1
|
Masuda A, Nakamura T, Iwamoto H, Suzuki H, Sakaue T, Tanaka T, Imamura Y, Mori N, Koga H, Kawaguchi T. Ex-vivo expanded CD34 + cell transplantation alleviates fibrotic liver injury via innate immune modulation in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis mice. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:899-909. [PMID: 38678462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.03.488] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In drug-induced liver injury, vascular endothelial progenitor cells, specifically the CD34+ cell fractions, have been found to decrease liver fibrosis and promote regeneration. However, it is unclear whether CD34+ cell transplantation has anti-fibrogenic effects on MASH, which has previously been treated effectively with anti-angiogenic therapy. We investigated the efficacy of ex vivo-expanded CD34+ cells in treating MASH livers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Diet-induced MASH mice were fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet for 12 or 20 weeks, and were designated as a mild and a severe fibrosis model, respectively. Mouse bone marrow CD34+ cells were expanded for 7 days, transplanted into each mouse once or twice 2 weeks later, and sacrificed at 4 weeks after the first transplantation. RESULTS Expanded CD34+ cell transplantation ameliorated liver fibrosis, regardless of fibrosis degree, as indicated by the decrease in α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells, hydroxyproline concentration, and fibrogenic gene expression of Col1a1 and Timp1. Furthermore, engrafted CD34+ cells reduced alanine transaminase levels, the number of TUNEL+ hepatocytes, and 8-OHdG concentration. RNA-sequencing data showed that "defense response to virus" was the most down-regulated category in the Gene Ontology analysis and subsequent analysis revealed the suppression of RIG-I-like receptors/Irf7/Stat1/Cxcl10 axis in expanded CD34+ cell-transplanted livers. Finally, the downregulation of CXCL10 expression inhibits the mobilization of inflammatory immune cells, macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells to the MASH liver. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that transplanted expanded CD34+ cells alleviate fibrotic liver injury in MASH mouse models through possible modulation of the innate immune response, which is abnormally activated by hepatocyte lipotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsutaka Masuda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Toru Nakamura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan.
| | - Hideki Iwamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Takahiko Sakaue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Toshimitsu Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Yasuko Imamura
- Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Mori
- Department of Social Welfare, Kyushu University of Nursing and Social Welfare, Tamana, Kumamoto, 8650061, Japan
| | - Hironori Koga
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hu X, Liu W, Liu J, Wang B, Qin X. Research advances in serum chitinase-3-like protein 1 in liver fibrosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1372434. [PMID: 38962736 PMCID: PMC11219575 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1372434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
While liver fibrosis remains a serious, progressive, chronic liver disease, and factors causing damage persist, liver fibrosis may develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, short-term liver fibrosis is reversible. Therefore, an early diagnosis of liver fibrosis in the reversible transition phase is important for effective treatment of liver diseases. Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), an inflammatory response factor that participates in various biological processes and is abundant in liver tissue, holds promise as a potential biomarker for liver diseases. Here, we aimed to review research developments regarding serum CHI3L1 in relation to the pathophysiology and diagnosis of liver fibrosis of various etiologies, providing a reference for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingwei Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wenhan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Bojian Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaosong Qin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sakane S, Hikita H, Shirai K, Sakamoto T, Narumi R, Adachi J, Kakita N, Yamada Y, Toyoda H, Takahashi H, Suda G, Kai M, Tahata Y, Sakamori R, Kumazaki S, Fukumoto K, Myojin Y, Murai K, Kodama T, Tatsumi T, Tomonaga T, Sakamoto N, Morii E, Takehara T. Proteomic analysis of serum extracellular vesicles reveals Fibulin-3 as a new marker predicting liver-related events in MASLD. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0448. [PMID: 38829196 PMCID: PMC11150025 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for novel noninvasive markers for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to stratify patients at high risk for liver-related events including liver cancer and decompensation. In the present study, we used proteomic analysis of proteins in extracellular vesicles (EVs) to identify new biomarkers that change with fibrosis progression and can predict the development of liver-related events. METHODS We analyzed serum EVs from 50 patients with MASLD assessed for liver fibrosis by biopsy and identified proteins that altered with advanced fibrosis. A further evaluation was conducted on another cohort of 463 patients with MASLD with biopsy. RESULTS Eight candidate proteins were identified by proteomic analysis of serum EVs. Among them, serum levels of Fibulin-3, Fibulin-1, and Ficolin 1 correlated with their EV levels. In addition, serum Fibulin-3 and serum Fibulin-1 levels changed significantly with advanced fibrosis. Using another cohort with biopsy, we found that the serum Fibulin-3 concentration was significantly greater in those with advanced fibrosis but that the serum Fibulin-1 concentration was not significantly different. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that a higher Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and higher serum Fibulin-3 concentration were independent risk factors for liver-related events. When the cutoff value for the serum Fibulin-3 concentration was 6.0 µg/mL according to the Youden index of AUROCs, patients with high serum Fibulin-3 significantly more frequently developed liver-related events than did other patients. Validation using another cohort of 226 patients with clinically diagnosed MASLD confirmed that high serum Fibulin-3 levels are associated with a greater frequency of liver-related events. CONCLUSIONS Serum Fibulin-3 was identified as a biomarker for predicting liver-related events in patients with MASLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadatsugu Sakane
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hayato Hikita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kumiko Shirai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryohei Narumi
- Laboratory of Proteomics for Drug Discovery, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Adachi
- Laboratory of Proteomics for Drug Discovery, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naruyasu Kakita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kaizuka City Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukinori Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kaizuka City Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | | | - Goki Suda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Machiko Kai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Tahata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Sakamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shusuke Kumazaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenji Fukumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuta Myojin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Murai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomohide Tatsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tomonaga
- Laboratory of Proteomics for Drug Discovery, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Eiichi Morii
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hu Y, Zhou J. Identification of key genes and functional enrichment analysis of liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Genomics Inform 2023; 21:e45. [PMID: 38224712 PMCID: PMC10788356 DOI: 10.5808/gi.23051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common type of chronic liver disease, with severity levels ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The extent of liver fibrosis indicates the severity of NASH and the risk of liver cancer. However, the mechanism underlying NASH development, which is important for early screening and intervention, remains unclear. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) is a useful method for identifying hub genes and screening specific targets for diseases. In this study, we utilized an mRNA dataset of the liver tissues of patients with NASH and conducted WGCNA for various stages of liver fibrosis. Subsequently, we employed two additional mRNA datasets for validation purposes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to analyze gene function enrichment. Through WGCNA and subsequent analyses, complemented by validation using two additional datasets, we identified five genes (BICC1, C7, EFEMP1, LUM, and STMN2) as hub genes. GSEA analysis indicated that gene sets associated with liver metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis were uniformly downregulated. BICC1, C7, EFEMP1, LUM, and STMN2 were identified as hub genes of NASH, and were all related to liver metabolism, NAFLD, NASH, and related diseases. These hub genes might serve as potential targets for the early screening and treatment of NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Shenzhen InnoStar Institute of Biomedical Safety Evaluation and Research Co., Ltd., Shenzhen,518000, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Shenzhen InnoStar Institute of Biomedical Safety Evaluation and Research Co., Ltd., Shenzhen,518000, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang J, Qu J, Liu S, Xu Q, Li X, Zhu Y, Liu X, Yi J, Yuan Z, Huang P, Yin Y, Wen L, Wu J. Tannic Acid Ameliorates Systemic Glucose and Lipid Metabolic Impairment Induced by Low-Dose T-2 Toxin Exposure. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:12574-12586. [PMID: 37525894 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c02934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Subacute mycotoxin exposure in food is commonly overlooked. As one of the most toxic trichothecene mycotoxins, the T-2 toxin severely pollutes human foods and animal feeds. In our study, we investigated the effects of low-dose T-2 toxin on glucose and lipid metabolic function and further investigated the protective effect of tannic acid (TA) in C57BL/6J mice. Results showed that low-dose T-2 toxin significantly impaired blood glucose and lipid homeostasis, promoted ferroptosis in the pancreas and subsequent repression of insulin secretion in β-cells, and impacted hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism by targeted inhibition of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/phosphatidylin-ositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, which induced insulin resistance and steatosis in the liver. TA treatment attenuated pancreatic function and hepatic metabolism by ameliorating oxidative stress and insulin resistance in mice. These findings provide new perspectives on the toxic mechanism and intervention of chronic subacute toxicity of foodborne mycotoxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Animal Nutritional Genome and Germplasm Innovation Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jianyu Qu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Sha Liu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Qiurong Xu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiaowen Li
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Changsha Lvye Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Changsha 410100, China
| | - Xiangyan Liu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jine Yi
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zhihang Yuan
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Animal Nutritional Genome and Germplasm Innovation Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Animal Nutritional Genome and Germplasm Innovation Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Lixin Wen
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ullah A, Ud Din A, Ding W, Shi Z, Pervaz S, Shen B. A narrative review: CXC chemokines influence immune surveillance in obesity and obesity-related diseases: Type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2023; 24:611-631. [PMID: 37000372 PMCID: PMC10063956 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-023-09800-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue develops lipids, aberrant adipokines, chemokines, and pro-inflammatory cytokines as a consequence of the low-grade systemic inflammation that characterizes obesity. This low-grade systemic inflammation can lead to insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic complications, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although the CXC chemokines consists of numerous regulators of inflammation, cellular function, and cellular migration, it is still unknown that how CXC chemokines and chemokine receptors contribute to the development of metabolic diseases (such as T2D and NAFLD) during obesity. In light of recent research, the objective of this review is to provide an update on the linkage between the CXC chemokine, obesity, and obesity-related metabolic diseases (T2D and NAFLD). We explore the differential migratory and immunomodulatory potential of CXC chemokines and their mechanisms of action to better understand their role in clinical and laboratory contexts. Besides that, because CXC chemokine profiling is strongly linked to leukocyte recruitment, macrophage recruitment, and immunomodulatory potential, we hypothesize that it could be used to predict the therapeutic potential for obesity and obesity-related diseases (T2D and NAFLD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Ullah
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Xinchuan Road 2222, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Ahmad Ud Din
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Xinchuan Road 2222, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Ding
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Xinchuan Road 2222, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zheng Shi
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Clinical Medical College & Affiliated hospital, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, China
| | - Sadaf Pervaz
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Xinchuan Road 2222, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhou C, Shen Z, Shen B, Dai W, Sun Z, Guo Y, Xu X, Wang J, Lu J, Zhang Q, Luo X, Qu Y, Dong H, Lu L. FABP4 in LSECs promotes CXCL10-mediated macrophage recruitment and M1 polarization during NAFLD progression. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166810. [PMID: 37487374 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the leading cause of end-stage liver disease with a serious threat to global health burden. Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is closely associated with metabolic syndromes. We aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of FABP4 in NAFLD progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS For NAFLD mice, animals were fed with high fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks. The assays of hematoxylin and eosin, Sirius Red, oil red O staining and immunohistology were performed to evaluate hepatic pathology. Flow cytometric analysis was used to distinguish macrophage subtypes. RESULTS Serum FABP4 level was positively correlate with the severity of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients. FABP4 expression was mainly distributed in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), which was significantly increased in HFD mice. The level of CXCL10 was positively correlated with FABP4 at mRNA and serum level. FABP4 inhibition resulted in decreased expression of CXCL10. The percentage of M1 macrophage and CXCR3+ cells in infiltrated macrophage was increased in liver of HFD mice. Inhibition of FABP4 ameliorated HFD-induced M1 macrophage polarization as well as CXCR3+ macrophages recruitment. Recombinant CXCL10 and co-culturing with TMNK-1 stimulated macrophage toward M1 polarization, which could be reversed by CXCR3 inhibitor. Palmitic acid treatment resulted in increased nuclear P65 expression, which could be reversed by inhibiting FABP4. Cxcl10 expression was dramatically suppressed by NF-κB inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS FABP4 in LSECs may play a pathogenic role in NAFLD course by promoting CXCL10-mediated macrophage M1 polarization and CXCR3+ macrophage infiltration via activating NF-κB/p65 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cui Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyang Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiming Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongsang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuecheng Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
He W, Huang Y, Shi X, Wang Q, Wu M, Li H, Liu Q, Zhang X, Huang C, Li X. Identifying a distinct fibrosis subset of NAFLD via molecular profiling and the involvement of profibrotic macrophages. J Transl Med 2023; 21:448. [PMID: 37415134 PMCID: PMC10326954 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are emerging studies suggesting that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a heterogeneous disease with multiple etiologies and molecular phenotypes. Fibrosis is the key process in NAFLD progression. In this study, we aimed to explore molecular phenotypes of NAFLD with a particular focus on the fibrosis phenotype and also aimed to explore the changes of macrophage subsets in the fibrosis subset of NAFLD. METHODS To assess the transcriptomic alterations of key factors in NAFLD and fibrosis progression, we included 14 different transcriptomic datasets of liver tissues. In addition, two single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets were included to construct transcriptomic signatures that could represent specific cells. To explore the molecular subsets of fibrosis in NAFLD based on the transcriptomic features, we used a high-quality RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) dataset of liver tissues from patients with NAFLD. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was used to analyze the molecular subsets of NAFLD based on the gene set variation analysis (GSVA) enrichment scores of key molecule features in liver tissues. RESULTS The key transcriptomic signatures on NAFLD including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) signature, fibrosis signature, non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) signature, liver aging signature and TGF-β signature were constructed by liver transcriptome datasets. We analyzed two liver scRNA-seq datasets and constructed cell type-specific transcriptomic signatures based on the genes that were highly expressed in each cell subset. We analyzed the molecular subsets of NAFLD by NMF and categorized four main subsets of NAFLD. Cluster 4 subset is mainly characterized by liver fibrosis. Patients with Cluster 4 subset have more advanced liver fibrosis than patients with other subsets, or may have a high risk of liver fibrosis progression. Furthermore, we identified two key monocyte-macrophage subsets which were both significantly correlated with the progression of liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. CONCLUSION Our study revealed the molecular subtypes of NAFLD by integrating key information from transcriptomic expression profiling and liver microenvironment, and identified a novel and distinct fibrosis subset of NAFLD. The fibrosis subset is significantly correlated with the profibrotic macrophages and M2 macrophage subset. These two liver macrophage subsets may be important players in the progression of liver fibrosis of NAFLD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei He
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Yinxiang Huang
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiulin Shi
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingxuan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Menghua Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiuhong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaofang Zhang
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Caoxin Huang
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China.
| | - Xuejun Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China.
