1
|
Sun T, Li S, Li X, Lei Y, Wang B, Liu X, Yu S, Li N. Apigenin intervenes in liver fibrosis by regulating PKM2-HIF-1α mediated oxidative stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 721:150130. [PMID: 38761750 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150130] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Apigenin (API) is a natural flavonoid compound with antioxidant, anti fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and other effects, but there is limited research on the effect of API on liver fibrosis. This study aims to explore the effect and potential mechanism of API on liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice. The results indicate that API reduces oxidative stress levels, inhibits hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, and exerts anti liver fibrosis effects by regulating the PKM2-HIF-1α pathway. We observed that API alleviated liver tissue pathological damage and collagen deposition in CCl4 induced mouse liver fibrosis model, promoting the recovery of liver function in mice with liver fibrosis. In addition, the API inhibits the transition of Pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2) from dimer to tetramer formation by regulating the EGFR-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway, thereby preventing dimer from entering the nucleus and blocking PKM2-HIF-1α access. This change leads to a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and Catalase (CAT) levels and an increase in glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels, as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver of liver fibrosis mice. At the same time, API downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin and Desmin in the liver tissue of mice with liver fibrosis, inhibited the activation of HSC, and reduced collagen deposition. These results indicate that API can inhibit HSC activation and alleviate CCl4 induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the PKM2-HIF-1α pathway and reducing oxidative stress, laying an important foundation for the development and clinical application of API as a novel drug for treating liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Saifei Li
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Lei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Baoying Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xianghua Liu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shanfa Yu
- School of Public Health, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ningning Li
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhi Y, Fan K, Liu S, Hu K, Zan X, Lin L, Yang Y, Gong X, Chen K, Tang L, Li L, Huang J, Zhang S, Zhang L. Deletion of GPR81 activates CREB/Smad7 pathway and alleviates liver fibrosis in mice. Mol Med 2024; 30:99. [PMID: 38982366 PMCID: PMC11234765 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00867-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhanced glycolysis is a crucial metabolic event that drives the development of liver fibrosis, but the molecular mechanisms have not been fully understood. Lactate is the endproduct of glycolysis, which has recently been identified as a bioactive metabolite binding to G-protein-coupled receptor 81 (GPR81). We then questioned whether GPR81 is implicated in the development of liver fibrosis. METHODS The level of GPR81 was determined in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) LX-2. To investigate the significance of GPR81 in liver fibrosis, wild-type (WT) and GPR81 knockout (KO) mice were exposed to CCl4, and then the degree of liver fibrosis was determined. In addition, the GPR81 agonist 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) was supplemented in CCl4-challenged mice and TGF-β1-activated LX-2 cells to further investigate the pathological roles of GPR81 on HSCs activation. RESULTS CCl4 exposure or TGF-β1 stimulation significantly upregulated the expression of GPR81, while deletion of GPR81 alleviated CCl4-induced elevation of aminotransferase, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and deposition of collagen. Consistently, the production of TGF-β1, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I (COL1A1), as well as the elevation of hydroxyproline were suppressed in GPR81 deficient mice. Supplementation with DHBA enhanced CCl4-induced liver fibrogenesis in WT mice but not in GPR81 KO mice. DHBA also promoted TGF-β1-induced LX-2 activation. Mechanistically, GPR81 suppressed cAMP/CREB and then inhibited the expression of Smad7, a negative regulator of Smad3, which resulted in increased phosphorylation of Smad3 and enhanced activation of HSCs. CONCLUSION GPR81 might be a detrimental factor that promotes the development of liver fibrosis by regulating CREB/Smad7 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kerui Fan
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xinyan Zan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yongqiang Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xianqiong Gong
- Hepatology Center, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Longjiang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jiayi Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Laboratory of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Horn P, Tacke F. Metabolic reprogramming in liver fibrosis. Cell Metab 2024; 36:1439-1455. [PMID: 38823393 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.05.003] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases, primarily metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), harmful use of alcohol, or viral hepatitis, may result in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. Hepatic fibrogenesis is a complex process with interactions between different resident and non-resident heterogeneous liver cell populations, ultimately leading to deposition of extracellular matrix and organ failure. Shifts in cell phenotypes and functions involve pronounced transcriptional and protein synthesis changes that require metabolic adaptations in cellular substrate metabolism, including glucose and lipid metabolism, resembling changes associated with the Warburg effect in cancer cells. Cell activation and metabolic changes are regulated by metabolic stress responses, including the unfolded protein response, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, ferroptosis, and nuclear receptor signaling. These metabolic adaptations are crucial for inflammatory and fibrogenic activation of macrophages, lymphoid cells, and hepatic stellate cells. Modulation of these pathways, therefore, offers opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches to halt or even reverse liver fibrosis progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Horn
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Digital Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen DQ, Han J, Liu H, Feng K, Li P. Targeting pyruvate kinase M2 for the treatment of kidney disease. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1376252. [PMID: 38910890 PMCID: PMC11190346 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1376252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a rate limiting enzyme in glycolysis, is a cellular regulator that has received extensive attention and regards as a metabolic regulator of cellular metabolism and energy. Kidney is a highly metabolically active organ, and glycolysis is the important energy resource for kidney. The accumulated evidences indicates that the enzymatic activity of PKM2 is disturbed in kidney disease progression and treatment, especially diabetic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Modulating PKM2 post-translational modification determines its enzymatic activity and nuclear translocation that serves as an important interventional approach to regulate PKM2. Emerging evidences show that PKM2 and its post-translational modification participate in kidney disease progression and treatment through modulating metabolism regulation, podocyte injury, fibroblast activation and proliferation, macrophage polarization, and T cell regulation. Interestingly, PKM2 activators (TEPP-46, DASA-58, mitapivat, and TP-1454) and PKM2 inhibitors (shikonin, alkannin, compound 3k and compound 3h) have exhibited potential therapeutic property in kidney disease, which indicates the pleiotropic effects of PKM2 in kidney. In the future, the deep investigation of PKM2 pleiotropic effects in kidney is urgently needed to determine the therapeutic effect of PKM2 activator/inhibitor to benefit patients. The information in this review highlights that PKM2 functions as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for kidney diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Qian Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin Han
