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Jeong HJ, Koo S, Kang YH, Kim TW, Kim HK, Park YJ. Hepatoprotective effects of paeonol by suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation via inhibition of SMAD2/3 and STAT3 pathways. Food Sci Biotechnol 2024; 33:1939-1946. [PMID: 38752108 PMCID: PMC11091017 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-023-01440-9] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a key event in extracellular matrix accumulation, causing hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, identifying chemicals that inhibit HSC activation is an important therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of paeonol on HSC activation. In LX-2 cells, paeonol inhibited the expression of collagen and decreased the expression of HSC activation markers. In mice with thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis, paeonol treatment decreased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase and mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin, platelet-derived growth factor-β, and connective-tissue growth factor. Investigation of the underlying molecular mechanism of paeonol showed that paeonol inhibits the SMAD2/3 and STAT3 signaling pathways that are important for HSC activation. On the basis of these results, paeonol should be investigated and developed further for hepatic fibrosis treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01440-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jin Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyeon Koo
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Ho Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Won Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
- Brain Busan 21 plus Research Project Group, Kyungsung University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Kyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
- Brain Busan 21 plus Research Project Group, Kyungsung University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Joo Park
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
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Popescu RG, Dinischiotu A, Soare T, Vlase E, Marinescu GC. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Works in Type 2 Diabetes through Unexpected Effects in Adipose Tissue, Not by Mitochondrial Biogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2594. [PMID: 38473844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052594] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has emerged as a promising therapeutic intervention for age-related disorders, including type 2 diabetes. In this study, we confirmed the previously observed effects of NMN treatment on glucose uptake and investigated its underlying mechanisms in various tissues and cell lines. Through the most comprehensive proteomic analysis to date, we discovered a series of novel organ-specific effects responsible for glucose uptake as measured by the IPGTT: adipose tissue growing (suggested by increased protein synthesis and degradation and mTOR proliferation signaling upregulation). Notably, we observed the upregulation of thermogenic UCP1, promoting enhanced glucose conversion to heat in intermuscular adipose tissue while showing a surprising repressive effect on mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle and the brain. Additionally, liver and muscle cells displayed a unique response, characterized by spliceosome downregulation and concurrent upregulation of chaperones, proteasomes, and ribosomes, leading to mildly impaired and energy-inefficient protein synthesis machinery. Furthermore, our findings revealed remarkable metabolic rewiring in the brain. This involved increased production of ketone bodies, downregulation of mitochondrial OXPHOS and TCA cycle components, as well as the induction of well-known fasting-associated effects. Collectively, our data elucidate the multifaceted nature of NMN action, highlighting its organ-specific effects and their role in improving glucose uptake. These findings deepen our understanding of NMN's therapeutic potential and pave the way for novel strategies in managing metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua Gabriela Popescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Independent Research Association, 012416 Bucharest, Romania
- Blue Screen SRL, 012416 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Teodoru Soare
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ene Vlase
- Animals Facility Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Institute for Medico-Military Research and Development, 013821 Bucharest, Romania
| | - George Cătălin Marinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Independent Research Association, 012416 Bucharest, Romania
- Blue Screen SRL, 012416 Bucharest, Romania
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Sani F, Soufi Zomorrod M, Azarpira N, Soleimani M. The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes and miR17-5p Inhibitor on Multicellular Liver Fibrosis Microtissues. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:8836452. [PMID: 37576406 PMCID: PMC10421706 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8836452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although several studies have been conducted on modeling human liver disease, it is still challenging to mimic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in vitro. Here, we aimed to develop a fibrotic liver microtissue composed of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate, and endothelial cells. In addition, the therapeutic effects of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (UC-MSC-EXO) and anti-miR17-5p as new antifibrotic drugs were investigated. Methods To create an effective preclinical fibrosis model, multicellular liver microtissues (MLMs) consisting of HepG2, LX2, and HUVECs were cultured and supplemented with a mixture of palmitic acid and oleic acid for 96 hr. Then, MLMs were exposed to UC-MSC-EXO and anti-miR17-5p in different groups. The results of cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, liver enzyme levels, inflammation, and histopathology were analyzed to assess the treatment efficacy. Furthermore, the expression of collagen I (COL I) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as critical matrix components, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and miR-17-5p were measured. Results Free fatty acid supplementation causes fibrosis in MLMs. Our results demonstrated that UC-MSC-EXO and anti-miR17-5p attenuated TGF-β1, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 in all experimental groups. According to the suppression of the TGF-β1 pathway, LX2 activation was inhibited, reducing extracellular matrix proteins, including COL I and α-SMA. Also, miR-17-5p expression was elevated in fibrosis conditions. Furthermore, we showed that our treatments decreased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and increased albumin levels in the culture supernatant. We also found that both MSC-EXO and MSC-EXO + anti-miR17-5p treatments could reduce ROS production. Conclusion Our findings indicated that anti-miR17-5p and MSC-EXO might be promising therapeutic options for treating liver fibrosis. Furthermore, EXO + anti-miR had the best effects on boosting the fibrotic markers. Therefore, we propose this novel MLM model to understand fibrosis mechanisms better and develop new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Sani
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Soufi Zomorrod
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Khalili Street P.O. Box 7193711351, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Zeng Q, Zheng H, Heng BC, Yao W, Yang Y, Jiang S, Deng X. Chirality-biased protein expression profile during early stages of bone regeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1217919. [PMID: 37533694 PMCID: PMC10393040 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1217919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Chirality is a crucial mechanical cue within the extracellular matrix during tissue repair and regeneration. Despite its key roles in cell behavior and regeneration efficacy, our understanding of chirality-biased protein profile in vivo remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we characterized the proteomic profile of proteins extracted from bone defect areas implanted with left-handed and right-handed scaffold matrices during the early healing stage. We identified differentially-expressed proteins between the two groups and detected heterogenic characteristic signatures on day 3 and day 7 time points. Results: Proteomic analysis showed that left-handed chirality could upregulate cell adhesion-related and GTPase-related proteins on day 3 and day 7. Besides, interaction analysis and in vitro verification results indicated that the left-handed chiral scaffold material activated Rho GTPase and Akt1, ultimately leading to M2 polarization of macrophages. Discussion: In summary, our study thus improved understanding of the regenerative processes facilitated by chiral materials by characterizing the protein atlas in the context of bone defect repair and exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms of chirality-mediated polarization differences in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zeng
