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Guixé-Muntet S, Quesada-Vázquez S, Gracia-Sancho J. Pathophysiology and therapeutic options for cirrhotic portal hypertension. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:646-663. [PMID: 38642564 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Portal hypertension represents the primary non-neoplastic complication of liver cirrhosis and has life-threatening consequences, such as oesophageal variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Portal hypertension occurs due to increased resistance of the cirrhotic liver vasculature to portal blood flow and is further aggravated by the hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome. Existing knowledge indicates that the profibrogenic phenotype acquired by sinusoidal cells is the initial factor leading to increased hepatic vascular tone and fibrosis, which cause increased vascular resistance and portal hypertension. Data also suggest that the phenotype of hepatic cells could be further impaired due to the altered mechanical properties of the cirrhotic liver itself, creating a deleterious cycle that worsens portal hypertension in the advanced stages of liver disease. In this Review, we discuss recent discoveries in the pathophysiology and treatment of cirrhotic portal hypertension, a condition with few pharmacological treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Guixé-Muntet
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Quesada-Vázquez
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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2
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Staels B, Butruille L, Francque S. Treating NASH by targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1302-1316. [PMID: 37459921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) encompasses a complex set of intra- and extrahepatic driving mechanisms, involving numerous metabolic, inflammatory, vascular and fibrogenic pathways. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α, β/δ and γ belong to the nuclear receptor family of ligand-activated transcription factors. Activated PPARs modulate target tissue transcriptomic profiles, enabling the body's adaptation to changing nutritional, metabolic and inflammatory environments. PPARs hence regulate several pathways involved in NASH pathogenesis. Whereas single PPAR agonists exert robust anti-NASH activity in several preclinical models, their clinical effects on histological endpoints of NASH resolution and fibrosis regression appear more modest. Simultaneous activation of several PPAR isotypes across different organs and within-organ cell types, resulting in pleiotropic actions, enhances the therapeutic potential of PPAR agonists as pharmacological agents for NASH and NASH-related hepatic and extrahepatic morbidity, with some compounds having already shown clinical efficacy on histological endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Staels
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France.
| | - Laura Butruille
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Sven Francque
- Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650, Edegem, Belgium; InflaMed Centre of Excellence, Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Translational Sciences in Inflammation and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Felli E, Nulan Y, Selicean S, Wang C, Gracia-Sancho J, Bosch J. Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Portal Hypertension. CURRENT HEPATOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 22:51-66. [PMID: 36908849 PMCID: PMC9988810 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-023-00598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Portal hypertension is responsible of the main complications of cirrhosis, which carries a high mortality. Recent treatments have improved prognosis, but this is still far from ideal. This paper reviews new potential therapeutic targets unveiled by advances of key pathophysiologic processes. Recent Findings Recent research highlighted the importance of suppressing etiologic factors and a safe lifestyle and outlined new mechanisms modulating portal pressure. These include intrahepatic abnormalities linked to inflammation, fibrogenesis, vascular occlusion, parenchymal extinction, and angiogenesis; impaired regeneration; increased hepatic vascular tone due to sinusoidal endothelial dysfunction with insufficient NO availability; and paracrine liver cell crosstalk. Moreover, pathways such as the gut-liver axis modulate splanchnic vasodilatation and systemic inflammation, exacerbate liver fibrosis, and are being targeted by therapy. We have summarized studies of new agents addressing these targets. Summary New agents, alone or in combination, allow acting in complementary mechanisms offering a more profound effect on portal hypertension while simultaneously limiting disease progression and favoring regression of fibrosis and of cirrhosis. Major changes in treatment paradigms are anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Felli
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yelidousi Nulan
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Selicean