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Nephrology, Xi’an Chang’an District Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kai Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing Key Lab for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lv S, Cao M, Luo J, Fu K, Yuan W. Search progress of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in organ fibrosis. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:389. [PMID: 38446272 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09307-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by abnormal deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to organ structural remodeling and loss of function. The principal cellular effector in fibrosis is activated myofibroblasts, which serve as the main source of matrix proteins. Metabolic reprogramming, transitioning from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis, is widely observed in rapidly dividing cells such as tumor cells and activated myofibroblasts and is increasingly recognized as a fundamental pathogenic basis in organ fibrosis. Targeting metabolism represents a promising strategy to mitigate fibrosis. PKM2, a key enzyme in glycolysis, plays a pivotal role in metabolic reprogramming through allosteric regulation, impacting both metabolic and non-metabolic pathways. Therefore, metabolic reprogramming induced by PKM2 activation is involved in the occurrence and development of fibrosis in various organs. A comprehensive understanding of the role of PKM2 in fibrotic diseases is crucial for seeking new anti-fibrotic therapeutic targets. In this context, we summarize PKM2's role in glycolysis, mediating the intricate mechanisms underlying fibrosis in multiple organs, and discuss the potential value of PKM2 inhibitors and allosteric activators in future clinical treatments, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets for proliferative fibrotic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212000, China
| | - Mengfei Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212000, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212000, China
| | - Kewei Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212000, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou Y, Yan J, Huang H, Liu L, Ren L, Hu J, Jiang X, Zheng Y, Xu L, Zhong F, Li X. The m 6A reader IGF2BP2 regulates glycolytic metabolism and mediates histone lactylation to enhance hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:189. [PMID: 38443347 PMCID: PMC10914723 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06509-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Evidence for the involvement of N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the etiology and progression of liver fibrosis has emerged and holds promise as a therapeutic target. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) is a newly identified m6A-binding protein that functions to enhance mRNA stability and translation. However, its role as an m6A-binding protein in liver fibrosis remains elusive. Here, we observed that IGF2BP2 is highly expressed in liver fibrosis and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and inhibition of IGF2BP2 protects against HSCs activation and liver fibrogenesis. Mechanistically, as an m6A-binding protein, IGF2BP2 regulates the expression of Aldolase A (ALDOA), a key target in the glycolytic metabolic pathway, which in turn regulates HSCs activation. Furthermore, we observed that active glycolytic metabolism in activated HSCs generates large amounts of lactate as a substrate for histone lactylation. Importantly, histone lactylation transforms the activation phenotype of HSCs. In conclusion, our findings reveal the essential role of IGF2BP2 in liver fibrosis by regulating glycolytic metabolism and highlight the potential of targeting IGF2BP2 as a therapeutic for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Zhou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiexi Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - He Huang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Longfei Ren
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinjing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxu Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lingcong Xu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fupeng Zhong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen Y, Bai X, Chen J, Huang M, Hong Q, Ouyang Q, Sun X, Zhang Y, Liu J, Wang X, Wu L, Chen X. Pyruvate kinase M2 regulates kidney fibrosis through pericyte glycolysis during the progression from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13548. [PMID: 37749923 PMCID: PMC10849781 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the role of renal pericyte pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in the progression of acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The role of PKM2 in renal pericyte-myofibroblast transdifferentiation was investigated in an AKI-CKD mouse model. Platelet growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ)-iCreERT2; tdTomato mice were used for renal pericyte tracing. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine protein expression. An 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay was used to measure renal pericyte proliferation. A scratch cell migration assay was used to analyse cell migration. Seahorse experiments were used to examine glycolytic rates. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to measure pyruvate kinase enzymatic activity and lactate concentrations. The PKM2 nuclear translocation inhibitors Shikonin and TEPP-46 were used to alter pericyte transdifferentiation. In AKI-CKD, renal pericytes proliferated and transdifferentiated into myofibroblasts and PKM2 is highly expressed in renal pericytes. Shikonin and TEPP-46 inhibited pericyte proliferation, migration, and pericyte-myofibroblast transdifferentiation by reducing nuclear PKM2 entry. In the nucleus, PKM2 promoted downstream lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) transcription, which are critical for glycolysis. Therefore, PKM2 regulates pericyte glycolytic and lactate production, which regulates renal pericyte-myofibroblast transdifferentiation. PKM2-regulated renal pericyte-myofibroblast transdifferentiation by regulating downstream LDHA and GLUT1 transcription and lactate production. Reducing nuclear PKM2 import can reduce renal pericytes-myofibroblasts transdifferentiation, providing new ideas for AKI-CKD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Chen
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
- Chinese PLA Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Xueyuan Bai
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Jianwen Chen
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Mengjie Huang
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Quan Hong
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Qing Ouyang
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Xuefeng Sun
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
- Chinese PLA Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Jiaona Liu
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of NephrologyFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases ResearchBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen J, Liu J, Liu X, Wang J, Wang X, Ye X, Xie Q, Liang J, Li Y. Shikonin improves the effectiveness of PD-1 blockade in colorectal cancer by enhancing immunogenicity via Hsp70 upregulation. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:86. [PMID: 38183539 PMCID: PMC10771352 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09056-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-1 blockade has shown impressive clinical outcomes in colorectal cancers patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). However, the majority of patients with colorectal cancer who present low microsatellite instability (MSI-L) or stable microsatellites (MSS) show little response to PD-1 blockade therapy. Here, we have demonstrated that Shikonin (SK) could induce cell death of CT26 cells via classically programmed and immunogenic pathways. METHODS AND RESULTS SK promoted the membrane exposure of calreticulin and upregulated the expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). The upregulation of Hsp70 was dependent on ROS induced by SK and silencing of PKM2 in CT26 cells reverts ROS upregulation. Besides, SK synergizes with PD-1 blockade in CT26 tumor mice model, with the increase of intramural DC cells and CD8+ T cells. The expression of Hsp70 in tumor tissue was also increased in combinational SK plus αPD-1 therapy group. CONCLUSIONS Our study elucidated the potential role of 'Shikonin-PKM2-ROS-Hsp70' axis in the promotion of efficacy of PD-1 blockade in CRC treatments, providing a potential strategy and targets for improving the efficacy of PD-1 blockade in colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Chen
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Yuncheng Chenxin Hospital, Heze, China
| | - Xin Ye
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Qi Xie
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China.
