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Mohammed DM, Salem MB, Elzallat M, Hammam OA, Suliman AA. Moringa oleifera L. mediated zinc oxide nano-biofertilizer alleviates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via modulating de novo lipogenesis pathway and miRNA-122 expression. FOOD BIOSCI 2024; 60:104286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2024.104286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2024]
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Jeong HJ, Koo S, Kang YH, Kim TW, Kim HK, Park YJ. Hepatoprotective effects of paeonol by suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation via inhibition of SMAD2/3 and STAT3 pathways. Food Sci Biotechnol 2024; 33:1939-1946. [PMID: 38752108 PMCID: PMC11091017 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-023-01440-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a key event in extracellular matrix accumulation, causing hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, identifying chemicals that inhibit HSC activation is an important therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of paeonol on HSC activation. In LX-2 cells, paeonol inhibited the expression of collagen and decreased the expression of HSC activation markers. In mice with thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis, paeonol treatment decreased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase and mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin, platelet-derived growth factor-β, and connective-tissue growth factor. Investigation of the underlying molecular mechanism of paeonol showed that paeonol inhibits the SMAD2/3 and STAT3 signaling pathways that are important for HSC activation. On the basis of these results, paeonol should be investigated and developed further for hepatic fibrosis treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01440-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jin Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyeon Koo
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Ho Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Won Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
- Brain Busan 21 plus Research Project Group, Kyungsung University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Kyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
- Brain Busan 21 plus Research Project Group, Kyungsung University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Joo Park
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434 Republic of Korea
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Liu KX, Wang ZY, Ying YT, Wei RM, Dong DL, Sun ZJ. The antiprotozoal drug nitazoxanide improves experimental liver fibrosis in mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116205. [PMID: 38615918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116205] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Nitazoxanide is an FDA-approved antiprotozoal drug. Our previous studies find that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide affect AMPK, STAT3, and Smad2/3 signals which are involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, therefore, in the present study, we examined the effect of nitazoxanide on experimental liver fibrosis and elucidated the potential mechanisms. The in vivo experiment results showed that oral nitazoxanide (75, 100 mg·kg-1) significantly improved CCl4- and bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Oral nitazoxanide activated the inhibited AMPK and inhibited the activated STAT3 in liver tissues from liver fibrosis mice. The in vitro experiment results showed that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide activated AMPK and inhibited STAT3 signals in LX-2 cells (human hepatic stellate cells). Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited cell proliferation and collagen I expression and secretion of LX-2 cells. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)- and IL-6-induced increases of cell proliferation, collagen I expression and secretion, inhibited TGF-β1- and IL-6-induced STAT3 and Smad2/3 activation in LX-2 cells. In mouse primary hepatic stellate cells, nitazoxanide and tizoxanide also activated AMPK, inhibited STAT3 and Smad2/3 activation, inhibited cell proliferation, collagen I expression and secretion. In conclusion, nitazoxanide inhibits liver fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms involve AMPK activation, and STAT3 and Smad2/3 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Xin Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng-Yang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Ting Ying
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Miao Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Li Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhi-Jie Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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Liu J, Li Y, Li F, Zhang X, Wang Y, Zhou J. Landscape of extrachromosomal circular DNAs, transcriptome, and proteome analysis reveals insights into alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Gene 2024; 927:148599. [PMID: 38782221 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) is a result of excessive and chronic alcohol consumption. Because alchol can cause DNA damage, extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) was investigated in ALC liver due to it can be a result of DNA damage. Considering eccDNA has ability to lead to genomic instability as an enhancer of gene transcription, we utilized Circle-Seq to identify differences in eccDNA profiles and gene expression patterns in liver samples obtained from ALC patients (n = 3) and healthy controls (n = 3) to investigate the role of eccDNA in the development of ALC. The abundance of eccDNA in ALC (mean = 13,349) were higher than the healthy control (mean = 11,557) without significant difference (pvalue = 0.6530). We observed 1,032 eccDNA containing genes showed higher expression in ALC patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05, log2FC > 1). Notably, we discovered seven genes that exhibited a significant positive correlation between eccDNA abundance and gene expression levels. These genes include A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 2 (ADAMTS2), Voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1C (CACNA1C), Protein TANC1 (TANC1), Integrin alpha-2 (ITGA2), EH domain-containing protein 4 (EHD4), Phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 1 (PACS1), and Neuron navigator 2 (NAV2). Through mass spectrometry proteomics, ITGA2 were found to have significantly higher abbudance in ALC. Integrins are a family of proteins plays key roles in the fibrosis development of liver. Thus, our study opens a new perspective for liver fibrosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi jia Zhuang 050051, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding, Hebei 071000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi jia Zhuang 050051, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding, Hebei 071000, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi jia Zhuang 050051, China
| | - Junying Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi jia Zhuang 050051, China.
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Talari NK, Mattam U, Kaminska D, Sotomayor-Rodriguez I, Rahman AP, Péterfy M, Pajukanta P, Pihlajamäki J, Chella Krishnan K. Hepatokine ITIH3 protects against hepatic steatosis by downregulating mitochondrial bioenergetics and de novo lipogenesis. iScience 2024; 27:109709. [PMID: 38689636 PMCID: PMC11059128 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate that liver secretory proteins, also known as hepatokines, regulate normal development, obesity, and simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression. Using a panel of ∼100 diverse inbred strains of mice and a cohort of bariatric surgery patients, we found that one such hepatokine, inter-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 3 (ITIH3), was progressively lower in severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) disease states highlighting an inverse relationship between Itih3/ITIH3 expression and NAFLD severity. Follow-up animal and cell culture models demonstrated that hepatic ITIH3 overexpression lowered liver triglyceride and lipid droplet accumulation, respectively. Conversely, ITIH3 knockdown in mice increased the liver triglyceride in two independent NAFLD models. Mechanistically, ITIH3 reduced mitochondrial respiration and this, in turn, reduced liver triglycerides, via downregulated de novo lipogenesis. This was accompanied by increased STAT1 signaling and Stat3 expression, both of which are known to protect against NAFLD/NASH. Our findings indicate hepatokine ITIH3 as a potential biomarker and/or treatment for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noble Kumar Talari
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ushodaya Mattam
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Dorota Kaminska
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Irene Sotomayor-Rodriguez
- Medical Sciences Baccalaureate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Afra P. Rahman
- Medical Sciences Baccalaureate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Miklós Péterfy
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Päivi Pajukanta
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute for Precision Health, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jussi Pihlajamäki
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Karthickeyan Chella Krishnan
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Wang K, Zhan HQ, Hu Y, Yuan ZY, Yang JF, Yang DS, Tao LS, Xu T. The role of interleukin-20 in liver disease: Functions, mechanisms and clinical applications. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29853. [PMID: 38699038 PMCID: PMC11064155 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver disease is a severe public health concern worldwide. There is a close relationship between the liver and cytokines, and liver inflammation from a variety of causes leads to the release and activation of cytokines. The functions of cytokines are complex and variable, and are closely related to their cellular origin, target molecules and mode of action. Interleukin (IL)-20 has been studied as a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is expressed and regulated in some diseases. Furthermore, accumulating evidences has shown that IL-20 is highly expressed in clinical samples from patients with liver disease, promoting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules involved in liver disease progression, and antagonists of IL-20 can effectively inhibit liver injury and produce protective effects. This review highlights the potential of targeting IL-20 in liver diseases, elucidates the potential mechanisms of IL-20 inducing liver injury, and suggests multiple viable strategies to mitigate the pro-inflammatory response to IL-20. Genomic CRISPR/Cas9-based screens may be a feasible way to further explore the signaling pathways and regulation of IL-20 in liver diseases. Nanovector systems targeting IL-20 offer new possibilities for the treatment and prevention of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - He-Qin Zhan
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhan-Yuan Yuan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Jun-Fa Yang
- Department of orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Da-Shuai Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Liang-Song Tao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
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Mahmoudi A, Hajihasani MM, Majeed M, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Effect of Calebin-A on Critical Genes Related to NAFLD: A Protein-Protein Interaction Network and Molecular Docking Study. Curr Genomics 2024; 25:120-139. [PMID: 38751599 PMCID: PMC11092913 DOI: 10.2174/0113892029280454240214072212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Calebin-A is a minor phytoconstituent of turmeric known for its activity against inflammation, oxidative stress, cancerous, and metabolic disorders like Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). Based on bioinformatic tools. Subsequently, the details of the interaction of critical proteins with Calebin-A were investigated using the molecular docking technique. Methods We first probed the intersection of genes/ proteins between NAFLD and Calebin-A through online databases. Besides, we performed an enrichment analysis using the ClueGO plugin to investigate signaling pathways and gene ontology. Next, we evaluate the possible interaction of Calebin-A with significant hub proteins involved in NAFLD through a molecular docking study. Results We identified 87 intersection genes Calebin-A targets associated with NAFLD. PPI network analysis introduced 10 hub genes (TP53, TNF, STAT3, HSP90AA1, PTGS2, HDAC6, ABCB1, CCT2, NR1I2, and GUSB). In KEGG enrichment, most were associated with Sphingolipid, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), C-type lectin receptor, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. The biological processes described in 87 intersection genes are mostly concerned with regulating the apoptotic process, cytokine production, and intracellular signal transduction. Molecular docking results also directed that Calebin-A had a high affinity to bind hub proteins linked to NAFLD. Conclusion Here, we showed that Calebin-A, through its effect on several critical genes/ proteins and pathways, might repress the progression of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Hajihasani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Muhammed Majeed
- Department of Chemistry, Sabinsa Corporation, 20 Lake Drive, East Windsor, NJ, 08520, USA
