysaccharide and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in HSC-T6 cells. In addition, TP also suppressed TNF-α and TGF-β1-induced collagen deposition and α-SMA secretion in HSC-T6 cells. In vivo, TP treatment significantly reduced hepatic fibrosis scores, collagen contents, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and the number of α-SMA and NFκB-positive cells in DMN rats. The results showed that TP exerted antifibrotic effects in both HSC-T6 cells and DMN rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Won Chong
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Rance E, Tanner JE, Alfieri C. Inhibition of IκB kinase by thalidomide increases hepatitis C virus RNA replication. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:e73-80. [PMID: 22239529 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01505.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is an integral element in the progression of chronic liver disease. Elevated hepatic interleukin (IL)-8 is an important contributor to fibrosis in patients chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Thalidomide has been used to reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis in HCV-infected patients, but its impact on HCV replication remains unclear. This study examined the effect of thalidomide on HCV replication in vitro. Results revealed that while thalidomide reduced IL-8 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity by 95% and 46% in Huh-7 cells, increasing concentrations of thalidomide correlated with a linear rise in HCV replication (17-fold at 200 μm). The NF-κB inhibitors, wedelolactone and NF-κB activation inhibitor-1, which mimic the actions of thalidomide by preventing phosphorylation and activation of IκB kinase (IKK) and hence block NF-κB activity, increased HCV RNA by 18- and 19-fold, respectively. During in vitro HCV replication in Huh-7 cells, we observed a 30% increase in IKKα protein and 55% decrease in NF-κB(p65)/RelA protein relative to cellular β-actin. Ectopic expression of IKKα to enhance the inactive form of IKK in cells undergoing virus replication led to a 13-fold increase in HCV RNA. Conversely, enhanced expression of NF-κB(p65)/RelA in infected cells resulted in a 17-fold reduction in HCV RNA. In conclusion, HCV RNA replication was significantly augmented by the inhibition of IKK activation and subsequent NF-κB signalling, whereas a restoration of NF-κB activity by the addition of NF-κB/RelA markedly reduced HCV replication. This study lends added importance to the role of the NF-κB signalling pathway in controlling HCV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rance
- Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis, Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Imatinib mesylate improves liver regeneration and attenuates liver fibrogenesis in CCL4-treated mice. J Gastrointest Surg 2012; 16:361-9. [PMID: 22068968 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-011-1764-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Imatinib mesylate (STI-571), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has previously been demonstrated to attenuate liver fibrogenesis through inhibition of the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in CCL(4)-treated rat models. AIMS This study aimed to further evaluate the role of STI-571 in liver regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS All animals were divided into four groups, and mice were treated with or without CCL(4) and STI-571 (n = 6 for each group). RESULTS Activated cultured HSCs in vitro with STI-571 administration showed increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation, as determined by flow cytometric analysis, 3-(4, 5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, and confocal microscopy. STI-571 treatment attenuated liver fibrosis in vivo, as was evident in the results of histology, mRNA level, and expression analysis of smooth muscle actin and type I collagen. Mice treated with STI-571 had increased liver weight ratio and the improvement in liver regeneration was compatible with the change of serum interleukin 6 levels (p < 0.05). Further, increased apoptosis and a reduced proliferation were observed in the CCL(4)-treated mice after STI-571 treatment based on the immunohistochemical staining of Annexin V, phosphorylated STAT3, and PCNA. CONCLUSION STI-571 treatment effectively attenuated liver fibrogenesis and improved in liver regeneration in vivo and induced apoptosis in HSCs both in vitro and in vivo.
