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Quitete FT, Teixeira AVS, Peixoto TC, Martins BC, Atella GC, Resende ADC, Mucci DDB, Martins F, Daleprane JB. Long-term exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl 126 induces liver fibrosis and upregulates miR-155 and miR-34a in C57BL/6 mice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0308334. [PMID: 39133714 PMCID: PMC11318903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), act as endocrine disruptors and impair various physiological processes. PCB 126 is associated with steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and other hepatic injuries. These disorders can be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of miRNAs in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with exposure to PCB 126. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to PCB 126 (5 μmol/kg of body weight) for 10 weeks. The PCB group showed lipid accumulation in the liver in the presence of macro- and microvesicular steatosis and fibrosis with increased inflammatory and profibrotic gene expression, consistent with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). PCB exposure also upregulated miR-155 and miR-34a, which induce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammation in the liver and reduce the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, which, in turn, impairs lipid oxidation and hepatic steatosis. Therefore, the present study showed that PCB 126 induced NASH via potential mechanisms involving miR-155 and miR-34a, which may contribute to the development of new diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Torres Quitete
- Department of Basic and Experimental Nutrition, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Thamara Cherem Peixoto
- Department of Basic and Experimental Nutrition, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna Cadete Martins
- Department of Basic and Experimental Nutrition, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Geórgia Correa Atella
- Medical Biochemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela de Barros Mucci
- Department of Basic and Experimental Nutrition, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabiane Martins
- Department of Basic and Experimental Nutrition, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Julio Beltrame Daleprane
- Department of Basic and Experimental Nutrition, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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2
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Aggeletopoulou I, Tsounis EP, Triantos C. Vitamin D and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Novel Mechanistic Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4901. [PMID: 38732118 PMCID: PMC11084591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly prevalent condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in the liver, often associated with metabolic disorders. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and the development and progression of MASLD. The current review provides a concise overview of recent studies uncovering novel mechanistic insights into the interplay between vitamin D and MASLD. Several epidemiological studies have highlighted a significant association between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of MASLD. Vitamin D, traditionally known for its role in bone health, has now been recognized as a key player in various physiological processes, including immune regulation and inflammation. Experimental studies using animal models have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency exacerbates liver steatosis and inflammation, suggesting a potential protective role against MASLD. Mechanistically, vitamin D appears to modulate MASLD through multiple pathways. Firstly, the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is abundantly expressed in liver cells, indicating a direct regulatory role in hepatic function. Activation of the VDR has been shown to suppress hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation, providing a mechanistic basis for the observed protective effects. Additionally, vitamin D influences insulin sensitivity, a critical factor in MASLD pathogenesis. Improved insulin sensitivity may mitigate the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, thus attenuating MASLD progression. In parallel, vitamin D exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in MASLD pathophysiology. Experimental evidence suggests that the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D extend to the liver, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, key drivers of MASLD, and the likelihood of hepatocyte injury and fibrosis. Understanding the complex interplay between vitamin D and MASLD provides a basis for exploring targeted therapeutic strategies and preventive interventions. As vitamin D deficiency is a modifiable risk factor, addressing this nutritional concern may prove beneficial in mitigating the burden of MASLD and associated metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.A.); (E.P.T.)
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3
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Bayoumy NMK, El-Shabrawi MM, Elsayed W, Kamal HA, Abdelmaogood AK, Ahmed-Maher S, Omar HH, Abdel-Rahman A. MicroRNA-29a and microRNA-122 expressions and other inflammatory markers among obese children with diabetes. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2024; 37:21-26. [PMID: 37966142 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2023-0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to study the expression of both microRNA-29a and microRNA-122, and serum levels of sestrin-2, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and other inflammatory markers among obese children with/and without diabetes mellitus. METHODS One hundred obese children with diabetes in addition to 100 age- and sex-matched obese children without diabetes, and 100 age- and sex-matched apparently healthy children were included in the study. Expressions of both microRNA-29a and microRNA-122, and serum levels of sestrin-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and high sensitive-CRP (hsCRP) were measured for all included study populations. RESULTS Study results showed that the expressions of both microRNA-29a and microRNA-122, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and hsCRP were significantly higher among obese children with diabetes in comparison to both obese children without diabetes and healthy children. In contrast, serum sestrin level was significantly low among obese children with diabetes in comparison to the other study populations. Expressions of both microRNA-29a and microRNA-122 were correlated with waist circumference, BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, HbA1c, c-peptide, glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), IL-6, hsCRP, and TNF-α among obese children with diabetes. However, serum sestrin-2 level was correlated inversely with these parameters. Higher expressions of both microRNA-29a and microRNA-122 among obese children either with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) can suggest their roles in the development of obesity among children. CONCLUSIONS The study results can hypothesize that down-regulation of these micro-RNAs may solve this health problem with its sequelae, a hypothesis that needs more studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nervana M K Bayoumy
- Physiology Department, College of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Thrombosis & Hemostasis, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M El-Shabrawi
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Wafaa Elsayed
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Hagar A Kamal
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Asmaa K Abdelmaogood
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Shymaa Ahmed-Maher
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Hamdy H Omar
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abdel-Rahman
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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4
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Abdel-Wahab BA, El-Shoura EAM, Habeeb MS, Zaafar D. Dapagliflozin alleviates arsenic trioxide-induced hepatic injury in rats via modulating PI3K/AkT/mTOR, STAT3/SOCS3/p53/MDM2 signaling pathways and miRNA-21, miRNA-122 expression. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111325. [PMID: 38070468 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Dapagliflozin (DPG) is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor that is commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, studies have shown that DPG has a protective effect under a variety of experimental conditions through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. DPG's effect on experimental hepatotoxicity caused by arsenic trioxide (ATO) has yet to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of DPG in preventing hepatic damage caused by ATO and discover the underlying mechanisms. The effect of DPG (1 mg/kg, orally) on ATO (5 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced hepatic injury was evaluated in rats. Serum liver function parameters, as well as oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed. Histopathological changes in the liver were detected using H&E staining. Using Western blotting and PCR techniques, the molecular mechanisms of DPG in ameliorating hepatic injury were investigated. DPG improved liver function by inhibiting histopathological changes, decreasing levels of hepatic function and toxicity parameters measured in both serum and tissues, and exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, according to the findings. Consistent with the PCR results, DPG also decreased the expression of LC3-II, micro-RNA-122, and micro-RNA-21 while increased the expression of SOCS3. Furthermore, according to western blotting results, DPG was able to reduce the protein expression of AKT, mTOR, PI3K, and STAT3. Although further clinical research is necessary, this study highlights the potential of DPG in preventing liver damage in a rat model of hepatotoxicity induced by ATO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basel A Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran P.O. Box 1988, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ehab A M El-Shoura
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed S Habeeb
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran P.O. Box 1988, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Dalia Zaafar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology, and Information, Cairo, Egypt.
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5
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Tzur Y, Winek K, Madrer N, Dubnov S, Bennett ER, Greenberg DS, Hanin G, Gammal A, Tam J, Arkin IT, Paldor I, Soreq H. Lysine tRNA fragments and miR-194-5p co-regulate hepatic steatosis via β-Klotho and perilipin 2. Mol Metab 2024; 79:101856. [PMID: 38141848 PMCID: PMC10805669 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) involves hepatic accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets via incompletely understood processes. Here, we report distinct and cooperative NAFLD roles of LysTTT-5'tRF transfer RNA fragments and microRNA miR-194-5p. METHODS Combined use of diet induced obese mice with human-derived oleic acid-exposed Hep G2 cells revealed new NAFLD roles of LysTTT-5'tRF and miR-194-5p. RESULTS Unlike lean animals, dietary-induced NAFLD mice showed concurrent hepatic decrease of both LysTTT-5'tRF and miR-194-5p levels, which were restored following miR-132 antisense oligonucleotide treatment which suppresses hepatic steatosis. Moreover, exposing human-derived Hep G2 cells to oleic acid for 7 days co-suppressed miR-194-5p and LysTTT-5'tRF levels while increasing lipid accumulation. Inversely, transfecting fattened cells with a synthetic LysTTT-5'tRF mimic elevated mRNA levels of the metabolic regulator β-Klotho while decreasing triglyceride amounts by 30% within 24 h. In contradistinction, antisense suppression of miR-194-5p induced accumulation of its novel target, the NAFLD-implicated lipid droplet-coating PLIN2 protein. Further, two out of 15 steatosis-alleviating screened drug-repurposing compounds, Danazol and Latanoprost, elevated miR-194-5p or LysTTT-5'tRF levels. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the different yet complementary roles of miR-194-5p and LysTTT-5'tRF and offer new insights into the complex roles of small non-coding RNAs and the multiple pathways involved in NAFLD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonat Tzur
- The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Katarzyna Winek
- The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel; The Edmond and Lily Safra Center of Brain Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nimrod Madrer
- The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Serafima Dubnov
- The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel; The Edmond and Lily Safra Center of Brain Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Estelle R Bennett
- The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David S Greenberg
- The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Geula Hanin
- The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asaad Gammal
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Isaiah T Arkin
- The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Iddo Paldor
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, The Neurosurgery Department, Main Building, 10th Floor, 12 Shmu'el Bait Street, Jerusalem, 9103102 Israel
| | - Hermona Soreq
- The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel; The Edmond and Lily Safra Center of Brain Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel.
