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Jönsson C, Bergram M, Kechagias S, Nasr P, Ekstedt M. Activin A levels in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease associates with fibrosis and the PNPLA3 I148M variant. Scand J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:737-741. [PMID: 38563432 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2024.2334804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver condition worldwide. There is an urgent need to develop new biomarkers to assess disease severity and to define patients with a progressive phenotype. Activin A is a new promising biomarker with conflicting results about liver fibrosis. In this study we investigate levels of Activin A in patients with biopsy proven MASLD. We assess levels of Activin A in regard to fibrosis stage and genetic variant I148M in the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3). METHODS Activin A levels were assessed in plasma samples from patients with biopsy-proven MASLD in a cross-sectional study. All patients were clinically evaluated and the PNPLA3 I148M genotype of the cohort was assessed. FINDINGS 41 patients were included and 27% of these had advanced fibrosis. In MASLD patients with advanced fibrosis, Activin A levels was higher (p < 0.001) and could classify advanced fibrosis with an AUROC for activin A of 0.836 (p < 0.001). Patients homozygous for PNPLA3 I148M G/G had higher levels of activin A than non-homozygotes (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Circulating activin A levels were associated with advanced fibrosis and could be a potential blood biomarker for identifying advanced fibrosis in MASLD. Patients with the risk genotype PNPLA3 I148M G/G had higher levels of activin A proposing activin A as a contributor of the transition from simple steatosis to a fibrotic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Jönsson
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Martin Bergram
- Division of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Community Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Stergios Kechagias
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Patrik Nasr
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mattias Ekstedt
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Swan J, Szabó Z, Peters J, Kummu O, Kemppi A, Rahtu-Korpela L, Konzack A, Hakkola J, Pasternack A, Ritvos O, Kerkelä R, Magga J. Inhibition of activin receptor 2 signalling ameliorates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in western diet/L-NAME induced cardiometabolic disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116683. [PMID: 38705130 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116683] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Blockade of activin 2 receptor (ACVR2) signaling has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and aid in weight loss. Inhibition of ACVR2 signaling restores cardiac function in multiple heart failure models. However, its potential in the treatment of obesity-related cardiometabolic disease remains unknown. Here, we investigated targeting ACVR2 signaling in cardiometabolic disease manifested with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). METHODS Mice were fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet combined with the administration of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME in drinking water, which causes hypertensive stress. For the last eight weeks, the mice were treated with the soluble ACVR2B decoy receptor (sACVR2B-Fc). RESULTS sACVR2B-Fc protected against the development of comorbidities associated with cardiometabolic disease. This was most pronounced in the liver where ACVR2 blockade attenuated the development of MASLD including cessation of pro-fibrotic activation. It also significantly reduced total plasma cholesterol levels, impeded brown adipose tissue whitening, and improved cardiac diastolic function. In vitro, ACVR2 ligands activin A, activin B and GDF11 induced profibrotic signaling and the proliferation of human cardiac fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS Blockade of ACVR2B exerts broad beneficial effects for therapy of cardiometabolic disease. By reducing obesity, ameliorating cardiovascular deterioration and restraining MASLD, blockade of ACVR2B signaling proves a potential target in MASLD and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Swan
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland.
| | - Zoltán Szabó
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Juliana Peters
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Outi Kummu
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Anna Kemppi
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Lea Rahtu-Korpela
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Anja Konzack
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Jukka Hakkola
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Arja Pasternack
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Risto Kerkelä
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Johanna Magga
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland.