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Zheng B, Tan L, Mo X, Yu W, Wang Y, Tucker-Kellogg L, Welsch RE, So PTC, Yu H. Predicting in vivo anti-hepatofibrotic drug efficacy based on in vitro high-content analysis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26230. [PMID: 22073152 PMCID: PMC3206809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Many anti-fibrotic drugs with high in vitro efficacies fail to produce significant effects in vivo. The aim of this work is to use a statistical approach to design a numerical predictor that correlates better with in vivo outcomes. Methods High-content analysis (HCA) was performed with 49 drugs on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) LX-2 stained with 10 fibrotic markers. ∼0.3 billion feature values from all cells in >150,000 images were quantified to reflect the drug effects. A systematic literature search on the in vivo effects of all 49 drugs on hepatofibrotic rats yields 28 papers with histological scores. The in vivo and in vitro datasets were used to compute a single efficacy predictor (Epredict). Results We used in vivo data from one context (CCl4 rats with drug treatments) to optimize the computation of Epredict. This optimized relationship was independently validated using in vivo data from two different contexts (treatment of DMN rats and prevention of CCl4 induction). A linear in vitro-in vivo correlation was consistently observed in all the three contexts. We used Epredict values to cluster drugs according to efficacy; and found that high-efficacy drugs tended to target proliferation, apoptosis and contractility of HSCs. Conclusions The Epredict statistic, based on a prioritized combination of in vitro features, provides a better correlation between in vitro and in vivo drug response than any of the traditional in vitro markers considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baixue Zheng
- Computation and Systems Biology Program, Singapore-MIT Alliance, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Looling Tan
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xuejun Mo
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Weimiao Yu
- Imaging Informatics Division, Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Central Imaging Facility, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southern Medical University Affiliated Zhujiang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lisa Tucker-Kellogg
- Computation and Systems Biology Program, Singapore-MIT Alliance, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roy E. Welsch
- Computation and Systems Biology Program, Singapore-MIT Alliance, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Engineering Systems Division, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Peter T. C. So
- Computation and Systems Biology Program, Singapore-MIT Alliance, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, BioSyM, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hanry Yu
- Computation and Systems Biology Program, Singapore-MIT Alliance, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, BioSyM, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Tissue-Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Jin XY, Cong T, Zhao P. Cytokines, liver fibrosis, and principles of nutritional support in patients with liver fibrosis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2011; 19:2760-2767. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v19.i26.2760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of molecular biology has provided new paths for and led to great breakthroughs in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Now the research of targets for anti-fibrosis therapy mainly focuses on hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and cytokines related to HSC activation. Researchers are getting more concerned about the features of nutritional metabolism in patients with liver fibrosis and their relationship with prognosis because of special roles the liver plays in nutritional metabolism. Reasonable principles of nutritional support can help ameliorate symptoms, reduce complications and facilitate recovery in patients with liver fibrosis.
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Huang HC, Lin YC, Fazary AE, Lo IW, Liaw CC, Huang YZ, Liou SS, Shen YC. New and bioactive lignans from the fruits of Schisandra sphenanthera. Food Chem 2011; 128:348-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Weng TC, Shen CC, Chiu YT, Lin YL, Huang YT. Effects of armepavine against hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide in rats. Phytother Res 2011; 26:344-53. [PMID: 21717514 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate if armepavine (Arm, C₁₉H₂₃O₃N) could exert inhibitory effects against hepatic fibrosis in rats. A cell line of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) was stimulated with tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Arm. Rats were injected with thioacetamide (TAA; 300 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) thrice a week for 4 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis, with Arm (3 or 10 mg/kg) given by gavage twice a day. Liver sections were taken for western blotting, fibrosis scoring and immunofluorescence staining. Arm (1-10 µm) concentration-dependently attenuated TNF-α-stimulated: (i) protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I and angiopoietin-1; (ii) H₂O₂ production; and (iii) NF-κB, JunD and C/EBPß (cytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine (CCAAT)/enhancer binding protein-ß (EBPß)) nuclear translocations in HSC-T6 cells. In vivo Arm treatment significantly reduced plasma aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels, hepatic α-SMA expression and collagen contents, and fibrosis scores of TAA-injected rats. Moreover, Arm treatment decreased α-SMA- and NF-κB-positive cells in immunohistochemical staining, and mRNA expression levels of IL-6, TGF-ß1, TIMP-1, col1α2, iNOS and ICAM-1 genes, but up-regulated the metallothionein gene in the livers of TAA-injected rats. Our results indicated that Arm exerted both in vitro and in vivo antifibrotic effects in rats, with inhibition of NF-κB, JunD and C/EBPß pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Chun Weng
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Liu Y, Wu J, Yan C, Liu FR. Correlation of PPARγ and NF-κB expression with arsenic-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2010; 18:3848-3856. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v18.i36.3848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the significance of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression in arsenic-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.
METHODS: One hundred and ten Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group (tap water), model group (100 mg/L NaASO2) and spontaneous recovery group (100 mg/L NaASO2 + tap water). Ten rats of each group were sacrificed on days 30, 60, 90 and 120. Hepatic histological changes and liver fibrosis were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining. The mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ and NF-κB was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively.