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS Research Institute, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Grobbee EJ, de Jong VD, Schrieks IC, Tushuizen ME, Holleboom AG, Tardif JC, Lincoff AM, Schwartz GG, Castro Cabezas M, Grobbee DE. Improvement of non-invasive tests of liver steatosis and fibrosis as indicators for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with elevated cardiovascular risk profile using the PPAR-α/γ agonist aleglitazar. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277706. [PMID: 36378671 PMCID: PMC9665379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists may have favorable outcomes on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study serves as proof of concept to evaluate whether dual PPAR-α/γ agonists improve non-invasive tests of liver steatosis and fibrosis. METHODS This is a post-hoc analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial comprising 7226 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and recent coronary artery disease randomized to receive aleglitazar, a PPAR-α/γ agonists, or placebo for two years. Main outcomes were change in non-invasive tests for liver steatosis and fibrosis: Liver Fat Score (LFS), Liver Accumulation Product (LAP), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS). RESULTS LFS, LAP and FIB-4 decreased upon treatment, whereas scores in the placebo group remained the same or increased (P<0.001). NFS responded differently but remained consistently lower than placebo. In the treatment group more participants shifted to a lower FIB-4 and NFS category, or improved in respect to the LAP cut-off values compared to the placebo group (P<0.001 for FIB-4 and LAP, P<0.004 for NFS). LFS had a low discriminative power in this study. CONCLUSION This post-hoc analysis showed improvement of non-invasive tests of liver steatosis and fibrosis after starting dual PPAR-α/γ agonist treatment, adding to the evidence that this pathway has potential in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmée J. Grobbee
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vivian D. de Jong
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Julius Clinical, Zeist, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Maarten E. Tushuizen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan G. Holleboom
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Montreal Heart Institute Coordinating Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - A. Michael Lincoff
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Coordinating Center for Clinical Research (C5Research), Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Gregory G. Schwartz
- Division of Cardiology, VA Medical Center and University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Manuel Castro Cabezas
- Julius Clinical, Zeist, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diederick E. Grobbee
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Julius Clinical, Zeist, The Netherlands
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Guixé‐Muntet S, Biquard L, Szabo G, Dufour J, Tacke F, Francque S, Rautou P, Gracia‐Sancho J. Review article: vascular effects of PPARs in the context of NASH. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 56:209-223. [PMID: 35661191 PMCID: PMC9328268 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors known to regulate glucose and fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, endothelial function and fibrosis. PPAR isoforms have been extensively studied in metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Recent data extend the key role of PPARs to liver diseases coursing with vascular dysfunction, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). AIM This review summarises and discusses the pathobiological role of PPARs in cardiovascular diseases with a special focus on their impact and therapeutic potential in NAFLD and NASH. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS PPARs may be attractive for the treatment of NASH due to their liver-specific effects but also because of their efficacy in improving cardiovascular outcomes, which may later impact liver disease. Assessment of cardiovascular disease in the context of NASH trials is, therefore, of the utmost importance, both from a safety and efficacy perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Guixé‐Muntet
- Liver Vascular Biology Research GroupIDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute & CIBEREHDBarcelonaSpain
| | - Louise Biquard
- Université de Paris, Inserm, CNRSCentre de recherche sur l'InflammationUMR1149ParisFrance
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jean‐François Dufour
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine & Department for Biomedical ResearchInselspital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & GastroenterologyCharité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow‐Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM)BerlinGermany
| | - Sven Francque
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyAntwerp University HospitalAntwerpBelgium,Translational Sciences in Inflammation and ImmunologyInflaMed Centre of Excellence, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Pierre‐Emmanuel Rautou
- Université de Paris, AP‐HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, DMU DIGESTCentre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE‐LIVER, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammationParisFrance
| | - Jordi Gracia‐Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology Research GroupIDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute & CIBEREHDBarcelonaSpain,Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine & Department for Biomedical ResearchInselspital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
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Rodrigues SG, Mendoza YP, Bosch J. Investigational drugs in early clinical development for portal hypertension. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:825-842. [PMID: 35758843 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2095259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced chronic liver disease is considered a reversible condition after removal of the primary aetiological factor. This has led to a paradigm shift in which portal hypertension (PH) is a reversible complication of cirrhosis. The pharmacologic management of PH is centered on finding targets to modify the natural history of cirrhosis and PH. AREAS COVERED This paper offers an overview of the use of pharmacological strategies in early clinical development that modify PH. Papers included were selected from searching clinical trials sites and PubMed from the last 10 years. EXPERT OPINION A paradigm shift has generated a new concept of PH in cirrhosis as a reversible complication of a potentially curable disease. Decreasing portal pressure to prevent decompensation and further complications of cirrhosis that may lead liver transplantation or death is a goal. Therapeutic strategies also aspire achieve total or partial regression of fibrosis thus eliminating the need for treatment or screening of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana G Rodrigues