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zeng W, Xu X, Xu F, Zhu F, Li Y, Ma J. Exploring Key Genes with Diagnostic Value for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Based on Bioinformatics Analysis. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:20959-20967. [PMID: 37323410 PMCID: PMC10268261 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to screen specific genes in liver tissue samples of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with clinical diagnostic value based on bioinformatics analysis. The datasets of liver tissue samples from healthy individuals and NASH patients were retrieved for consistency cluster analysis to obtain the NASH sample typing, followed by verification of the diagnostic value of sample genotyping-specific genes. All samples were subjected to logistic regression analysis, followed by the establishment of the risk model, and then, the diagnostic value was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. NASH samples could be divided into cluster 1, cluster 2, and cluster 3, which could predict the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score of patients. A total of 162 sample genotyping-specific genes were extracted from patient clinical parameters, and the top 20 core genes in the protein interaction network were obtained for logistic regression analysis. Five sample genotyping-specific genes (WD repeat and HMG-box DNA-binding protein 1 [WDHD1], GINS complex subunit 2 [GINS2], replication factor C subunit 3 (RFC3), secreted phosphoprotein 1 [SPP1], and spleen tyrosine kinase [SYK]) were extracted to construct the risk models with high diagnostic value in NASH. Compared with the low-risk group, the high-risk group of the model showed increased lipoproduction and decreased lipolysis and lipid β oxidation. The risk models based on WDHD1, GINS2, RFC3, SPP1, and SYK have high diagnostic value in NASH, and this risk model is closely related to lipid metabolism pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenchun Zeng
- Department
of Gastroenterology, The First People’s
Hospital of Yongkang, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Jinhua 321300, P. R. China
| | - Xiangwei Xu
- Department
of Pharmacy, The First People’s Hospital
of Yongkang, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Jinhua 321300, P. R. China
| | - Fang Xu
- Department
of Gastroenterology, The First People’s
Hospital of Yongkang, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Jinhua 321300, P. R. China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department
of Gastroenterology, The First People’s
Hospital of Yongkang, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Jinhua 321300, P. R. China
| | - Yuecui Li
- Department
of Infectious Liver Disease, The First People’s
Hospital of Yongkang, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Jinhua 321300, P. R. China
| | - Ji Ma
- Department
of Gastroenterology, The First People’s
Hospital of Yongkang, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Jinhua 321300, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sanchez JI, Parra ER, Jiao J, Solis Soto LM, Ledesma DA, Saldarriaga OA, Stevenson HL, Beretta L. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with NAFLD. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2871. [PMID: 37296834 PMCID: PMC10252068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of immune- and cancer-related genes was measured in liver biopsies from 107 NAFLD patients. The strongest difference in overall gene expression was between liver fibrosis stages F3 and F4, with 162 cirrhosis-associated genes identified. Strong correlations with fibrosis progression from F1 to F4 were observed for 91 genes, including CCL21, CCL2, CXCL6, and CCL19. In addition, the expression of 21 genes was associated with fast progression to F3/F4 in an independent group of eight NAFLD patients. These included the four chemokines, SPP1, HAMP, CXCL2, and IL-8. A six-gene signature including SOX9, THY-1, and CD3D had the highest performance detecting the progressors among F1/F2 NAFLD patients. We also characterized immune cell changes using multiplex immunofluorescence platforms. Fibrotic areas were strongly enriched in CD3+ T cells compared to CD68+ macrophages. While the number of CD68+ macrophages increased with fibrosis severity, the increase in CD3+ T-cell density was more substantial and progressive from F1 to F4. The strongest correlation with fibrosis progression was observed for CD3+CD45R0+ memory T cells, while the most significant increase in density between F1/F2 and F3/F4 was for CD3+CD45RO+FOXP3+CD8- and CD3+CD45RO-FOXP3+CD8- regulatory T cells. A specific increase in the density of CD68+CD11b+ Kupffer cells with liver fibrosis progression was also observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica I. Sanchez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Edwin R. Parra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jingjing Jiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luisa M. Solis Soto
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Debora A. Ledesma
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Omar A. Saldarriaga
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Heather L. Stevenson