RESULTS: (1) Pathology: With the prolongation of arsenic exposure, hepatic injury became more serious. Compared with the model group, liver injury was significantly relieved on day 30 after one-month arsenic-exposure in the spontaneous recovery, but showed no significant changes on day 30 after two- or three-month arsenic-exposure. (2) mRNA: Compared with the control group, the expression levels of PPARγ mRNA were significantly reduced at different time points in the model group (174.99 ± 41.48 vs 218.40 ± 47.85, 114.55 ± 21.30 vs 218.40 ± 47.85, 64.67 ± 9.83 vs 218.40 ± 47.85, 19.20 ± 16.10 vs218.40 ± 47.85, all P < 0.05). The expression level of PPARγ mRNA on day 30 after one-month arsenic-exposure in the spontaneous recovery group was significantly higher than that in the corresponding model group (215.97 ± 45.96 vs 174.99 ± 41.48, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of NF-κB mRNA were significantly elevated at different time points in the model group (65.58 ± 13.17 vs 30.84 ± 15.24, 90.23 ± 15.68 vs 30.84 ± 15.24, 117.95 ± 18.19 vs 30.84 ± 15.24, 172.86 ± 32.92 vs 30.84 ± 15.24, all P < 0.05). The expression of NF-κB mRNA on day 30 after one-month arsenic-exposure in the spontaneous recovery group was significantly higher than that in the corresponding model group (40.45 ± 19.56 vs 65.58 ± 13.17, P < 0.05). (3) Protein: Compared with the control group, the level of PPARγ protein was reduced in the model group. Compared with the control group, the level of NF-κB protein was elevated in the model group. (4) Correlation: There is a negative correlation between PPARγ and NF-κB mRNA expression (r = 0.847, P < 0.05) as well as between PPARγ and NF-κB protein expression (r = 0.529, P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Liver tissue injury is aggravated gradually with the prolongation of arsenic exposure. Earlier avoidance of arsenic exposure is associated with a quicker recovery from liver injury. In arsenic-induced hepatic fibrosis, PPARγ mRNA and protein expression is reduced, while that of NF-κB is elevated. There is a negative correlation between PPARγ and NF-κB expression in arsenic-induced hepatic fibrosis.
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Wu JH, Wang YR, Huang WY, Tan RX. Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of tectorigenin on hepatic stellate cells. World J Gastroenterol 2010; 16:3911-8. [PMID: 20712052 PMCID: PMC2923765 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i31.3911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2010] [Revised: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/27/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effect of tectorigenin on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC)-T6 cells. METHODS HSC-T6 cells were incubated with tectorigenin at different concentrations, and their proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry assay with Hoechst 33342 staining. Also, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular [Ca(2+)](i), potential of mitochondrial membrane, activities of cytochrome c and caspase-9 and -3 were investigated to explore a conceivable apoptotic pathway. RESULTS Tectorigenin suppressed the proliferation of HSC-T6 cells and induced apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Tectorigenin at the concentration of 100 microg/mL greatly inhibited the viability of HSC-T6 cells and induced the condensation of chromatin and fragmentation of nuclei. When treated for 48 h, the percentage of cell growth and apoptosis reached 46.3% +/- 2.37% (P = 0.004) and 50.67% +/- 3.24% (P = 0.003), respectively. Furthermore, tectorigenin-induced apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells was associated with the generation of ROS, increased intracellular [Ca(2+)](i), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, translocation of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-9 and -3. CONCLUSION Tectorigenin inhibits proliferation of HSC-T6 cells and induces apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells.
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Kim DH, Kim YJ, Chang SA, Lee HW, Kim HN, Kim HK, Chang HJ, Sohn DW, Park YB. The protective effect of thalidomide on left ventricular function in a rat model of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Eur J Heart Fail 2010; 12:1051-60. [PMID: 20601373 DOI: 10.1093/eurjhf/hfq103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the protective effect of thalidomide, a potent anti-inflammatory drug, on the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DMCMP). METHODS AND RESULTS We induced type 1 diabetes using streptozocin in 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats, divided them into two groups-a thalidomide treatment group (DM-T, n = 15) and a non-treatment group (DM-N, n = 15)-and compared them with a normal control (n = 10). Ten weeks after diabetes induction, heart and lung mass indices were higher in the DM-N group compared with the control group. In the DM-T group, increases in heart and lung mass indices were attenuated compared with the DM-N group. On echocardiographic examination, systolic and diastolic mitral annulus velocities were impaired in the DM-N group, but they remained normal in the DM-T group. On haemodynamic analyses, left ventricular (LV) systolic function, represented by end-systolic elastance (0.35 ± 0.14 vs. 0.18 ± 0.07 mmHg/μl, P < 0.001) and preload-recruitable stroke work (90.5 ± 24.3 vs. 51.8 ± 22.0 mmHg, P < 0.001), was preserved in the DM-T group compared with the DM-N group. Likewise, deterioration of LV diastolic function was attenuated in the DM-T group. Increases in serum levels of TNF-α were attenuated in the DM-T group compared with the DM-N group. On histological analysis, thalidomide treatment lowered total myocardial collagen content and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. CONCLUSION In an animal model of DMCMP, deterioration of LV systolic