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6
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Wang S, Link F, Han M, Chaudhary R, Asimakopoulos A, Liebe R, Yao Y, Hammad S, Dropmann A, Krizanac M, Rubie C, Feiner LK, Glanemann M, Ebert MPA, Weiskirchen R, Henis YI, Ehrlich M, Dooley S. The Interplay of TGF-β1 and Cholesterol Orchestrating Hepatocyte Cell Fate, EMT, and Signals for HSC Activation. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:567-587. [PMID: 38154598 PMCID: PMC10883985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays important roles in chronic liver diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD involves various biological processes including dysfunctional cholesterol metabolism and contributes to progression to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the reciprocal regulation of TGF-β1 signaling and cholesterol metabolism in MASLD is yet unknown. METHODS Changes in transcription of genes associated with cholesterol metabolism were assessed by RNA sequencing of murine hepatocyte cell line (alpha mouse liver 12/AML12) and mouse primary hepatocytes treated with TGF-β1. Functional assays were performed on AML12 cells (untreated, TGF-β1 treated, or subjected to cholesterol enrichment [CE] or cholesterol depletion [CD]), and on mice injected with adenovirus-associated virus 8-control/TGF-β1. RESULTS TGF-β1 inhibited messenger RNA expression of several cholesterol metabolism regulatory genes, including rate-limiting enzymes of cholesterol biosynthesis in AML12 cells, mouse primary hepatocytes, and adenovirus-associated virus-TGF-β1-treated mice. Total cholesterol levels and lipid droplet accumulation in AML12 cells and liver tissue also were reduced upon TGF-β1 treatment. Smad2/3 phosphorylation after 2 hours of TGF-β1 treatment persisted after CE or CD and was mildly increased after CD, whereas TGF-β1-mediated AKT phosphorylation (30 min) was inhibited by CE. Furthermore, CE protected AML12 cells from several effects mediated by 72 hours of incubation with TGF-β1, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, actin polymerization, and apoptosis. CD mimicked the outcome of long-term TGF-β1 administration, an effect that was blocked by an inhibitor of the type I TGF-β receptor. In addition, the supernatant of CE- or CD-treated AML12 cells inhibited or promoted, respectively, the activation of LX-2 hepatic stellate cells. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β1 inhibits cholesterol metabolism whereas cholesterol attenuates TGF-β1 downstream effects in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Wang
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frederik Link
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mei Han
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Roohi Chaudhary
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anastasia Asimakopoulos
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Roman Liebe
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ye Yao
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Seddik Hammad
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anne Dropmann
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marinela Krizanac
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Claudia Rubie
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Laura Kim Feiner
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Matthias Glanemann
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Matthias P A Ebert
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Healthy Metabolism, Center of Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yoav I Henis
- Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marcelo Ehrlich
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
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Aghajanzadeh T, Talkhabi M, Zali MR, Hatami B, Baghaei K. Diagnostic potential and pathogenic performance of circulating miR-146b, miR-194, and miR-214 in liver fibrosis. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:471-480. [PMID: 37434946 PMCID: PMC10331815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Due to the lack of an accurate test for an early diagnosis of liver fibrosis and the invasiveness of the liver biopsy procedure, there is an urgent need for effective non-invasive biomarkers for screening the patients. we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of circulating miRNAs (miR-146b, -194, -214) and their related mechanisms in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The expression levels of miR-146b, -194, and -214 were quantified in whole blood samples from NAFLD patients using real-time PCR. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed and a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed for HSC activation-related genes. Also, the transcription factor (TF)-miR co-regulatory network and the survival plot for three miRNAs and core genes were illustrated. The qPCR results showed that the relative expression of miR-146b and miR-214 significantly increased in NAFLD patients, while miR-194 showed significant down-regulation. The ceRNA network analysis implicated NEAT1 and XIST as sponge candidates for these miRNAs. The GSEA results identified 15 core genes involved in HSC activation, primarily enriched in NF-κB activation and autophagy pathways. STAT3, TCF3, RELA, and RUNX1 were considered potential transcription factors connected to miRNAs in the TF-miR network. Our study elucidated three candidate circulating miRNAs differentially expressed in NAFLD that could serve as a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection strategies. Also, NF-κB activation, autophagy, and negative regulation of the apoptotic process are the main potential underlying mechanisms regulated by these miRNAs in liver fibrosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Aghajanzadeh
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Talkhabi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Xu X, Yu C, He H, Pan X, Hou A, Feng J, Tan R, Gong L, Chen J, Ren J. MiR-337-3p improves metabolic-associated fatty liver disease through regulation of glycolipid metabolism. iScience 2023; 26:108352. [PMID: 38026196 PMCID: PMC10665915 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108352] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulations play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease; therefore, elucidating the biological functions of differential miRNAs helps us to understand the pathogenesis. Herein, we discovered miR-337-3p was decreased in patients with NAFLD from Gene Expression Omnibus dataset, which was replicated in various cell and mouse models with lipid disorders. Subsequently, overexpression of miR-337-3p in vivo could ameliorate hepatic lipid accumulation, reduce fasting blood glucose, and improve insulin resistance. Meanwhile, we determined miR-337-3p might influence multiple genes involved in glycolipid metabolism through mass spectrometry detection, bioinformatics analysis, and experimental verification. Finally, we selected HMGCR as a representative example to investigate the molecular mechanism of miR-337-3p regulating these genes, where the seed region of miR-337-3p bound to 3'UTR of HMGCR to inhibit HMGCR translation. In conclusion, we discovered a new function of miR-337-3p in glycolipid metabolism and that might be a new therapeutic target of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoding Xu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chuwei Yu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongxiu He
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiangyu Pan
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P.R. China
| | - Aijun Hou
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianxun Feng
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rongrong Tan
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Likun Gong
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Ren
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
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Ramezani M, Zobeiry M, Abdolahi S, Hatami B, Zali MR, Baghaei K. A crosstalk between epigenetic modulations and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154809. [PMID: 37797383 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently emerged as a major public health concern worldwide due to its rapidly rising prevalence and its potential to progress into end-stage liver disease. While the precise pathophysiology underlying NAFLD remains incompletely understood, it is strongly associated with various environmental triggers and other metabolic disorders. Epigenetics examines changes in gene expression that are not caused by alterations in the DNA sequence itself. There is accumulating evidence that epigenetics plays a key role in linking environmental cues to the onset and progression of NAFLD. Our understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms contribute to NAFLD pathophysiology has expanded considerably in recent years as research on the epigenetics of NAFLD has developed. This review summarizes recent insights into major epigenetic processes that have been implicated in NAFLD pathogenesis including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNAs that have emerged as promising targets for further investigation. Elucidating epigenetic mechanisms in NAFLD may uncover novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this disease. However, many questions have remained unanswered regarding how epigenetics promotes NAFLD onset and progression. Additional studies are needed to further characterize the epigenetic landscape of NAFLD and validate the potential of epigenetic markers as clinical tools. Nevertheless, an enhanced understanding of the epigenetic underpinnings of NAFLD promises to provide key insights into disease mechanisms and pave the way for novel prognostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Ramezani
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shahrokh Abdolahi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Abdelrahman BA, El-Khatib AS, Attia YM. Insights into the role of vitamin D in targeting the culprits of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Life Sci 2023; 332:122124. [PMID: 37742738 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122124] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D (VD) is a secosteroid hormone that is renowned for its crucial role in phospho-calcium homeostasis upon binding to the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). Over and above, the pleiotropic immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic roles VD plays in different disease settings started to surface in the past few decades. On the other hand, a growing body of evidence suggests a correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive inflammatory form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with vitamin D deficiency (VDD) owing to the former's ingrained link with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Accordingly, a better understanding of the contribution of disrupted VDR signalling to NAFLD incidence and progression would provide further insights into its diagnosis, treatment modalities, and prognosis. This is especially significant as, hitherto, no drug for NAFLD has been approved. This review, therefore, sought to set forth the likely contribution of VDR signalling in NAFLD and how it might influence its multiple drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma A Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aiman S El-Khatib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Yasmeen M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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11
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Bakrania A, Mo Y, Zheng G, Bhat M. RNA nanomedicine in liver diseases. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00569. [PMID: 37725757 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable impact of RNA nanomedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the expansive therapeutic potential of this field in diverse disease contexts. In recent years, RNA nanomedicine targeting the liver has been paradigm-shifting in the management of metabolic diseases such as hyperoxaluria and amyloidosis. RNA nanomedicine has significant potential in the management of liver diseases, where optimal management would benefit from targeted delivery, doses titrated to liver metabolism, and personalized therapy based on the specific site of interest. In this review, we discuss in-depth the different types of RNA and nanocarriers used for liver targeting along with their specific applications in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancers. We further highlight the strategies for cell-specific delivery and future perspectives in this field of research with the emergence of small activating RNA, circular RNA, and RNA base editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yulin Mo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Muhamad NA, Maamor NH, Leman FN, Mohamad ZA, Bakon SK, Abdul Mutalip MH, Rosli IA, Aris T, Lai NM, Abu Hassan MR. The Global Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and its Association With Cancers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Interact J Med Res 2023; 12:e40653. [PMID: 37467012 PMCID: PMC10398554 DOI: 10.2196/40653] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the common causes of chronic liver disease globally. Obesity, metabolic diseases, and exposure to some environmental agents contribute to NAFLD. NAFLD is commonly considered a precursor for some types of cancers. Since the leading causes of death in people with NAFLD are cardiovascular disease and extrahepatic cancers, it is important to understand the mechanisms of the progression of NAFLD to control its progression and identify its association with extrahepatic cancers. Thus, this review aims to estimate the global prevalence of NAFLD in association with the risk of extrahepatic cancers. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the prevalence of various cancers in NAFLD patients and the association between NAFLD and cancer. METHODS We searched PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to March 2022 to identify eligible studies reporting the prevalence of NAFLD and the risk of incident cancers among adult individuals (aged ≥18 years). Data from selected studies were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed using random effects models to obtain the pooled prevalence with the 95% CI. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS We identified 11 studies that met our inclusion criteria, involving 222,523 adults and 3 types of cancer: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), breast cancer, and other types of extrahepatic cancer. The overall pooled prevalence of NAFLD and cancer was 26% (95% CI 16%-35%), while 25% of people had NAFLD and HCC (95% CI 7%-42%). NAFLD and breast cancer had the highest prevalence out of the 3 forms of cancer at 30% (95% CI 14%-45%), while the pooled prevalence for NAFLD and other cancers was 21% (95% CI 12%-31%). CONCLUSIONS The review suggests that people with NAFLD may be at an increased risk of cancer that might not affect not only the liver but also other organs, such as the breast and bile duct. The findings serve as important evidence for policymakers to evaluate and recommend measures to reduce the prevalence of NAFLD through lifestyle and environmental preventive approaches. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022321946; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=321946.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Asiah Muhamad
- Sector for Evidence-based Healthcare, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hasnah Maamor
- Sector for Evidence-based Healthcare, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam, Malaysia
| | - Fatin Norhasny Leman
- Sector for Evidence-based Healthcare, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam, Malaysia
| | - Zuraifah Asrah Mohamad
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Sophia Karen Bakon
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hatta Abdul Mutalip
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Izzah Athirah Rosli
- Sector for Evidence-based Healthcare, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam, Malaysia
| | - Tahir Aris
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nai Ming Lai
- School of Medicine, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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13
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Shen Y, Cheng L, Xu M, Wang W, Wan Z, Xiong H, Guo W, Cai M, Xu F. SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin downregulates miRNA-34a-5p and targets GREM2 to inactivate hepatic stellate cells and ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-associated fibrosis. Metabolism 2023:155657. [PMID: 37422021 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the central event of fibrosis, indicates the severe stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in this process. Treatment with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) alleviates liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD; however, the role of SGLT2i in ameliorating liver fibrosis in NAFLD by regulating miRNAs remains unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS We monitored the expression of NAFLD-associated miRNAs in the livers of two NAFLD models and observed high expression of miR-34a-5p. miR-34a-5p was highly expressed in mouse primary liver non-parenchymal cells and LX-2 HSCs, and this miRNA was positively correlated with alanine transaminase levels in NAFLD models. Overexpression of miR-34a-5p enhanced LX-2 activation, whereas its inhibition prevented HSCs activation by regulating the TGFβ signaling pathway. The SGLT2i empagliflozin significantly downregulated miR-34a-5p, inhibited the TGFβ signaling pathway, and ameliorated hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD models. Subsequently, GREM2 was identified as a direct target of miR-34a-5p through database prediction and a dual-luciferase reporter assay. In LX-2 HSCs, the miR-34a-5p mimic and inhibitor directly downregulated and upregulated GREM2, respectively. Overexpressing GREM2 inactivated the TGFβ pathway whereas GREM2 knockdown activated it. Additionally, empagliflozin upregulated Grem2 expression in NAFLD models. In methionine- and choline-deficient diet-fed ob/ob mice, a fibrosis model, empagliflozin downregulated miR-34a-5p and upregulated Grem2 to improve liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Empagliflozin ameliorates NAFLD-associated fibrosis by downregulating miR-34a-5p and targeting GREM2 to inhibit the TGFβ pathway in HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Shen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Nanchang 330006, China; Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Lidan Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Jiujiang University Affiliated Hospital, Jiujiang 330300, China
| | - Minxuan Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | - Zhiping Wan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Haixia Xiong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Nanchang 330006, China; Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wanrong Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Mengyin Cai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Fen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China.