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Xiong F, Zhang Y, Li T, Tang Y, Song SY, Zhou Q, Wang Y. A detailed overview of quercetin: implications for cell death and liver fibrosis mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1389179. [PMID: 38855739 PMCID: PMC11157233 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1389179] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Quercetin, a widespread polyphenolic flavonoid, is known for its extensive health benefits and is commonly found in the plant kingdom. The natural occurrence and extraction methods of quercetin are crucial due to its bioactive potential. Purpose This review aims to comprehensively cover the natural sources of quercetin, its extraction methods, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and its role in various cell death pathways and liver fibrosis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed across several electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang database, and ClinicalTrials.gov, up to 10 February 2024. The search terms employed were "quercetin", "natural sources of quercetin", "quercetin extraction methods", "bioavailability of quercetin", "pharmacokinetics of quercetin", "cell death pathways", "apoptosis", "autophagy", "pyroptosis", "necroptosis", "ferroptosis", "cuproptosis", "liver fibrosis", and "hepatic stellate cells". These keywords were interconnected using AND/OR as necessary. The search focused on studies that detailed the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of quercetin, its role in different cell death pathways, and its effects on liver fibrosis. Results This review details quercetin's involvement in various cell death pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, with particular attention to its regulatory influence on apoptosis and autophagy. It dissects the mechanisms through which quercetin affects these pathways across different cell types and dosages. Moreover, the paper delves into quercetin's effects on liver fibrosis, its interactions with hepatic stellate cells, and its modulation of pertinent signaling cascades. Additionally, it articulates from a physical organic chemistry standpoint the uniqueness of quercetin's structure and its potential for specific actions in the liver. Conclusion The paper provides a detailed analysis of quercetin, suggesting its significant role in modulating cell death mechanisms and mitigating liver fibrosis, underscoring its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yichen Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Wenjiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiping Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Si-Yuan Song
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Hu P, Rychik J, Zhao J, Bai H, Bauer A, Yu W, Rand EB, Dodds KM, Goldberg DJ, Tan K, Wilkins BJ, Pei L. Single-cell multiomics guided mechanistic understanding of Fontan-associated liver disease. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadk6213. [PMID: 38657025 PMCID: PMC11103255 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adk6213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The Fontan operation is the current standard of care for single-ventricle congenital heart disease. Individuals with a Fontan circulation (FC) exhibit central venous hypertension and face life-threatening complications of hepatic fibrosis, known as Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD). The fundamental biology and mechanisms of FALD are little understood. Here, we generated a transcriptomic and epigenomic atlas of human FALD at single-cell resolution using multiomic snRNA-ATAC-seq. We found profound cell type-specific transcriptomic and epigenomic changes in FC livers. Central hepatocytes (cHep) exhibited the most substantial changes, featuring profound metabolic reprogramming. These cHep changes preceded substantial activation of hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis, suggesting cHep as a potential first "responder" in the pathogenesis of FALD. We also identified a network of ligand-receptor pairs that transmit signals from cHep to hepatic stellate cells, which may promote their activation and liver fibrosis. We further experimentally demonstrated that activins A and B promote fibrotic activation in vitro and identified mechanisms of activin A's transcriptional activation in FALD. Together, our single-cell transcriptomic and epigenomic atlas revealed mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of FALD and may aid identification of potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po Hu
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jack Rychik
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Juanjuan Zhao
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Huajun Bai
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Aidan Bauer
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wenbao Yu
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth B. Rand
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Dodds
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- School of Nursing, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David J. Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kai Tan
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Wilkins
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Liming Pei
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Mekala S, Rai R, Reed SL, Bowen B, Michalopoulos GK, Locker J, Raeman R, Oertel M. Antagonizing Activin A/p15 INK4b Signaling as Therapeutic Strategy for Liver Disease. Cells 2024; 13:649. [PMID: 38607090 PMCID: PMC11011318 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070649] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Activin A is involved in the pathogenesis of human liver diseases, but its therapeutic targeting is not fully explored. Here, we tested the effect of novel, highly specific small-molecule-based activin A antagonists (NUCC-474/555) in improving liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy and halting fibrosis progression in models of chronic liver diseases (CLDs). METHODS Cell toxicity of antagonists was determined in rat hepatocytes and Huh-7 cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were treated with activin A and NUCC-555 and analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Partial hepatectomized Fisher (F)344 rats were treated with NUCC-555, and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation was determined at 18/24/36/120/240 h. NUCC-555 was administered into thioacetamide- or carbon tetrachloride-treated F344 rats or C57BL/6 mice, and the fibrosis progression was studied. RESULTS NUCC-474 showed higher cytotoxicity in cultured hepatic cells; therefore, NUCC-555 was used in subsequent studies. Activin A-stimulated overexpression of cell cycle-/senescence-related genes (e.g., p15INK4b, DEC1, Glb1) was near-completely reversed by NUCC-555 in hepatocytes. Activin A-mediated HSC activation was blocked by NUCC-555. In partial hepatectomized rats, antagonizing activin A signaling resulted in a 1.9-fold and 2.3-fold increase in BrdU+ cells at 18 and 24 h, respectively. Administration of NUCC-555 in rats and mice with progressing fibrosis significantly reduced collagen accumulation (7.9-fold), HSC activation indicated by reduced alpha smooth muscle actin+ and vimentin+ cells, and serum aminotransferase activity. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate that activin A antagonist NUCC-555 promotes liver regeneration and halts fibrosis progression in CLD models, suggesting that blocking activin A signaling may represent a new approach to treating people with CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Mekala
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street—BST S-404, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA (R.R.); (G.K.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Ravi Rai
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street—BST S-404, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA (R.R.); (G.K.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Samantha Loretta Reed
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street—BST S-404, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA (R.R.); (G.K.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Bill Bowen
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street—BST S-404, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA (R.R.); (G.K.M.); (R.R.)
| | - George K. Michalopoulos
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street—BST S-404, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA (R.R.); (G.K.M.); (R.R.)