and diastolic function was partially prevented by thalidomide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Hee Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Pinto LDF, Compri CM, Fornari JV, Bartchewsky W, Cintra DE, Trevisan M, Carvalho PDO, Ribeiro ML, Velloso LA, Saad MJ, Pedrazzoli J, Gambero A. The immunosuppressant drug, thalidomide, improves hepatic alterations induced by a high-fat diet in mice. Liver Int 2010; 30:603-10. [PMID: 20088867 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, are known to be involved in the establishment of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance plays a key role in the development of obesity-related pathologies, such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The state of chronic inflammation associated with obesity led us to hypothesize that TNF-alpha blockade may have an effect on experimentally obese animals. AIMS We studied the effects of thalidomide, an immunosuppressant and anti-TNF-alpha drug, on hepatic alterations that were induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice. METHODS Obesity was induced in Swiss mice using a HFD for 12 weeks. Thalidomide-treated animals received thalidomide i.p. (100 mg/kg/day, 10 days). Glucose, aspartate aminotransferases and alanine aminotransferases levels were assessed in the blood. Insulin and glucose tolerance tests were performed. The liver was excised for histological, triglyceride, gene and protein expression analyses. RESULTS We found improvements in both the basal glucose blood levels and the response to insulin administration in the treated animals. The molecular analysis of insulin signalling revealed a restoration of the hepatic insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and AKT phosphorylation. The hepatic expression of TNF-alpha was inhibited and the levels correlated with a significant reduction in the steatosis area. Other hepatic inflammatory markers, such as iNOS and suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS-3), were also reduced. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that immunosuppressant drugs that target TNF-alpha and that may also contribute to reductions in the inflammatory markers that are associated with obesity could be a therapeutic option in NAFLD and type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia de Fraia Pinto
- Clinical Pharmacology and Gastroenterology Unit, São Francisco University Medical School, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
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Järveläinen H, Sainio A, Koulu M, Wight TN, Penttinen R. Extracellular matrix molecules: potential targets in pharmacotherapy. Pharmacol Rev 2010; 61:198-223. [PMID: 19549927 DOI: 10.1124/pr.109.001289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of numerous macromolecules classified traditionally into collagens, elastin, and microfibrillar proteins, proteoglycans including hyaluronan, and noncollagenous glycoproteins. In addition to being necessary structural components, ECM molecules exhibit important functional roles in the control of key cellular events such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Any structural inherited or acquired defect and/or metabolic disturbance in the ECM may cause cellular and tissue alterations that can lead to the development or progression of disease. Consequently, ECM molecules are important targets for pharmacotherapy. Specific agents that prevent the excess accumulation of ECM molecules in the vascular system, liver, kidney, skin, and lung; alternatively, agents that inhibit the degradation of the ECM in degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis would be clinically beneficial. Unfortunately, until recently, the ECM in drug discovery has been largely ignored. However, several of today's drugs that act on various primary targets affect the ECM as a byproduct of the drugs' actions, and this activity may in part be beneficial to the drugs' disease-modifying properties. In the future, agents and compounds targeting directly the ECM will significantly advance the treatment of various human diseases, even those for which efficient therapies are not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannu Järveläinen
- Department of Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.
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New thalidomide analogues derived through Sonogashira or Suzuki reactions and their TNF expression inhibition profiles. Bioorg Med Chem 2010; 18:650-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2009] [Revised: 11/28/2009] [Accepted: 12/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Wang L, Cheng D, Wang H, Di L, Zhou X, Xu T, Yang X, Liu Y. The hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of Saururus chinensis against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2009; 126:487-491. [PMID: 19761824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill (Saururaceae) has been used in Chinese folk medicine for treatment of various diseases, such as edema, jaundice, gonorrhea, antipyretic, diuretic, and antiinflammatory agents. AIM OF THE STUDY Our aim was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of Saururus chinensis extract (SC-E) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) induced liver fibrosis rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The SC-E (70 mg/kg) was administrated via gavage once a day starting from the onset of CCl(4) treatment (14 weeks) for subsequent 8 weeks. Evaluated with liver index, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hyaluronic acid (HA), hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), total lipoprotein (TP), albumin (ALB), hydroxyproline (HYP), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), laminin (LN), type III collagen terminal peptide (PC-IIINP), and type IV collagen (IV-C), as well as with histopathologic changes of liver. RESULTS SC-E effectively reduced the elevated levels of liver index, serum ALT, AST, HA, and hepatic MDA contents, enhance the reduced hepatic SOD activity in CCl(4)-treated rats. The histopathological analysis suggested that SC-E obviously alleviated the degree of liver fibrosis induced by CCl(4). CONCLUSIONS Those results suggest SC-E has protective and therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis induced by CCl(4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishu Wang