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14
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Park SJ, Garcia Diaz J, Um E, Hahn YS. Major roles of kupffer cells and macrophages in NAFLD development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1150118. [PMID: 37274349 PMCID: PMC10235620 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1150118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important public health problem with growing numbers of NAFLD patients worldwide. Pathological conditions are different in each stage of NAFLD due to various factors. Preclinical and clinical studies provide evidence for a crucial role of immune cells in NAFLD progression. Liver-resident macrophages, kupffer cells (KCs), and monocytes-derived macrophages are the key cell types involved in the progression of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Their unique polarization contributes to the progression of NAFLD. KCs are phagocytes with self-renewal abilities and play a role in regulating and maintaining homeostasis. Upon liver damage, KCs are activated and colonized at the site of the damaged tissue. The secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by KCs play a pivotal role in initiating NAFLD pathogenesis. This review briefly describes the role of immune cells in the immune system in NAFLD, and focuses on the pathological role and molecular pathways of KCs and recruited macrophages. In addition, the relationship between macrophages and insulin resistance is described. Finally, the latest therapeutics that target KCs and macrophages are summarized for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jeung Park
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Josefina Garcia Diaz
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Eugene Um
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Young S. Hahn
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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15
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Liao Y, Wang L, Liu F, Zhou Y, Lin X, Zhao Z, Xu S, Tang D, Jiao Y, Yang L, Yu W, Gao P. Emerging trends and hotspots in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) research from 2012 to 2021: A bibliometric analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1078149. [PMID: 36761200 PMCID: PMC9904363 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1078149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease. MAFLD is a major risk factor for end-stage liver disease including cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. The pathogenesis of MAFLD is complex and has not yet been clarified. To the best of our knowledge, few studies have conducted quantitative bibliometric analysis to evaluate published MAFLD research. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of MAFLD publications over the past decade to summarize the current research hotspots and predict future research directions in this field. METHODS Articles into MAFLD published from 2012 to 2021 were identified from the Science Citation Index-Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace software, VOSviewer, the "bibliometrix" R package, and the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology were used to analyze the current publication trends and hotspots. RESULTS We retrieved 13959 English articles about MAFLD published from 2012 to 2021. Primary sites of publication were dominated by the United States until 2014, when China became the source of most published MAFLD-related research papers. The United States was found to be the most engaged country in international cooperative efforts. Shanghai Jiao Tong University was the most productive institution. Loomba R was the most productive author with 123 articles. The co-cited keyword cluster tag showed ten main clusters: #0 liver fibrosis, #1 hemoglobin, #2 metabolic associated fatty liver disease, #3 egcg, #4 myocardial infarction, #5 heart disease, #6 pnpla3, #7 hepatocellular carcinoma, #8 noninvasive marker, and #9 children. Keyword burst analysis showed that gut microbiota was the highest-intensity research hotspot. CONCLUSION In the past decade, the number of publications on MAFLD increased dramatically, especially in the last three years. Gut microbiota became an important research direction for etiological and therapeutic investigations into MAFLD. Insulin resistance was also a key factor in studying the development of MAFLD in recent years. Liver fibrosis was an important focus of disease development. This study provides systematic information, helps guide future research, and helps to identify mechanisms and new treatment methods for MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudi Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yanyu Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqi Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijun Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Saihong Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingfu Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weifeng Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Po Gao, ; Weifeng Yu,
| | - Po Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Po Gao, ; Weifeng Yu,
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Petito G, Giacco A, Cioffi F, Mazzoli A, Magnacca N, Iossa S, Goglia F, Senese R, Lanni A. Short-term fructose feeding alters tissue metabolic pathways by modulating microRNAs expression both in young and adult rats. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1101844. [PMID: 36875756 PMCID: PMC9977821 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1101844] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary high fructose (HFrD) is known as a metabolic disruptor contributing to the development of obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Children are more sensitive to sugar than adults due to the distinct metabolic profile, therefore it is especially relevant to study the metabolic alterations induced by HFrD and the mechanisms underlying such changes in animal models of different ages. Emerging research suggests the fundamental role of epigenetic factors such as microRNAs (miRNAs) in metabolic tissue injury. In this perspective, the aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of miR-122-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-125b-5p examining the effects induced by fructose overconsumption and to evaluate whether a differential miRNA regulation exists between young and adult animals. We used young rats (30 days) and adult rats (90 days) fed on HFrD for a short period (2 weeks) as animal models. The results indicate that both young and adult rats fed on HFrD exhibit an increase in systemic oxidative stress, the establishment of an inflammatory state, and metabolic perturbations involving the relevant miRNAs and their axes. In the skeletal muscle of adult rats, HFrD impair insulin sensitivity and triglyceride accumulation affecting the miR-122-5p/PTP1B/P-IRS-1(Tyr612) axis. In liver and skeletal muscle, HFrD acts on miR-34a-5p/SIRT-1: AMPK pathway resulting in a decrease of fat oxidation and an increase in fat synthesis. In addition, liver and skeletal muscle of young and adult rats exhibit an imbalance in antioxidant enzyme. Finally, HFrD modulates miR-125b-5p expression levels in liver and white adipose tissue determining modifications in de novo lipogenesis. Therefore, miRNA modulation displays a specific tissue trend indicative of a regulatory network that contributes in targeting genes of various pathways, subsequently yielding extensive effects on cell metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Petito
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonia Giacco
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Federica Cioffi
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Arianna Mazzoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Magnacca
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Susanna Iossa
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fernando Goglia
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Rosalba Senese
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonia Lanni
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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17
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Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and non-coding RNAs: Regulatory and therapeutic role in liver diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:114040. [PMID: 36423545 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114040] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver disease has become a major health problem worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, a large body of literature has shown that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) are able to play similar physiological roles as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). More importantly, there is no immune rejection caused by transplanted cells and the risk of tumor formation, which has become a new strategy for the treatment of various liver diseases. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are the main effectors by which they exert hepatoprotective effects. Therefore, by searching the databases of Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and CNKI, this review comprehensively reviewed the therapeutic effects of MSC-Exo and ncRNAs in liver diseases, including liver injury, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. According to the data, the therapeutic effects of MSC-Exo and ncRNAs on liver diseases are closely related to a variety of molecular mechanisms, including inhibition of inflammatory response, alleviation of liver oxidative stress, inhibition of apoptosis of hepatocytes and endothelial cells, promotion of angiogenesis, blocking the cell cycle of hepatocellular carcinoma, and inhibition of activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells. These important findings will provide a direction and basis for us to explore the potential of MSC-Exo and ncRNAs in the clinical treatment of liver diseases in the future.