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yuly P Mendoza
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Health Sciences (GHS), University of Bern
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
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7
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Iwakiri Y, Trebicka J. Portal hypertension in cirrhosis: Pathophysiological mechanisms and therapy. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100316. [PMID: 34337369 PMCID: PMC8318926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension, defined as increased pressure in the portal vein, develops as a consequence of increased intrahepatic vascular resistance due to the dysregulation of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), frequently arising from chronic liver diseases. Extrahepatic haemodynamic changes contribute to the aggravation of portal hypertension. The pathogenic complexity of portal hypertension and the unsuccessful translation of preclinical studies have impeded the development of effective therapeutics for patients with cirrhosis, while counteracting hepatic and extrahepatic mechanisms also pose a major obstacle to effective treatment. In this review article, we will discuss the following topics: i) cellular and molecular mechanisms of portal hypertension, focusing on dysregulation of LSECs, HSCs and hepatic microvascular thrombosis, as well as changes in the extrahepatic vasculature, since these are the major contributors to portal hypertension; ii) translational/clinical advances in our knowledge of portal hypertension; and iii) future directions.
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Key Words
- ACE2, angiogenesis-converting enzyme 2
- ACLF, acute-on-chronic liver failure
- AT1R, angiotensin II type I receptor
- CCL2, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2
- CCl4, carbon tetrachloride
- CLD, chronic liver disease
- CSPH, clinically significant portal hypertension
- Dll4, delta like canonical Notch ligand 4
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EUS, endoscopic ultrasound
- FXR
- FXR, farnesoid X receptor
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HRS, hepatorenal syndrome
- HSC
- HSCs, hepatic stellate cells
- HVPG, hepatic venous pressure gradient
- Hsp90, heat shock protein 90
- JAK2, Janus kinase 2
- KO, knockout
- LSEC
- LSEC, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells
- MLCP, myosin light-chain phosphatase
- NET, neutrophil extracellular trap
- NO
- NO, nitric oxide
- NSBB
- NSBBs, non-selective beta blockers
- PDE, phosphodiesterase
- PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor
- PIGF, placental growth factor
- PKG, cGMP-dependent protein kinase
- Rho-kinase
- TIPS
- TIPS, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
- VCAM1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1
- VEGF
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- angiogenesis
- eNOS, endothelial nitric oxide synthase
- fibrosis
- liver stiffness
- statins
- β-Arr2, β-arrestin 2
- β1-AR, β1-adrenergic receptor
- β2-AR, β2-adrenergic receptor
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Iwakiri
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Translational Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure-EF Clif, Barcelona, Spain
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Li J, Guo C, Wu J. The Agonists of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ for Liver Fibrosis. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:2619-2628. [PMID: 34168433 PMCID: PMC8219117 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s310163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common link in the transformation of acute and chronic liver diseases to cirrhosis. It is of great clinical significance to study the factors associated with the induction of liver fibrosis and elucidate the method of reversal. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a class of nuclear transcription factors that can be activated by peroxisome proliferators. PPARs play an important role in fibrosis of various organs, especially the liver, by regulating downstream targeted pathways, such as TGF-β, MAPKs, and NF-κB p65. In recent years, the development and screening of PPAR-γ ligands have become a focus of research. The PPAR-γ ligands include synthetic hypolipidemic and antidiabetic drugs. In addition, microRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs and nano new drugs have attracted research interest. In this paper, the research progress of PPAR-γ in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver fibrosis was discussed based on the relevant literature in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) form the wall of the hepatic sinusoids. Unlike other capillaries, they lack an organized basement membrane and have cytoplasm that is penetrated by open fenestrae, making the hepatic microvascular endothelium discontinuous. LSECs have essential roles in the maintenance of hepatic homeostasis, including regulation of the vascular tone, inflammation and thrombosis, and they are essential for control of the hepatic immune response. On a background of acute or chronic liver injury, LSECs modify their phenotype and negatively affect neighbouring cells and liver disease pathophysiology. This Review describes the main functions and phenotypic dysregulations of LSECs in liver diseases, specifically in the context of acute injury (ischaemia-reperfusion injury, drug-induced liver injury and bacterial and viral infection), chronic liver disease (metabolism-associated liver disease, alcoholic steatohepatitis and chronic hepatotoxic injury) and hepatocellular carcinoma, and provides a comprehensive update of the role of LSECs as therapeutic targets for liver disease. Finally, we discuss the open questions in the field of LSEC pathobiology and future avenues of research.