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Laura Beretta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhu Y, Zhang H, Jiang P, Xie C, Luo Y, Chen J. Transcriptional and Epigenetic Alterations in the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Biomarkers Helping to Diagnose Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030970. [PMID: 36979950 PMCID: PMC10046227 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions from simple steatosis (non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL)) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and its global prevalence continues to rise. NASH, the progressive form of NAFLD, has higher risks of liver and non-liver related adverse outcomes compared with those patients with NAFL alone. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the mechanisms in the progression of NAFLD and to develop a model to diagnose NASH based on the transcriptome and epigenome. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) among the three groups (normal, NAFL, and NASH) were identified, and the functional analysis revealed that the development of NAFLD was primarily related to the oxidoreductase-related activity, PPAR signaling pathway, tight junction, and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection. The logistic regression (LR) model, consisting of ApoF, THOP1, and BICC1, outperformed the other five models. With the highest AUC (0.8819, 95%CI: 0.8128-0.9511) and a sensitivity of 97.87%, as well as a specificity of 64.71%, the LR model was determined as the diagnostic model, which can differentiate NASH from NAFL. In conclusion, several potential mechanisms were screened out based on the transcriptome and epigenome, and a diagnostic model was built to help patient stratification for NAFLD populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - He Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Pengjun Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chengxia Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang X, Wang Z, Liu B, Jin R, Song Y, Fei R, Cong X, Huang R, Li X, Yang J, Wei L, Rao H, Liu F. Characteristic gene expression in the liver monocyte-macrophage-DC system is associated with the progression of fibrosis in NASH. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1098056. [PMID: 36911682 PMCID: PMC9998489 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1098056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The monocyte-macrophage-dendritic cell (DC) (MMD) system exerts crucial functions that may modulate fibrogenesis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we explored the cell characteristics, distribution and developmental trajectory of the liver MMD system in NASH mice with fibrosis and clarified characteristic genes of the MMD system involved in liver fibrosis progression in NASH mice and patients. Methods Single cells in liver tissue samples from NASH and normal mice were quantified using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the MMD system by pseudotime analysis were validated by tyramide signal amplification (TSA)-immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and analyzed by second harmonic generation (SHG)/two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF). Results Compared with control mice, there were increased numbers of monocytes, Kupffer cells, and DCs in two NASH mouse models. From the transcriptional profiles of these single cells, we identified 8 monocyte subsets (Mono1-Mono8) with different molecular and functional properties. Furthermore, the pseudotime analysis showed that Mono5 and Mono6 were at the beginning of the trajectory path, whereas Mono2, Mono4, Kupffer cells and DCs were at a terminal state. Genes related to liver collagen production were at the late stage of this trajectory path. DEGs analysis revealed that the genes Fmnl1 and Myh9 in the MMD system were gradually upregulated during the trajectory. By TSA-IHC, the Fmnl1 and Myh9 expression levels were increased and associated with collagen production and fibrosis stage in NASH mice and patients. Conclusions Our transcriptome data provide a novel landscape of the MMD system that is involved in advanced NASH disease status. Fmnl1 and Myh9 expression in the MMD system was associated with the progression of NASH fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Baiyi Liu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyun Song
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Fei
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Cong
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohe Li
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiying Rao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Unveiling the Role of the Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 in the Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010197. [PMID: 35052876 PMCID: PMC8773613 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, is a progressive disease ranging from fatty liver to steatohepatitis (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis; MASH). Nevertheless, it remains underdiagnosed due to the lack of effective non-invasive methods for its diagnosis and staging. Although MAFLD has been found in lean individuals, it is closely associated with obesity-related conditions. Adipose tissue is the main source of liver triglycerides and adipocytes act as endocrine organs releasing a large number of adipokines and pro-inflammatory mediators involved in MAFLD progression into bloodstream. Among the adipocyte-derived molecules, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been recently associated with fatty liver and additional features of advanced stages of MAFLD. Additionally, emerging data from preclinical studies propose FABP4 as a causal actor involved in the disease progression, rather than a mere biomarker for the disease. Therefore, the FABP4 regulation could be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy to MAFLD. Here, we review the current knowledge of FABP4 in MAFLD, as well as its potential role as a therapeutic target for this disease.