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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She Y, Guo Z, Zhai Q, Liu J, Du Q, Zhang Z. CDK4/6 inhibitors in drug-induced liver injury: a pharmacovigilance study of the FAERS database and analysis of the drug-gene interaction network. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1378090. [PMID: 38633610 PMCID: PMC11021785 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1378090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the potential risk of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) caused by the CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is abemaciclib, ribociclib, and palbociclib by comprehensively analyzing the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Moreover, potential toxicological mechanisms of CDK4/6is-related liver injury were explored via drug-gene network analysis. Methods In this retrospective observational study, we collected reports of DILI associated with CDK4/6i use from the FAERS dated January 2014 to March 2023. We conducted disproportionality analyses using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Pathway enrichment analysis and drug-gene network analyses were subsequently performed to determine the potential mechanisms underlying CDK4/6i-induced liver injury. Results We found positive signals for DILI with ribociclib (ROR = 2.60) and abemaciclib (ROR = 2.37). DILIs associated with liver-related investigations, signs, and symptoms were confirmed in all three reports of CDK4/6is. Moreover, ascites was identified as an unlisted hepatic adverse effect of palbociclib. We isolated 189 interactive target genes linking CDK4/6 inhibitors to hepatic injury. Several key genes, such as STAT3, HSP90AA1, and EP300, were revealed via protein-protein analysis, emphasizing their central roles within the network. KEGG pathway enrichment of these genes highlighted multiple pathways. Conclusion Our study revealed variations in hepatobiliary toxicity among the different CDK4/6 inhibitors, with ribociclib showing the highest risk of liver injury, followed by abemaciclib, while palbociclib appeared relatively safe. Our findings emphasize the need for cautious use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, and regular liver function monitoring is recommended for long-term CDK4/6 inhibitor use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjun She
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zihan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiyong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongwei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Critical Care, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
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Wang X, Zheng S, Fang C, Liang X, Yang Y. UBE2J1 promotes ALV-A proviral DNA synthesis through the STAT3/IRF1 signaling pathway. Vet Microbiol 2024; 291:110012. [PMID: 38387235 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110012] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-binding enzyme E2J1 is located on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. It plays a role in transport throughout the process of ubiquitination. In mammals, UBE2J1 can promote RNA virus replication. However, the biological function of chicken UBE2J1 is unclear. In this study, chicken UBE2J1 was cloned for the first time, and UBE2J1 overexpression and shRNA knockdown plasmids were constructed. In chicken embryo fibroblasts, overexpression of UBE2J1 promoted the replication of subtype A avian leukosis virus, while knockdown of UBE2J1 inhibited the replication of ALV-A virus. In addition, we divided virus replication into virus adsorption and invasion into DF-1 cells, synthesis of proviral DNA, and release of viral particles. UBE2J1 promoted the replication of ALV-A virus by promoting the synthesis of proviral DNA. This result was caused by UBE2J1 inhibiting the production of interferon by inhibiting the STAT3/IRF1 pathway. We mutated ser at position 184 of UBE2J1 to Gly and found that this site plays a role as the phosphorylation site of UBE2J1. We confirmed that UBE2J1 promotes ALV-A replication in chicken embryo fibroblasts by inhibiting the STAT3/IRF1 pathway. This study provides new ideas and insights into ubiquitin-related proteins and antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingming Wang
- School of Animal Science, Yangtze University, No.88, Jingmi Road, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Shiling Zheng
- School of Animal Science, Yangtze University, No.88, Jingmi Road, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Chun Fang
- School of Animal Science, Yangtze University, No.88, Jingmi Road, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Xiongyan Liang
- School of Animal Science, Yangtze University, No.88, Jingmi Road, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Yuying Yang
- School of Animal Science, Yangtze University, No.88, Jingmi Road, Jingzhou 434025, China.
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Jia J, Zhou X, Chu Q. Mechanisms and therapeutic prospect of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in liver cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04983-5. [PMID: 38519710 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04983-5] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer (LC) poses a significant global health challenge due to its high incidence and poor prognosis. Current systemic treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and immunotherapy, have shown limited effectiveness for advanced LC patients. Moreover, owing to the heterogeneous nature of LC, it is crucial to uncover more in-depth pathogenic mechanisms and develop effective treatments to address the limitations of the existing therapeutic modalities. Increasing evidence has revealed the crucial role of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway in the pathogenesis of LC. The specific mechanisms driving the JAK-STAT pathway activation in LC, participate in a variety of malignant biological processes, including cell differentiation, evasion, anti-apoptosis, immune escape, and treatment resistance. Both preclinical and clinical investigations on the JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors have exhibited potential in LC treatment, thereby opening up avenues for the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies for LC. In this study, we provide an overview of the JAK-STAT pathway, delving into the composition, activation, and dynamic interplay within the pathway. Additionally, we focus on the molecular mechanisms driving the aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway in LC. Furthermore, we summarize the latest advancements in targeting the JAK-STAT pathway for LC treatment. The insights presented in this review aim to underscore the necessity of research into the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for LC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- JunJun Jia
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xuelian Zhou
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qingfei Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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11
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Lin S, Zhang S, Zhan A, Feng J, Yang Q, Li T, Liu Z, Mo Q, Fan H, Wang K, Wang L. Palmatine alleviates cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast activation through the STAT3 pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176395. [PMID: 38350592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176395] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis, the hallmark of cardiovascular disease, is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the heart. Emerging evidence indicates that cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) play pivotal roles in driving cardiac fibrosis. However, due to incomplete insights into CFs, there are limited effective approaches to prevent or reverse cardiac fibrosis currently. Palmatine, a protoberberine alkaloid extracted from traditional Chinese botanical remedies, possesses diverse biological effects. This study investigated the potential therapeutic value and mechanism of palmatine against cardiac fibrosis. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were treated with vehicle, isoproterenol (ISO), or ISO plus palmatine for one week. After echocardiography assessment, mice hearts were collected for histopathology, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analyses. Primary rat CFs were utilized in vitro. Compared to control, ISO-treated mice exhibited cardiac hypertrophy and structural abnormalities; however, treatment with palmatine ameliorated these effects of ISO. Moreover, palmatine treatment mitigated ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis showed that palmatine strongly binds the regulators of cardiac fibrosis including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mammalian target of rapamycin. Furthermore, palmatine reduced the elevated fibrotic factor expressions and overactivated STAT3 induced by ISO, Transformed growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), or interleukin-6 both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, blocking STAT3 suppressed the TGF-β1-induced CF activation. Collectively, these data demonstrated that palmatine attenuated cardiac fibrosis partly by inhibiting fibroblast activation through the STAT3 pathway. This provides an experimental basis for the clinical treatment of cardiac fibrosis with palmatine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoling Lin
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glycolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shengxi Zhang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glycolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Guangdong Hydropower Group Hospital, Guangzhou, 511340, China
| | - Angyu Zhan
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glycolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jiaojiao Feng
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glycolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qianqian Yang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glycolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Tongjun Li
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glycolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zijian Liu
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Quqian Mo
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glycolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glycolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Keke Wang
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Lexun Wang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glycolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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12
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He S, Luo Y, Ma W, Wang X, Yan C, Hao W, Fang Y, Su H, Lai B, Liu J, Xiong Y, Bai T, Ren X, Liu E, Han H, Wu Y, Yuan Z, Wang Y. Endothelial POFUT1 controls injury-induced liver fibrosis by repressing fibrinogen synthesis. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00152-1. [PMID: 38460791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS NOTCH signaling in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) regulates liver fibrosis, a pathological feature of chronic liver diseases. POFUT1 is an essential regulator of NOTCH signaling. Here, we investigated the role of LSEC-expressed POFUT1 in liver fibrosis. METHODS Endothelial-specific Pofut1 knockout mice were generated and experimental liver fibrosis was induced by chronic carbon tetrachloride exposure or common bile duct ligation. Liver samples were assessed by ELISA, histology, electron microscopy, immunostaining and RNA in situ hybridization. LSECs and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated for gene expression analysis by RNA sequencing, qPCR, and western blotting. Signaling crosstalk between LSECs and HSCs was investigated by treating HSCs with supernatant from LSEC cultures. Liver single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from patients with cirrhosis and healthy individuals were analyzed to evaluate the clinical relevance of gene expression changes observed in mouse studies. RESULTS POFUT1 loss promoted injury-induced LSEC capillarization and HSC activation, leading to aggravated liver fibrosis. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that POFUT1 deficiency upregulated fibrinogen expression in LSECs. Consistently, fibrinogen was elevated in LSECs of patients with cirrhosis. HSCs treated with supernatant from LSECs of Pofut1 null mice showed exacerbated activation compared to those treated with supernatant from control LSECs, and this effect was attenuated by knockdown of fibrinogen or by pharmacological inhibition of fibrinogen receptor signaling, altogether suggesting that LSEC-derived fibrinogen induced the activation of HSCs. Mechanistically, POFUT1 loss augmented fibrinogen expression by enhancing NOTCH/HES1/STAT3 signaling. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial POFUT1 prevents injury-induced liver fibrosis by repressing the expression of fibrinogen, which functions as a profibrotic paracrine signal to activate HSCs. Therapies targeting the POFUT1/fibrinogen axis offer a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of fibrotic liver diseases. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Paracrine signals produced by liver vasculature play a major role in the development of liver fibrosis, which is a pathological hallmark of most liver diseases. Identifying those paracrine signals is clinically relevant in that they may serve as therapeutic targets. In this study, we discovered that genetic deletion of Pofut1 aggravated experimental liver fibrosis in mouse models. Moreover, fibrinogen was identified as a downstream target repressed by Pofut1 in liver endothelial cells and functioned as a novel paracrine signal that drove liver fibrosis. In addition, fibrinogen was found to be relevant to cirrhosis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for this devastating human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuru Luo
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wangge Ma
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoke Wang
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chengrong Yan
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenyang Hao
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongyu Su
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baochang Lai
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junhui Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Bai
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyong Ren
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Enqi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Zuyi Yuan
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yidong Wang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Cardiology, Wenling First People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, China.