- Jilin Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Changchun 130021, China
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28
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Choe JY, Jung HJ, Park KY, Kum YS, Song GG, Hyun DS, Park SH, Kim SK. Anti-fibrotic effect of thalidomide through inhibiting TGF-beta-induced ERK1/2 pathways in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice. Inflamm Res 2009; 59:177-88. [PMID: 19757088 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-009-0084-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study is designed to confirm the anti-fibrotic effect of thalidomide on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in a mouse model and to identify whether this anti-fibrotic effect is associated with inhibition of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2). METHODS AND MATERIALS C57BL/6 female mice were administered blomycin sulfate. In cultured human lung fibroblasts, expressions of type I collagen, fibronectin, and either TGF-beta or IL-6 were measured after thalidomide treatment by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expressions of ERK1/2, type I collagen, fibronectin, and TGF-beta1 from lung tissues of blomycin-induced mice and from mouse lung fibroblasts were evaluated using RT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS Thalidomide administration significantly inhibits TGF-beta1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependant manner following administration of IL-6 and IL-6R. In the analysis of BAL fluids, total BAL inflammatory cell counts, TGF-beta1, and IL-6 levels in thalidomide-treated mice were significantly reduced when compared with bleomycin-treated mice (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). Thalidomide inhibited total ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 expression after TGF-beta1 stimulation in the RT-PCR and western blotting. CONCLUSION The results of our study suggest that the anti-fibrotic effect of thalidomide on lung fibrosis may be related to suppression of the TGF-beta1-induced ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yoon Choe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, 3056-6 Daemyung 4-Dong, Namgu, Daegu, 705-718, South Korea
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Inhibitory effects of armepavine against hepatic fibrosis in rats. J Biomed Sci 2009; 16:78. [PMID: 19723340 PMCID: PMC2741443 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-16-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a crucial role in liver fibrogenesis. armepavine (Arm, C19H23O3N), an active compound from Nelumbo nucifera, has been shown to exert immunosuppressive effects on T lymphocytes and on lupus nephritic mice. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Arm could exert anti-hepatic fibrogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. A cell line of rat HSCs (HSC-T6) was stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Arm. An in vivo therapeutic study was conducted in bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats. BDL rats were given Arm (3 or 10 mg/kg) by gavage twice daily for 3 weeks starting from the onset of BDL. Liver sections were taken for fibrosis scoring, immuno-fluorescence staining and quantitative real-time mRNA measurements. In vitro, Arm (1-10 μM) concentration-dependently attenuated TNF-α- and LPS-stimulated α-SMA protein expression and AP-1 activation by HSC-T6 cells without adverse cytotoxicity. Arm also suppressed TNF-α-induced collagen collagen deposition, NFκB activation and MAPK (p38, ERK1/2, and JNK) phosphorylations. In vivo, Arm treatment significantly reduced plasma AST and ALT levels, hepatic α-SMA expression and collagen contents, and fibrosis scores of BDL rats as compared with vehicle treatment. Moreover, Arm attenuated the mRNA expression levels of col 1α2, TGF-β1, TIMP-1, ICAM-1, iNOS, and IL-6 genes, but up-regulated metallothionein genes. Our study results showed that Arm exerted both in vitro and in vivo antifibrotic effects in rats, possibly through anti-NF-κB activation pathways.
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Fernández-Martínez E, Pérez-Hernández N, Muriel P, Pérez-Álvarez V, Shibayama M, Tsutsumi V. The thalidomide analog 3-phthalimido-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-propanoic acid improves the biliary cirrhosis in the rat. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 61:471-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2008.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Revised: 10/21/2008] [Accepted: 11/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Mann J, Mann DA. Transcriptional regulation of hepatic stellate cells. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2009; 61:497-512. [PMID: 19393271 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a process of cellular transdifferentiation in which, upon liver injury, the quiescent vitamin A storing perisinusoidal HSC is converted into a wound-healing myofibroblast and acquires potent pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic activities. This remarkable phenotypic transformation is underpinned by changes in the expression of a vast number of genes. In this review we survey current knowledge of the transcription factors that either control HSC activation or which regulate specific fibrogenic functions of the activated HSC such as collagen expression, proliferation and resistance to apoptosis.