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center (PLRC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Joseph Locker
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street—BST S-404, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA (R.R.); (G.K.M.); (R.R.)
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center (PLRC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Reben Raeman
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street—BST S-404, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA (R.R.); (G.K.M.); (R.R.)
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center (PLRC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Michael Oertel
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street—BST S-404, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA (R.R.); (G.K.M.); (R.R.)
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center (PLRC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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Li R, Zhao M, Miao C, Shi X, Lu J. Identification and validation of key biomarkers associated with macrophages in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on hdWGCNA and machine learning. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:15451-15472. [PMID: 38147020 PMCID: PMC10781485 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205374] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NAFLD has attracted increasing attention because of its high prevalence and risk of progression to cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, research into the root causes and molecular indicators of NAFLD is crucial. METHODS We analyzed scRNA-seq data and RNA-seq data from normal and NAFLD liver samples. We utilized hdWGCNA to find module-related genes associated with the phenotype. Multiple machine learning algorithms were used to validate the model diagnostics and further screen for genes that are characteristic of NAFLD. The NAFLD mouse model was constructed using the MCD diet to validate the diagnostic effect of the genes. RESULTS We identified a specific macrophage population called NASH-macrophages by single-cell sequencing analysis. Cell communication analysis and Pseudo-time trajectory analysis revealed the specific role and temporal distribution of NASH-macrophages in NAFLD. The hdWGCNA screening yielded 30 genes associated with NASH-macrophages, and machine learning algorithms screened and obtained two genes characterizing NAFLD. The immune infiltration indicated that these genes were highly associated with macrophages. Notably, we verified by RT-qPCR, IHC, and WB that MAFB and CX3CR1 are highly expressed in the MCD mouse model and may play important roles. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a macrophage population that is closely associated with NAFLD. Using hdWGCNA analysis and multiple machine learning algorithms, we identified two NAFLD signature genes that are highly correlated with macrophages. Our findings may provide potential feature markers and therapeutic targets for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruowen Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Mingjian Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chengxu Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaojia Shi
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jinghui Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
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Valenzuela-Vallejo L, Chrysafi P, Kouvari M, Guatibonza-Garcia V, Mylonakis SC, Katsarou A, Verrastro O, Markakis G, Eslam M, Papatheodoridis G, Mingrone G, George J, Mantzoros CS. Circulating hormones in biopsy-proven steatotic liver disease and steatohepatitis: A Multicenter Observational Study. Metabolism 2023; 148:155694. [PMID: 37757973 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of metabolic/inflammatory hormonal systems in metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains to be fully elucidated. PURPOSE To report the levels of the novel total and H-specific growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and other established hormonal systems and to describe hormonal patterns in controls and patients with MASLD and its stages. METHODS This is a multicenter study from two Gastroenterology-Hepatology Departments (Greece and Australia) and one Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery Department (Italy). Overall, n = 455 serum samples of patients with biopsy-proven MASLD (n = 374) and Controls (n = 81) were recruited. RESULTS We report for the first time that total and H-specific GDF-15 levels are higher in MASLD, at-risk metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and severe fibrosis than in Controls. In addition, follistatin-like-3 (FSTL-3), free insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), leptin, and insulin levels were higher in MASLD patients than in Controls, while adiponectin levels were lower in MASLD subjects than in Controls. Activin-A, follistatin (FST), FSTL-3, and insulin levels significantly increased in severe fibrosis compared to no/mild fibrosis, while free IGF-1 decreased. In addition, adiponectin levels were lower in subjects without fibrosis vs. any fibrosis. Moreover, GDF-15 presented a strong positive association for the likelihood of having MASLD and at-risk MASH, while in adjusted analyses, FST and adiponectin showed inverse associations. Two different patterns of at-risk MASH were revealed through unsupervised analysis (total variation explained=54%). The most frequent pattern met in our sample (34.3%) was characterized by higher levels of total and H-specific GDF-15, follistatins, and activins, as well as low adiponectin levels. The second pattern revealed was characterized by high levels of free IGF-1, insulin, and leptin, with low levels of activin-A and adiponectin. Similar patterns were also generated in the case of overall MASLD. CONCLUSIONS Total and H-specific GDF-15 levels increase as MASLD severity progresses. FSTL-3, free IGF-1, leptin, and insulin are also higher, whereas adiponectin and activin-A levels are lower in the MASLD group than in Controls. Hormonal systems, including GDF-15, may not only be involved in the pathophysiology but could also prove useful for the diagnostic workup of MASLD and its stages and may potentially be of therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Valenzuela-Vallejo