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Pang X, Gao S, Liu T, Xu FX, Fan C, Zhang JF, Jiang H. Identification of STAT3 as a biomarker for cellular senescence in liver fibrosis: A bioinformatics and experimental validation study. Genomics 2024; 116:110800. [PMID: 38286349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110800] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular senescence is associated with a dysregulated inflammatory response, which is an important driver of the development of liver fibrosis (LF). This study aimed to investigate the effect of cellular senescence on LF and identify potential key biomarkers through bioinformatics analysis combined with validation experiments in vivo and in vitro. METHODS The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and GeneCards database were used to download the LF dataset and the aging-related gene set, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of differential genes was then performed using GO and KEGG. Hub genes were further screened using Cytoscape's cytoHubba. Diagnostic values for hub genes were evaluated with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Next, CIBERSORTx was used to estimate immune cell types and ratios. Finally, in vivo and in vitro experiments validated the results of the bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, molecular docking was used to simulate drug-gene interactions. RESULTS A total of 44 aging-related differentially expressed genes (AgDEGs) were identified, and enrichment analysis showed that these genes were mainly enriched in inflammatory and immune responses. PPI network analysis identified 6 hub AgDEGs (STAT3, TNF, MMP9, CD44, TGFB1, and TIMP1), and ROC analysis showed that they all have good diagnostic value. Immune infiltration suggested that hub AgDEGs were significantly associated with M1 macrophages or other immune cells. Notably, STAT3 was positively correlated with α-SMA, COL1A1, IL-6 and IL-1β, and was mainly expressed in hepatocytes (HCs). Validation experiments showed that STAT3 expression was upregulated and cellular senescence was increased in LF mice. A co-culture system of HCs and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) further revealed that inhibiting STAT3 reduced HCs senescence and suppressed HSCs activation. In addition, molecular docking revealed that STAT3 was a potential drug therapy target. CONCLUSIONS STAT3 may be involved in HCs senescence and promote HSCs activation, which in turn leads to the development of LF. Our findings suggest that STAT3 could be a potential biomarker for LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Pang
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Shang Gao
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Feng Xia Xu
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Fan
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China
| | - Jia Fu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China.
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14
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Gawish RA, Samy EM, Aziz MM. Ferulic acid protects against gamma-radiation induced liver injury via regulating JAK/STAT/Nrf2 pathways. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 753:109895. [PMID: 38244663 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109895] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effect and underlying mechanism of ferulic acid (FA) in alleviating the acute liver injury by ionizing radiation (IR) in vivo. Rats were divided into 4groups (Groups: control, 6Gy irradiated (IRR), FA (50 mg/kg) and FA + IRR). The results showed that FA can effectively inhibit liver damage and restore the structure and function of the liver. In mechanism, FA prevented IR-induced liver fibrosis and blocked the JAK/STAT signaling pathway to effectively inhibit the hepatic inflammatory response; and inhibited IR-induced oxidative stress (OS) by upregulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and promoting the synthesis of several antioxidants. Moreover, FA inhibited ferroptosis in the liver by stimulating the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11. FA reduced lipid peroxidation by downregulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and iron aggregation, thus inhibiting ferroptosis and alleviating IR-induced liver injury. In conclusion, the current study suggests the potential complex mechanisms underlying the mitigating impact of FA in IR-induced ferroptotic liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania A Gawish
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Esraa M Samy
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Maha M Aziz
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
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15
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Pessino G, Scotti C, Maggi M, Immuno-Hub Consortium. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:901. [PMID: 38473265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050901] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maristella Maggi
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Immuno-Hub Consortium
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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16
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Mass-Sanchez PB, Krizanac M, Štancl P, Leopold M, Engel KM, Buhl EM, van Helden J, Gassler N, Schiller J, Karlić R, Möckel D, Lammers T, Meurer SK, Weiskirchen R, Asimakopoulos A. Perilipin 5 deletion protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:94. [PMID: 38388533 PMCID: PMC10884415 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01860-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are incompletely understood. During the development of NAFLD, Perilipin 5 (PLIN5) can regulate lipid metabolism by suppressing lipolysis and preventing lipotoxicity. Other reports suggest that the lack of PLIN5 decreases hepatic injury, indicating a protective role in NAFLD pathology. To better understand the role of PLIN5 in liver disease, we established mouse models of NAFLD and NAFLD-induced HCC, in which wild-type and Plin5 null mice were exposed to a single dose of acetone or 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in acetone, followed by a 30-week high-fat diet supplemented with glucose/fructose. In the NAFLD model, RNA-seq revealed significant changes in genes related to lipid metabolism and immune response. At the intermediate level, pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and protein kinase B (AKT) were blunted in Plin5-deficient mice (Plin5-/-) compared to wild-type mice (WT). In the NAFLD-HCC model, only WT mice developed liver tumors, while Plin5-/- mice were resistant to tumorigenesis. Furthermore, only 32 differentially expressed genes associated with NALFD progession were identified in Plin5 null mice. The markers of mitochondrial function and immune response, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) and phosphorylated STAT3, were decreased. Lipidomic analysis revealed differential levels of some sphingomyelins between WT and Plin5-/- mice. Interestingly, these changes were not detected in the HCC model, indicating a possible shift in the metabolism of sphingomelins during carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Berenice Mass-Sanchez
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marinela Krizanac
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Paula Štancl
- Bioinformatics Group, Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marvin Leopold
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Facutly of Medicine, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kathrin M Engel
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Facutly of Medicine, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eva Miriam Buhl
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Nikolaus Gassler
- Section Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Jena, D-07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schiller
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Facutly of Medicine, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rosa Karlić
- Bioinformatics Group, Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Diana Möckel
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Steffen K Meurer
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Anastasia Asimakopoulos
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.
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17
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Yang S, Liu C, Jiang M, Liu X, Geng L, Zhang Y, Sun S, Wang K, Yin J, Ma S, Wang S, Belmonte JCI, Zhang W, Qu J, Liu GH. A single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas of primate liver aging uncovers the pro-senescence role of SREBP2 in hepatocytes. Protein Cell 2024; 15:98-120. [PMID: 37378670 PMCID: PMC10833472 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging increases the risk of liver diseases and systemic susceptibility to aging-related diseases. However, cell type-specific changes and the underlying mechanism of liver aging in higher vertebrates remain incompletely characterized. Here, we constructed the first single-nucleus transcriptomic landscape of primate liver aging, in which we resolved cell type-specific gene expression fluctuation in hepatocytes across three liver zonations and detected aberrant cell-cell interactions between hepatocytes and niche cells. Upon in-depth dissection of this rich dataset, we identified impaired lipid metabolism and upregulation of chronic inflammation-related genes prominently associated with declined liver functions during aging. In particular, hyperactivated sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) signaling was a hallmark of the aged liver, and consequently, forced activation of SREBP2 in human primary hepatocytes recapitulated in vivo aging phenotypes, manifesting as impaired detoxification and accelerated cellular senescence. This study expands our knowledge of primate liver aging and informs the development of diagnostics and therapeutic interventions for liver aging and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yang
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Chengyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengmeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoqian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lingling Geng
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuhui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jian Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Si Wang
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | | | - Weiqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jing Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing 100101, China
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18
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Choi HJ, Kim YA, Ryu J, Park KK, Lee SJ, Kim BS, Song JE, Kim JD. STAT3 Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotides Suppress Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Liver Cancer Cells and a DDC-Induced Liver Injury Mouse Model. Molecules 2024; 29:593. [PMID: 38338338 PMCID: PMC10856653 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030593] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver damage caused by various factors results in fibrosis and inflammation, leading to cirrhosis and cancer. Fibrosis results in the accumulation of extracellular matrix components. The role of STAT proteins in mediating liver inflammation and fibrosis has been well documented; however, approved therapies targeting STAT3 inhibition against liver disease are lacking. This study investigated the anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of STAT3 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) in hepatocytes and liver fibrosis mouse models. STAT3 decoy ODN were delivered into cells using liposomes and hydrodynamic tail vein injection into 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-fed mice in which liver injury was induced. STAT3 target gene expression changes were verified using qPCR and Western blotting. Liver tissue fibrosis and bile duct proliferation were assessed in animal experiments using staining techniques, and macrophage and inflammatory cytokine distribution was verified using immunohistochemistry. STAT3 decoy ODN reduced fibrosis and inflammatory factors in liver cancer cell lines and DDC-induced liver injury mouse model. These results suggest that STAT3 decoy ODN may effectively treat liver fibrosis and must be clinically investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Choi
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea;
| | - Young-Ah Kim
- Seoul Clinical Laboratories of Daegu, Daegu 41238, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghwa Ryu
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea; (K.-K.P.)
| | - Sun-Jae Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea; (K.-K.P.)
| | - Byung Seok Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea; (B.S.K.)
| | - Jeong-En Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea; (B.S.K.)
| | - Joo Dong Kim
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea;
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Hassan A, Rijo P, Abuamara TMM, Ali Lashin LS, Kamar SA, Bangay G, Al-Sawahli MM, Fouad MK, Zoair MA, Abdalrhman TI, Elebeedy D, Ibrahim IA, Mohamed AF, Abd El Maksoud AI. Synergistic Differential DNA Demethylation Activity of Danshensu ( Salvia miltiorrhiza) Associated with Different Probiotics in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2024; 12:279. [PMID: 38397881 PMCID: PMC10886676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020279] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major hepatic disorder occurring in non-alcohol-drinking individuals. Salvianic acid A or Danshensu (DSS, 3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-(2R)-lactic acid), derived from the root of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), has demonstrated heart and liver protective properties. In this work, we investigated the antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective activity of Danshensu alone and in combination with different agents, such as probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus), against several assays. The inhibition mechanism of the methylation gene biomarkers, such as DNMT-1, MS, STAT-3, and TET-1, against DSS was evaluated by molecular docking and RT-PCR techniques. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic ADMET properties of DSS were determined by SwissADME and pkCSM. The results indicated that all lipid blood test profiles, including cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were reduced after the oral administration of Danshensu combined with probiotics (L. casei and L. acidophilus) that demonstrated good, efficient free radical scavenging activity, measured using anti-oxidant assays. ADMET and drug-likeness properties certify that the DSS could be utilized as a feasible drug since DSS showed satisfactory physicochemical and pharmacokinetic ADMET properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Hassan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat 32897, Egypt
| | - Patrícia Rijo
- CBIOS—Lusófona University’s Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tamer M. M. Abuamara
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19111, Jordan; (T.M.M.A.); (L.S.A.L.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Lashin Saad Ali Lashin
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19111, Jordan; (T.M.M.A.); (L.S.A.L.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Sherif A. Kamar
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19111, Jordan; (T.M.M.A.); (L.S.A.L.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Gabrielle Bangay
- CBIOS—Lusófona University’s Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas (Área de Farmacología; Nuevos agentes antitumorales, Acción tóxica sobre células leucémicas), Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km. 33,600, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España
| | - Majid Mohammed Al-Sawahli
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Islamic University, Najaf 54001, Iraq;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafr Elsheikh University, Kafr Elsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Marina K. Fouad
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza 12573, Egypt; (M.K.F.); (D.E.); (A.I.A.E.M.)
| | - Mohammad A. Zoair
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt;
| | - Tamer I. Abdalrhman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt;
| | - Dalia Elebeedy
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza 12573, Egypt; (M.K.F.); (D.E.); (A.I.A.E.M.)
| | - Ibrahim A. Ibrahim
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat 32897, Egypt;
| | - Aly F. Mohamed
- Holding Company for Vaccine and Sera Production (VACSERA), Giza 22311, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed I. Abd El Maksoud
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza 12573, Egypt; (M.K.F.); (D.E.); (A.I.A.E.M.)