| | - Jing Liang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rho H, Terry AR, Chronis C, Hay N. Hexokinase 2-mediated gene expression via histone lactylation is required for hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. Cell Metab 2023; 35:1406-1423.e8. [PMID: 37463576 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Lactate was implicated in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the mechanism by which lactate exerts its effect remains elusive. Using RNA-seq and CUT&Tag chromatin profiling, we found that induction of hexokinase 2 (HK2) expression in activated HSCs is required for induced gene expression by histone lactylation but not histone acetylation. Inhibiting histone lactylation by Hk2 deletion or pharmacological inhibition of lactate production diminishes HSC activation, whereas exogenous lactate but not acetate supplementation rescues the activation phenotype. Thus, lactate produced by activated HSCs determines the HSC fate via histone lactylation. We found that histone acetylation competes with histone lactylation, which could explain why class I HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitors impede HSC activation. Finally, HSC-specific or systemic deletion of HK2 inhibits HSC activation and liver fibrosis in vivo. Therefore, we provide evidence that HK2 may be an effective therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsoo Rho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Alexander R Terry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Constantinos Chronis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Nissim Hay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; Research and Development Section, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Chen T, Lin Y, Gong J, Xu Q, Wang J, Li J, Meng Y, Li Y, Li X. Caveolin-1 depletion attenuates hepatic fibrosis via promoting SQSTM1-mediated PFKL degradation in HSCs. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 204:95-107. [PMID: 37116593 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.04.009] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
The key glycolytic enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK) is responsible for maintaining glycolytic stability and an important energy source for activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, its regulation in activated HSCs remains unclear. Caveolin-1 (Cav1), a major constituent of caveolae, has emerged as a key target for triggering glycolysis. However, the relationship between Cav1 and glycolysis during HSC activation is not well established. In this study, Cav1 was upregulated in mouse and human fibrotic liver tissues. We concluded that HSC-specific Cav1 knockdown markedly alleviates liver injury and fibrosis. Mechanistically, Cav1 was elevated during primary mouse HSC activation, competing with SQSTM1 for the regulatory subunit of PFK liver type and inhibiting the SQSTM1-mediated autophagy-independent lysosomal degradation pathway to sustain HSC activation. We also identified the heptapeptide alamandine as a promising therapeutic agent that downregulates Cav1 protein levels via proteasomal degradation and may impair glycolysis. Our study provides evidence of the crucial role and mechanism of Cav1 in the glucose metabolic network in HSCs and highlights Cav1 as a critical therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Gong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qihan Xu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jierui Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Qu H, Liu J, Zhang D, Xie R, Wang L, Hong J. Glycolysis in Chronic Liver Diseases: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cells 2023; 12:1930. [PMID: 37566009 PMCID: PMC10417805 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151930] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases (CLDs) cover a spectrum of liver diseases, ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to liver cancer, representing a growing epidemic worldwide with high unmet medical needs. Glycolysis is a conservative and rigorous process that converts glucose into pyruvate and sustains cells with the energy and intermediate products required for diverse biological activities. However, abnormalities in glycolytic flux during CLD development accelerate the disease progression. Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of liver cancer and is responsible for a broad range of oncogenic functions including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune escape, and drug resistance. Recently, the non-neoplastic role of aerobic glycolysis in immune activation and inflammatory disorders, especially CLD, has attracted increasing attention. Several key mediators of aerobic glycolysis, including HIF-1α and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), are upregulated during steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. The pharmacological inhibition or ablation of PKM2 effectively attenuates hepatic inflammation and CLD progression. In this review, we particularly focused on the glycolytic and non-glycolytic roles of PKM2 in the progression of CLD, highlighting the translational potential of a glycolysis-centric therapeutic approach in combating CLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jian Hong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.Q.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gilgenkrantz H, Paradis V, Lotersztajn S. Cell metabolism-based therapy for liver fibrosis, repair, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00454. [PMID: 37212145 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000479] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Progression of chronic liver injury to fibrosis, abnormal liver regeneration, and HCC is driven by a dysregulated dialog between epithelial cells and their microenvironment, in particular immune, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. There is currently no antifibrogenic therapy, and drug treatment of HCC is limited to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy targeting the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic reprogramming of epithelial and nonparenchymal cells is critical at each stage of disease progression, suggesting that targeting specific metabolic pathways could constitute an interesting therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss how modulating intrinsic metabolism of key effector liver cells might disrupt the pathogenic sequence from chronic liver injury to fibrosis/cirrhosis, regeneration, and HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Gilgenkrantz
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
- Pathology Department, Beaujon Hospital APHP, Paris-Cité University, Clichy, France
| | - Sophie Lotersztajn
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao X, Amevor FK, Xue X, Wang C, Cui Z, Dai S, Peng C, Li Y. Remodeling the hepatic fibrotic microenvironment with emerging nanotherapeutics: a comprehensive review. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:121. [PMID: 37029392 PMCID: PMC10081370 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01876-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis could be the last hope for treating liver cancer and remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment has emerged as a strategy to promote the ablation of liver fibrosis. In recent years, especially with the rapid development of nanomedicine, hepatic microenvironment therapy has been widely researched in studies concerning liver cancer and fibrosis. In this comprehensive review, we summarized recent advances in nano therapy-based remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment. Firstly, we discussed novel strategies for regulatory immune suppression caused by capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and macrophage polarization. Furthermore, metabolic reprogramming and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition are caused by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In addition, recent advances in ROS, hypoxia, and impaired vascular remodeling in the hepatic fibrotic microenvironment due to ECM deposition have also been summarized. Finally, emerging nanotherapeutic approaches based on correlated signals were discussed in this review. We have proposed novel strategies such as engineered nanotherapeutics targeting antigen-presenting cells (APCs) or direct targeting T cells in liver fibrotic immunotherapy to be used in preventing liver fibrosis. In summary, this comprehensive review illustrated the opportunities in drug targeting and nanomedicine, and the current challenges to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Felix Kwame Amevor