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang H, Chen X. Hydrodynamic Injection for Developing NASH Model. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2455:31-39. [PMID: 35212983 PMCID: PMC8939306 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2128-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVi) is a technique that is used to deliver plasmid genes into live mice or rats. The HTVi leads to the in vivo transfection of exogenous DNA primarily in the liver, serving as a reliable approach of establishing animal models for the study of liver diseases. The nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is liver inflammation and damage resulting from an accumulation of fat in the liver. With the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide, NASH is becoming an increasingly common health problem. The pathogenesis of NASH is a multi-step process involving complicated pathways. The molecular mechanisms of NASH remain poorly understood. Here, we describe the use of HTVi to establish animal models for the study of NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haichuan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tanaka M, Takahashi S, Higashiura Y, Sakai A, Koyama M, Saitoh S, Shimamoto K, Ohnishi H, Furuhashi M. Circulating level of fatty acid-binding protein 4 is an independent predictor of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in middle-aged and elderly individuals. J Diabetes Investig 2021; 13:878-888. [PMID: 34889064 PMCID: PMC9077725 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims/Introduction Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), defined as hepatosteatosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus, overweight/obesity or metabolic dysregulation, has been proposed as a new feature of chronic liver disease. Fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4) is expressed in adipose tissue, and secreted FABP4 is associated with the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between MAFLD and FABP4 has not been fully addressed. Materials and Methods Associations of MAFLD with metabolic markers, including FABP4, fibroblast growth factor 21 and adiponectin, were investigated in 627 individuals (men/women 292/335) in the Tanno‐Sobetsu Study, a population‐based cohort. Results The mean age was 65 years (range 19–98 years, median [interquartile range] 68 [56–76] years). Hepatosteatosis was determined by the fatty liver index (FLI), and FLI ≥35 for men and FLI ≥16 for women were used for detection of fatty liver, as previously reported using 14,471 Japanese individuals. FLI was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure and levels of FABP4 (r = 0.331, P < 0.001), fibroblast growth factor 21, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance as an insulin resistance index and uric acid, and was negatively correlated with levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin. FABP4 concentration was independently associated with FLI after adjustment of age, sex, systolic blood pressure and levels of uric acid, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21 in multivariable regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that FABP4 was an independent predictor of MAFLD after adjustment of age, sex, presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia, and levels of uric acid, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21. Conclusions FABP4 concentration is independently associated with FLI and is an independent predictor of MAFLD in middle‐aged and elderly individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marenao Tanaka
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoko Takahashi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yukimura Higashiura
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akiko Sakai
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Koyama
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Public Health, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Saitoh
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Nursing, Division of Medical and Behavioral Subjects, Sapporo Medical University School of Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Hirofumi Ohnishi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Public Health, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masato Furuhashi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Roth K, Yang Z, Agarwal M, Liu W, Peng Z, Long Z, Birbeck J, Westrick J, Liu W, Petriello MC. Exposure to a mixture of legacy, alternative, and replacement per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) results in sex-dependent modulation of cholesterol metabolism and liver injury. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106843. [PMID: 34479135 PMCID: PMC8490327 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have shown Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to be associated with diseases of dysregulated lipid and sterol homeostasis such as steatosis and cardiometabolic disorders. However, the majority of mechanistic studies rely on single chemical exposures instead of identifying mechanisms related to the toxicity of PFAS mixtures. OBJECTIVES The goal of the current study is to investigate mechanisms linking exposure to a PFAS mixture with alterations in lipid metabolism, including increased circulating cholesterol and bile acids. METHODS Male and female wild-type C57BL/6J mice were fed an atherogenic diet used in previous studies of pollutant-accelerated atherosclerosis and exposed to water containing a mixture of 5 PFAS representing