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat 32897, Egypt
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20
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Luo X, Ye Z, Xu C, Chen H, Dai S, Chen W, Bao G. Corosolic acid enhances oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and senescence in pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:176. [PMID: 38252208 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09105-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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a fatal human malignancy with a poor prognosis. Corosolic acid (CRA) is a triterpenoid, has been reported to have inhibitory effects on tumor growth. However, the role of CRA on PC has not been explored. Here, we aimed to uncover the molecular mechanisms of CRA in PC progression. METHODS Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, cell apoptosis and senescence were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), LDH, flow cytometry and senescence associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) assay. Levels of relevant proteins and oxidative stress (OS) markers were evaluated by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A xenograft tumor model was established to explore the in vivo effects of CRA on PC. RESULTS We found that CRA inhibited PC cell viability and promoted LDH release in a dose-dependent manner, but had no significant effect on human normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells HPDE6C7. CRA increased OS-induced cell apoptosis and senescence in HAPC and SW1990 cells. And CRA decreased the levels of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and elevated the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and senescence-associated proteins P21 and P53. Besides, CRA decreased tumor growth in xenograft models. Furthermore, CRA inactivated the Janus kinase-2 (JAK2)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in HAPC and SW1990 cells. Functional experiments demonstrated that activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway by the JAK2 activator coumermycin A1 (C-A1) or the STAT3 activator colivelin (col) reduced the contribution effect of OS, apoptosis and senescence by CRA. CONCLUSION Taken together, our findings indicated that CRA exerted anti-cancer effects in PC by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhengchen Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Chenglei Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shupeng Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Weihong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Guoqing Bao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, China.
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21
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Meng CC, Chen DY, Chen YH, Huang WN, Chen HH. Antirheumatic drugs and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A nationwide, population-based cohort study. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15003. [PMID: 38073585 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15003] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the association between antirheumatic drugs and of the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a nationwide rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort. METHODS Using claim data from the 2000-2020 National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 21 457 incident patients with RA from 2002 to 2020 without prior liver diseases. A time-varying multivariable Cox regression model was applied to estimate for the association of NAFLD with the use of antirheumatic drugs after adjusting potential confounders, show as adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age-, sex-, and obesity-related comorbidities. RESULTS Multivariable time-dependent Cox regression analyses showed that defined daily dose (DDD) of NSAID (aHR, 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.05) and prednisolone equivalent dose >5 mg/day (aHR, 2.39; 95% CI: 1.85-3.09) were risk factors of NAFLD in patients with RA, while prednisolone equivalent dose ≤5 mg/day (aHR of 0.53; 95% CI: 0.40-0.71) and HCQ use (aHR of 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60-0.93) were associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD. In addition, a history of hospitalizations, number of outpatient visits, age, male, and leflunomide use were associated with the development of NAFLD in some subgroups. CONCLUSION This study reveals that NSAID use and prednisolone equivalent dose >5 mg/day were associated with an increased risk of NAFLD in patients with RA, while the use of HCQ and prednisolone equivalent dose ≤5 mg/day decreased the risk of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chu Meng
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yuan Chen
- Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsing Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Nan Huang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Business and Management, Ling Tung University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medi-cine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Big Data Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
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22
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Verma S, Ishteyaque S, Washimkar KR, Verma S, Nilakanth Mugale M. Mitochondrial-mediated nuclear remodeling and macrophage polarizations: A key switch from liver fibrosis to HCC progression. Exp Cell Res 2024; 434:113878. [PMID: 38086504 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113878] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a significant health burden worldwide and has emerged as the leading cause of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence. Mitochondria are the dynamic organelles that regulate the differentiation, survival, and polarization of macrophages. Nuclear-DNA-associated proteins, micro-RNAs, as well as macrophage polarization are essential for maintaining intracellular and extra-cellular homeostasis in the liver parenchyma. Dysregulated mitochondrial coding genes (ETS complexes I, II, III, IV, and V), non-coding RNAs (mitomiRs), and nuclear alteration lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation which are implicated in the transition of liver fibrosis into HCC. Recent findings indicated the protecting effect of E74-like factor 3/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (Elf-3/PPAR-γ). HDAR-y inhibits the deacetylation of PPAR-y and maintains the PPAR-y pathway. Elf-3 plays a tumor suppressive role through epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related gene and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB-2) domain. Additionally, the development of HCC includes the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) pathway that promotes the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through Smad/Snail/Slug signaling cascade. In contrast, the TLR2/NOX2/autophagy axis promotes M2 polarization in HCC. Thus, a thorough understanding of the mitochondrial and nuclear reciprocal relationship related to macrophage polarization could provide new research opportunities concerning diseases with a significant impact on liver parenchyma towards developing liver fibrosis or liver cancer. Moreover, this knowledge can be used to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobhit Verma
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sharmeen Ishteyaque
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Kaveri R Washimkar
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Smriti Verma
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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23
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Mondal T, Smith CI, Loffredo CA, Quartey R, Moses G, Howell CD, Korba B, Kwabi-Addo B, Nunlee-Bland G, R. Rucker L, Johnson J, Ghosh S. Transcriptomics of MASLD Pathobiology in African American Patients in the Washington DC Area †. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16654. [PMID: 38068980 PMCID: PMC10706626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is becoming the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is of concern among African Americans (AA) in the United States. This pilot study evaluated the differential gene expressions and identified the signature genes in the disease pathways of AA individuals with MASLD. Blood samples were obtained from MASLD patients (n = 23) and non-MASLD controls (n = 24) along with their sociodemographic and medical details. Whole-blood transcriptomic analysis was carried out using Affymetrix Clarion-S Assay. A validation study was performed utilizing TaqMan Arrays coupled with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to identify the major disease pathways. Out of 21,448 genes in total, 535 genes (2.5%) were significantly (p < 0.05) and differentially expressed when we compared the cases and controls. A significant overlap in the predominant differentially expressed genes and pathways identified in previous studies using hepatic tissue was observed. Of note, TGFB1 and E2F1 genes were upregulated, and HMBS was downregulated significantly. Hepatic fibrosis signaling is the top canonical pathway, and its corresponding biofunction contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The findings address the knowledge gaps regarding how signature genes and functional pathways can be detected in blood samples ('liquid biopsy') in AA MASLD patients, demonstrating the potential of the blood samples as an alternative non-invasive source of material for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmoy Mondal
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (T.M.); (G.M.); (J.J.)
| | - Coleman I. Smith
- MedStar-Georgetown Transplantation Institute, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | | | - Ruth Quartey
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (R.Q.); (C.D.H.)
| | - Gemeyel Moses
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (T.M.); (G.M.); (J.J.)
| | - Charles D. Howell
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (R.Q.); (C.D.H.)
| | - Brent Korba
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Bernard Kwabi-Addo
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Gail Nunlee-Bland
- Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Leanna R. Rucker
- Department of Internal Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Jheannelle Johnson
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (T.M.); (G.M.); (J.J.)
| | - Somiranjan Ghosh
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (T.M.); (G.M.); (J.J.)
- Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
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Rafiq H, Hu J, Hakami MA, Hazazi A, Alamri MA, Alkhatabi HA, Mahmood A, Alotaibi BS, Wadood A, Huang X. Identification of novel STAT3 inhibitors for liver fibrosis, using pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking, and biomolecular dynamics simulations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20147. [PMID: 37978263 PMCID: PMC10656421 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46193-x] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a fundamental role in the growth and regulation of cellular life. Activation and over-expression of STAT3 have been implicated in many cancers including solid blood tumors and other diseases such as liver fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, STAT3 inhibitors are be coming a growing and interesting area of pharmacological research. Consequently, the aim of this study is to design novel inhibitors of STAT3-SH3 computationally for the reduction of liver fibrosis. Herein, we performed Pharmacophore-based virtual screening of databases including more than 19,481 commercially available compounds and in-house compounds. The hits obtained from virtual screening were further docked with the STAT3 receptor. The hits were further ranked on the basis of docking score and binding interaction with the active site of STAT3. ADMET properties of the screened compounds were calculated and filtered based on drug-likeness criteria. Finally, the top five drug-like hit compounds were selected and subjected to molecular dynamic simulation. The stability of each drug-like hit in complex with STAT3 was determined by computing their RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and DCCM analyses. Among all the compounds Sa32 revealed a good docking score, interactions, and stability during the entire simulation procedure. As compared to the Reference compound, the drug-like hit compound Sa32 showed good docking scores, interaction, stability, and binding energy. Therefore, we identified Sa32 as the best small molecule potent inhibitor for STAT3 that will be helpful in the future for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma Rafiq
- Department of Biochemistry, Computational Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Junjian Hu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Dongguan Songshan Lake Central Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Mohammed Ageeli Hakami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Hazazi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mubarak A Alamri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, 11942, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hind A Alkhatabi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arif Mahmood
- Center for Medical Genetics and Human Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Bader S Alotaibi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department of Biochemistry, Computational Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan.
| | - Xiaoyun Huang
- Department of Neurology, Dongguan Songshan Lake Central Hospital, Dongguan, China.