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Zheng
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Boon Chin Heng
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yue Yang
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, The First Clinical Division, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Shengjie Jiang
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Xuliang Deng
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
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Qin S, Du X, Wang K, Wang D, Zheng J, Xu H, Wei X, Yuan Y. Vitamin A-modified ZIF-8 lipid nanoparticles for the therapy of liver fibrosis. Int J Pharm 2023:123167. [PMID: 37356511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is one of the major diseases that threaten human health. Until now, no effective drugs have been approved for clinical anti-liver fibrosis treatment. In this study, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) lipid nanoparticles loaded with pirfenidone (PFD) and modified with vitamin A (VA) were constructed (VA-PFD@ZIF-8@DMPC NPs). PFD was embedded in ZIF-8 by the "one-pot" method, and the prepared ZIF-8 had a small particle size (84.3 nm) and high drug loading (54.46%). Moreover, the inherent pH sensitivity of ZIF-8 makes it stable in a normal physiological environment and collapsed in an acidic environment, thus controlling drug release and preventing drug leakage. Besides, the phospholipid layer makes the nano-drug delivery system dispersible and improves its biocompatibility. More importantly, VA is modified on the surface of nanoparticles (NPs), which can target the highly expressed retinol-binding protein receptor (RBPR) on the surface of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), thereby accurately increasing the local drug concentration at the site of LF. In vivo experiments showed that VA-PFD@ZIF-8@DMPC NPs can reduce liver injury, improve the degree of LF, and exert specific therapeutic effects on LF. In conclusion, this nano-delivery system may become a novel and effective anti-liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Xuening Du
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Kaili Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Da Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Jiani Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyan Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Yue Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China.
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Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Yang T, Wu E, Zhu X, Leng Y, Ye S, Dong R, Liu J, Zhong J, Zheng Y, Xu W, Luo J, Kong L, Zhang H. TKF, a mexicanolide-type limonoid derivative, suppressed hepatic stellate cells activation and liver fibrosis through inhibition of the YAP/Notch3 pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154466. [PMID: 36182796 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a common scarring response and may ultimately lead to liver cancer, unfortunately, there is currently no effective antifibrotic drug approved for human use. Limonoids exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, the potential role of limonoids against fibrosis is largely unknown. PURPOSE This study investigates the antifibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of TKF (3-tigloyl-khasenegasin F), a natural mexicanolide-type limonoid derivative. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS Two well-established mouse models (CCl4 challenge and bile duct ligation) were used to assess anti-fibrotic effects of TKF in vivo. Human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) also served as in vitro liver fibrosis models. RESULT TKF administration significantly attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation and suppressed fibrogenesis-associated gene expression including Col1a1, Acta2, and Timp1. In LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs, TKF dose-dependently suppressed HSC activation and the expression levels of fibrogenic markers. Mechanistic studies showed that TKF inhibited Notch3-Hes1 and YAP signalings in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, YAP inhibition or knockdown downregulated the Notch3 expression; however, Notch3 inhibition or knockdown did not affect the level of YAP in activated HSC. We revealed that TKF inhibited Notch3-Hes1 activation and downregulated hepatic fibrogenic gene expression via inhibiting YAP. CONCLUSION The therapeutic benefit of TKF against liver fibrosis results from inhibition of YAP and Notch3-Hes1 pathways, indicating that TKF may be a novel therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Enyi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingrong Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengtao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruirui Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaman Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiawen Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingyi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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Kanmani P, Kim H. Probiotics counteract the expression of hepatic profibrotic genes via the attenuation of TGF-β/SMAD signaling and autophagy in hepatic stellate cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262767. [PMID: 35051234 PMCID: PMC8775563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is caused by the increased accumulation and improper degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is a key process in initiating hepatic fibrosis and can be ameliorated by the administration of probiotic strains. This study hypothesized that LAB strains (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, and Weissella cibaria) might attenuate pro-fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β mediated HSCs activation and induce collagen deposition, expression of other fibrogenic/inflammatory markers, autophagy, and apoptotic processes in vitro. Few studies have evaluated the probiotic effects against fibrogenesis in vitro. In this study, TGF-β exposure increased collagen deposition in LX-2 cells, but this increase was diminished when the cells were pretreated with LAB strains before TGF-β stimulation. TGF-β not only increased collagen deposition, but it also significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of Col1A1, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), IL-6, CXCL-8, CCL2, and IL-1β in LX-2 cells. Pretreatment of the cells with LAB strains counteracted the TGF-β-induced pro-fibrogenic and inflammatory markers by modulating SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent TGF-β signaling. In addition, LX-2 cells exposed to TGF-β induced the autophagic and apoptotic associated proteins that were also positively regulated by the LAB strains. These findings suggest that LAB can attenuate TGF-β signaling that is associated with liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulraj Kanmani
- Department of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Hojun Kim
- Department of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Park YJ, Kim DM, Choi HB, Jeong MH, Kwon SH, Kim HR, Kwak JH, Chung KH. Dendropanoxide, a Triterpenoid from Dendropanax morbifera, Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells through Autophagy Inhibition. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010098. [PMID: 35010975 PMCID: PMC8796030 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis results from chronic liver damage and is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we showed that dendropanoxide (DPX), isolated from Dendropanax morbifera, had anti-fibrotic effects on hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. DPX suppressed mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen in activated HSCs. Moreover, DPX (40 mg/kg) treatment significantly lowered levels of liver injury markers (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase), expression of fibrotic markers, and deposition of ECM in a carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse model. Anti-fibrotic effects of DPX were comparable to those of silymarin in a hepatic fibrosis mouse model. As a possible mechanism of anti-fibrotic effects, we showed that DPX inhibited autophagosome formation (LC3B-II) and degradation of p62, which have important roles in HSC activation. These findings suggest that DPX inhibits HSC activation by inhibiting autophagy and can be utilized in hepatic fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Joo Park
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Korea;
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.-M.K.); (H.-B.C.)