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Zhifu Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
- , No. 1166, Liu Tai Avenue, Wenjiang district, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chen X, Lv X, Han M, Hu Y, Zheng W, Xue H, Li Z, Li K, Tan W. EMP1 as a Potential Biomarker in Liver Fibrosis: A Bioinformatics Analysis. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2023; 2023:2479192. [PMID: 37008256 PMCID: PMC10060069 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2479192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to chronic injury, which may result in cirrhosis and liver failure. Studies have been carried on the mechanisms and pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. However, the potential cell-specific expressed marker genes involved in fibrotic processes remain unknown. In this study, we combined a publicly accessible single-cell transcriptome of human liver with microarray datasets to evaluate the cell-specific expression patterns of differentially expressed genes in the liver. We noticed that EMP1 (epithelial membrane protein 1) is significantly active not only in CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride)-treated mouse liver fibrosis but also in BDL (bile duct ligation)-induced liver fibrosis and even in human fibrotic liver tissues such as alcoholic hepatitis, NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), and advanced stage liver fibrosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that EMP1 is a specific fibrotic gene expressed in HSCs (hepatic stellate cells) and endothelial cells using the Protein Atlas single-cell transcriptome RNA-sequencing clustering. Its expression was significantly elevated in fibrotic HSCs or CCl4 and NASH-induced fibroblasts. Previous research revealed that EMP1 plays a role in proliferation, migration, metastasis, and tumorigeneses in different cancers via a variety of mechanisms. Because HSC activation and proliferation are two important steps following liver injury, it would be interesting to investigate the role of EMP1 in these processes. All of this information suggested that EMP1 could be used as a novel fibrotic liver marker and a possible target in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuchen Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinliang Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Manman Han
- Department of General Surgery, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yexiao Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanqiong Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haibo Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuokai Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kui Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Lishui Central Hospital, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dovrolis N, Filidou E, Tarapatzi G, Kokkotis G, Spathakis M, Kandilogiannakis L, Drygiannakis I, Valatas V, Arvanitidis K, Karakasiliotis I, Vradelis S, Manolopoulos VG, Paspaliaris V, Bamias G, Kolios G. Co-expression of fibrotic genes in inflammatory bowel disease; A localized event? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1058237. [PMID: 36632136 PMCID: PMC9826764 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1058237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Extracellular matrix turnover, a ubiquitous dynamic biological process, can be diverted to fibrosis. The latter can affect the intestine as a serious complication of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and is resistant to current pharmacological interventions. It embosses the need for out-of-the-box approaches to identify and target molecular mechanisms of fibrosis. Methods and results In this study, a novel mRNA sequencing dataset of 22 pairs of intestinal biopsies from the terminal ileum (TI) and the sigmoid of 7 patients with Crohn's disease, 6 with ulcerative colitis and 9 control individuals (CI) served as a validation cohort of a core fibrotic transcriptomic signature (FIBSig), This signature, which was identified in publicly available data (839 samples from patients and healthy individuals) of 5 fibrotic disorders affecting different organs (GI tract, lung, skin, liver, kidney), encompasses 241 genes and the functional pathways which derive from their interactome. These genes were used in further bioinformatics co-expression analyses to elucidate the site-specific molecular background of intestinal fibrosis highlighting their involvement, particularly in the terminal ileum. We also confirmed different transcriptomic profiles of the sigmoid and terminal ileum in our validation cohort. Combining the results of these analyses we highlight 21 core hub genes within a larger single co-expression module, highly enriched in the terminal ileum of CD patients. Further pathway analysis revealed known and novel inflammation-regulated, fibrogenic pathways operating in the TI, such as IL-13 signaling and pyroptosis, respectively. Discussion These findings provide a rationale for the increased incidence of fibrosis at the terminal ileum of CD patients and highlight operating pathways in intestinal fibrosis for future evaluation with mechanistic and translational studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Dovrolis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece,Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece,Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), Alexandroupolis, Greece,*Correspondence: George Kolios, ; Nikolas Dovrolis,
| | - Eirini Filidou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece,Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Gesthimani Tarapatzi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece,Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Kokkotis
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Unit, 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Spathakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece,Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Leonidas Kandilogiannakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece,Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Drygiannakis
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vassilis Valatas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece,Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Arvanitidis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece,Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Stergios Vradelis
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vangelis G. Manolopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece,Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Giorgos Bamias
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Unit, 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Kolios
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece,Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), Alexandroupolis, Greece,*Correspondence: George Kolios, ; Nikolas Dovrolis,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
AIM Fibrosis is a common pathological feature of most types of chronic liver injuries. There is no specific treatment for liver fibrosis at present. The liver microenvironment, which fosters the survival and activity of liver cells, plays an important role in maintaining the normal structure and physiological function of the liver. The aim of this review is to deeply understand the role of the liver microenvironment in the dynamic and complicated development of liver fibrosis. METHODS After searching in Elsevier ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science databases using 'liver fibrosis' and 'microenvironment' as keywords, studies related to microenvironment in liver fibrosis was compiled and examined. RESULTS The homeostasis of the liver microenvironment is disrupted during the development of liver fibrosis, affecting liver cell function, causing various types of cell reactions, and changing the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, eventually affecting fibrosis formation. CONCLUSION Liver microenvironment may be important for identifying potential therapeutic targets, and restoring microenvironment homeostasis may be an important strategy for promoting the reversal of liver fibrosis.KEY MESSAGESThe homeostasis of the liver microenvironment is disrupted in liver fibrosis;A pro-fibrotic microenvironment is formed during the development of liver fibrosis;Restoring microenvironment homeostasis may be an important strategy for promoting the reversal of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Meng