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10
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Boyer-Diaz Z, Aristu-Zabalza P, Andrés-Rozas M, Robert C, Ortega-Ribera M, Fernández-Iglesias A, Broqua P, Junien JL, Wettstein G, Bosch J, Gracia-Sancho J. Pan-PPAR agonist lanifibranor improves portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis in experimental advanced chronic liver disease. J Hepatol 2021; 74:1188-1199. [PMID: 33278455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), deregulated hepatic necroinflammatory processes play a key role in the development of liver microvascular dysfunction, fibrogenesis, and increased hepatic vascular tone, resulting in progression of ACLD and portal hypertension. Given the current lack of an effective treatment, we aimed to characterise the effects of the pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (pan-PPAR) agonist lanifibranor in 2 preclinical models of ACLD, as well as in liver cells from patients with ACLD. METHODS Cirrhotic rats (thioacetamide or common bile duct ligation; TAA or cBDL) randomly received lanifibranor (100 mg/kg/day, po) or vehicle for 14 days (n = 12/group). PPAR expression, systemic and hepatic haemodynamics, presence of ascites, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) phenotype, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, serum transaminases and albumin, hepatic macrophage infiltration, cytokine expression, and liver fibrosis were determined. Hepatic cells were isolated from the livers of patients with cirrhosis and their phenotype was evaluated after treatment with either lanifibranor or vehicle. RESULTS TAA-cirrhotic rats receiving lanifibranor showed significantly lower portal pressure compared with vehicle-treated animals (-15%; p = 0.003) without decreasing portal blood flow, indicating improved hepatic vascular resistance. Moreover, lanifibranor-treated TAA-rats showed decreased ascites, improved LSEC and HSC phenotypes, ameliorated hepatic microvascular function, reduced hepatic inflammation, and significant fibrosis regression (-32%; p = 0.020). These findings were confirmed in the cBDL rat model as well as in human liver cells from patients with cirrhosis, which exhibited phenotypic improvement upon treatment with lanifibranor. CONCLUSIONS Lanifibranor ameliorates fibrosis and portal hypertension in preclinical models of decompensated cirrhosis. Promising results in human hepatic cells further support its clinical evaluation for the treatment of ACLD. LAY SUMMARY Advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) constitutes a serious public health issue for which safe and effective treatments are lacking. This study shows that lanifibranor improves portal hypertension and liver fibrosis, 2 key elements of the pathophysiology of ACLD, in preclinical models of the disease. Evaluation of lanifibranor in liver cells from patients with ACLD further supports its beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jaime Bosch
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain; Hepatology, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Barcelona Liver Bioservices, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain; Hepatology, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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11
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Ma H, Liu X, Zhang M, Niu J. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells are implicated in multiple fibrotic mechanisms. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:2803-2815. [PMID: 33730288 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases are attributed to liver injury. Development of fibrosis from chronic liver diseases is a dynamic process that involves multiple molecular and cellular processes. As the first to be impacted by injury, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are involved in the pathogenesis of liver diseases caused by a variety of etiologies. Moreover, capillarization of LSECs has been recognized as an important event in the development of chronic liver diseases and fibrosis. Studies have reported that various cytokines (such as vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-β), and pathways (such as hedgehog, and Notch), as well as epigenetic and metabolic factors are involved in the development of LSEC-mediated liver fibrosis. This review describes the complexity and plasticity of LSECs in fibrotic liver diseases from several perspectives, including the cross-talk between LSECs and other intra-hepatic cells. Moreover, it summarizes the mechanisms of several kinds of LSECs-targeting anti-fibrosis chemicals, and provides a theoretical basis for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heming Ma
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, NO. 71, Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, NO. 71, Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Mingyuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, NO. 71, Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, NO. 71, Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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12