- New Drug Research Center, Handok Inc., Seoul 06235, Korea
| | - Hye-Been Choi
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.-M.K.); (H.-B.C.)
| | - Mi-Ho Jeong
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Seung-Hwan Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Ha-Ryong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea;
| | - Jong-Hwan Kwak
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.-M.K.); (H.-B.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.-H.K.); (K.-H.C.)
| | - Kyu-Hyuck Chung
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.-M.K.); (H.-B.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.-H.K.); (K.-H.C.)
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10
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Mostafa TM, El-Azab GA, Badra GA, Abdelwahed AS, Elsayed AA. Effect of Candesartan and Ramipril on Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Viral Infection: A Randomized Controlled Prospective Study. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2021; 95:100654. [PMID: 34925649 PMCID: PMC8649584 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2021.100654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the effects of candesartan and ramipril on liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: This randomized controlled prospective study involved 64 patients with chronic hepatitis C and liver fibrosis. Participants were randomized into 3 groups: group I (control group; n = 21), members of which received traditional therapy only; group 2 (ramipril group; n = 21), members of which received traditional therapy plus 1.25 mg/d oral ramipril; and group 3 (candesartan group; n = 22), members of which received traditional therapy plus 8 mg/d oral candesartan. Patients were assessed at baseline and 6 months after intervention through measuring of liver stiffness (Fibro-Scan; Echosens, Paris, France); evaluation of the serum levels of hyaluronic acid and transforming growth factor beta-1; and calculation of indices of liver fibrosis, including fibrosis index based on the 4 factors and aspartate transaminase-to-platelet-ratio index. Data were analyzed using paired t test and 1-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's honest significant difference test for multiple pairwise comparisons. Results: At baseline, the 3 study groups were statistically similar in demographic and laboratory data. After treatment, the 3 study groups showed significant decrease in liver stiffness, serum levels of hyaluronic acid and transforming growth factor beta-1, and indices of liver fibrosis compared with baseline data (P < 0.001). Six months after treatment, patients taking ramipril and candesartan showed significant improvement in all measured parameters compared with the control group. Additionally, the candesartan-treated group showed significant decrease in liver stiffness, biomarkers, and indices of liver fibrosis compared with ramipril recipients. Conclusions: The administration of ramipril and candesartan in patients with chronic hepatitis C with hepatic fibrosis was well tolerated and effective in improving liver fibrosis. angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1) antagonist candesartan maintained antifibrotic effects more effectively than ramipril and may represent a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03770936. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2022; 83:XXX-XXX) © 2022 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek M Mostafa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Gamal A El-Azab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Gamal A Badra
- National Liver Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-kom, Egypt
| | - Alyaa S Abdelwahed
- National Liver Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-kom, Egypt
| | - Abeer A Elsayed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, Al-Arish, Egypt
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11
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Gart E, van Duyvenvoorde W, Toet K, Caspers MPM, Verschuren L, Nielsen MJ, Leeming DJ, Souto Lima E, Menke A, Hanemaaijer R, Keijer J, Salic K, Kleemann R, Morrison MC. Butyrate Protects against Diet-Induced NASH and Liver Fibrosis and Suppresses Specific Non-Canonical TGF-β Signaling Pathways in Human Hepatic Stellate Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121954. [PMID: 34944770 PMCID: PMC8698820 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In obesity-associated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), persistent hepatocellular damage and inflammation are key drivers of fibrosis, which is the main determinant of NASH-associated mortality. The short-chain fatty acid butyrate can exert metabolic improvements and anti-inflammatory activities in NASH. However, its effects on NASH-associated liver fibrosis remain unclear. Putative antifibrotic effects of butyrate were studied in Ldlr-/-.Leiden mice fed an obesogenic diet (HFD) containing 2.5% (w/w) butyrate for 38 weeks and compared with a HFD-control group. Antifibrotic mechanisms of butyrate were further investigated in TGF-β-stimulated primary human hepatic stellate cells (HSC). HFD-fed mice developed obesity, insulin resistance, increased plasma leptin levels, adipose tissue inflammation, gut permeability, dysbiosis, and NASH-associated fibrosis. Butyrate corrected hyperinsulinemia, lowered plasma leptin levels, and attenuated adipose tissue inflammation, without affecting gut permeability or microbiota composition. Butyrate lowered plasma ALT and CK-18M30 levels and attenuated hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Butyrate inhibited fibrosis development as demonstrated by decreased hepatic collagen content and Sirius-red-positive area. In TGF-β-stimulated HSC, butyrate dose-dependently reduced collagen deposition and decreased procollagen1α1 and PAI1 protein expression. Transcriptomic analysis and subsequent pathway and upstream regulator analysis revealed deactivation of specific non-canonical TGF-β signaling pathways Rho-like GTPases and PI3K/AKT and other important pro-fibrotic regulators (e.g., YAP/TAZ, MYC) by butyrate, providing a potential rationale for its antifibrotic effects. In conclusion, butyrate protects against obesity development, insulin resistance-associated NASH, and liver fibrosis. These antifibrotic effects are at least partly attributable to a direct effect of butyrate on collagen production in hepatic stellate cells, involving inhibition of non-canonical TGF-β signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Gart
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands; (W.v.D.); (K.T.); (A.M.); (R.H.); (K.S.); (R.K.); (M.C.M.)