- Department of General Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University First Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhang
- Department of General Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Dekui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Guo X, Zheng B, Wang J, Zhao T, Zheng Y. Exploring the mechanism of action of Chinese medicine in regulating liver fibrosis based on the alteration of glucose metabolic pathways. Phytother Res 2022. [PMID: 36433866 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, metabolic reprogramming in liver fibrosis has become a research hotspot in the field of liver fibrosis at home and abroad. Liver fibrosis is a pathological change caused by chronic liver injury from a variety of causes. Liver fibrosis is a common pathological feature of many chronic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis B, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis, as well as the pathogenesis of the disease. The development of chronic liver disease into cirrhosis must go through the pathological process of liver fibrosis, in which hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play an important role. Following liver injury, HSC are activated and transdifferentiated into scar-forming myofibroblasts, which drive the trauma healing response and which rely on the deposition of collagen-rich extracellular matrix to maintain tissue integrity. This reaction will continue without strict control, which will lead to excessive accumulation of matrix and liver fibrosis. The mechanisms and clinical studies of liver fibrosis have been the focus of research in liver diseases. In recent years, several studies have revealed the mechanism of HSC metabolic reprogramming and the impact of this process on liver fibrosis, in which glucose metabolic reprogramming plays an important role in the activation of HSC, and it mainly meets the energy demand of HSC activation by upregulating glycolysis. Glycolysis is the process by which one molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate and produces energy and lactate under anaerobic conditions. Various factors have been found to be involved in regulating the glycolytic process of HSC, including glucose transport, intracellular processing of glucose, exosome secretion, and lactate production, etc. Inhibition of the glycolytic process of HSC can be an effective strategy against liver fibrosis. Currently, the combined action of multiple targets and links of Chinese medicine such as turmeric, comfrey, rhubarb and scutellaria baicalensis against the mechanism of liver fibrosis can effectively improve or even reverse liver fibrosis. This paper summarizes that turmeric extract curcumin, comfrey extract comfreyin, rhubarb, Subtle yang yu yin granules, Scutellaria baicalensis extract oroxylin A and cardamom extract cardamomin affect liver fibrosis by regulating gluconeogenic reprogramming. Therefore, studying the mechanism of action of TCM in regulating liver fibrosis through reprogramming of glucose metabolism is promising to explore new methods and approaches for Chinese Medicine modernization research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhua Guo
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Bowen Zheng
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Tiejian Zhao
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sánchez-Quevedo J, Ocampo-Rodríguez E, Alvarez-Ayala E, Rodríguez-López A, Duarte-Vázquez MA, Rosado JL, Rodríguez-Fragoso L. β-Hydroxyphosphocarnitine modifies fibrosis, steatosis and improves liver function in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced in rats. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 23:75. [PMID: 36175992 PMCID: PMC9520892 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00613-2] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation, steatosis, and liver fibrosis. The liver is particularly affected by alterations in lipid metabolism. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of β-hydroxyphosphocarnitine (β-HPC) on NASH induced in rats. METHODS NASH was produced via the ad libitum daily chronic administration of a fructose solution (400 kcal) for 9 weeks, an oral dose of fat solution (16 kcal) for 7 weeks and a subcutaneous injection of CCl4 (30%) two times a week for 2 weeks to Wistar rats. To evaluate the effect of β-HPC, a dose of 100 mg/kg was administered perorally for 4 weeks and its biochemical and hepatic effects on rats with NASH were analyzed. Serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and liver enzymes were quantified. Histological changes were evaluated on slices stained with H&E, trichromic and PAS. Glycogen content was measured in liver samples. α-SMA and SREBP-1 immunopositive cells were identified in liver tissue. RESULTS NASH was characterized by elevated triglycerides, elevated liver damage enzymes, and the presence of necrosis, inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis. Significant amounts of glycogen were found, along with α-SMA positive cells in fibrosis areas. The over-expression of SREBP-1 in cytoplasm and nuclei was evident. Animals with NASH treated with β-HPC showed a significant reduction in inflammation, necrosis, and glycogen content in the liver. A reduction in α-SMA and SREBP-1 immunopositive cells correlated with a significant reduction in the degree of fibrosis and steatosis found in liver tissue. β-HPC reduced the levels of ALP and GGT, and significantly reduced triglyceride levels. Animals treated with β-HPC did not show any alterations in liver enzyme function. CONCLUSIONS Our research shows that β-HPC can improve liver function and morphology in the case of NASH induced in rats, suggesting β-HPC could be potentially used in the treatment of NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet Sánchez-Quevedo
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Emmanuel Ocampo-Rodríguez
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Alvarez-Ayala
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Anahí Rodríguez-López
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | | | | | - Lourdes Rodríguez-Fragoso
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gao S, Li X, Jiang Q, Liang Q, Zhang F, Li S, Zhang R, Luan J, Zhu J, Gu X, Xiao T, Huang H, Chen S, Ning W, Yang G, Yang C, Zhou H. PKM2 promotes pulmonary fibrosis by stabilizing TGF-β1 receptor I and enhancing TGF-β1 signaling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo0987. [PMID: 36129984 PMCID: PMC9491720 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo0987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease, and the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our findings demonstrated that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) promoted fibrosis progression by directly interacting with Smad7 and reinforcing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling. Total PKM2 expression and the portion of the tetrameric form elevated in lungs and fibroblasts were derived from mice with bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Pkm2 deletion markedly alleviated BLM-induced fibrosis progression, myofibroblast differentiation, and TGF-β1 signaling activation. Further study showed that PKM2 tetramer enhanced TGF-β1 signaling by directly binding with Smad7 on its MH2 domain, and thus interfered with the interaction between Smad7 and TGF-β type I receptor (TβR1), decreased TβR1 ubiquitination, and stabilized TβR1. Pharmacologically enhanced PKM2 tetramer by TEPP-46 promoted BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, while tetramer disruption by compound 3k alleviated fibrosis progression. Our results demonstrate how PKM2 regulates TGF-β1 signaling and is a key factor in fibrosis progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
- High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300070 Tianjin, China
| | - Qiuyan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
| | - Qing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
| | - Fangxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
- High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300070 Tianjin, China
| | - Shuangling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
- High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300070 Tianjin, China
| | - Ruiqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
- High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300070 Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaoyan Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
- High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300070 Tianjin, China
| | - Jingyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