legacy, replacement, and alternative subtypes (i.e., PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX), each at a concentration of 2 mg/L, for 12 weeks. Changes at the transcriptome and metabolome level were determined by RNA-seq and high-resolution mass spectrometry, respectively. RESULTS We observed increased circulating cholesterol, sterol metabolites, and bile acids due to PFAS exposure, with some sexual dimorphic effects. PFAS exposure increased hepatic injury, demonstrated by increased liver weight, hepatic inflammation, and plasma alanine aminotransferase levels. Females displayed increased lobular and portal inflammation compared to the male PFAS-exposed mice. Hepatic transcriptomics analysis revealed PFAS exposure modulated multiple metabolic pathways, including those related to sterols, bile acids, and acyl carnitines, with multiple sex-specific differences observed. Finally, we show that hepatic and circulating levels of PFOA were increased in exposed females compared to males, but this sexual dimorphism was not the same for other PFAS examined. DISCUSSION Exposure of mice to a mixture of PFAS results in PFAS-mediated modulation of cholesterol levels, possibly through disruption of enterohepatic circulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Roth
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Zhao Yang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Manisha Agarwal
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Wendy Liu
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Zheyun Peng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Ze Long
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Johnna Birbeck
- Department of Chemistry, Lumigen Instrumentation Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Judy Westrick
- Department of Chemistry, Lumigen Instrumentation Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Wanqing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Michael C Petriello
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li P, Xia Z, Kong W, Wang Q, Zhao Z, Arnold A, Xu Q, Xu J. Exogenous L-carnitine ameliorates burn-induced cellular and mitochondrial injury of hepatocytes by restoring CPT1 activity. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2021; 18:65. [PMID: 34167568 PMCID: PMC8223334 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00592-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Impaired hepatic fatty acid metabolism and persistent mitochondrial dysfunction are phenomena commonly associated with liver failure. Decreased serum levels of L-carnitine, a amino acid derivative involved in fatty-acid and energy metabolism, have been reported in severe burn patients. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on mitochondrial damage and other hepatocyte injuries following severe burns and the related mechanisms. Methods Serum carnitine and other indicators of hepatocytic injury, including AST, ALT, LDH, TG, and OCT, were analyzed in severe burn patients and healthy controls. A burn model was established on the back skin of rats; thereafter, carnitine was administered, and serum levels of the above indicators were evaluated along with Oil Red O and TUNEL staining, transmission electron microscopy, and assessment of mitochondrial membrane potential and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) activity and expression levels in the liver. HepG2 cells pretreated with the CPT1 inhibitor etomoxir were treated with or without carnitine for 24 h. Next, the above indicators were examined, and apoptotic cells were analyzed via flow cytometry. High-throughput sequencing of rat liver tissues identified several differentially expressed genes (Fabp4, Acacb, Acsm5, and Pnpla3) were confirmed using RT-qPCR. Results Substantially decreased serum levels of carnitine and increased levels of AST, ALT, LDH, and OCT were detected in severe burn patients and the burn model rats. Accumulation of TG, evident mitochondrial shrinkage, altered mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased ketogenesis, and reduced CPT1 activity were detected in the liver tissue of the burned rats. Carnitine administration recovered CPT1 activity and improved all indicators related to cellular and fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial injury. Inhibition of CPT1 activity with etomoxir induced hepatocyte injuries similar to those in burn patients and burned rats; carnitine supplementation restored CPT1 activity and ameliorated these injuries. The expression levels of the differentially expressed genes Fabp4, Acacb, Acsm5, and Pnpla3 in the liver tissue from burned rats and etomoxir-treated hepatocytes were also restored by treatment with exogenous carnitine. Conclusion Exogenous carnitine exerts protective effects against severe burn-induced cellular, fatty-acid metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction of hepatocytes by restoring CPT1 activity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12986-021-00592-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengtao Li
- Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.,Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhengguo Xia
- Department of Wound Repair and Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 100 Huaihai Road, Xinzhan District, China
| | - Weichang Kong
- Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ziyue Zhao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ashley Arnold
- International College of Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qinglian Xu
- Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
| | - Jiegou Xu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|