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Järveläinen H, Sainio A, Koulu M, Wight TN, Penttinen R. Extracellular Matrix Molecules: Potential Targets in Pharmacotherapy. Pharmacol Rev 2009. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.109.001289 doi:dx.doi.org] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Oh SW, Kim DH, Ha JR, Kim DY. Anti-fibrotic Effects of a Methylenedioxybenzene Compound, CW209292 on Dimethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats. Biol Pharm Bull 2009; 32:1364-70. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.32.1364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Se-Woong Oh
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University
- Central Research Institute, Choongwae Pharma Corp
| | - Dae-Hoon Kim
- Central Research Institute, Choongwae Pharma Corp
| | - Jong-Ryul Ha
- Central Research Institute, Choongwae Pharma Corp
| | - Dae-Yong Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University
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Abstract
The NF-kappaB signaling pathway has particular relevance to several liver diseases including hepatitis (liver infection by Helicobacter, viral hepatitis induced by HBV and HCV), liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, the NF-kappaB signaling pathway is a potential target for development of hepatoprotective agents. Several types of drugs including: selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), antioxidants, proteasome inhibitors, IKK inhibitors and nucleic acid-based decoys have been shown to interfere with NF-kappaB activity at different levels and may be useful for the treatment of liver diseases. However, NF-kappaB also plays an important hepatoprotective function that needs to be taken into consideration during development of new therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sun
- Liver Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital and Cancer Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
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35
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Hisamori S, Tabata C, Kadokawa Y, Okoshi K, Tabata R, Mori A, Nagayama S, Watanabe G, Kubo H, Sakai Y. All-trans-retinoic acid ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice through modulating cytokine production. Liver Int 2008; 28:1217-25. [PMID: 18397230 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2008.01745.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Liver fibrosis with any aetiology, induced by the transdifferentiation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to produce collagen, is characterized by progressive worsening in liver function, leading to a high incidence of death. We have recently reported that all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) suppresses the transdifferentiation and proliferation of lung fibroblasts and prevents radiation- or bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. METHODS We examined the impact of ATRA on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver fibrosis. We performed histological examinations and quantitative measurements of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and interleukin (IL)-6 in CCl(4)-treated mouse liver tissues with or without the administration of ATRA, and investigated the effect of ATRA on the production of the cytokines in quiescent and activated HSCs. RESULTS CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis was attenuated in histology by intraperitoneal administration of ATRA, and the overall survival rate at 12 weeks was 26.5% without ATRA (n=25), whereas it was 75.0% (n=24) in the treatment group (P=0.0187). In vitro studies disclosed that the administration of ATRA reduced (i) the production of TGF-beta1, IL-6 and collagen from HSCs, (ii) TGF-beta-dependent transdifferentiation of the cells and IL-6-dependent cell proliferation and (iii) the activities of nuclear factor-kappaB p65 and p38mitogen-activated protein kinase, which stimulate the production of TGF-beta1 and IL-6, which could be the mechanism underlying the preventive effect of ATRA on liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that ATRA ameliorates liver fibrosis. As the oral administration of the drug results in good compliance, ATRA could be a novel approach in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeo Hisamori
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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Gieling RG, Burt AD, Mann DA. Fibrosis and cirrhosis reversibility - molecular mechanisms. Clin Liver Dis 2008; 12:915-37, xi. [PMID: 18984474 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2008.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The concept that liver fibrosis is a dynamic process with potential for regression as well as progression has emerged in parallel with clinical evidence for remodeling of fibrotic extracellular matrix in patients who can be effectively treated for their underlying cause of liver disease. This article reviews recent discoveries relating to the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate fibrosis regression, with emphasis on studies that have used experimental in vivo models of liver disease. Apoptosis of hepatic myofibroblasts is discussed. The functions played by transcription factors, receptor-ligand interactions, and cell-matrix interactions as regulators of the lifespan of hepatic myofibroblasts are considered, as are the therapeutic opportunities for modulating these functions. Growth factors, proteolytic enzymes, and their inhibitors are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roben G Gieling
- Liver Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Zahran MAH, Salem TAR, Samaka RM, Agwa HS, Awad AR. Design, synthesis and antitumor evaluation of novel thalidomide dithiocarbamate and dithioate analogs against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-induced solid tumor in Swiss albino mice. Bioorg Med Chem 2008; 16:9708-18. [PMID: 18951804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.09.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2008] [Revised: 09/27/2008] [Accepted: 09/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A series of 16 novel thalidomide sulfur analogs containing one and two sulfur atoms 2 and 4-18, respectively, were designed and synthesized. These compounds were screened for in vitro antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell line and exhibited potent cytotoxic activity. On the bases of the obtained results for in vitro cytotoxic activity, thalidomide sulfur analogs containing two sulfur atoms 8, 9, 13 and 14 were selected and tested in vivo against EAC-induced solid tumor in female mice compared to thalidomide 1 as well as its analog 2 and exhibited a highly significant reduction in tumor volume (TV). Results illustrated the antioxidative activity of these compounds as the level of hepatic lipid peroxidation decreased and levels of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were elevated. The histopathological investigations revealed that thalidomide sulfur analogs 2, 8, 9, 13 and 14 have antimitotic, apoptotic and necrotic activities against solid tumor. These compounds lead to increase of Fas-L expression. The immunohistochemical studies showed a decrease in Ki67 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) staining in tumor cells from treated-animals when compared with non-treated groups, which suggests an inhibition of tumor proliferation rate and angiogenic process associated with tumor growth. Compounds 9 and 13 were the most potent compounds in tumor necrosis without liver necrosis. At the same time, treatment with compound 9 resulted in liver degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdy A-H Zahran
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufiya University, Egypt.