- High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300070 Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoting Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100730 Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Respiratory department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450003 Zhangzhou, China
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
- High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300070 Tianjin, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, 300000 Tianjin, China
- High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300070 Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yu Q, Dai W, Ji J, Wu L, Feng J, Li J, Zheng Y, Li Y, Cheng Z, Zhang J, Wu J, Xu X, Guo C. Sodium butyrate inhibits aerobic glycolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the c‐myc/hexokinase 2 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:3031-3045. [PMID: 35429101 PMCID: PMC9097842 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis is a well‐known hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hence, targeting the key enzymes of this pathway is considered a novel approach to HCC treatment. The effects of sodium butyrate (NaBu), a sodium salt of the short‐chain fatty acid butyrate, on aerobic glycolysis in HCC cells and the underlying mechanism are unknown. In the present study, data obtained from cell lines with mouse xenograft model revealed that NaBu inhibited aerobic glycolysis in the HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. NaBu induced apoptosis while inhibiting the proliferation of the HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the compound inhibited the release of lactate and glucose consumption in the HCC cells in vitro and inhibited the production of lactate in vivo. The modulatory effects of NaBu on glycolysis, proliferation and apoptosis were related to its modulation of hexokinase 2 (HK2). NaBu downregulated HK2 expression via c‐myc signalling. The upregulation of glycolysis in the HCC cells induced by sorafenib was impeded by NaBu, thereby enhancing the anti‐HCC effect of sorafenib in vitro and in vivo. Thus, NaBu inhibits the expression of HK2 to downregulate aerobic glycolysis and the proliferation of HCC cells and induces their apoptosis via the c‐myc pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital School of medicine, Tongji University 200072 Shanghai China
| | - Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology 200433 Shanghai P.R.China
| | - Jie Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital School of medicine, Tongji University 200072 Shanghai China
| | - Liwei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital School of medicine, Tongji University 200072 Shanghai China
| | - Jiao Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital School of medicine, Tongji University 200072 Shanghai China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital School of medicine, Tongji University 200072 Shanghai China
- Department of Gastroenterology Putuo People's Hospital Tongji University 200060 Shanghai China
| | - Yuanyuan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital School of medicine, Tongji University 200072 Shanghai China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital School of medicine, Tongji University 200072 Shanghai China
| | - Ziqi Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital School of medicine, Tongji University 200072 Shanghai China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital School of medicine, Tongji University 200072 Shanghai China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology Putuo People's Hospital Tongji University 200060 Shanghai China
| | - Xuanfu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology 200433 Shanghai P.R.China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital School of medicine, Tongji University 200072 Shanghai China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sun Q, Gong T, Liu M, Ren S, Yang H, Zeng S, Zhao H, Chen L, Ming T, Meng X, Xu H. Shikonin, a naphthalene ingredient: Therapeutic actions, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, clinical trials and pharmaceutical researches. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 94:153805. [PMID: 34749177 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shikonin is one of the major phytochemical components of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (Purple Cromwell), which is a type of medicinal herb broadly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. It is well established that shikonin possesses remarkable therapeutic actions on various diseases, with the underlying mechanisms, pharmacokinetics and toxicological effects elusive. Also, the clinical trial and pharmaceutical study of shikonin remain to be comprehensively delineated. PURPOSE The present review aimed to systematically summarize the updated knowledge regarding the therapeutic actions, pharmacokinetics, toxicological effects, clinical trial and pharmaceutical study of shikonin. METHODS The information contained in this review article were retrieved from some authoritative databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google scholar, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database and so on, till August 2021. RESULTS Shikonin exerts multiple therapeutic efficacies, such as anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, cardiovascular protection, anti-microbiomes, analgesia, anti-obesity, brain protection, and so on, mainly by regulating the NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/MAPKs, Akt/mTOR, TGF-β, GSK3β, TLR4/Akt signaling pathways, NLRP3 inflammasome, reactive oxygen stress, Bax/Bcl-2, etc. In terms of pharmacokinetics, shikonin has an unfavorable oral bioavailability, 64.6% of the binding rate of plasma protein, and enhances some metabolic enzymes, particularly including cytochrome P450. In regard to the toxicological effects, shikonin may potentially cause nephrotoxicity and skin allergy. The above pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of shikonin have been validated by few clinical trials. In addition, pharmaceutical innovation of shikonin with novel drug delivery system such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microemulsions, nanogel, cyclodextrin complexes, micelles and polymers are beneficial to the development of shikonin-based drugs. CONCLUSIONS Shikonin is a promising phytochemical for drug candidates. Extensive and intensive explorations on shikonin are warranted to expedite the utilization of shikonin-based drugs in the clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ting Gong
- Department of Ultrasound, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Maolun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Sha Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tianqi Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Haibo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Delgado ME, Cárdenas BI, Farran N, Fernandez M. Metabolic Reprogramming of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2021; 10:3604. [PMID: 34944111 PMCID: PMC8700241 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an excessive and imbalanced deposition of fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) that is associated with the hepatic wound-healing response. It is also the common mechanism that contributes to the impairment of the liver function that is observed in many chronic liver diseases (CLD). Despite the efforts, no effective therapy against fibrosis exists yet. Worryingly, due to the growing obesity pandemic, fibrosis incidence is on the rise. Here, we aim to summarize the main components and mechanisms involved in the progression of liver fibrosis, with special focus on the metabolic regulation of key effectors of fibrogenesis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and their role in the disease progression. Hepatic cells that undergo metabolic reprogramming require a tightly controlled, fine-tuned cellular response, allowing them to meet their energetic demands without affecting cellular integrity. Here, we aim to discuss the role of ribonucleic acid (RNA)-binding proteins (RBPs), whose dynamic nature being context- and stimuli-dependent make them very suitable for the fibrotic situation. Thus, we will not only summarize the up-to-date literature on the metabolic regulation of HSCs in liver fibrosis, but also on the RBP-dependent post-transcriptional regulation of this metabolic switch that results in such important consequences for the progression of fibrosis and CLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Eugenia Delgado
- IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.I.C.); (N.F.)