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18
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Zhao X, Xue X, Cui Z, Kwame Amevor F, Wan Y, Fu K, Wang C, Peng C, Li Y. microRNAs-based diagnostic and therapeutic applications in liver fibrosis. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022:e1773. [PMID: 36585388 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a process of over-extracellular matrix (ECM) aggregation and angiogenesis, which develops into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With the increasing pressure of liver fibrosis, new therapeutics to cure this disease requires much attention. Exosome-cargoed microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging approaches in the precision of the liver fibrotic paradigm. In this review, we outlined the different types of hepatic cells derived miRNAs that drive intra-/extra-cellular interactive communication in liver fibrosis with different physiological and pathological processes. Specifically, we highlighted the possible mechanism of liver fibrosis pathogenesis associated with immune response and angiogenesis. In addition, potential clinical biomarkers and different stem cell transplant-derived miRNAs-based therapeutic strategies in liver fibrosis were summarized in this review. miRNAs-based approaches might help researchers devise new candidates for the cell-free treatment of liver fibrosis. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhifu Cui
- College Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Felix Kwame Amevor
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Wang Z, Zhu Y, Xia L, Li J, Song M, Yang C. Exercise-Induced ADAR2 Protects against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through miR-34a. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010121. [PMID: 36615779 PMCID: PMC9824461 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health problem that is closely associated with insulin resistance and hereditary susceptibility. Exercise is a beneficial approach to NAFLD. However, the relief mechanism of exercise training is still unknown. In this study, mice on a normal diet or a high-fat diet (HFD), combined with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, hydrochloride (L-NAME) mice, were either kept sedentary or were subjected to a 12-week exercise running scheme. We found that exercise reduced liver steatosis in mice with diet-induced NAFLD. The hepatic adenosine deaminases acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2) were downregulated in NAFLD and were upregulated in the liver after 12-week exercise. Next, overexpression of ADAR2 inhibited and suppression promoted lipogenesis in HepG2 cells treated with oleic acid (OA), respectively. We found that ADAR2 could down-regulate mature miR-34a in hepatocytes. Functional reverse experiments further proved that miR-34a mimicry eliminated the suppression of ADAR2 overexpression in lipogenesis in vitro. Moreover, miR-34a inhibition and mimicry could also affect lipogenesis in hepatocytes. In conclusion, exercise-induced ADAR2 protects against lipogenesis during NAFLD by editing miR-34a. RNA editing mediated by ADAR2 may be a promising therapeutic candidate for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yaru Zhu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lu Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (M.S.); (C.Y.)
| | - Meiyi Song
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (M.S.); (C.Y.)
| | - Changqing Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (M.S.); (C.Y.)
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20
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV, Katturajan R, Kannampuzha S, Murali R, Namachivayam A, Ganesan R, Renu K, Dey A, Vellingiri B, Prince SE. Exploring the Regulatory Role of ncRNA in NAFLD: A Particular Focus on PPARs. Cells 2022; 11:3959. [PMID: 36552725 PMCID: PMC9777112 DOI: 10.3390/cells11243959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are responsible for global mortality and morbidity and are a significant cause of death worldwide. Consequently, the advancement of new liver disease targets is of great interest. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA), such as microRNA (miRNA) and long ncRNA (lncRNA), has been proven to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of virtually all acute and chronic liver disorders. Recent studies demonstrated the medical applications of miRNA in various phases of hepatic pathology. PPARs play a major role in regulating many signaling pathways involved in various metabolic disorders. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease in the world, encompassing a spectrum spanning from mild steatosis to severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). PPARs were found to be one of the major regulators in the progression of NAFLD. There is no recognized treatment for NAFLD, even though numerous clinical trials are now underway. NAFLD is a major risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its frequency increases as obesity and diabetes become more prevalent. Reprogramming anti-diabetic and anti-obesity drugs is an effective therapy option for NAFLD and NASH. Several studies have also focused on the role of ncRNAs in the pathophysiology of NAFLD. The regulatory effects of these ncRNAs make them a primary target for treatments and as early biomarkers. In this study, the main focus will be to understand the regulation of PPARs through ncRNAs and their role in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramkumar Katturajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sandra Kannampuzha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Reshma Murali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arunraj Namachivayam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Sabina Evan Prince
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
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21
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Yao H, Li P, Xin J, Liang X, Jiang J, Shi D, Li J, Hassan HM, Chen X, Li J. MiRNA/mRNA network topology in hepatitis virus B-related liver cirrhosis reveals miR-20a-5p/340-5p as hubs initiating fibrosis. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:240. [PMCID: PMC9661777 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The pathophysiology of hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis (HBV-LC) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the disease mechanisms using topological analysis of the miRNA/mRNA network.
Methods
Paired miRNA/mRNA sequencing was performed with thirty-three peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples (LC, n = 9; chronic hepatitis B, n = 12; normal controls, n = 12) collected from a prospective cohort to identify the miRNA/mRNA network. Topological features and functional implications of the network were analyzed to capture pathophysiologically important miRNAs/mRNAs, whose expression patterns were confirmed in the validation group (LC, n = 15; chronic hepatitis B, n = 15; normal controls, n = 10), and functional potentials initiating fibrogenesis were demonstrated in vitro.
Results
The miRNA/mRNA network contained 3121 interactions between 158 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and 442 DE-mRNAs. The topological analysis identified a core module containing 99 miRNA/mRNA interactions and two hub nodes (miR-20a-5p/miR-340-5p), which connected to 75 DE-mRNAs. The expression pattern along the disease progression of the core module was found associated with a continuous increase in wound healing, inflammation, and leukocyte migration but an inflection of immune response and lipid metabolic regulation, consistent with the pathophysiology of HBV-LC. MiR-20a-5p/miR-340-5p were found involved in macrophage polarization and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in vitro (THP-1, LX-2 cell lines), and their expression levels were confirmed in the validation group independently.
Conclusion
Topological analysis of the miRNA/mRNA network in HBV-LC revealed the association between fibrosis and miR-20a-5p/miR-340-5p involving initiating activations of macrophage and HSC. Further validations should be performed to confirm the HSC/macrophage activations and the interactions between miR-20a-5p/miR-340-5p and their potential targets, which may help to develop non-invasive prognostic markers or intervention targets for HBV-LC.
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22
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Huang Y, Wang X, Yan C, Li C, Zhang L, Zhang L, Liang E, Liu T, Mao J. Effect of metformin on nonalcoholic fatty liver based on meta-analysis and network pharmacology. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31437. [PMID: 36316840 PMCID: PMC9622616 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether metformin is related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is controversial. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between metformin and NAFLD that may predict the metformin potential of these lesions and new prevention strategies in NAFLD patients. METHODS The meta-analysis was analyzed by Revman 5.3 softwares systematically searched for works published through July 29, 2022. Network pharmacology research based on databases, Cytoscape 3.7.1 software and R software respectively. RESULTS The following variables were associated with metformin in NAFLD patients: decreased of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (mean difference [MD] = -10.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -21.85 to 0.16, P = .05); decreased of aspartate amino transferase (AST) level (MD = -4.82, 95% CI = -9.33 to -0.30, P = .04); decreased of triglyceride (TG) level (MD = -0.17, 95% CI = -0.26 to -0.08, P = .0002); decreased of total cholesterol (TC) level (MD = -0.29, 95% CI = -0.47 to -0.10, P = .003); decreased of insulin resistance (IR) level (MD = -0.42, 95% CI = -0.82 to -0.02, P = .04). In addition, body mass index (BMI) (MD = -0.65, 95% CI = -1.46 to 0.16, P = .12) had no association with metformin in NAFLD patients. 181 metformin targets and 868 NAFLD disease targets were interaction analyzed, 15 core targets of metformin for the treatment of NAFLD were obtained. The effect of metformin on NAFLD mainly related to cytoplasm and protein binding, NAFLD, hepatitis B, pathway in cancer, toll like receptor signaling pathway and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The proteins of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF1A), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NFE2L2), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1), PI3K catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), and silencing information regulator 2 related enzyme 1 (SIRT1) may the core targets of metformin for the treatment of NAFLD. CONCLUSION Metformin might be a candidate drug for the treatment of NAFLD which exhibits therapeutic effect on NAFLD patients associated with ALT, AST, TG, TC and IR while was not correlated with BMI. HIF1A, NFE2L2, NOS3, NR3C1, PIK3CA, and SIRT1 might be core targets of metformin for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanshe Huang
- AnShun University, Guizhou Anshun, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Chen Yan
- An Shun City People’s Hospital, Anshun, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lidan Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lai Zhang
- AnShun University, Guizhou Anshun, China
| | - E Liang
- AnShun University, Guizhou Anshun, China
| | | | - Jingxin Mao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jingxin Mao, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China (e-mail: )
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23
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Noncoding RNAs Associated with PPARs in Etiology of MAFLD as a Novel Approach for Therapeutics Targets. PPAR Res 2022; 2022:6161694. [PMID: 36164476 PMCID: PMC9509273 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6161694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a complex disease that results from the accumulation of fat in the liver. MAFLD is directly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. PPARγ ligands, including pioglitazone, are also used in the management of this disease. Noncoding RNAs play a critical role in various diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and liver diseases including MAFLD. However, there is no adequate knowledge about the translation of using these ncRNAs to the clinics, particularly in MAFLD conditions. The aim of this study was to identify ncRNAs in the etiology of MAFLD as a novel approach to the therapeutic targets. Methods. We collected human and mouse MAFLD gene expression datasets available in GEO. We performed pathway enrichment analysis of total mRNAs based on KEGG repository data to screen the most potential pathways in the liver of MAFLD human subjects and mice model, and analyzed pathway interconnections via ClueGO. Finally, we screened disease causality of the MAFLD ncRNAs, which were associated with PPARs, and then discussed the role of revealed ncRNAs in PPAR signaling and MAFLD. Results. We found 127 ncRNAs in MAFLD which 25 out of them were strongly validated before for regulation of PPARs. With a polypharmacology approach, we screened 51 ncRNAs which were causal to a subset of diseases related to MAFLD. Conclusion. This study revealed a subset of ncRNAs that could help in more clear and guided designation of preclinical and clinical studies to verify the therapeutic application of the revealed ncRNAs by manipulating the PPARs molecular mechanism in MAFLD.