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Lin YL, Hsu YC, Chiu YT, Huang YT. Antifibrotic effects of a herbal combination regimen on hepatic fibrotic rats. Phytother Res 2008; 22:69-76. [PMID: 17724770 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis has been characterized as chronic inflammatory processes involving multiple molecular pathogenetic pathways. This therapeutic study investigated whether a combination regimen of Salvia miltiorrhiza (S), Ligusticum chuanxiong (L) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (G) exerted in vivo antifibrotic effects on rats with hepatic fibrosis. Fibrosis was induced in rats by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) administration for 4 weeks. Fibrotic rats were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: control, SLG (50 mg/kg) or silymarin (50 mg/kg), each given by gavage twice daily for 3 weeks starting 1 week after DMN injection. The results showed that fibrosis scores of livers from DMN-treated rats with SLG (1.13 +/- 0.13) were significantly reduced in comparison with DMN-treated rats receiving vehicle (1.63 +/- 0.18). Moreover, the hepatic collagen content of DMN rats was significantly reduced by either SLG or silymarin treatment. The double immunohistochemical staining results also showed that alpha-SMA positive cells with NF kappa B nuclear translocation were decreased in the fibrotic livers by SLG and silymarin treatments. The mRNA expression levels of TGF-beta1, alpha-SMA, collagen1 alpha 2, iNOS and ICAM-1 genes were attenuated by SLG and silymarin treatment. The results showed that SLG exerted antifibrotic effects in rats with DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Lian Lin
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chen Q, Shen L, He QL, Tao YY, Liu CH. Detection for gelatinase activity of liver using flourescent in situ zymography. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2008; 16:1607-1611. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v16.i15.1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To establish fluorescent in situ zymography for gelatinase activity of liver and observe the feature of gelatinase activity in liver tissues with fibrosis and acute injury.
METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis of rats was induced by administration of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) intraperitoneally and acute liver injury of mice by injection of GalN and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneally. Gelatin substrate of green fluorescence was mounted on cryostat sections of liver tissues from the above two models, incubated for 8-24 h, and then the nuclei were counterstained with Hoechst. The green fluorescence of gelatinase and blue fluorescence of nuclei were observed under fluorescence microscope, and the images were overlapped.
RESULTS: Fluorescent in situ zymography for gelatinase activity was established successfully. With this method, a low level of gelatinase activity was detected in the sinus hepaticus of normal liver sections; however, it was enhanced in the sinus hepaticus of liver sections with fibrosis and acute injury. Gelatinase activity in the fibrous septum of liver fibrosis sections was strong.
CONCLUSION: Flourescent in situ zymography is sensitive, directviewing and convenient in the detection of gelatinase activity level and position and of great significance for the studies on pathology and pharmacology of liver.
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Abstract
Liver diseases are a major problem of worldwide proportions. However, the number of drugs actually used successfully in humans is very small. In this review some of the most promising/studied drugs utilized for liver diseases were chosen and analysed critically from the basic to the clinical point of view. Antiviral agents are not discussed because excellent reviews have appeared on this topic. The compounds/preparations described herein are, alphabetically: colchicine, corticosteroids, curcumin, glycyrrhizin, interferons (for their antifibrotic properties), Liv 52, nitric oxide, resveratrol, silymarin, sulfoadenosylmethionine, and thalidomide. Colchicine and corticosteroids have been studied extensively in animals and humans; most clinical studies suggest that these compounds are not useful in the treatment of liver diseases. Glycyrrhizin is an herbal medicine with several components that has interesting hepatoprotective properties in patients with subacute liver failure but deserves more prospective controlled trials. Interferon has shown interesting antifibrotic properties in animals and humans; prospective studies on their antifibrotic/fibrolytic activity are required. Curcumin, resveratrol and thalidomide are very attractive newly discovered protective and curative compounds on experimental hepatic diseases. Their mechanism of action is associated with the ability to down-regulate NF-kappaB and to decrease pronecrotic and profibrotic cytokines. Unfortunately, clinical studies are lacking. Sulfoadenosylmethionine and silymarin are also promising drugs utilized mainly in cholestasis but the benefits can be expanded if more controlled trials are performed. The future is to carry out controlled prospective double-blind multicenter studies with the newly discovered drugs with proven beneficial effects on animals. Fundamental hepatobiology should also be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Muriel
- Departamento de Farmacología, Cinvestav-IPN, Apdo. Postal 14-740. México 07000, D.F. México.