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - Wim van Duyvenvoorde
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands; (W.v.D.); (K.T.); (A.M.); (R.H.); (K.S.); (R.K.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Karin Toet
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands; (W.v.D.); (K.T.); (A.M.); (R.H.); (K.S.); (R.K.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Martien P. M. Caspers
- Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, TNO, 3704 HE Zeist, The Netherlands; (M.P.M.C.); (L.V.); (E.S.L.)
| | - Lars Verschuren
- Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, TNO, 3704 HE Zeist, The Netherlands; (M.P.M.C.); (L.V.); (E.S.L.)
| | - Mette Juul Nielsen
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers and Research, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.J.N.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Diana Julie Leeming
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers and Research, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.J.N.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Everton Souto Lima
- Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, TNO, 3704 HE Zeist, The Netherlands; (M.P.M.C.); (L.V.); (E.S.L.)
| | - Aswin Menke
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands; (W.v.D.); (K.T.); (A.M.); (R.H.); (K.S.); (R.K.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Roeland Hanemaaijer
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands; (W.v.D.); (K.T.); (A.M.); (R.H.); (K.S.); (R.K.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Jaap Keijer
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Kanita Salic
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands; (W.v.D.); (K.T.); (A.M.); (R.H.); (K.S.); (R.K.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Robert Kleemann
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands; (W.v.D.); (K.T.); (A.M.); (R.H.); (K.S.); (R.K.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Martine C. Morrison
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands; (W.v.D.); (K.T.); (A.M.); (R.H.); (K.S.); (R.K.); (M.C.M.)
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12
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Zhao Y, Liu X, Ding C, Gu Y, Liu W. Dihydromyricetin Reverses Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Fibrosis Through Inhibiting NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation and TGF-β1-Regulated of PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:783886. [PMID: 34867416 PMCID: PMC8634482 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.783886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a natural active substance, dihydromyricetin (DHM) has been proven to have good hepatoprotective activity. However, the therapeutic effect of DHM on liver fibrosis, which has become a liver disease threatening the health of people around the world, has not been studied to date. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of DHM as a new nutritional supplement on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. The liver fibrosis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of TAA (200 mg/kg, every 3 days) for 8 weeks, and oral administration of DHM (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, daily) after 4 weeks of TAA-induced liver fibrosis. The results showed that DHM treatment significantly inhibited the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (37.81 ± 7.62 U/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (55.18 ± 10.94 U/L) in serum of liver fibrosis mice, and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) while reversed the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, histopathological examination illustrated that TAA induced the inflammatory infiltration, apoptosis and fibroatherosclerotic deposition in liver, which was further confirmed by western-blot and immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, DHM inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis by regulating the phosphorylation level of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase-B (AKT) and its downstream apoptotic protein family. Interestingly, immunofluorescence staining showed that DHM treatment significantly inhibited alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), which was a marker of hepatic stellate cell activation, and regulated the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-β1). Importantly, supplementation with DHM significantly inhibited the release of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory factors in liver tissue induced by TAA, and improved liver fiber diseases, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and recombinant rat IL-1β (IL-1β). In conclusion, the evidence of this study revealed that DHM is a potential hepatoprotective and health factor, and which also provides the possibility for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchun Zhao
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinglong Liu
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Chuanbo Ding
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Gu
- College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Wencong Liu
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Changchun, China
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13
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Bi X, Yang N, Ke Y, Liu H, Ma W, Fang B, Sun L, Li L, Lü G, Lin R. An improved experimental method for simultaneously isolating hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells in mouse liver infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 35:e24084. [PMID: 34724252 PMCID: PMC8649337 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis parasitizing in the human liver, causing local pathological changes in the liver and manifesting as hyperplasia, liver fibrosis, atrophy, degeneration, and necrosis. Here, we report a method that can simultaneously isolate hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. METHODS A mouse model of AE was established. Hepatocytes and HSCs were isolated from mouse liver using a two-step method combining in situ collagenase perfusion and gradient centrifugation. Expressions of Alb, Desmin, and α-SMA were detected with immunofluorescence to identify the isolated hepatocytes and HSCs. RESULTS The viability and purity of hepatocytes and HSCs both reached 90% or above. For hepatocytes, clear cell boundaries were observed, and the nuclei were round or oval, with clear nucleoli. There was a homogeneous distribution of the hepatocyte marker Alb in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Lipid droplets and Desmin expression were observed in the cytoplasm of freshly isolated HSCs. During the activation of HSCs, the lipid droplets gradually decreased and disappeared with a high expression of α-SMA. CONCLUSION Hepatocytes and HSCs are simultaneously isolated. This may provide a research tool to investigate the interaction between hepatocytes and HSCs and to investigate the mechanism of Echinococcus multilocularis infection-induced liver pathological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Bi
- State Key Laboratory of PathogenesisPrevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence DiseasesClinical Medical Research InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of PathogenesisPrevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence DiseasesClinical Medical Research InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Ying Ke
- State Key Laboratory of PathogenesisPrevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence DiseasesClinical Medical Research InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of PathogenesisPrevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence DiseasesClinical Medical Research InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Wenmei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of PathogenesisPrevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence DiseasesClinical Medical Research InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Bingbing Fang
- State Key Laboratory of PathogenesisPrevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence DiseasesClinical Medical Research InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Li Sun