| | | | | | - Mercedes Fernandez
- IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.I.C.); (N.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jia W, Liang S, Cheng B, Ling C. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Value of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:763519. [PMID: 34868982 PMCID: PMC8636329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion and metastasis are the main reasons for the high mortality of liver cancer, which involve the interaction of tumor stromal cells and malignant cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major constituents of tumor stromal cells affecting tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The heterogeneous properties and sources of CAFs make both tumor-supporting and tumor-suppression effects possible. The mechanisms for CAFs in supporting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression can be categorized into upregulated aggressiveness and stemness, transformed metabolism toward glycolysis and glutamine reductive carboxylation, polarized tumor immunity toward immune escape of HCC cells, and increased angiogenesis. The tumor-suppressive effect of fibroblasts highlights the functional heterogenicity of CAF populations and provides new insights into tumor–stromal interplay mechanisms. In this review, we introduced several key inflammatory signaling pathways in the transformation of CAFs from normal stromal cells and the heterogeneous biofunctions of activated CAFs. In view of the pleiotropic regulation properties of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and heterogeneous effects of CAFs, we also introduced the application and values of TCM in the treatment of HCC through targeting CAFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changquan Ling
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cai Q, Gan C, Tang C, Wu H, Gao J. Mechanism and Therapeutic Opportunities of Histone Modifications in Chronic Liver Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:784591. [PMID: 34887768 PMCID: PMC8650224 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.784591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) represents a global health problem, accounting for the heavy burden of disability and increased health care utilization. Epigenome alterations play an important role in the occurrence and progression of CLD. Histone modifications, which include acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation, represent an essential part of epigenetic modifications that affect the transcriptional activity of genes. Different from genetic mutations, histone modifications are plastic and reversible. They can be modulated pharmacologically without changing the DNA sequence. Thus, there might be chances to establish interventional solutions by targeting histone modifications to reverse CLD. Here we summarized the roles of histone modifications in the context of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. The potential targets of histone modifications for translation into therapeutics were also investigated. In prospect, high efficacy and low toxicity drugs that are selectively targeting histone modifications are required to completely reverse CLD and prevent the development of liver cirrhosis and malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyu Cai
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Can Gan
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengwei Tang
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhang Gao
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Protocatechuic aldehyde protects cardiomycoytes against ischemic injury via regulation of nuclear pyruvate kinase M2. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:3553-3566. [PMID: 34900536 PMCID: PMC8642444 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rescuing cells from stress damage emerges a potential therapeutic strategy to combat myocardial infarction. Protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA) is a major phenolic acid in Chinese herb Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza root). This study investigated whether PCA regulated nuclear pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2) function to protect cardiomyocytes. In rats subjected to isoprenaline, PCA attenuated heart injury and protected cardiomyocytes from apoptosis. Through DARTS and CETSA assays, we identified that PCA bound and promoted PKM2 nuclear translocation in cardiomyocytes exposed to oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD). In the nucleus, PCA increased the binding of PKM2 to β-catenin via preserving PKM2 acetylation, and the complex, in cooperation with T-cell factor 4 (TCF4), was required for transcriptional induction of genes encoding anti-apoptotic proteins, contributing to rescuing cardiomyocyte survival. In addition, PCA ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction and prevented mitochondrial apoptosis dependent on PKM2. Consistently, PCA increased the binding of PKM2 to β-catenin, improved heart contractive function, normalized heart structure and attenuated oxidative damage in mice subjected to artery ligation, but the protective effects were lost in Pkm2-deficient heart. Together, we showed that PCA regulated nuclear PKM2 function to rescue cardiomyocyte survival via β-catenin/TCF4 signaling cascade, suggesting the potential of pharmacological intervention of PKM2 shuttle to protect the heart.
Collapse
Key Words
- Apoptosis
- CETSA, cellular thermal shift assay
- CK-MB, creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB
- DARTS, drug affinity responsive target stability
- Heart ischemia
- ISO, isoprenaline
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- Mitochondrial damage
- Myocardial infarction
- NRVMs, neonatal rat ventricular myocytes
- Nuclear translocation
- OGD, oxygen and glucose deprivation
- PCA, protocatechuic aldehyde
- PKM2
- PKM2, pyruvate kinase isoform M2
- Protocatechuic aldehyde
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- TCF4
- TCF4, T-cell factor 4
- TUNEL, deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling
- shRNA, short hairpin RNA
- β-Catenin
Collapse
|
26
|
Yang F, Li H, Li Y, Hao Y, Wang C, Jia P, Chen X, Ma S, Xiao Z. Crosstalk between hepatic stellate cells and surrounding cells in hepatic fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:108051. [PMID: 34426110 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis represents as a dynamic pathological process characterized by the net accumulation of extracellular matrix in the progression of various chronic liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is well-defined to play a central role in the initiation and progression of hepatic fibrosis. However, the activation of HSCs is affected by the complicated microenvironments in liver, which largely attributes to the communication between hepatocytes and multiple tissue-resident cells, including sinusoidal endothelial cells, bile duct epithelial cells, platelets, T cells, B cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, in the direct or indirect mechanisms. Cellular crosstalk between HSCs and surrounding cells contributes to the activation of HSCs and the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Currently, accumulating evidence have proven the complexity and plasticity of HSCs activation, and further clarification of cellular communication between HSCs and surrounding cells will provide sufficient clue to the development of novel diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for hepatic fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangming Yang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Heng Li
- Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanmin Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaokun Hao
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenxiao Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pan Jia
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinju Chen
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Suping Ma
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Zhun Xiao
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lv X, Zhou H, Hu K, Lin L, Yang Y, Li L, Tang L, Huang J, Shen Y, Jiang R, Wan J, Zhang L. Activation of PKM2 metabolically controls fulminant liver injury via restoration of pyruvate and reactivation of CDK1. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105838. [PMID: 34425230 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that metabolic events profoundly modulate the progression of various diseases. Pyruvate is a central metabolic intermediate in glucose metabolism. In the present study, the metabolic status of pyruvate and its pharmacological significance has been investigated in mice with lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine (LPS/D-Gal)-induced fulminant liver injury. Our results indicated that LPS/D-Gal exposure decreased the activity of pyruvate kinase and the content of pyruvate, which were reversed by the PKM2 activator TEPP-46. Pretreatment with TEPP-46 or supplementation with the cell-permeable pyruvate derivate ethyl pyruvate (EP) attenuated LPS/D-Gal-induced liver damage. Interestingly, post-insult intervention of pyruvate metabolism also resulted in beneficial outcomes. The phospho-antibody microarray analysis and immunoblot analysis found that the inhibitory phosphorylation of cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) was reversed by TEPP-46, DASA-58 or EP. In addition, the therapeutic benefits of PKM2 activator or EP were blunted by the CDK1 inhibitor Ro 3306. Our data suggests that LPS/D-Gal exposure-induced decline of pyruvate might be a novel metabolic mechanism underlies the development of LPS/D-Gal-induced fulminant liver injury, PKM2 activator or pyruvate derivate might have potential value for the pharmacological intervention of fulminant liver injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Lv