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Yang KL, Hung KC, Chang WT, Li EIC. Establishment of an early liver fibrosis model by the hydrodynamics-based transfer of TGF-beta1 gene. COMPARATIVE HEPATOLOGY 2007; 6:9. [PMID: 17949486 PMCID: PMC2104536 DOI: 10.1186/1476-5926-6-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2007] [Accepted: 10/19/2007] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis represents a significant and severe health care problem and there are no efficient drugs for therapy so far. Preventing the progression of fibrogenesis and revival endogenous repair activities is an important strategy for both current and future therapies. Many studies of liver fibrosis consist of animal testing with various hepatotoxins. Although this method is often used, the model at which cirrhosis or extensive fibrosis becomes irreversible has not been well defined and is not representative of early-stage fibrogenesis. We here report the establishment of a transient and reversible liver fibrosis animal model which may better represent an early and natural fibrotic event. We used a high-speed intravenous injection of naked plasmid DNA of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) gene which is under the control of a metallothionein-regulated gene in a pPK9A expression vector into the tail vein (the hydrodynamics-based transfer) and fed the mouse with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4)-containing water simultaneously. Results Using our hydrodynamics-based gene transfer model we found that upon induction by ZnSO4, the serum TGF-β1 level in Balb/c mice and Sp1 transcription factor binding activity peaked at 48 h and declined thereafter to a normal level on the 5th day. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1 in the liver were also upregulated at 48 h. Furthermore, induction of TGF-β1 increased the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), p-Smad2/3, hydroxyproline and collagen 1A2 (Col 1A2) levels in the liver, suggesting a significant liver fibrosis. Conclusion Our results show that TGF-β1 in pPK9a-transferred mice liver with ZnSO4 feeding can achieve a high expression level with significant fibrosis. However, since TGF-β1 induction is transient in our model, the fibrotic level does not reach a large scale (panlobular fibrosis) as seen in the CCl4-treated liver. Our model hence represents a dynamic and reversible liver fibrosis and could be a useful tool for studying early molecular mechanism of fibrogenesis or screening of antifibrotic drugs for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Lin Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
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Dang SS, Wang BF, Cheng YA, Song P, Liu ZG, Li ZF. Inhibitory effects of saikosaponin-d on CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrogenesis in rats. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:557-63. [PMID: 17278221 PMCID: PMC4065977 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i4.557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the suppressive effect of saikosaponin-d (SSd) on hepatic fibrosis in rats induced by CCl4 injections in combination with alcohol and high fat, low protein feeding and its relationship with the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins-6 (IL-6).
METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis models were induced by subcutaneous injection of CCl4 at a dosage of 3 mL/kg in rats. At the same time, rats in treatment groups were injected intraperitoneally with SSd at different doses (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg) once daily for 6 wk in combination with CCl4, while the control group received olive oil instead of CCl4. At the end of the experiment, rats were anesthetized and killed (except for 8 rats which died during the experiment; 2 from the model group, 3 in high-dose group, 1 in medium-dose group and 2 in low-dose group). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Van Gieson staining were used to examine the changes in liver pathology. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyeride (TG), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN) in serum and the content of hydroxyproline (HYP) in liver were measured by biochemical examinations and radioimmuneoassay, respectively. In addition, the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in liver homogenate was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the levels of NF-κBp65 and I-κBα in liver tissue were analyzed by Western blotting.
RESULTS: Both histological examination and Van Gieson staining demonstrated that SSd could attenuate the area and extent of necrosis and reduce the scores of liver fibrosis. Similarly, the levels of ALT, TG, GLB, HA, and LN in serum, and the contents of HYP, TNF-α and IL-6 in liver were all significantly increased in model group in comparison with those in control group. Whereas, the treatment with SSd markedly reduced all the above parameters compared with the model group, especially in the medium group (ALT: 412 ± 94.5 IU/L vs 113.76 ± 14.91 IU/L, TG: 0.95 ± 0.16 mmol/L vs 0.51 ± 0.06 mmol/L, GLB: 35.62 ± 3.28 g/L vs 24.82 ± 2.73 g/L, HA: 42.15 ± 8.25 ng/mL vs 19.83 ± 3.12 ng/mL, LN: 27.56 ± 4.21 ng/mL vs 13.78 ± 2.57 ng/mL, HYP: 27.32 ± 4.32 μg/mg vs 16.20 ± 3.12 μg/mg, TNF-α: 4.38 ± 0.76 ng/L vs 1.94 ± 0.27 ng/L, IL-6: 28.24 ± 6.37 pg/g vs 12.72 ± 5.26 pg/g, respectively, P < 0.01). SSd also decreased ALB in serum (28.49 ± 4.93 g/L vs 37.51 ± 3.17 g/L, P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of NF-κB p65 in the liver of treated groups was lower than that in model groups while the expression of I-κBα was higher in treated group than in model group (P < 0.01). The expression of NF-κBp65 and TNF-α had a positive correlation with the level of HA in serum of rats after treatment with CCl4 (r = 0.862, P < 0.01; r = 0.928, P < 0.01, respectively).
CONCLUSION: SSd attenuates CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, which may be related to its effects of hepato-protective and anti-inflammation properties, the down-regulation of liver TNF-α, IL-6 and NF-κBp65 expression and the increased I-κBα activity in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Suo Dang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Second Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China.
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