- State Key Laboratory of PathogenesisPrevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence DiseasesClinical Medical Research InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Liang Li
- State Key Laboratory of PathogenesisPrevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence DiseasesClinical Medical Research InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Guodong Lü
- State Key Laboratory of PathogenesisPrevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence DiseasesClinical Medical Research InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
- Department of Epidemiology and Health StatisticsSchool of Public HealthXinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Renyong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of PathogenesisPrevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence DiseasesClinical Medical Research InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
- Basic Medical CollegeXinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
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14
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Arman T, Baron JA, Lynch KD, White LA, Aldan J, Clarke JD. MCLR-elicited hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenic gene expression changes persist in rats with diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis through a 4-week recovery period. Toxicology 2021; 464:153021. [PMID: 34740672 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) causes liver extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and is a risk factor for fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a hepatotoxin produced by fresh-water cyanobacteria that causes a NASH-like phenotype, liver fibrosis, and is also a risk factor for HCC. The focus of the current study was to investigate and compare hepatic recovery after cessation of MCLR exposure in healthy versus NASH animals. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control or a high fat/high cholesterol (HFHC) diet for eight weeks. Animals received either vehicle or 30 μg/kg MCLR (i.p: 2 weeks, alternate days). Animals were euthanized at one of three time points: at the completion of the MCLR exposure period and after 2 and 4 weeks of recovery. Histological staining suggested that after four weeks of recovery the MCLR-exposed HFHC group had less steatosis and more fibrosis compared to the vehicle-exposed HFHC group and MCLR-exposed control group. RNA-Seq analysis revealed dysregulation of ECM genes after MCLR exposure in both control and HFHC groups that persisted only in the HFHC groups during recovery. After 4 weeks of recovery, MCLR hepatotoxicity in pre-existing NASH persistently dysregulated genes related to cellular differentiation and HCC. These data demonstrate impaired hepatic recovery and persistent carcinogenic changes after MCLR toxicity in pre-existing NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarana Arman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99202, United States
| | - J Allen Baron
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99202, United States
| | - Katherine D Lynch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99202, United States
| | - Laura A White
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, United States
| | - Johnny Aldan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99202, United States
| | - John D Clarke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99202, United States.
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15
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Jacobs I, Ceulemans M, Wauters L, Breynaert C, Vermeire S, Verstockt B, Vanuytsel T. Role of Eosinophils in Intestinal Inflammation and Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Overlooked Villain? Front Immunol 2021; 12:754413. [PMID: 34737752 PMCID: PMC8560962 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.754413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Eosinophils are leukocytes which reside in the gastrointestinal tract under homeostatic conditions, except for the esophagus which is normally devoid of eosinophils. Research on eosinophils has primarily focused on anti-helminth responses and type 2 immune disorders. In contrast, the search for a role of eosinophils in chronic intestinal inflammation and fibrosis has been limited. With a shift in research focus from adaptive to innate immunity and the fact that the eosinophilic granules are filled with inflammatory mediators, eosinophils are becoming a point of interest in inflammatory bowel diseases. In the current review we summarize eosinophil characteristics and recruitment as well as the current knowledge on presence, inflammatory and pro-fibrotic functions of eosinophils in inflammatory bowel disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions, and we identify research gaps which should be covered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthias Ceulemans
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucas Wauters
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Breynaert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Séverine Vermeire
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Verstockt
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanuytsel
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Lee J, Oh AR, Lee HY, Moon YA, Lee HJ, Cha JY. Deletion of KLF10 Leads to Stress-Induced Liver Fibrosis upon High Sucrose Feeding. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010331. [PMID: 33396939 PMCID: PMC7794950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a consequence of chronic liver injury associated with chronic viral infection, alcohol abuse, and nonalcoholic fatty liver. The evidence from clinical and animal studies indicates that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is associated with the development of liver fibrosis. Krüppel-like factor 10 (KLF10) is a transcription factor that plays a significant role in TGF-β-mediated cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. In recent studies, it has been reported to be associated with glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. In the present study, we investigated the role of KLF10 in the progression of liver disease upon a high-sucrose diet (HSD) in mice. Wild type (WT) and Klf10 knockout (KO) mice were fed either a control chow diet or HSD (50% sucrose) for eight weeks. Klf10 KO mice exhibited significant hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and liver injury upon HSD feeding, whereas the WT mice exhibited mild hepatic steatosis with no apparent liver injury. The livers of HSD-fed Klf10 KO mice demonstrated significantly increased endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokines. Klf10 deletion led to the development of sucrose-induced hepatocyte cell death both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, it significantly increased fibrogenic gene expression and collagen accumulation in the liver. Increased liver fibrosis was accompanied by increased phosphorylation and nuclear localization of Smad3. Here, we demonstrate that HSD-fed mice develop a severe liver injury in the absence of KLF10 due to the hyperactivation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response and CCAAT/enhance-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP)-mediated apoptosis of hepatocytes. The current study suggests that KLF10 plays a protective role against the progression of hepatic steatosis into liver fibrosis in a lipogenic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghoon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Korea; (J.L.); (A.-R.O.); (H.-Y.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
| | - Ah-Reum Oh
- Department of Biochemistry, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Korea; (J.L.); (A.-R.O.); (H.-Y.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
| | - Hui-Young Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Korea; (J.L.); (A.-R.O.); (H.-Y.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
| | - Young-Ah Moon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea;
| | - Ho-Jae Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Korea; (J.L.); (A.-R.O.); (H.-Y.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.-J.L.); (J.-Y.C.); Tel.: +82-32-899-6054 (H.-J.L.); +82-32-899-6070 (J.-Y.C.)