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miR-345-5p curbs hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis progression by suppressing hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha expression. Toxicol Lett 2022; 370:42-52. [PMID: 36126797 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.09.008] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, as a common stage of multiple liver diseases, currently has no effective drug treatment. Emerging evidence shows that miRNAs participate in the progression of liver fibrosis. However, the potential role of miRNAs in hepatic fibrosis is not yet fully understood. Herein, we first confirmed that miR-345-5p expression was significantly decreased in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and fibrotic livers. Functional analysis showed that overexpression of miR-345-5p in human LX-2 cells suppressed the expression of profibrotic markers and cellular proliferation in vitro. Using a dual-luciferase assay, we demonstrated that miR-345-5p regulates HSC activation by targeting the 3'UTR of HIF-1α mRNA. In addition, overexpression of miR-345-5p in vivo alleviated murine liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection, high-fat diet (HFD) feeding and bile duct ligation (BDL). Furthermore, overexpression of miR-345-5p downregulated the expression of HIF-1α and fibrosis markers in livers from different fibrosis models. Collectively, we conclude that miR-345-5p mediates the activation of HSCs by targeting HIF-1α, which subsequently modulates TGFβ/Smad2/Smad3 signaling. Thus, miR-345-5p may become a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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25
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Bu FT, Jia PC, Zhu Y, Yang YR, Meng HW, Bi YH, Huang C, Li J. Emerging therapeutic potential of adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy in liver fibrosis. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:191-206. [PMID: 35859692 PMCID: PMC9271983 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.06.009] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response that results from various chronic damages. If the causes of damage are not removed or effective treatments are not given in a timely manner, it will progress to cirrhosis, even liver cancer. Currently, there are no specific medical therapies for liver fibrosis. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy, one of the frontiers of modern medicine, has gained more attention in many fields due to its high safety profile, low immunogenicity, long-term efficacy in mediating gene expression, and increasingly known tropism. Notably, increasing evidence suggests a promising therapeutic potential for AAV-mediated gene therapy in different liver fibrosis models, which helps to correct abnormally changed target genes in the process of fibrosis and improve liver fibrosis at the molecular level. Moreover, the addition of cell-specific promoters to the genome of recombinant AAV helps to limit gene expression in specific cells, thereby producing better therapeutic efficacy in liver fibrosis. However, animal models are considered to be powerless predictive of tissue tropism, immunogenicity, and genotoxic risks in humans. Thus, AAV-mediated gene therapy will face many challenges. This review systemically summarizes the recent advances of AAV-mediated gene therapy in liver fibrosis, especially focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms of transferred genes, and presents prospective challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Tian Bu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Jia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Ru Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hong-Wu Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-Hui Bi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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26
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Non-Coding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. LIVERS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/livers2030017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite extensive research efforts aiming to evaluate the biological mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, little has been translated towards new diagnostic and treatment options for HCC patients. Historically, the focus has been centered on coding RNAs and their respective proteins. However, significant advances in sequencing and RNA detection technologies have shifted the research focus towards non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), as well as their impact on HCC development and progression. A number of studies reported complex post-transcriptional interactions between various ncRNA and coding RNA molecules. These interactions offer insights into the role of ncRNAs in both the known pathways leading to oncogenesis, such as dysregulation of p53, and lesser-known mechanisms, such as small nucleolar RNA methylation. Studies investigating these mechanisms have identified prevalent ncRNA changes in microRNAs, snoRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs that can both pre- and post-translationally regulate key factors in HCC progression. In this review, we present relevant publications describing ncRNAs to summarize the impact of different ncRNA species on liver cancer development and progression and to evaluate recent attempts at clinical translation.
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27
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Ding J, Xia C, Cen P, Li S, Yu L, Zhu J, Jin J. MiR-103-3p promotes hepatic steatosis to aggravate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by targeting of ACOX1. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:7297-7305. [PMID: 35606603 PMCID: PMC9304065 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07515-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, and alterations in miRNA expression are related to the development of NAFLD. However, the role of miRNAs in regulating the development of NAFLD is still poorly understood. METHODS We used qRT-PCR to detect the level of miR-103-3p in both cell and mouse models of NAFLD. Biochemical assays, DCF-DA assays, Oil red O staining and HE staining were used to detect the role of miR-103-3p in NAFLD development. Target genes of miR-103-3p were predicted using the TargetScan database and verified by qRT-PCR, western blot and dual-luciferase assays. RESULTS The expression of miR-103-3p increased in both NAFLD model cells and liver tissues from the NAFLD mouse model. Inhibition of miR-103-3p significantly alleviated the accumulation of lipid droplets in free fatty acid-treated L02 cells and liver tissues from mice with NAFLD. Inhibition of miR-103-3p reduced the contents of H2O2, TG, ALT, and AST and ROS production while increasing the ATP content. Moreover, the miR-103-3p antagomir alleviated liver tissue lesions in mice with NAFLD. Further studies identified ACOX1, a key enzyme for the oxidation and decomposition of fatty acids, as a direct target of miR-103-3p. CONCLUSIONS These findings identified a negative regulatory mechanism between ACOX1 and miR-103-3p that promotes the pathogenesis of NAFLD and suggested that inhibition of miR-103-3p may be a potential treatment strategy for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiexia Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Caixia Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Panpan Cen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Siying Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lifei Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China.
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28
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Chen X, Zhu S, Chen SY, Wang JN, Sun LJ, Tao SM, Li XF, Li HD, Sun YY, Xu CH, Suo XG, Ji ML, Huang C, Meng XM, Li J. miR-301a-3p promotes hepatic stellate cells activation and liver fibrogenesis via regulating PTEN/PDGFR-β. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109034. [PMID: 35834952 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is an essential pathology of multiple chronicliverdiseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-301a-3p in hepatic fibrosis. We found that miR-301a-3p was upregulated in hepatic fibrosis patients and in culture-activated human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Interestingly, miR-301a-3p expression was increased in hepatic fibrosis progression mice while decreased in hepatic fibrosis recovery mice, indicating that miR-301a-3p may participate in the hepatic fibrosis pathology. Functionally, the effects of miR-301a-3p both on hepatic fibrosis progression and regression were assessed in vivo. Inhibiting miR-301a-3p amelioratedmouse liver fibrogenesis and collagen deposition and suppressed HSC activation and fibrogenic factor expression. Whereas, in hepatic fibrosis regression, upregulating miR-301a-3p impaired mouse hepatic fibrosis recovery by inducing HSC activation and triggering inflammation. Consistently, gain-of-function and loss-of-function analysis of miR-301a-3p were performed to evaluate its effects on human HSCs LX-2 cell. We found that suppressing miR-301a-3p inhibited LX-2 cell activation and proliferation, and induced LX-2 cell apoptosis, accompaniedby decreased fibrotic mediators expression. Collectively, these findings suggest miR-301a-3p drives liver fibrogenesis and HSC activation in hepatic fibrosis. Mechanistically, we demonstrated miR-301a-3p binds directly to phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) by luciferase reporter analysis, pull-down, and RIP assay. Indicating that miR-301a-3p plays a critical rolein promotingliverfibrogenesis viamodulating the PTEN/platelet derived growth factor β (PDGFR-β) pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that miR-301a-3p expression is closely correlated with hepatic fibrosis pathology, and that enhancing miR-301a-3p maintains the HSC profibrogenic phenotype, triggers inflammatoryresponses, promotes fibrogenic factor production, and further exacerbates liver fibrogenesis. These findings suggest that miR-301a-3p may serve as a promising diagnostic and prognosis biomarker for hepatic fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Li-Jiao Sun
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shan-Min Tao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hai-Di Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying-Yin Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chuan-Hui Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Guo Suo
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ming-Lu Ji
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Xu C, Li H, Tang CK. Sterol carrier protein 2 in lipid metabolism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Pathophysiology, molecular biology, and potential clinical implications. Metabolism 2022; 131:155180. [PMID: 35311663 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as the most common chronic liver disease and has become a rapidly global public health problem. Sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP-2), also called non-specific lipid-transfer protein, is predominantly expressed by the liver. SCP-2 plays a key role in intracellular lipid transport and metabolism. SCP-2 has been closely implicated in the development of NAFLD-related metabolic disorders, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and gallstones. Recent studies indicate that SCP-2 plays a beneficial role in NAFLD by regulating cholesterol-, endocannabinoid-, and fatty acid-related aspects of lipid metabolism. Hence, in this paper, we summarize the latest findings about the roles of SCP-2 in hepatic steatosis and further describe its molecular function in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Xu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Heng Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China.
| | - Chao-Ke Tang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China.