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25
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Sabir U, Gu HM, Zhang DW. Extracellular matrix turnover: phytochemicals target and modulate the dual role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in liver fibrosis. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4932-4962. [PMID: 37461256 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7959] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) resolution by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a well-documented mechanism. MMPs play a dual and complex role in modulating ECM degradation at different stages of liver fibrosis, depending on the timing and levels of their expression. Increased MMP-1 combats disease progression by cleaving the fibrillar ECM. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) increase expression of MMP-2, -9, and -13 in different chemicals-induced animal models, which may alleviate or worsen disease progression based on animal models and the stage of liver fibrosis. In the early stage, elevated expression of certain MMPs may damage surrounding tissue and activate HSCs, promoting fibrosis progression. At the later stage, downregulation of MMPs can facilitate ECM accumulation and disease progression. A number of phytochemicals modulate MMP activity and ECM turnover, alleviating disease progression. However, the effects of phytochemicals on the expression of different MMPs are variable and may depend on the disease models and stage, and the dosage, timing and duration of phytochemicals used in each study. Here, we review the most recent advances in the role of MMPs in the effects of phytochemicals on liver fibrogenesis, which indicates that further studies are warranted to confirm and define the potential clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Sabir
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hong-Mei Gu
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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26
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Hua Z, Yang W, Li D, Cui Y, Shen L, Rao L, Zheng Y, Zhang Q, Zeng W, Gong Y, Yuan L. Metformin regulates the LIN28B‑mediated JNK/STAT3 signaling pathway through miR‑140‑3p in subretinal fibrosis. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:528. [PMID: 37869644 PMCID: PMC10587880 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12227] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis (SF) is an important cause of submacular neovascularization that leads to permanent vision loss, but has no effective clinical treatment. The present study examined the influence of metformin on SF, and investigated whether the mechanism involves the microRNA (miR)-140-3p/LIN28B/JNK/STAT3-mediated regulation of oxidative stress, angiogenesis and fibrosis-associated indicators. A mouse model of laser-induced SF was established. In addition, an ARPE-19 fibrotic cell model was established using TGF-β1. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to examine cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to measure reactive oxygen species levels, and western blotting was used to detect the levels of proteins associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), signaling and fibrosis. The levels of superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione-peroxidase and catalase were measured using kits. Scratch assays and Transwell assays were used to assess cell migration and invasion, respectively, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to determine the levels of miR-140-3p and LIN28B. Dual-luciferase assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-140-3p and LIN28B, and coimmunoprecipitation was used to confirm the interaction between LIN28B and JNK. Masson staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to examine collagenous fibers and the histopathology of eye tissue. In ARPE-19 cells induced by TGF-β1, metformin promoted miR-140-3p expression and inhibited LIN28B expression and JNK/STAT3 pathway activation, thereby inhibiting oxidative stress, EMT and fibrosis in ARPE-19 cells. The overexpression of LIN28B or treatment with the JNK/STAT3 agonist anisomycin partially reversed the inhibitory effect of metformin on oxidative stress and fibrosis in ARPE-19 cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and coimmunoprecipitation assay showed that miR-140-3p targeted the 3' untranslated region of LIN28B mRNA and inhibited LIN28B expression. LIN28B targeted and bound to JNK and regulated the JNK/STAT3 pathway. Therefore, it may be concluded that metformin can promote miR-140-3p expression, inhibit LIN28B and then inhibit the JNK/STAT3 pathway to alleviate SF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijuan Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650021, P.R. China
| | - Wenchang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Dongli Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yixin Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Lingna Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yuxiang Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Qiying Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Wenyi Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yi Gong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Ling Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
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Cherubini A, Ostadreza M, Jamialahmadi O, Pelusi S, Rrapaj E, Casirati E, Passignani G, Norouziesfahani M, Sinopoli E, Baselli G, Meda C, Dongiovanni P, Dondossola D, Youngson N, Tourna A, Chokshi S, Bugianesi E, Della Torre S, Prati D, Romeo S, Valenti L. Interaction between estrogen receptor-α and PNPLA3 p.I148M variant drives fatty liver disease susceptibility in women. Nat Med 2023; 29:2643-2655. [PMID: 37749332 PMCID: PMC10579099 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Fatty liver disease (FLD) caused by metabolic dysfunction is the leading cause of liver disease and the prevalence is rising, especially in women. Although during reproductive age women are protected against FLD, for still unknown and understudied reasons some develop rapidly progressive disease at the menopause. The patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) p.I148M variant accounts for the largest fraction of inherited FLD variability. In the present study, we show that there is a specific multiplicative interaction between female sex and PNPLA3 p.I148M in determining FLD in at-risk individuals (steatosis and fibrosis, P < 10-10; advanced fibrosis/hepatocellular carcinoma, P = 0.034) and in the general population (P < 10-7 for alanine transaminase levels). In individuals with obesity, hepatic PNPLA3 expression was higher in women than in men (P = 0.007) and in mice correlated with estrogen levels. In human hepatocytes and liver organoids, PNPLA3 was induced by estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) agonists. By chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays, we identified and characterized an ER-α-binding site within a PNPLA3 enhancer and demonstrated via CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing that this sequence drives PNPLA3 p.I148M upregulation, leading to lipid droplet accumulation and fibrogenesis in three-dimensional multilineage spheroids with stellate cells. These data suggest that a functional interaction between ER-α and PNPLA3 p.I148M variant contributes to FLD in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cherubini
- Precision Medicine-Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Mahnoosh Ostadreza
- Precision Medicine-Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Oveis Jamialahmadi
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Serena Pelusi
- Precision Medicine-Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Eniada Rrapaj
- Precision Medicine-Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elia Casirati
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Passignani
- Precision Medicine-Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marjan Norouziesfahani
- Precision Medicine-Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Sinopoli
- Precision Medicine-Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Baselli
- Precision Medicine-Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Meda
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Dongiovanni
- Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Dondossola
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- General and Liver Transplant Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and University of Milan, Centre of Preclinical Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Neil Youngson
- Foundation for Liver Research, The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Aikaterini Tourna
- Foundation for Liver Research, The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, London, UK
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Foundation for Liver Research, The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Prati
- Precision Medicine-Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Cardiology Department, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine-Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Dai YK, Fan HN, Huang K, Sun X, Zhao ZM, Liu CH. Baseline metabolites could predict responders with hepatitis B virus-related liver fibrosis for entecavir or combined with FuzhengHuayu tablet. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:1043-1059. [PMID: 37900214 PMCID: PMC10600694 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i9.1043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After receiving entecavir or combined with FuzhengHuayu tablet (FZHY) treatment, some sufferers with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver fibrosis could achieve a histological improvement while the others may fail to improve even worsen. Serum metabolomics at baseline in these patients who were effective in treatment remain unclear. AIM To explore baseline serum metabolites characteristics in responders. METHODS A total of 132 patients with HBV-related liver fibrosis and 18 volunteers as healthy controls were recruited. First, all subjects were divided into training set and validation set. Second, the included patients were subdivided into entecavir responders (E-R), entecavir no-responders (E-N), FZHY + entecavir responders (F-R), and FZHY + entecavir no-responders (F-N) following the pathological histological changes after 48 wk' treatments. Then, Serum samples of all subjects before treatment were tested by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) high-performance LC-MS. Data processing was conducted using multivariate principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Diagnostic tests of selected differential metabolites were used for Boruta analyses and logistic regression. RESULTS As for the intersection about differential metabolic pathways between the groups E-R vs E-N and F-R vs F-N, results showed that 4 pathways including linoleic acid metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, cyanoamino acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism were screened out. As for the differential metabolites, these 7 intersected metabolites including hydroxypropionic acid, tyrosine, citric acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, benzoic acid, 2-Furoic acid, and propionic acid were selected. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that 4 metabolic pathways and 7 differential metabolites had potential usefulness in clinical prediction of the response of entecavir or combined with FZHY on HBV fibrotic liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Kai Dai
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hai-Na Fan
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhi-Min Zhao
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cheng-Hai Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China.
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29
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Son JE, Jo JY, Kim S, Park MJ, Lee Y, Park SS, Park SY, Jung SM, Jung SK, Kim JY, Byun S. Rice Bran Extract Suppresses High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia and Hepatosteatosis through Targeting AMPK and STAT3 Signaling. Nutrients 2023; 15:3630. [PMID: 37630819 PMCID: PMC10457887 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163630] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Rice bran, a by-product of rice milling, is abundant in bioactive molecules and is highly recognized for its health-promoting properties, particularly in improving metabolic conditions. Building on this knowledge, we aimed to optimize the extraction conditions to maximize the functional efficacy of rice bran extract (RBE) and further validate its impact on lipid metabolism. We found that the optimized RBE (ORBE) significantly suppressed high-fat diet-induced weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and hepatosteatosis in mouse models. ORBE treatment not only suppressed lipid uptake in vivo, but also reduced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Importantly, we discovered that ORBE administration resulted in activation of AMPK and inhibition of STAT3, which are both crucial players in lipid metabolism in the liver. Collectively, ORBE potentially offers promise as a dietary intervention strategy against hyperlipidemia and hepatosteatosis. This study underlines the value of optimized extraction conditions in enhancing the functional efficacy of rice bran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Eun Son
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada;
| | - Jay-Young Jo
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (J.-Y.J.); (S.Y.P.)
| | - San Kim
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Tailored Food Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Park
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Yerin Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Shil Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Young Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (J.-Y.J.); (S.Y.P.)
| | - Su Myung Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Keun Jung
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Tailored Food Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanguine Byun
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (J.-Y.J.); (S.Y.P.)