| | - Ji-Young Cha
- Department of Biochemistry, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Korea; (J.L.); (A.-R.O.); (H.-Y.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon 21565, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.-J.L.); (J.-Y.C.); Tel.: +82-32-899-6054 (H.-J.L.); +82-32-899-6070 (J.-Y.C.)
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17
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Dominijanni A, Devarasetty M, Soker S. Manipulating the Tumor Microenvironment in Tumor Organoids Induces Phenotypic Changes and Chemoresistance. iScience 2020; 23:101851. [PMID: 33319176 PMCID: PMC7724203 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors comprised a tightly surrounded tumor microenvironment, made up of non-cellular extracellular matrix (ECM) and stromal cells. Although treatment response is often attributed to tumor heterogeneity, progression and malignancy are profoundly influenced by tumor cell interactions with the surrounding ECM. Here, we used a tumor organoid model, consisting of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) embedded in collagen type 1 (Col1) and colorectal cancer cell (HCT-116) spheroids, to determine the relationship between the ECM architecture, cancer cell malignancy, and chemoresistance. Exogenous transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) used to activate the HSCs increased the remodeling and bundling of Col1 in the ECM around the cancer spheroid. A dense ECM architecture inhibited tumor cell growth, reversed their mesenchymal phenotype, preserved stem cell population, and reduced chemotherapy response. Overall, our results demonstrate that controlled biofabrication and manipulation of the ECM in tumor organoids results enables studying tumor cell-ECM interactions and better understand tumor cell response to chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Dominijanni
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Mahesh Devarasetty
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Shay Soker
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
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18
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F El Azab E, Elguindy NM, Yacout GA, Elgamal DA. Hepatoprotective Impact of Geraniol Against CCl<sub>4</sub>-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats. Pak J Biol Sci 2020; 23:1650-1658. [PMID: 33274899 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2020.1650.1658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Numerous experimental studies have shown various pharmacological activities including geraniol's cancer prevention agent and antioxidant capacity. The goal of this investigation is to mark the prospective defensive role of geraniol in rat's carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) instigated in liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Liver fibrosis was prompted by subcutaneous injections of CCl4, twice week by week and for about a month. Simultaneously, geraniol (200 mg kg-1) was orally regulated every day. Post-Hoc-Test were carried out where p<0.05 has been established as a significant value. RESULTS The biochemical results showed that geraniol reduced liver damage just as manifestations of liver fibrosis. The administration of geraniol diminished the CCl4-initiated the elevation in serum aminotransferase activities and alkaline phosphatase activity. Geraniol diminished the levels of TNF-α, NO and myeloperoxidase activity which were prompted by the CCl4 treatment. The rise of serum hyaluronidase activity and hepatic hydroxyproline content was also curtailed by geraniol treatment. Besides, geraniol fundamentally declined hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) in CCl4-treated rats. Geraniol has also increased the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the rats treated with CCl4. Finally, the histological analysis of the liver bolstered the biochemical results. CONCLUSION Our study has demonstrated that geraniol has a hepatoprotective upshot on liver fibrosis caused by CCl4, supposedly due to its free radical scavenging, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
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Dong HN, Park SY, Le CT, Choi DH, Cho EH. Irisin Regulates the Functions of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2020; 35:647-655. [PMID: 32981307 PMCID: PMC7520590 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2020.658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are known to play a fundamental role in the progression of liver fibrosis. Once HSCs are activated, they are involved in proliferation, migration, and contractility which are characteristics of liver fibrogenesis. Recent studies have shown that irisin, a myokine secreted during physical exercise, has a protective effect in various metabolic diseases, especially in renal fibrosis. However, whether irisin is involved in HSC activation and other processes associated with liver fibrosis has not yet been investigated. In this study, we reveal the role of irisin in HSC activation as well as in proliferation, migration, and contractile properties of HSCs in vitro. METHODS LX-2 cells, immortalized human HSCs, were treated with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a core regulator of HSC fibrosis, with or without irisin, and markers of the aforementioned processes were analyzed. Further, an inflammatory response was stimulated with TGF-β1 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in combination with irisin and the expression of cytokines was measured. RESULTS Recombinant irisin significantly suppressed the expression of TGF-β1-stimulated fibrosis markers including alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen type 1 alpha 1 and prevented the TGF-β1-induced proliferation, migration, and contractility of LX-2 cells. Additionally, irisin ameliorated the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β induced by TGF-β1 and LPS treatments. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that irisin potently improved the progression of hepatic fibrosis by regulating HSC activation, proliferation, migration, contractility, and HSC-mediated production of inflammatory cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanh Nguyen Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - So Young Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Cong Thuc Le
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Dae-Hee Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
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20
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Bahmani M, Ziamajidi N, Hashemnia M, Abbasalipourkabir R. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through regulation of expression and activity of liver lysyl oxidase. TOXIN REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2020.1813779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Bahmani
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Nasrin Ziamajidi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hashemnia
- Department of Pathobiology, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
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21
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He X, Chen J, Mu Y, Zhang H, Chen G, Liu P, Liu W. The effects of inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells by lignan components from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis and the mechanism of schisanhenol. J Nat Med 2020; 74:513-524. [PMID: 32193805 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-020-01394-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological manifestation induced by chronic liver injury and may cause cirrhosis and liver cancer with the chronic progression of fibrosis. During the onset and progression of liver fibrosis, the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the core mechanism for the secretion of many extracellular matrices to induce fibrosis. Lignans are reportedly the main effective components of Schisandra chinensis with good anti-fibrosis effects. In this study, we compared the inhibiting effects of the seven lignan components from S. chinensis on HSC activation. We found that the seven lignans inhibited the activation of human HSCs (LX-2) in various degrees. Among all lignans, schisanhenol showed the best effect in inhibiting the activation of LX-2 with a dose-effect relationship. Sal also inhibited the phosphorylations of Smad1, Smad2, Smad3, extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), as well as downregulated Smad4. All these findings suggested that schisanhenol may ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Remarkably, schisanhenol may be a potential anti-liver fibrosis drug and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli He