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30
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Ru L, Wang XM, Niu JQ. The miR-23-27-24 cluster: an emerging target in NAFLD pathogenesis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1167-1179. [PMID: 34893685 PMCID: PMC9061717 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00819-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing globally, being the most widespread form of chronic liver disease in the west. NAFLD includes a variety of disease states, the mildest being non-alcoholic fatty liver that gradually progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Small non-coding single-stranded microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the miRNA or translational level. Numerous miRNAs have been shown to promote NAFLD pathogenesis and progression through increasing lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and inflammation. The miR-23-27-24 clusters, composed of miR-23a-27a-24-2 and miR-23b-27b-24-1, have been implicated in various biological processes as well as many diseases. Herein, we review the current knowledge on miR-27, miR-24, and miR-23 in NAFLD pathogenesis and discuss their potential significance in NAFLD diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ru
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 China
| | - Xiao-mei Wang
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 China ,grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 China
| | - Jun-qi Niu
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 China ,grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 China
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31
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Wang M, Xue Q, Li X, Krohn K, Ziesche S, Ceglarek U, Blüher M, Keller M, Yaskolka Meir A, Heianza Y, Kovacs P, Shai I, Qi L. Circulating Levels of microRNA-122 and Hepatic Fat Change in Response to Weight-Loss Interventions: CENTRAL Trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1899-e1906. [PMID: 35037057 PMCID: PMC9016463 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about the relations between changes in circulating microRNA-122 (miR-122) and liver fat in response to weight-loss interventions. We aimed to investigate the association between miR-122 and changes of hepatic fat content during 18-month diet and physical activity interventions. METHODS The CENTRAL trial is an 18-month randomized, controlled trial among adults with abdominal obesity or dyslipidemia. Subjects were randomly assigned to a low-fat diet or a Mediterranean/low-carbohydrate diet. After 6 months of dietary intervention, each diet group was further randomized into added physical activity groups or no added physical activity groups for the following 12 months of intervention. The current study included 220 participants at baseline and 134 participants with repeated measurements on serum miR-122 and hepatic fat content over 18 months. RESULTS Serum miR-122 significantly increased from baseline to 18 months, while no difference was observed across the 4 intervention groups. We found a significant association between miR-122 and hepatic fat content at baseline, as per unit increment in log-transformed miR-122 was associated with 3.79 higher hepatic fat content (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we found that higher elevations in miR-122 were associated with less reductions in hepatic fat percentage during 18-month interventions (β = 1.56, P = 0.002). We also found a significant interaction between changes in miR-122 and baseline fasting plasma glucose with hepatic fat content changes in 18 months (P interaction = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that participants with higher elevation in serum miR-122 may benefit less in reduction of hepatic fat content in response to diet and physical activity interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA,USA
| | - Qiaochu Xue
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA,USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA,USA
| | - Knut Krohn
- Core Unit DNA Technologies, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ziesche
- Medical Department III-Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uta Ceglarek
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Medical Department III-Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Keller
- Medical Department III-Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anat Yaskolka Meir
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yoriko Heianza
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA,USA
| | - Peter Kovacs
- Medical Department III-Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Iris Shai
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Lu Qi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA,USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Correspondence: Lu Qi, PhD, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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Chen YY, Chen XG, Zhang S. Druggability of lipid metabolism modulation against renal fibrosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:505-519. [PMID: 33990764 PMCID: PMC8888625 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00660-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis contributes to progressive damage to renal structure and function. It is a common pathological process as chronic kidney disease develops into kidney failure, irrespective of diverse etiologies, and eventually leads to death. However, there are no effective drugs for renal fibrosis treatment at present. Lipid aggregation in the kidney and consequent lipotoxicity always accompany chronic kidney disease and fibrosis. Numerous studies have revealed that restoring the defective fatty acid oxidation in the kidney cells can mitigate renal fibrosis. Thus, it is an important strategy to reverse the dysfunctional lipid metabolism in the kidney, by targeting critical regulators of lipid metabolism. In this review, we highlight the potential "druggability" of lipid metabolism to ameliorate renal fibrosis and provide current pre-clinical evidence, exemplified by some representative druggable targets and several other metabolic regulators with anti-renal fibrosis roles. Then, we introduce the preliminary progress of noncoding RNAs as promising anti-renal fibrosis drug targets from the perspective of lipid metabolism. Finally, we discuss the prospects and deficiencies of drug targeting lipid reprogramming in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-yuan Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union medical college, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Xiao-guang Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union medical college, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Sen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union medical college, Beijing, 100050, China.
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MicroRNA-494-3p prevents liver fibrosis and attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis through targeting TRAF3. Ann Hepatol 2022; 23:100305. [PMID: 33434689 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. MicroRNA-494-3p is possibly involved in the regulation of cancers, but its role in AH has been rarely studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS AH mice model and primarily cultured mice hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) model were constructed. Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were analyzed by ELISA. Expressions of miRNAs, HSC activation-related proteins and fibrosis-related protein were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Cell counting kit, colony formation and flow cytometry assays were used to detect cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The relationship between TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) and miR-494-3p was predicted and verified by TargetScan and dual-luciferase assay, respectively. Results of the above experiments were verified by rescue experiments using TRAF3. RESULTS Liver damage and miRNA expression were observed in AH mice, and AST and ALT levels were increased in serum of AH mice. MiR-494-3p was reduced in AH liver tissues, and it decreased the levels of α-SMA and fibrosis-related proteins. HSCs were isolated, and activating HSCs or upregulating miR-494-3p had a regulatory effect on the levels of miR-494-3p, HSC activation-related proteins and fibrosis-related proteins as well as cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, miR-494-3p targeted TRAF3 and inhibited TRAF3 expression, while overexpressed TRAF3 promoted TRAF3 expression and rescued the regulatory effect of miR-494-3p on the levels of related proteins as well as cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS This study provided a novel mechanistic comprehension of the anti-fibrotic effect of miR-494-3p.
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Saadat N, Puttabyatappa M, Elangovan VR, Dou J, Ciarelli JN, Thompson RC, Bakulski KM, Padmanabhan V. Developmental Programming: Prenatal Testosterone Excess on Liver and Muscle Coding and Noncoding RNA in Female Sheep. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6413684. [PMID: 34718504 PMCID: PMC8667859 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal testosterone (T)-treated female sheep manifest peripheral insulin resistance, ectopic lipid accumulation, and insulin signaling disruption in liver and muscle. This study investigated transcriptional changes and transcriptome signature of prenatal T excess-induced hepatic and muscle-specific metabolic disruptions. Genome-wide coding and noncoding (nc) RNA expression in liver and muscle from 21-month-old prenatal T-treated (T propionate 100 mg intramuscular twice weekly from days 30-90 of gestation; term: 147 days) and control females were compared. Prenatal T (1) induced differential expression of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in liver (15 down, 17 up) and muscle (66 down, 176 up) (false discovery rate < 0.05, absolute log2 fold change > 0.5); (2) downregulated mitochondrial pathway genes in liver and muscle; (3) downregulated hepatic lipid catabolism and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling gene pathways; (4) modulated noncoding RNA (ncRNA) metabolic processes gene pathway in muscle; and (5) downregulated 5 uncharacterized long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the muscle but no ncRNA changes in the liver. Correlation analysis showed downregulation of lncRNAs LOC114112974 and LOC105607806 was associated with decreased TPK1, and LOC114113790 with increased ZNF470 expression. Orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis identified mRNAs HADHA and SLC25A45, and microRNAs MIR154A, MIR25, and MIR487B in the liver and ARIH1 and ITCH and miRNAs MIR369, MIR10A, and MIR10B in muscle as potential biomarkers of prenatal T excess. These findings suggest downregulation of mitochondria, lipid catabolism, and PPAR signaling genes in the liver and dysregulation of mitochondrial and ncRNA gene pathways in muscle are contributors of lipotoxic and insulin-resistant hepatic and muscle phenotype. Gestational T excess programming of metabolic dysfunctions involve tissue-specific ncRNA-modulated transcriptional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Saadat
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48019-5718, USA
| | - Muraly Puttabyatappa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48019-5718, USA
| | | | - John Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48019-5718, USA
| | - Joseph N Ciarelli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48019-5718, USA
| | - Robert C Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48019-5718, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48019-5718, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48019-5718, USA
- Correspondence: Vasantha Padmanabhan, PhD, MS, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 7510 MSRB1, 1150 W Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48019-5718, USA.
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Abstract
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common cause of chronic liver disease, worldwide. The molecular pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex, involving numerous signalling molecules including microRNAs (miRNAs). Dysregulation of miRNA expression is associated with hepatic inflammation, fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although miRNAs are also critical to the cellular response to vitamin D, mediating regulation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D’s anticancer effects, a role for vitamin D regulated miRNAs in NAFLD pathogenesis has been relatively unexplored. Therefore, this review aimed to critically assess the evidence for a potential subset of miRNAs that are both dysregulated in NAFLD and modulated by vitamin D. Comprehensive review of 89 human studies identified 25 miRNAs found dysregulated in more than one NAFLD study. In contrast, only 17 studies, including a protocol for a trial in NAFLD, had examined miRNAs in relation to vitamin D status, response to supplementation, or vitamin D in the context of the liver. This paper summarises these data and reviews the biological roles of six miRNAs (miR-21, miR-30, miR-34, miR-122, miR-146, miR-200) found dysregulated in multiple independent NAFLD studies. While modulation of miRNAs by vitamin D has been understudied, integrating the data suggests seven vitamin D modulated miRNAs (miR-27, miR-125, miR-155, miR-192, miR-223, miR-375, miR-378) potentially relevant to NAFLD pathogenesis. Our summary tables provide a significant resource to underpin future hypothesis-driven research, and we conclude that the measurement of serum and hepatic miRNAs in response to vitamin D supplementation in larger trials is warranted.
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Bissoondial TL, Pellicano AJ, Goldberg ID, Narayan P. Identification of disease-associated microRNA in a diet-induced model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Mol Omics 2021; 17:911-916. [PMID: 34757352 DOI: 10.1039/d1mo00274k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that microRNA dysregulation plays an important role in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Using a model of diet-induced liver disease that progresses to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, we identify a set of 22 microRNA with robust correlation with liver enzyme levels and liver collagen content. These disease-asssociated miRs play pivotal roles in steatosis, extracellular matrix deposition and liver cancer, and may form the basis for identification of therapeutic strategies against this form of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Prakash Narayan
- Department of Preclinical Research, Angion Biomedica Corp., USA.