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Laboratory of Stem cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Honghong Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Hu
- Laboratory of Stem cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongqiang Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Longjiang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayi Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Laboratory of Stem cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingyuan Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Laboratory of Stem cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gilgenkrantz H, Mallat A, Moreau R, Lotersztajn S. Targeting cell-intrinsic metabolism for antifibrotic therapy. J Hepatol 2021; 74:1442-1454. [PMID: 33631228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, there have been major advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying fibrosis progression and regression, and how coordinated interactions between parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells impact on the fibrogenic process. Recent studies have highlighted that metabolic reprogramming of parenchymal cells, immune cells (immunometabolism) and hepatic stellate cells is required to support the energetic and anabolic demands of phenotypic changes and effector functions. In this review, we summarise how targeting cell-intrinsic metabolic modifications of the main fibrogenic cell actors may impact on fibrosis progression and we discuss the antifibrogenic potential of metabolically targeted interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene Gilgenkrantz
- Université de Paris, INSERM, U1149, CNRS, ERL 8252, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation (CRI), Laboratoire d'Excellence Inflamex, F-75018 Paris, France
| | - Ariane Mallat
- Université de Paris, INSERM, U1149, CNRS, ERL 8252, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation (CRI), Laboratoire d'Excellence Inflamex, F-75018 Paris, France
| | - Richard Moreau
- Université de Paris, INSERM, U1149, CNRS, ERL 8252, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation (CRI), Laboratoire d'Excellence Inflamex, F-75018 Paris, France
| | - Sophie Lotersztajn
- Université de Paris, INSERM, U1149, CNRS, ERL 8252, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation (CRI), Laboratoire d'Excellence Inflamex, F-75018 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Pei L, Le Y, Chen H, Feng J, Liu Z, Zhu J, Wang C, Chen L, Dou X, Lu D. Cynaroside prevents macrophage polarization into pro-inflammatory phenotype and alleviates cecal ligation and puncture-induced liver injury by targeting PKM2/HIF-1α axis. Fitoterapia 2021; 152:104922. [PMID: 33984439 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of sepsis is still challenging and the liver is an important target of sepsis-related injury. Macrophages are important innate immune cells in liver, and modulation of macrophages M1/M2 polarization may be a promising strategy for septic liver injury treatment. Macrophage polarization and inflammation of liver tissue has been shown regulated by pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)-mediated aerobic glycolysis and immune inflammatory pathways. Therefore, modulating PKM2-mediated immunometabolic reprogramming presents a novel strategy for inflammation-associated diseases. In this study, cynaroside, a flavonoid compound, promoted macrophage phenotypic transition from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2, and mitigated sepsis-associated liver inflammatory damage. We established that cynaroside reduced binding of PKM2 to hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) by abolishing translocation of PKM2 to the nucleus and promoting PKM2 tetramer formation, as well as suppressing phosphorylation of PKM2 at Y105 in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, cynaroside restored pyruvate kinase activity, inhibited glycolysis-related proteins including PFKFB3, HK2 and HIF-1α, and inhibited glycolysis-related hyperacetylation of HMGB1 in septic liver. Therefore, this study reports a novel function of cynaroside in hepatic macrophage polarization, and cecum ligation and puncture-induced liver injury in septic mice. The findings provide crucial information with regard to therapeutic efficacy of cynaroside in the treatment of sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liuhua Pei
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifei Le
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, China
| | - Hang Chen
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiafan Feng
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Liu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 330106 Hangzhou, China
| | - Cui Wang
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Chen
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Dou
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, China.
| | - Dezhao Lu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are resident non-parenchymal liver pericytes whose plasticity enables them to regulate a remarkable range of physiologic and pathologic responses. To support their functions in health and disease, HSCs engage pathways regulating carbohydrate, mitochondrial, lipid, and retinoid homeostasis. In chronic liver injury, HSCs drive hepatic fibrosis and are implicated in inflammation and cancer. To do so, the cells activate, or transdifferentiate, from a quiescent state into proliferative, motile myofibroblasts that secrete extracellular matrix, which demands rapid adaptation to meet a heightened energy need. Adaptations include reprogramming of central carbon metabolism, enhanced mitochondrial number and activity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and liberation of free fatty acids through autophagy-dependent hydrolysis of retinyl esters that are stored in cytoplasmic droplets. As an archetype for pericytes in other tissues, recognition of the HSC's metabolic drivers and vulnerabilities offer the potential to target these pathways therapeutically to enhance parenchymal growth and modulate repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parth Trivedi
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Puckett DL, Alquraishi M, Chowanadisai W, Bettaieb A. The Role of PKM2 in Metabolic Reprogramming: Insights into the Regulatory Roles of Non-Coding RNAs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1171. [PMID: 33503959 PMCID: PMC7865720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate kinase is a key regulator in glycolysis through the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) into pyruvate. Pyruvate kinase exists in various isoforms that can exhibit diverse biological functions and outcomes. The pyruvate kinase isoenzyme type M2 (PKM2) controls cell progression and survival through the regulation of key signaling pathways. In cancer cells, the dimer form of PKM2 predominates and plays an integral role in cancer metabolism. This predominance of the inactive dimeric form promotes the accumulation of phosphometabolites, allowing cancer cells to engage in high levels of synthetic processing to enhance their proliferative capacity. PKM2 has been recognized for its role in regulating gene expression and transcription factors critical for health and disease. This role enables PKM2 to exert profound regulatory effects that promote cancer cell metabolism, proliferation, and migration. In addition to its role in cancer, PKM2 regulates aspects essential to cellular homeostasis in non-cancer tissues and, in some cases, promotes tissue-specific pathways in health and diseases. In pursuit of understanding the diverse tissue-specific roles of PKM2, investigations targeting tissues such as the kidney, liver, adipose, and pancreas have been conducted. Findings from these studies enhance our understanding of PKM2 functions in various diseases beyond cancer. Therefore, there is substantial interest in PKM2 modulation as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of multiple conditions. Indeed, a vast plethora of research has focused on identifying therapeutic strategies for targeting PKM2. Recently, targeting PKM2 through its regulatory microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) has gathered increasing interest. Thus, the goal of this review is to highlight recent advancements in PKM2 research, with a focus on PKM2 regulatory microRNAs and lncRNAs and their subsequent physiological significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dexter L. Puckett
- Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (D.L.P.); (M.A.)
| | - Mohammed Alquraishi
- Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (D.L.P.); (M.A.)
| | - Winyoo Chowanadisai
- Department of Nutrition, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
| | - Ahmed Bettaieb
- Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (D.L.P.); (M.A.)
| |
Collapse
|