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,TCM Department, Ningbo Huamei Hospital Affiliated to Chinese Academy of Sciences, 41 Xibei Road, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yongping Mu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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22
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Jarman EJ, Boulter L. Targeting the Wnt signaling pathway: the challenge of reducing scarring without affecting repair. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:179-190. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1718105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edward J. Jarman
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Luke Boulter
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
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23
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Synergy of Phospholipid-Drug Formulations Significantly Deactivates Profibrogenic Human Hepatic Stellate Cells. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11120676. [PMID: 31842373 PMCID: PMC6969915 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11120676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pivotal role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in orchestrating the bidirectional process of progression and regression of liver fibrosis makes them an ideal target for exploring new antifibrotic therapies. Essential phospholipids (EPLs), with their polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) fraction, either alone or combined with other hepatoprotective substances such as silymarin, are recommended in hepatic impairment, but a scientific rationale for their use is still lacking. Herein, we compared the ability of EPLs to restore quiescent-like features in HSCs with that of dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC), PPC fraction’s main component. Specifically, we screened at the cellular level the antifibrotic effects of PPC formulations in the presence and absence of silymarin, by using LX-2 cells (pro-fibrogenic HSCs) and by assessing the main biochemical hallmarks of the activated and deactivated states of this cell line. We also proved the formulations’ direct effect on the motional order of cell membranes of adherent cells. LX-2 cells, examined for lipid droplets as a quiescence marker, showed that PPCs led to a more prominent deactivation than DLPC. This result was confirmed by a reduction of collagen and α-SMA expression, and by a profound alteration in the cell membrane fluidity. PPC–silymarin formulations deactivated HSCs with a significant synergistic effect. The remarkable bioactivity of PPCs in deactivating fibrogenic HSCs paves the way for the rational design of new therapeutics aimed at managing hepatic fibrosis.
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24
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Dewidar B, Meyer C, Dooley S, Meindl-Beinker N. TGF-β in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrogenesis-Updated 2019. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111419. [PMID: 31718044 PMCID: PMC6912224 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an advanced liver disease condition, which could progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, there is no direct approved antifibrotic therapy, and current treatment is mainly the removal of the causative factor. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a master profibrogenic cytokine and a promising target to treat fibrosis. However, TGF-β has broad biological functions and its inhibition induces non-desirable side effects, which override therapeutic benefits. Therefore, understanding the pleiotropic effects of TGF-β and its upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms will help to design better TGF-β based therapeutics. Here, we summarize recent discoveries and milestones on the TGF-β signaling pathway related to liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, emphasizing research of the last five years. This comprises impact of TGF-β on liver fibrogenesis related biological processes, such as senescence, metabolism, reactive oxygen species generation, epigenetics, circadian rhythm, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and endothelial-mesenchymal transition. We also describe the influence of the microenvironment on the response of HSC to TGF-β. Finally, we discuss new approaches to target the TGF-β pathway, name current clinical trials, and explain promises and drawbacks that deserve to be adequately addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedair Dewidar
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, 31527 Tanta, Egypt
| | - Christoph Meyer
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Nadja Meindl-Beinker
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-621-383-4983; Fax: +49-621-383-1467
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25
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Sharma S, Mehak, Chhimwal J, Patial V, Sk UH. Dendrimer-conjugated podophyllotoxin suppresses DENA-induced HCC progression by modulation of inflammatory and fibrogenic factors. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2019; 8:560-567. [PMID: 31367338 PMCID: PMC6621132 DOI: 10.1039/c9tx00103d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Podophyllotoxin has been explored as an anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial agent; however, its low water solubility and toxicity limit its use. In this study, the efficacy of a more soluble and less toxic polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer-conjugated podophyllotoxin (DPODO) was evaluated against chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in mice. HCC was induced by giving 0.01% diethylnitrosamine (DENA) in drinking water for 16 weeks. The HCC-induced mice were treated with 10 or 20 mg per kg body weight DPODO. The DENA administration led to HCC development, characterized by anisocytosis, karyomegaly, inflammation and degenerative changes in the liver. The DPODO treatment at 10 mg and 20 mg doses significantly reduced the histopathological changes in liver tissue. The DPODO treatment also significantly lowered the levels of inflammatory markers IL-6 and NF-κB in serum and tissue, respectively. Further, the treatment also significantly reduced fibrous tissue deposition in the liver, which was further confirmed by the reduced mRNA levels and tissue expression of fibrogenic markers TGF-β and α-SMA in the liver. The results of the present study indicate that DPODO treatment suppresses the progression of HCC by modulating the inflammatory and fibrogenic factors, which play important roles in HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Sharma
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory , Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , H.P. , India . ;
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research , Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , H.P. , India
| | - Mehak
- Natural Products Chemistry and Process Development Division , Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , H.P. , India
| | - Jyoti Chhimwal
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory , Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , H.P. , India . ;
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research , Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , H.P. , India
| | - Vikram Patial
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory , Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , H.P. , India . ;
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research , Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , H.P. , India
| | - Ugir Hossain Sk
- Natural Products Chemistry and Process Development Division , Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , H.P. , India
- Clinical and Translational Research , Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute , Kolkata 700026 , India .