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Zhou X, Liang Z, Qin S, Ruan X, Jiang H. Serum-derived miR-574-5p-containing exosomes contribute to liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:1945-1954. [PMID: 34843038 PMCID: PMC8863722 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aim To investigate the association of serum exosomes miR-574-5p with liver fibrosis, and explore the effect and mechanism of serum exosomes on HSC activation. Materials and methods Using serum samples collected from healthy adults and patients with liver cirrhosis, we extracted human serum exosomes via ultra-high-speed centrifugation, and co-cultured them with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) line LX2. LX-2-mediated intake of human serum exosomes was examined by confocal microscopy. To induce liver fibrosis, we administered 20% CCl4 to mice intraperitoneally and adopted an exoEasy MIDI kit to extract serum exosomes.Liver fibrosis-related molecules were determined via qRT-PCR, Western blot, Masson staining, and Immunohistochemical staining. Results Significantly high miR-574-5p levels were expressed in serum exosomes and were positively correlated with the expression of miR-574-5p, collagen deposition, and α-SMA expression in liver tissues of mice during liver fibrosis. Compared to healthy subjects, serum exosomes from cirrhosis patients were associated with higher expression of miR-574-5p. MiR-574-5p mimic promoted the expression of α-SMA and COL1A1 mRNA and protein in LX-2, whereas miR-574-5p inhibitor exerted no effect. Conclusion This article demonstrates that miR-574-5p expression in serum exosomes is positively correlated with collagen deposition and HSC activation in liver tissues during liver fibrosis.Serum exosomes potentially activate HSC through the transfer of miR-574-5p to HSC during liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,People's Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ziyu Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shanyu Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xianxian Ruan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Haixing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Zhou Z, Sang L, Wang J, Song L, Zhu L, Wang Y, Xiao J, Lian Y. Relationships among N,N-dimethylformamide exposure, CYP2E1 and TM6SF2 genes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 228:112986. [PMID: 34794021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the relationships among N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) exposure, cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2031920, rs3813867, rs6413432), transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) SNP rs58542926 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS Baseline data were collected from participants who were then followed for 5 years in a prospective cohort study. The cohort initially consisted of 802 workers and ultimately included 660 people, all of whom underwent annual occupational health examinations from 2010 to 2015. RESULTS The above-threshold group (≥7.3 mg/m³ adjusted relative risk (RR)= 3.620, 95%CI 2.072-6.325) was significantly more likely to develop NAFLD than the below-threshold group (<7.3 mg/m³). The TM6SF2 SNP rs58542926 CT (adjusted RR=3.921, 95% CI 2.329-6.600, P = 0.000) and CT+TT (adjusted RR=4.385, 95% CI 2.639-7.287, P = 0.000) genotypes were risk factors for NAFLD, as compared with the TM6SF2 rs58542926 CC genotype. Each dose group (below-threshold group and above-threshold group) interacting with the genotype of TM6SF2 SNP rs58542926 had an adjusted RR from 7.764 (95% CI 3.272-18.420, P = 0.000) to 24.022 (95% CI 8.971-64.328, P = 0.000). The T allele of rs58542926 in the TM6SF2 gene may be a risk factor for susceptibility to DMF-induced NAFLD. CONCLUSION Polymorphisms of TM6SF2 SNP rs58542926 may play an important role in susceptibility to NAFLD after exposure to DMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingli Sang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lejia Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yangmei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Department of Occupational Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yulong Lian
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China.
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Gabbia D, Carpi S, Sarcognato S, Cannella L, Colognesi M, Scaffidi M, Polini B, Digiacomo M, Esposito Salsano J, Manera C, Macchia M, Nieri P, Carrara M, Russo FP, Guido M, De Martin S. The Extra Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenol Oleocanthal Exerts Antifibrotic Effects in the Liver. Front Nutr 2021; 8:715183. [PMID: 34671630 PMCID: PMC8521071 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.715183] [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: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, which is the outcome of wound-healing response to chronic liver damage, represents an unmet clinical need. This study evaluated the anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of the polyphenol oleocanthal (OC) extracted from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) by an in vitro/in vivo approach. The hepatic cell lines LX2 and HepG2 were used as in vitro models. The mRNA expression of pro-fibrogenic markers, namely alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), a panel of metalloproteinases (MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP7, MMP9) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) as well as the pro-oxidant genes NADPH oxidases (NOXs) 1 and 4 were evaluated in TGF-β activated LX2 cells by qRT-PCR. α-SMA and COL1A1 protein expression was assessed by immunofluorescence coupled to confocal microscopy. VEGFA release from LX2 was measured by ELISA. We also evaluated the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by H2O2 activated- HepG2 cells. In vivo, OC was administered daily by oral gavage to Balb/C mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In this model, we measured the mRNA hepatic expression of the three pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL) IL6, IL17, IL23, chemokines such as C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 12 (CXCL12), and selected miRNAs (miR-181-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-29b-3p and miR-101b-3p) by qRT-PCR. We demonstrated that OC significantly downregulated the gene/protein expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP7 and VEGF as well as the oxidative enzymes NOX1 and 4 in TGFβ1-activated LX2 cells, and reduced the production of ROS by HepG2. In vivo OC, beside causing a significant reduction of fibrosis at histological assessment, counteracted the CCl4-induced upregulation of pro-fibrotic and inflammatory genes. Moreover, OC upregulated the anti-fibrotic miRNAs (miR-29b-3p and miR-101b-3p) reduced in fibrotic mice, while downregulated the pro-fibrotic miRNAs (miR-221-3p and miR-181-5p), which were dramatically upregulated in fibrotic mice. In conclusion, OC exerts a promising antifibrotic effect via a combined reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation involving putative miRNAs, which in turn reduces hepatic stellate cells activation and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Carpi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luana Cannella
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Colognesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Scaffidi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Maria Digiacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jasmine Esposito Salsano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Doctoral School in Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Clementina Manera
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Nieri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Carrara
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Guido
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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40
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Shatoor AS, Al Humayed S, Almohiy HM. Astaxanthin attenuates hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed rats by suppressing microRNA-21 via transactivation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. J Physiol Biochem 2021; 78:151-168. [PMID: 34651285 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-021-00850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study examined whether astaxanthin (ASX) could alleviate hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) by modulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/miR-21 axis. Rats (n = 8/group) were fed either a standard diet (3.8 kcal/g; 10% fat) or HFD (4.6 kcal/g; 40% fat) and treated orally with either the vehicle or ASX (6 mg/kg) daily for 8 days. Another group was fed HFD and treated with ASX and brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor) (2 mg/kg/twice per week/i.p.). ASX prevented the gain in body and liver weights and attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation in HFD-fed rats. In the control and HFD-fed rats, ASX did not affect food intake, serum free fatty acid (FFA) content, and glucose and insulin levels and tolerance. However, serum triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels; hepatic levels of TGs and FFAs; and hepatic levels of Srebp1, Srebp2, HMGCR, and fatty acid synthase mRNAs and miR-21 were reduced and the mRNA levels of Pparα were significantly increased in both the groups. These effects were associated with a reduction in the hepatic levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interlukin-6 as well as an increase in superoxide dismutase levels, total glutathione content, and nuclear levels and activity of Nrf2. miR-21 levels were strongly correlated with the nuclear activity of Nrf2. Brusatol completely reversed the effects of ASX. In conclusion, ASX prevents hepatic steatosis mainly by transactivating Nrf2 and is associated with the suppression of miR-21 and Srebp1/2 and upregulation of Pparα expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S Shatoor
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section, College of Medicine, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Suliman Al Humayed
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain M Almohiy
- Depatrtment of Radiology Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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41
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Kumar V, Xin X, Ma J, Tan C, Osna N, Mahato RI. Therapeutic targets, novel drugs, and delivery systems for diabetes associated NAFLD and liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113888. [PMID: 34314787 PMCID: PMC8440458 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fourth-leading cause of death. Hyperglycemia induces various complications, including nephropathy, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are several etiological factors leading to liver disease development, which involve insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Free fatty acid (FFA) accumulation in the liver exerts oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses. Hepatocyte injury induces release of inflammatory cytokines from Kupffer cells (KCs), which are responsible for activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this review, we will discuss various molecular targets for treating chronic liver diseases, including homeostasis of FFA, lipid metabolism, and decrease in hepatocyte apoptosis, role of growth factors, and regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and HSC activation. This review will also critically assess different strategies to enhance drug delivery to different cell types. Targeting nanocarriers to specific liver cell types have the potential to increase efficacy and suppress off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jingyi Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Chalet Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Natalia Osna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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42
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Kumar S, Duan Q, Wu R, Harris EN, Su Q. Pathophysiological communication between hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells in liver injury from NAFLD to liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113869. [PMID: 34280515 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial disease that encompasses a spectrum of pathological conditions, ranging from simple steatosis (NAFL), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis/cirrhosis which can further progress to hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. The progression of NAFL to NASH and liver fibrosis is closely associated with a series of liver injury resulting from lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, redox imbalance (excessive nitric oxide), ER stress, inflammation and apoptosis that occur sequentially in different liver cells which ultimately leads to the activation of liver regeneration and fibrogenesis, augmenting collagen and extracellular matrix deposition and promoting liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Type 2 diabetes is a significant risk factor in NAFLD development by accelerating liver damage. Here, we overview recent findings from human study and animal models on the pathophysiological communication among hepatocytes (HCs), Kupffer cells (KCs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) during the disease development. The mechanisms of crucial signaling pathways, including Toll-like receptor, TGFβ and hedgehog mediated hepatic injury are also discussed. We further highlight the potentials of precisely targeting hepatic individual cell-type using nanotechnology as therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NASH and liver fibrosis.
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43
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Peng XF, Huang SF, Chen LJ, Xu L, Ye WC. Targeting epigenetics and lncRNAs in liver disease: From mechanisms to therapeutics. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105846. [PMID: 34438063 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Early onset and progression of liver diseases can be driven by aberrant transcriptional regulation. Different transcriptional regulation processes, such as RNA/DNA methylation, histone modification, and ncRNA-mediated targeting, can regulate biological processes in healthy cells, as well also under various pathological conditions, especially liver disease. Numerous studies over the past decades have demonstrated that liver disease has a strong epigenetic component. Therefore, the epigenetic basis of liver disease has challenged our knowledge of epigenetics, and epigenetics field has undergone an important transformation: from a biological phenomenon to an emerging focus of disease research. Furthermore, inhibitors of different epigenetic regulators, such as m6A-related factors, are being explored as potential candidates for preventing and treating liver diseases. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge of five distinct but interconnected and interdependent epigenetic processes in the context of hepatic diseases: RNA methylation, DNA methylation, histone methylation, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic implications and future challenges and ongoing research in the field. Our review also provides a perspective for identifying therapeutic targets and new hepatic biomarkers of liver disease, bringing precision research and disease therapy to the modern era of epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fei Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shi-Feng Huang
- Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ling-Juan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lingqing Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen-Chu Ye
- Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China.