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30
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Xu F, Lu S, Jia X, Zhou Y. Bromodomain protein 4 mediates the roles of TGFβ1-induced Stat3 signaling in mouse liver fibrogenesis. Toxicol Lett 2023; 385:42-50. [PMID: 37634812 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.08.009] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic reader Bromodomain protein 4 (BrD4) functions as a global genomic regulator to direct hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation (a key step in liver fibrogenesis) and liver fibrosis. The pivotal pro-fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) signals through both Smad and Stat3 to elicit a wide array of biological effects. Stat3 is widely acknowledged as a regulator of gene transcription and is involved in fibrosis of multiple tissues. The present study focused on BrD4 function implication in the roles of TGFβ1-induced Stat3 signaling in HSC activation and liver fibrosis by using heterozygous TGFβ1 knockout mice and HSC culture. Results showed that Stat3 was required for TGFβ1-induced BrD4 expression in HSCs. BrD4 expression paralleled Stat3 activation in activated HSCs in human cirrhotic livers. BrD4 was involved in the roles of TGFβ1-induced Stat3 in HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis. Smad3 bound to phosphorylated-Stat3 and contributed to TGFβ1-induced Stat3 signaling. BrD4 expression induced by Stat3 signaling required the early-immediate gene Egr1. Egr1 had a positive feedback on Stat3 activation. In conclusion, a network consisting of Stat3 signaling, Smad3 signaling, Egr1, and BrD4 was involved in the effects of TGFβ1 on liver fibrosis, providing new toxicological mechanisms for TGFβ1 in liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifan Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), 500 Yonghe Road, Nantong 226011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sidan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Jia
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yajun Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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31
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Di X, Gao X, Peng L, Ai J, Jin X, Qi S, Li H, Wang K, Luo D. Cellular mechanotransduction in health and diseases: from molecular mechanism to therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:282. [PMID: 37518181 PMCID: PMC10387486 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction, a critical regulator of numerous biological processes, is the conversion from mechanical signals to biochemical signals regarding cell activities and metabolism. Typical mechanical cues in organisms include hydrostatic pressure, fluid shear stress, tensile force, extracellular matrix stiffness or tissue elasticity, and extracellular fluid viscosity. Mechanotransduction has been expected to trigger multiple biological processes, such as embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration. However, prolonged excessive mechanical stimulation can result in pathological processes, such as multi-organ fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and cancer immunotherapy resistance. Although the associations between mechanical cues and normal tissue homeostasis or diseases have been identified, the regulatory mechanisms among different mechanical cues are not yet comprehensively illustrated, and no effective therapies are currently available targeting mechanical cue-related signaling. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of typical mechanical cues in normal conditions and diseases with the updated evidence. The key effectors responding to mechanical stimulations are listed, such as Piezo channels, integrins, Yes-associated protein (YAP) /transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). We also reviewed the key signaling pathways, therapeutic targets and cutting-edge clinical applications of diseases related to mechanical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingpeng Di
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoshuai Gao
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Liao Peng
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Ai
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Kunjie Wang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| | - Deyi Luo
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
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Chen Y, Wang W, Morgan MP, Robson T, Annett S. Obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and therapeutic targets. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1148934. [PMID: 37361533 PMCID: PMC10286797 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1148934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global epidemic and overwhelming evidence indicates that it is a risk factor for numerous cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Obesity-associated hepatic tumorigenesis develops from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), progressing to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and ultimately to HCC. The rising incidence of obesity is resulting in an increased prevalence of NAFLD and NASH, and subsequently HCC. Obesity represents an increasingly important underlying etiology of HCC, in particular as the other leading causes of HCC such as hepatitis infection, are declining due to effective treatments and vaccines. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms and cellular signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated HCC. We summarize the preclinical experimental animal models available to study the features of NAFLD/NASH/HCC, and the non-invasive methods to diagnose NAFLD, NASH and early-stage HCC. Finally, since HCC is an aggressive tumor with a 5-year survival of less than 20%, we will also discuss novel therapeutic targets for obesity-associated HCC and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinshuang Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weipeng Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Maria P. Morgan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tracy Robson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephanie Annett
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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34
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Park SJ, Garcia Diaz J, Um E, Hahn YS. Major roles of kupffer cells and macrophages in NAFLD development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1150118. [PMID: 37274349 PMCID: PMC10235620 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1150118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important public health problem with growing numbers of NAFLD patients worldwide. Pathological conditions are different in each stage of NAFLD due to various factors. Preclinical and clinical studies provide evidence for a crucial role of immune cells in NAFLD progression. Liver-resident macrophages, kupffer cells (KCs), and monocytes-derived macrophages are the key cell types involved in the progression of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Their unique polarization contributes to the progression of NAFLD. KCs are phagocytes with self-renewal abilities and play a role in regulating and maintaining homeostasis. Upon liver damage, KCs are activated and colonized at the site of the damaged tissue. The secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by KCs play a pivotal role in initiating NAFLD pathogenesis. This review briefly describes the role of immune cells in the immune system in NAFLD, and focuses on the pathological role and molecular pathways of KCs and recruited macrophages. In addition, the relationship between macrophages and insulin resistance is described. Finally, the latest therapeutics that target KCs and macrophages are summarized for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jeung Park
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Josefina Garcia Diaz
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Eugene Um
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Young S. Hahn
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Niknam B, Baghaei K, Mahmoud Hashemi S, Hatami B, Reza Zali M, Amani D. Human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells derived-exosomes enriched by miR-124 promote an anti-fibrotic response in an experimental model of liver fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110294. [PMID: 37167639 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a significant challenge to global health that results in organ failure through inflammation and the release of fibrotic biomarkers. Due to the lack of effective treatments for liver fibrosis, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory therapies are being developed. Since there has been an association between aberrant expression of miR-124 and liver disease progression, we investigated whether delivery of miR-124 through human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells derived-exosomes (hWJMSC-Exo) can improve liver fibrosis. METHODS We established a 6-week carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis, then we administered hWJMSC-Exo and miR-124-3p-enriched exosomes (ExomiR-124) for three weeks. The extent of fibrosis and inflammation was assessed by histology, biochemistry, Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA). The inflammatory status of the spleen was also investigated using flow cytometry. RESULTS Based on the gene and protein expression measurement of IL-6, IL-17, TGF-β, STAT3, α-SMA, and COL1, In vivo administration of Exo and ExomiR-124 effectively reduce collagen accumulation and inhibition of inflammation. Regarding histopathology findings, the therapeutic effect of ExomiR-124 against liver fibrosis was significantly greater than hWJMSC-Exo. In addition, we found that Exo and ExomiR-124 was capable of phenotype switching of splenic monocytes from inflammatory Ly6Chi to restorative Ly6Clo. CONCLUSIONS MSC-derived exosomes demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect via different aspects. Aside from the therapeutic approach, enrichment of exosomes as a nanocarrier by miR-124 revealed the down-regulation of STAT3, which plays a crucial role in liver fibrosis. The anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of ExomiR-124 could be a promising option in liver fibrosis combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Niknam
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davar Amani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Ryan MT, Martinez C, Jahns H, Mooney CT, Browne JA, O'Neill EJ, Shiel RE. The comparative performance of a custom Canine NanoString® panel on FFPE and snap frozen liver biopsies. Res Vet Sci 2023; 159:225-231. [PMID: 37172451 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Formalin-Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) biopsies would provide a critical mass of cases to allow investigation of canine liver disease, however their use is often limited by challenges typically associated with transcriptomic analysis. This study evaluates the capability of NanoString® to measure the expression of a broad panel of genes in FFPE liver samples. RNA was isolated from matched histopathologically normal liver samples using FFPE (n = 6) and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen (n = 6) and measured using a custom NanoString® panel. Out of the 40 targets on the panel, 27 and 23 targets were above threshold for non-diseased snap frozen and FFPE tissue respectively. The binding density and total counts were significantly reduced in the FFPE samples relative to the snap frozen samples (p = 0.005, p = 0.01, respectively), confirming a reduction in sensitivity. The concordance between the snap frozen and FFPE samples was high, with correlations (R) ranging between 0.88 and 0.99 between the paired samples. An additional 14 immune-related targets, undetectable the non-diseased FFPE liver, were above threshold when the technique was applied to a series of diseased samples, further supporting their inclusion on this panel. This use of NanoString® based analysis opens up huge opportunity for retrospective evaluation of gene signatures in larger caseloads through harnessing the capacity of archived FFPE samples This information used alongside clinical and histological data will not only afford a way to explore disease etiopathogenesis, it may also offer insight into sub-types of liver disease in dogs, which cannot be discerned using more traditional diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion T Ryan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Carlos Martinez
- Department of Internal Medicine, AÚNA Especialidades Veterinarias - IVC Evidensia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Hanne Jahns
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - Carmel T Mooney
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - John A Browne
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emma J O'Neill
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert E Shiel
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Lu Y, Wang M, Zhao M, Zhang Q, Qian R, Hu Z, Ke Q, Yu L, Wang L, Lai Q, Liu Z, Jiang X, Zhang B, Yang J, Yao Y. Filamin A is overexpressed in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and contributes to the progression of inflammation and fibrosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 653:93-101. [PMID: 36863213 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.02.048] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic and progressive liver disease characterized by steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Filamin A (FLNA), an actin-binding protein, is involved in various cell functions, including the regulation of immune cells and fibroblasts. However, its role in the development of NASH through inflammation and fibrogenesis is not fully understood. In this study, we found that FLNA expression was increased in liver tissues of patients with cirrhosis and mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/NASH and fibrosis. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that FLNA was primarily expressed in macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Knocking down of FLNA by specific shRNA in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-derived THP-1 macrophages reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory response. The decreased mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and suppression of the STAT3 signaling were observed in FLNA-downregulated macrophages. In addition, knockdown of FLNA in immortalized human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2 cells) resulted in decreased mRNA levels of fibrotic cytokines and enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, as well as increased levels of metalloproteinases and pro-apoptotic proteins. Overall, these results suggest that FLNA may contribute to the pathogenesis of NASH through its role in the regulation of inflammatory and fibrotic mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mengzhu Wang
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Manyu Zhao
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qianru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Molecular Toxicology Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui Qian
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qi Ke
- Department of Pathology, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Lin Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Liqun Wang
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qinhuai Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhenmi Liu
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xia Jiang
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ben Zhang
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinliang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yuqin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Molecular Toxicology Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Santos DD, Sasso GRS, Belote NM, da Silva RA, Lice I, Correia-Silva RD, Borges FT, Carbonel AAF, Gil CD. Galectin-3 is a key hepatoprotective molecule against the deleterious effect of cisplatin. Life Sci 2023; 318:121505. [PMID: 36804309 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Evaluate the role of galectin-3 in the liver using an acute model of cisplatin-induced toxicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Modified citrus pectin (MCP) treatment was used to inhibit galectin-3. Rats were distributed into four groups: SHAM, CIS, MCP and MCP + CIS. On days 1-7, animals were treated by oral gavage with 100 mg/kg/day of MCP (MCP and MCP + CIS groups). On days 8, 9 and 10, animals received intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg/day of cisplatin (CIS and MCP + CIS groups) or saline (SHAM and MCP groups). KEY FINDINGS Cisplatin administration caused a marked increase in hepatic leukocyte influx and liver degeneration, and promoted reactive oxygen species production and STAT3 activation in hepatocytes. Plasma levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-10), and hepatic toxicity biomarkers (hepatic arginase 1, α-glutathione S-transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase) were also elevated. Decreased galectin-3 levels in the livers of animals in the MCP + CIS group were also associated with increased hepatic levels of malondialdehyde and mitochondrial respiratory complex I. Animals in the MCP + CIS group also exhibited increased plasma levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and aspartate transaminase 1. Furthermore, MCP therapy efficiently antagonized hepatic galectin-9 in liver, but not galectin-1, the latter of which was increased. SIGNIFICANCE Reduction of the endogenous levels of galectin-3 in hepatocytes favors the process of cell death and increases oxidative stress in the acute model of cisplatin-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego D Santos
- Biosciences Graduate Program, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Gisela R S Sasso
- Structural and Functional Biology Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Nycole M Belote
- Structural and Functional Biology Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael André da Silva
- Biosciences Graduate Program, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Izabella Lice
- Structural and Functional Biology Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Rebeca D Correia-Silva
- Structural and Functional Biology Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda T Borges
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, SP 04038-901, Brazil
| | - Adriana A F Carbonel
- Structural and Functional Biology Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiane D Gil
- Biosciences Graduate Program, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil; Structural and Functional Biology Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP 04023-900, Brazil.