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26
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Fabregat I, Caballero-Díaz D. Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced Cell Plasticity in Liver Fibrosis and Hepatocarcinogenesis. Front Oncol 2018; 8:357. [PMID: 30250825 PMCID: PMC6139328 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) family plays relevant roles in the regulation of different cellular processes that are essential for tissue and organ homeostasis. In the case of the liver, TGF-β signaling participates in different stages of disease progression, from initial liver injury toward fibrosis, cirrhosis and cancer. When a chronic injury takes place, mobilization of lymphocytes and other inflammatory cells occur, thus setting the stage for persistence of an inflammatory response. Macrophages produce profibrotic mediators, among them, TGF-β, which is responsible for activation -transdifferentiation- of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSC) to a myofibroblast (MFB) phenotype. MFBs are the principal source of extracellular matrix protein (ECM) accumulation and prominent mediators of fibrogenesis. TGF-β also mediates an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in hepatocytes that may contribute, directly or indirectly, to increase the MFB population. In hepatocarcinogenesis, TGF-β plays a dual role, behaving as a suppressor factor at early stages, but contributing to later tumor progression, once cells escape from its cytostatic effects. As part of its potential pro-tumorigenic actions, TGF-β induces EMT in liver tumor cells, which increases its pro-migratory and invasive potential. In parallel, TGF-β also induces changes in tumor cell plasticity, conferring properties of a migratory tumor initiating cell (TIC). The main aim of this review is to shed light about the pleiotropic actions of TGF-β that explain its effects on the different liver cell populations. The cross-talk with other signaling pathways that contribute to TGF-β effects, in particular the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), will be presented. Finally, we will discuss the rationale for targeting the TGF-β pathway in liver pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Caballero-Díaz
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
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27
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Wu YHS, Tseng JK, Chou CH, Chiu CH, Lin YL, Chen YC. Preventive effects of Ophiocordyceps sinensis mycelium on the liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2017; 32:1792-1800. [PMID: 28181416 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Thioacetamide (TAA), usually used as a fungicide to control the decay of citrus products, itself is not toxic to the liver, but its intermediates are able to increase oxidative stress in livers and further cause fibrosis. Ophiocordyceps sinensis mycelium (OSM) which contains 10% polysaccharides and 0.25% adenosine decreased (P < 0.05) the lipid accumulation and increased (P < 0.05) antioxidative capacity in livers of thioacetamide (TAA) injected rats. Meanwhile, the increased (P < 0.05) liver sizes, serum alanine transaminase (AST) and aspartate transaminase (ALT) values in thioacetamide (TAA)-injected rats were ameliorated (P < 0.05) by OSM supplementation. Moreover, the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), were also reduced (P < 0.05). The fibrosis phenomena in pathological (Masson's trichrome and H&E stainings) and immunohistochemical [α-smooth actin (αSMA) and CD86/ED1] observations in TAA-treated rats were reduced (P < 0.05) by OSM cotreatment. The protective effect of OSM against TAA-induced liver inflammation/fibrosis may be via downregulations (P < 0.05) of TGF-β pathways and NFκB which further influenced (P < 0.05) the expressions of fibrotic and inflammatory genes (i. e., αSMA, Col1α, COX2). Therefore, OSM shows preventive effects on the development of TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsieng Samuel Wu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Kai Tseng
- Department of Optometry, Asia University, Taichung, 413, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsi Chou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
- Zoonoses Research Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsien Chiu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Lin
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
- Zoonoses Research Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
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28
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Fabregat I, Giannelli G. The TGF-β pathway: a pharmacological target in hepatocellular carcinoma? Hepat Oncol 2017; 4:35-38. [PMID: 30191051 PMCID: PMC6095167 DOI: 10.2217/hep-2017-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) & University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS ‘S. De Bellis’, Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
| | - on behalf of the IT-LIVER Consortium
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) & University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS ‘S. De Bellis’, Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
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29
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Fabregat I, Moreno-Càceres J, Sánchez A, Dooley S, Dewidar B, Giannelli G, ten Dijke P. TGF-β signalling and liver disease. FEBS J 2016; 283:2219-32. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.13665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL); L'Hospitalet; Barcelona Spain
- Department of Physiological Sciences II; University of Barcelona; Spain
| | | | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II; San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC); Madrid Spain
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II; Heidelberg University; Mannheim Germany
| | - Bedair Dewidar
- Department of Medicine II; Heidelberg University; Mannheim Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Tanta University; Egypt
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology; University of Bari Medical School; Italy
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology; Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands; Leiden The Netherlands
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