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44
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Targeting miRNA by Natural Products: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6641031. [PMID: 34426744 PMCID: PMC8380168 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6641031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as multifactorial chronic liver disease and the lack of a specific treatment have begun a new era in its treatment using gene expression changes and microRNAs. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of natural compounds in NAFLD by regulating miRNA expression. MicroRNAs play essential roles in regulating the cell's biological processes, such as apoptosis, migration, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and adipocyte differentiation, by controlling the posttranscriptional gene expression level. The impact of current NAFLD pharmacological management, including drug and biological therapies, is uncertain. In this context, various dietary fruits or medicinal herbal sources have received worldwide attention versus NAFLD development. Natural ingredients such as berberine, lychee pulp, grape seed, and rosemary possess protective and therapeutic effects against NAFLD by modifying the gene's expression and noncoding RNAs, especially miRNAs.
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45
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Gim JA, Bang SM, Lee YS, Lee Y, Yim SY, Jung YK, Kim H, Kim BH, Kim JH, Seo YS, Yim HJ, Yeon JE, Um SH, Byun KS. Evaluation of the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through analysis of serum exosomal miRNA expression. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255822. [PMID: 34358264 PMCID: PMC8345824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive techniques for evaluating the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have shown limited diagnostic performance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are useful biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring the progression and treatment response to several diseases. Here, we evaluated whether serum exosomal miRNAs could be used for the diagnosis and prognosis of NAFLD severity. Exosomal miRNAs were isolated from the sera of 41 patients with NAFLD (diagnosed using liver biopsy) for microarray profiling. The degree of NAFLD severity was determined using inflammation, steatosis, and ballooning scores and the NAFLD activity score (NAS). Correlations between miRNA expression, clinical and biochemical parameters, and mRNA expression were analyzed. Overall, 25, 11, 13, and 14 miRNAs correlated with the inflammation score, steatosis score, ballooning score, and NAS, respectively, with 33 significant correlations observed between 27 miRNAs and six clinical variables. Eight miRNAs (let-7b-5p, miR-378h, -1184, -3613-3p, -877-5p, -602, -133b, and 509-3p) showed anticorrelated patterns with the corresponding mRNA expression. In fibrosis, 52 and 30 interactions corresponding to high miRNA-low mRNA and low miRNA-high mRNA expression, respectively, were observed. The present results therefore suggest that serum exosomal miRNAs can be used to evaluate NAFLD severity and identify potential targets for NAFLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-An Gim
- Medical Science Research Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo Min Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Sun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoonseok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun Young Yim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Kul Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hayeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Baek-Hui Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yeon Seok Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung Joon Yim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Eun Yeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soon Ho Um
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwan Soo Byun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Li Y, Du M, Fang J, Zhou J, Chen Z. UTMD promoted local delivery of miR-34a-mimic for ovarian cancer therapy. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:1616-1625. [PMID: 34319204 PMCID: PMC8330777 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.1955041] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-mediated gene therapy is emerging as a promising method for the treatment of ovarian cancer, but the development of miRNA mimic delivery vectors is still in its infancy, where the safety and efficacy of miR-34a-mimic remain unknown. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) can be an effective and minimally invasive tool for the delivery of miR-34a-mimic in vitro and in vivo. Here, we describe a high-efficiency gene delivery strategy by using miR-34a-mimic loaded folate modified microbubbles (miR-34a-FM) with a portable ultrasonic irradiation system. Ultrasonic parameters, including acoustic intensity (AI), exposure time (ET) and duty cycle (DC), were optimized and the optimal acoustic condition (1.0 W/cm2, 20 s, and 15% DC) was used to deliver miRNA-34a into cells in vitro. MiR-34a mimic was successfully introduced into the cytoplasm and was found to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of SK-OV-3 cells. Next, miR-34a-mimic was delivered to tumor tissue via UTMD, inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging the survival time of mice. In summary, UTMD-mediated miR-34a-mimic delivery has potential application in the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Centre, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Institute of Medical Imaging, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Du
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Centre, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Institute of Medical Imaging, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jinghui Fang
- Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiyi Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Centre, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Institute of Medical Imaging, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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47
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You H, Wang L, Bu F, Meng H, Pan X, Li J, Zhang Y, Wang A, Yin N, Huang C, Li J. The miR-455-3p/HDAC2 axis plays a pivotal role in the progression and reversal of liver fibrosis and is regulated by epigenetics. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21700. [PMID: 34105828 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002319rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs), especially HDAC2, play a role in alleviating liver fibrosis; however, the specific upstream regulation mechanism is unknown. Herein, TargetScan was used to predict the potential upstream targets of HDAC2, and the role of miR-455-3p was explored. The dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-455-3p binds to the 3' UTR of HDAC2 mRNA. Additionally, miR-455-3p was downregulated in the liver tissues of patients with cirrhosis and mice with liver fibrosis, as well as in primary HSCs isolated from fibrotic mouse livers and TGF-β-treated LX-2 cells. In contrast, it is highly expressed in the reversal stage of hepatic fibrosis and MDI-cultured LX-2 cells. Our functional analyses showed that miR-455-3p overexpression facilitated apoptosis and reduced the expression of pro-fibrotic markers and the proliferation of activated LX-2 cells. On the contrary, miR-455-3p inhibition converted inactivated LX-2 cells into activated, proliferative, fibrogenic cells. Interestingly, restoration of HDAC2 expression partially blocked the function of miR-455-3p. Downregulated miR-455-3p expression can be restored by DNA methyltransferases in activated LX-2 cells. Methylation-specific PCR, bisulfite sequencing PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that the methylation level of miR-455-3p promoter CpG islands was elevated in TGF-β-treated LX-2 cells and that miR-455-3p was downregulated in activated LX-2 cells by DNA hypermethylation, which is mediated by DNMT3b and DNMT1. In conclusion, miR-455-3p acts as a liver fibrosis suppressor by targeting HDAC2, and its deficiency further aggravates the reversal phase of fibrosis. Thus, the epigenetics mediated miR-455-3p/HDAC2 axis may serve as a novel potential therapeutic target for clinical treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei You
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fangtian Bu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongwu Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xueyin Pan
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Juanjuan Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ao Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Nana Yin
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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The Role of microRNAs in Cholangiocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147627. [PMID: 34299246 PMCID: PMC8306241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), an aggressive malignancy, is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage. It is associated with dismal 5-year postoperative survival rates, generating an urgent need for prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are associated with cancer regulation, including modulation of cell cycle progression, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, autophagy, therapy resistance, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Several miRNAs have been found to be dysregulated in CCA and are associated with CCA-related risk factors. Accumulating studies have indicated that the expression of altered miRNAs could act as oncogenic or suppressor miRNAs in the development and progression of CCA and contribute to clinical diagnosis and prognosis prediction as potential biomarkers. Furthermore, miRNAs and their target genes also contribute to targeted therapy development and aid in the determination of drug resistance mechanisms. This review aims to summarize the roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of CCA, their potential use as biomarkers of diagnosis and prognosis, and their utilization as novel therapeutic targets in CCA.
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49
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Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was defined in 1980 and has the same histological characteristics as alcoholic liver disease except for alcohol consumption. After 40 years, the understanding of this disease is still imperfect. Without specific drugs available for treatment, the number of patients with NAFLD is increasing rapidly, and NAFLD currently affects more than one-quarter of the global population. NAFLD is mostly caused by a sedentary lifestyle and excessive energy intake of fat and sugar. To ameliorate or avoid NAFLD, people commonly replace high-fat foods with high-carbohydrate foods (especially starchy carbohydrates) as a way to reduce caloric intake and reach satiety. However, there are few studies that concentrate on the effect of carbohydrate intake on liver metabolism in patients with NAFLD, much fewer than the studies on fat intake. Besides, most of these studies are not systematic, which has made identification of the mechanism difficult. In this review, we collected and analysed data from studies on human and animal models and, surprisingly, found that carbohydrates and liver steatosis could be linked by inflammation. This review not only describes the effects of carbohydrates on NAFLD and body lipid metabolism but also analyses and predicts possible molecular pathways of carbohydrates in liver lipid synthesis that involve inflammation. Furthermore, the limitations of recent research and possible targets for regulating inflammation and lipogenesis are discussed. This review describes the effects of starchy carbohydrates, a nutrient signal, on NAFLD from the perspective of inflammation.
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Li H, Sheng J, Wang J, Gao H, Yu J, Ding G, Ding N, He W, Zha J. Selective Inhibition of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Mice. Drug Des Devel Ther 2021; 15:2309-2324. [PMID: 34103895 PMCID: PMC8178584 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s285828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The effect of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 (11β-HSD1) inhibition on hepatic steatosis is incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to determine the therapeutic effect of BVT.2733, a selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, on hepatic steatosis. Materials and Methods C57B/6J mice were randomly divided into a low-fat diet (LFD) fed group and a high-fat diet (HFD) fed group. Mice were fed with HFD for 28 weeks which induced obesity and severe hepatic steatosis. The two groups were further divided into four groups as follows: LFD, LFD with BVT.2733, HFD, and HFD with BVT.2733. Mice in LFD+BVT and HFD+BVT groups were intraperitoneally injected with BVT.2733 daily for 30 days. Effects of BVT.2733 on mice body weight, serum lipid profile, serum free fatty acids (FFAs), glucocorticoid levels, gene expression in adipose and liver tissues were assessed. Results Injection of a low dose of BVT.2733 (50 mg/kg/day) reduced body weight and hyperlipidemia, but did not improve glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice. The low dose of BVT.2733 attenuated hepatic steatosis, liver injury, and liver lipolytic gene expression in diet-induced obese mice. Besides, the low dose of BVT.2733 reduced fat mass and lipolysis in visceral adipose tissues, hepatic FFAs, and serum corticosterone levels in diet-induced obese mice. Conclusion Our study shows that moderate inhibition of 11β-HSD1 by BVT.2733 reduces FFAs and corticosterone synthesis in fatty tissues, thereby attenuates the delivery of corticosterone and FFAs to the liver. Collectively, this prevents high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huashan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Suda (CAM-SU) Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianying Sheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Suda (CAM-SU) Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Suda (CAM-SU) Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiting Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Suda (CAM-SU) Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Geriatrics, Division of Geriatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxian Ding
- Department of Geriatrics, Division of Geriatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Suda (CAM-SU) Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqi He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Suda (CAM-SU) Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Juanmin Zha
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Suda (CAM-SU) Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
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