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Wang X, Wang L, Geng L, Tanaka N, Ye B. Resmetirom Ameliorates NASH-Model Mice by Suppressing STAT3 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways in an RGS5-Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065843. [PMID: 36982915 PMCID: PMC10058113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Resmetirom, a liver-directed, orally active agonist of THR-β, could play a favorable role in treating NASH, but little is known about the underlying mechanism. A NASH cell model was established to test the preventive effect of resmetirom on this disease in vitro. RNA-seq was used for screening, and rescue experiments were performed to validate the target gene of the drug. A NASH mouse model was used to further elucidate the role and the underlying mechanism of resmetirom. Resmetirom effectively eliminated lipid accumulation and decreased triglyceride (TG) levels. In addition, repressed RGS5 in the NASH model could be recovered by resmetirom treatment. The silencing of RGS5 effectively impaired the role of resmetirom. In the NASH mouse model, obvious gray hepatization, liver fibrosis and inflammation, and increased macrophage infiltration were observed in liver tissues, while resmetirom almost returned them to normal conditions as observed in the control group. Pathological experimental data also confirmed that resmetirom has great potential in NASH treatment. Finally, RGS5 expression was suppressed in the NASH mouse model, but it was upregulated by resmetirom treatment, while the STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways were activated in NASH but inhibited by the agent. Resmetirom could improve NASH by recovering RGS5 expression and subsequently inactivating the STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Liangjing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Lin Geng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Naoki Tanaka
- Department of Global Medical Research Promotion, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
- International Relations Office, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
- Research Center for Social Systems, Shinshu University, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Bin Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/The Central Hospital of Lishui, Lishui 323000, China
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Cui Y, Wang Q, Zhang X, Yang X, Shi Y, Li Y, Song M. Curcumin Alleviates Aflatoxin B 1-Induced Liver Pyroptosis and Fibrosis by Regulating the JAK2/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway in Ducks. Foods 2023; 12:foods12051006. [PMID: 36900523 PMCID: PMC10000391 DOI: 10.3390/foods12051006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a serious pollutant in feed and food which causes liver inflammation, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis. The Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of the transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway is widely involved in inflammatory response and promotes the activation of nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, thus leading to pyroptosis and fibrosis. Curcumin is a natural compound with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, whether AFB1 exposure leads to the activation of the JAK2/NLRP3 signaling pathway in the liver and whether curcumin can regulate this pathway to influence pyroptosis and fibrosis in the liver remains unclear. In order to clarify these problems, we first treated ducklings with 0, 30, or 60 µg/kg AFB1 for 21 days. We found that AFB1 exposure caused growth inhibition, liver structural and functional damage, and activated JAK2/NLRP3-mediated liver pyroptosis and fibrosis in ducks. Secondly, ducklings were divided into a control group, 60 µg/kg AFB1 group, and 60 µg/kg AFB1 + 500 mg/kg curcumin group. We found that curcumin significantly inhibited the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome, as well as the occurrence of pyroptosis and fibrosis in AFB1-exposed duck livers. These results suggested that curcumin alleviated AFB1-induced liver pyroptosis and fibrosis by regulating the JAK2/NLRP3 signaling pathway in ducks. Curcumin is a potential agent for preventing and treating liver toxicity of AFB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao 028000, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xuliang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Tongliao City Animal Quarantine Technical Service Center, Tongliao 028000, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Miao Song
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Methotrexate is a key component of the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases and the mainstay of therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Hepatotoxicity has long been a concern for prescribers envisaging long-term treatment with methotrexate for their patients. However, the putative liver toxicity of methotrexate should be evaluated in the context of advances in our knowledge of the pathogenesis and natural history of liver disease, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Notably, patients with NAFLD are at increased risk for methotrexate hepatotoxicity, and methotrexate can worsen the course of NAFLD. Understanding the mechanisms of acute hepatotoxicity can facilitate the interpretation of elevated concentrations of liver enzymes in this context. Liver fibrosis and the mechanisms of fibrogenesis also need to be considered in relation to chronic exposure to methotrexate. A number of non-invasive tests for liver fibrosis are available for use in patients with rheumatic disease, in addition to liver biopsy, which can be appropriate for particular individuals. On the basis of the available evidence, practical suggestions for pretreatment screening and long-term monitoring of methotrexate therapy can be made for patients who have (or are at risk for) chronic liver disease.
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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.
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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,
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Xiong F, Zhou Q, Huang X, Cao P, Wang Y. Ferroptosis plays a novel role in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis pathogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1055793. [PMID: 36532757 PMCID: PMC9755204 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1055793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis relies on iron, and ferroptotic cell death is triggered when the balance of the oxidation-reduction system is disrupted by excessive lipid peroxide accumulation. A close relationship between ferroptosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is formed by phospholipid peroxidation substrates, bioactive iron, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) neutralization systems. Recent studies into ferroptosis during NASH development might reveal NASH pathogenesis and drug targets. Our review summarizes NASH pathogenesis from the perspective of ferroptosis mechanisms. Further, we discuss the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis, and NASH. Finally, potential pharmacological therapies directed to ferroptosis in NASH are hypothesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Feng Y, Li W, Wang Z, Zhang R, Li Y, Zang L, Wang P, Li Z, Dong Y. The p-STAT3/ANXA2 axis promotes caspase-1-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. J Transl Med 2022; 20:497. [PMID: 36324154 PMCID: PMC9632054 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03692-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the roles of Annexin A2 (ANXA2) on hepatocyte pyroptosis and hepatic fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS Bioinformatics analyses were performed on transcriptome data of liver tissues from mice and patients with liver fibrosis for screening the hepatocyte pyroptosis-related differential genes. The in vivo NASH mouse model and in vitro NASH cellular model were established. The expression levels of Anxa2/ANXA2 were quantified. Then, the upstream transcription factor of Anxa2 was screened by ChIP-Seq and experimentally verified. The effects of the p-STAT3/ANXA2 axis on Caspase-1 mediated pyroptosis and fibrosis were explored by in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS Bioinformatics analyses suggested that the expression of Anxa2/ANXA2 was significantly up-regulated in liver tissues of both NASH mice and patients scoring with high pyroptotic activity. Experimental data showed that the ANXA2 expression was positively associated with the development of hepatocyte pyroptosis and fibrosis. As a transcription factor of ANXA2, p-STAT3 can bind to the promoter of Anxa2 and promote its transcription. The inhibition of p-STAT3 can significantly suppress hepatocyte pyroptosis and fibrosis, which was significantly reversed after the over-expression of Anxa2. Caspase-1 was verified as the player of the p-STAT3/ANXA2 axis to promote pyroptosis and fibrosis. By specifically inhibiting Caspase-1, the promotion effect of the p-STAT3/ANXA2 axis on pyroptosis and fibrosis can be significantly weakened. CONCLUSION The p-STAT3 promoted Anxa2 expression at the transcription level, thus activating the Caspase-1 mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis and fibrosis in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Feng
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhua Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 800 Huangjiahuayuan Road, 201803 Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuoya Wang
- grid.488482.a0000 0004 1765 5169Department of Endoscopy Center, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 middle Shaoshan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha City, Hunan Province China
| | - Ruling Zhang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Lijuan Zang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Pathology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Peiwen Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Konngjiang Road, Hongkou District, 200092 Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwei Dong
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
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Conioselinum tenuissimum Root Extract Modulates Macrophage Activation via the Calcium–STAT3 Pathway. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10112238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of many antibiotics, excessive inflammation caused by endotoxins is still a subject of interest to biomedical researchers. The hyper-inflammatory response of macrophages activated by endotoxins is an important topic in the development of natural product-based anti-inflammatory drugs. Conioselinum tenuissimum, a perennial herb of the family Apiaceae, contains levistolide A, demethylsuberosin, and fraxetin. One of the synonyms of Conioselinum tenuissimum is Angelica tenuissima. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Conioselinumtenuissimum root water extract (AT) on the hyper-inflammatory responses of macrophages activated by endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) and the mechanisms involved in such effects. Levels of cytokines, nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide, and cytosolic calcium in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were evaluated by the multiplex cytokine assay (MCA), Griess reagent assay (GRA), dihydrorhodamine 123 assay (DHR), and Fluo-4 calcium assay (FCA), respectively. Additionally, real-time PCR and the flow cytometry assay (FLA) was performed to determine the effects of AT on LPS-activated RAW 264.7. Data from MCA, GRA, DHR, and FCA revealed that AT lowered levels of IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF, M-CSF, LIF, LIX, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, RANTES, IP-10, NO, hydrogen peroxide, and calcium in LPS-activated RAW 264.7. Real-time PCR results revealed that AT significantly lowered mRNA expression levels of inflammatory genes such as Chop, Nos2, c-Jun, Stat1, Stat3, c-Fos, Camk2a, Ptgs2, Fas, and Jak2. FLA showed that AT significantly reduced phosphorylation levels of P38 MAPK and STAT3 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7. These results indicate that AT can exert anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-activated macrophages via the calcium–STAT3 pathway.