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Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the pathogenesis and therapies of liver fibrosis. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107791. [PMID: 33321113 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a dynamic wound-healing process associated with the deposition of extracellular matrix produced by myofibroblasts. HSCs activation, inflammation, oxidative stress, steatosis and aging play critical roles in the progression of liver fibrosis, which is correlated with the regulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway. As nuclear receptors, PPARs reduce inflammatory response, regulate lipid metabolism, and inhibit fibrogenesis in the liver associated with aging. Thus, PPAR ligands have been investigated as possible therapeutic agents. Mounting evidence indicated that some PPAR agonists could reverse steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. Consequently, targeting PPARs might be a promising and novel therapeutic option against liver fibrosis. This review summarizes recent studies on the role of PPARs on the pathogenesis and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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13
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Sven M F, Pierre B, Manal F A, Quentin M A, Elisabetta B, Vlad R, Philippe HM, Bruno S, Jean-Louis J, Pierre B, Jean-Louis A. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre, dose-range, proof-of-concept, 24-week treatment study of lanifibranor in adult subjects with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Design of the NATIVE study. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 98:106170. [PMID: 33038502 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a multifactorial disease, can progress to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. The Peroxysomal Proliferator-Activated Receptors, PPARα, β/δ and γ, play a central role in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and of the inflammatory and fibrogenic pathways in liver and in other organs that all contribute to NASH pathogenesis. Lanifibranor (IVA337), a panPPAR agonist, by acting on these three different PPAR isotypes, combines pharmacological effects that could address the different components of the disease as demonstrated in preclinical models. Objectives NATIVE study (EudraCT: 2016-001979-70, NCT: NCT03008070) aims to assess the safety and the efficacy of a 24-week treatment with lanifibranor (800 and 1200 mg/day) in adult non-cirrhotic NASH patients. The primary efficacy endpoint is a 2-point reduction in the activity part of the Steatosis Activity Fibrosis (SAF) histological score (combining inflammation and ballooning) without worsening of fibrosis. Design NATIVE is a Phase 2b randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-assignment, dose-range study. Eligible adult patients with a confirmed histological diagnosis of NASH should have a SAF Activity score of 3 or 4 (>2) and a SAF Steatosis score ≥ 1. There is no specific criterion related to the fibrosis score except that patients with cirrhosis (F4) were excluded. Summary This study will evaluate the efficacy of a 24-week treatment of NASH with lanifibranor based on histological evaluations (SAF score) by biopsy. The number of responders according to the SAF Activity score-based definition from baseline to 24 weeks will be compared between groups and serves as primary endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francque Sven M
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650 Edegem, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Bedossa Pierre
- Liverpat, 28 rue de l'Amiral Hamelin, 75116 Paris, France.; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Abdelmalek Manal F
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Duke University, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Anstee Quentin M
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, Upon Tyne, UK; Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Bugianesi Elisabetta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, A.O. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Corso Bramante, 88 I-10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Ratziu Vlad
- AP-HP Hopital Pitié-Salpetrière, 47 Boulevard de L'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | | | - Scherrer Bruno
- Bruno Scherrer Conseil S.A.R.L., 15 rue Beethoven, 78730 Saint Arnoult en Yvelines, France
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Ezhilarasan D. Endothelin-1 in portal hypertension: The intricate role of hepatic stellate cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1504-1512. [PMID: 32791849 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220949148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Portal hypertension is pathologically defined as increase of portal venous pressure, mainly due to chronic liver diseases such as fibrosis and cirrhosis. In fibrotic liver, activated hepatic stellate cells increase their contraction in response to endothelin-1 (ET-1) via autocrine and paracrine stimulation from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and injured hepatocytes. Clinical studies are limited with ET receptor antagonists in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. Hence, studies are needed to find molecules that block ET-1 synthesis. Accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the perisinusoidal space, tissue contraction, and alteration in blood flow are prominent during portal hypertension. Therefore, novel matrix modulators should be tested experimentally as well as in clinical studies. Specifically, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β1, Wnt, Notch, rho-associated protein kinase 1 signaling antagonists, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and γ, interferon-γ and sirtuin 1 agonists should be tested elaborately against cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College, 194347Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai 600 077, India
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