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Parasympathetic-macrophages-ductal epithelial cells axis promotes female rat submandibular gland regeneration after excretory duct ligation/deligation. Arch Oral Biol 2022; 145:105586. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2022.105586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Mahmoudi A, Atkin SL, Jamialahmadi T, Banach M, Sahebkar A. Effect of Curcumin on Attenuation of Liver Cirrhosis via Genes/Proteins and Pathways: A System Pharmacology Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204344. [PMID: 36297027 PMCID: PMC9609422 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening seqsuel of many chronic liver disorders of varying etiologies. In this study, we investigated protein targets of curcumin in liver cirrhosis based on a bioinformatics approach. Methods: Gene/protein associations with curcumin and liver cirrhosis were probed in drug−gene and gene−diseases databases including STITCH/DGIdb/DisGeNET/OMIM/DISEASES/CTD/Pharos and SwissTargetPrediction. Critical clustering groups (MCODE), hub candidates and critical hub genes in liver cirrhosis were identified, and connections between curcumin and liver cirrhosis-related genes were analyzed via Venn diagram. Interaction of hub genes with curcumin by molecular docking using PyRx-virtual screening tools was performed. Results: MCODE analysis indicated three MCODEs; the cluster (MCODE 1) comprised 79 nodes and 881 edges (score: 22.59). Curcumin database interactions recognized 318 protein targets. Liver cirrhosis genes and curcumin protein targets analysis demonstrated 96 shared proteins, suggesting that curcumin may influence 20 candidate and 13 hub genes, covering 81% of liver cirrhosis critical genes and proteins. Thirteen shared proteins affected oxidative stress regulation, RNA, telomerase activity, cell proliferation, and cell death. Molecular docking analysis showed the affinity of curcumin binding hub genes (Binding affinity: ΔG < −4.9 kcal/mol). Conclusions: Curcumin impacted on several critical liver cirrhosis genes mainly involved in extracellular matrix communication, focal adhesion, and the response to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Stephen L. Atkin
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), 93-338 Lodz, Poland
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (A.S.); Tel.: +98-513-180-1239 (A.S.); Fax: +98-513-800-2287 (A.S.)
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (A.S.); Tel.: +98-513-180-1239 (A.S.); Fax: +98-513-800-2287 (A.S.)
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Wang Y, Wu C, Zhou J, Fang H, Wang J. Overexpression of estrogen receptor β inhibits cellular functions of human hepatic stellate cells and promotes the anti-fibrosis effect of calycosin via inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 23:77. [PMID: 36207725 PMCID: PMC9541055 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00617-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) is the major ER subtype in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Previously we reported phytoestrogen calycosin suppressed liver fibrosis progression and inhibited HSC-T6 cell functions, suggesting the effects may be related to ERβ. Here, we explore the effect of overexpressed ERβ on human HSCs and the role of ERβ in pharmacological action of calycosin. METHODS LX-2 cells were transfected with lentivirus to overexpress ERβ. In the presence or absence of overexpressed ERβ, the effects of ERβ and calycosin on proliferation, migration, activation, collagen production and degradation of TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cells and the role of ERβ in the inhibition effect of calycosin were investigated. LX-2 cells overexpressed with ERβ or treated with ER non-selective antagonist ICI182,780 were used to investigate the regulation of ERβ on JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. CCK-8 method was used to screen effective doses of calycosin and investigate cell proliferation. The cell migration was detected by transwell chamber assay. The expression of α-SMA was detected by immunofluorescence and western blot. The protein expressions of Col-I, MMP1, TIMP1, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3 and p-STAT3 were detected by western blot. RESULTS ERβ overexpressed lentivirus was successfully transfected into LX-2 cells with high efficiency. Overexpressed ERβ or calycosin alone inhibited the TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cell proliferation and migration, downregulated the protein expressions of α-SMA, Col-I, TIMP-1, p-STAT3 and upregulated MMP-1. Both overexpressed ERβ and calycosin had no significant effect on JAK2, p-JAK2 and STAT3 expressions. ERβ overexpression further enhanced the above effects of calycosin. However, after the cells were treated with ICI182,780, downregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation induced by calycosin was reversed. CONCLUSIONS ERβ mediated the inhibition of major functions of LX-2 cell possibly by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3, and was an important pathway through which calycosin exerted anti-liver fibrosis effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, NO.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Canyan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, NO.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jiahui Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, NO.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Haiming Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, NO.678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, NO.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China.
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Hung CT, Su TH, Chen YT, Wu YF, Chen YT, Lin SJ, Lin SL, Yang KC. Targeting ER protein TXNDC5 in hepatic stellate cell mitigates liver fibrosis by repressing non-canonical TGFβ signalling. Gut 2022; 71:1876-1891. [PMID: 34933915 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs following chronic liver injuries. Currently, there is no effective therapy for LF. Recently, we identified thioredoxin domain containing 5 (TXNDC5), an ER protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), as a critical mediator of cardiac and lung fibrosis. We aimed to determine if TXNDC5 also contributes to LF and its potential as a therapeutic target for LF. DESIGN Histological and transcriptome analyses on human cirrhotic livers were performed. Col1a1-GFPTg , Alb-Cre;Rosa26-tdTomato and Tie2-Cre/ERT2;Rosa26-tdTomato mice were used to determine the cell type(s) where TXNDC5 was induced following liver injury. In vitro investigations were conducted in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Col1a2-Cre/ERT2;Txndc5fl/fl (Txndc5cKO ) and Alb-Cre;Txndc5fl/fl (Txndc5Hep-cKO ) mice were generated to delete TXNDC5 in HSCs and hepatocytes, respectively. Carbon tetrachloride treatment and bile duct ligation surgery were employed to induce liver injury/fibrosis in mice. The extent of LF was quantified using histological, imaging and biochemical analyses. RESULTS TXNDC5 was upregulated markedly in human and mouse fibrotic livers, particularly in activated HSC at the fibrotic foci. TXNDC5 was induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) in HSCs and it was both required and sufficient for the activation, proliferation, survival and extracellular matrix production of HSC. Mechanistically, TGFβ1 induces TXNDC5 expression through increased ER stress and ATF6-mediated transcriptional regulation. In addition, TXNDC5 promotes LF by redox-dependent JNK and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation in HSCs through its PDI activity, activating HSCs and making them resistant to apoptosis. HSC-specific deletion of Txndc5 reverted established LF in mice. CONCLUSIONS ER protein TXNDC5 promotes LF through redox-dependent HSC activation, proliferation and excessive extracellular matrix production. Targeting TXNDC5, therefore, could be a potential novel therapeutic strategy to ameliorate LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Ting Hung
- Graduate Institute and Department of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ting Chen
- Graduate Institute and Department of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Feng Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Tzung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Jan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Research Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center for Frontier Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuei-Liong Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Research Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute and Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Integrated Diagnostics & Therapeutics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chien Yang
- Graduate Institute and Department of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan .,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Research Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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50
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Virovic-Jukic L, Ljubas D, Stojsavljevic-Shapeski S, Ljubičić N, Filipec Kanizaj T, Mikolasevic I, Grgurevic I. Liver regeneration as treatment target for severe alcoholic hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:4557-4573. [PMID: 36157937 PMCID: PMC9476880 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i32.4557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a distinct entity in the spectrum of alcohol-related liver disease, with limited treatment options and high mortality. Supportive medical care with corticosteroids in selected patients is the only currently available treatment option, often with poor outcomes. Based on the insights into the pathogenetic mechanisms of AH, which are mostly obtained from animal studies, several new treatment options are being explored. Studies have implicated impaired and deranged liver regeneration processes as one of the culprit mechanisms and a potential therapeutic target. Acknowledging evidence for the beneficial effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on liver regeneration and immunomodulation in animal models, several human studies investigated its role in the treatment of advanced alcohol-related liver disease and AH. Contrary to the previously published studies suggesting benefits of G-CSF in the outcomes of patients with severe AH, these effects were not confirmed by a recently published multicenter randomized trial, suggesting that other options should rather be pursued. Stem cell transplantation represents another option for improving liver regeneration, but evidence for its efficacy in patients with severe AH and advanced alcohol-related liver disease is still very scarce and unconvincing, with established lack of efficacy in patients with compensated cirrhosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and experimental therapies targeting liver regeneration. The lack of high-quality studies and evidence is a major obstacle in further treatment development. New insights into the pathogenesis of not only liver injury, but also liver regeneration processes are mandatory for the development of new treatment options. A reliable experimental model of the pathogenesis of AH and processes involved in liver recovery is still missing, and data obtained from animal studies are essential for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucija Virovic-Jukic
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sisters of Charity University Hospital Center, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Dominik Ljubas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Sanja Stojsavljevic-Shapeski
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sisters of Charity University Hospital Center, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Neven Ljubičić
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sisters of Charity University Hospital Center, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Tajana Filipec Kanizaj
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ivana Mikolasevic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rijeka University Hospital Center, Rijeka 51000, Croatia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rijeka School of Medicine, Rijeka 10000, Croatia
| | - Ivica Grgurevic
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
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