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Pavlina Chrysafi
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Matina Kouvari
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Valentina Guatibonza-Garcia
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Sophia C Mylonakis
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Angeliki Katsarou
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Ornella Verrastro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Markakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgios Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Geltrude Mingrone
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, United States of America
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Qi J, Yan X, Li L, Qiu K, Huang W, Zhou Z. CXCL5 promotes lipotoxicity of hepatocytes through upregulating NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling in Kupffer cells and exacerbates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110752. [PMID: 37573690 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Immune-inflammatory responses play a key role in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Previous studies have demonstrated that CXC motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) correlates positively with obesity and type 2 diabetes. This study is to explore the functional role of CXCL5 in the pathogenesis of NASH. To establish a NASH model, mice were fed with methionine-and choline-deficient high-fat diet for 6 weeks and anti-CXCL5 mAb was injected during the same period. An in vitro NASH model was established by treating palmitic acid (PA), using a trans-well co-culture system of mouse primary hepatocytes and Kupffer cells (KCs), and recombinant mouse (rm) CXCL5 was treated after PA administration. Our data showed that hepatic CXCL5 levels were highly expressed in the NASH mouse model. CXCL5 neutralization significantly alleviated the severity of NASH livers, demonstrated by pathological analysis, decreased biochemicals, and inflammation. Besides, neutralizing CXCL5 reduced lipid accumulation, cell death, and fibrosis in injured livers. In vitro, rmCXCL5 could not affect the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Also, rmCXCL5 exacerbated PA-induced hepatotoxicity and lipid deposition in hepatocytes co-cultured with KCs rather than in single-cultured hepatocytes. Mechanistically, rmCXCL5 not only promoted NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) expression, Cleaved caspase-1 expression, and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) secretion in single-cultured and co-cultured KCs but also increased lipid deposition in co-cultured hepatocytes. In addition, MCC950, an inhibitor of NLRP3, almost abolished the effects of rmCXCL5 on PA-treated co-culture system. Therefore, CXCL5 could exacerbate NASH by promoting lipotoxicity of hepatocytes via upregulating NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling in KCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, No.1, Xuefu North Road, University Town, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Xueqing Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, No.1, Xuefu North Road, University Town, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Lanqian Li
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Kexin Qiu
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Weizhi Huang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Zixiong Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
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9
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Expression and Function of BMP and Activin Membrane-Bound Inhibitor (BAMBI) in Chronic Liver Diseases and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043473. [PMID: 36834884 PMCID: PMC9964332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BAMBI (bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor) is a transmembrane pseudoreceptor structurally related to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β type 1 receptors (TGF-β1Rs). BAMBI lacks a kinase domain and functions as a TGF-β1R antagonist. Essential processes such as cell differentiation and proliferation are regulated by TGF-β1R signaling. TGF-β is the best-studied ligand of TGF-βRs and has an eminent role in inflammation and fibrogenesis. Liver fibrosis is the end stage of almost all chronic liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and at the moment, there is no effective anti-fibrotic therapy available. Hepatic BAMBI is downregulated in rodent models of liver injury and in the fibrotic liver of patients, suggesting that low BAMBI has a role in liver fibrosis. Experimental evidence convincingly demonstrated that BAMBI overexpression is able to protect against liver fibrosis. Chronic liver diseases have a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and BAMBI was shown to exert tumor-promoting as well as tumor-protective functions. This review article aims to summarize relevant studies on hepatic BAMBI expression and its role in chronic liver diseases and HCC.
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10
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Notas G. Hepatic Activin A: An Exciting Target for Cardiometabolic Health. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:350-351. [PMID: 36546320 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- George Notas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Crete School of Medicine, Greece
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11
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Tsomidis I, Notas G, Xidakis C, Voumvouraki A, Samonakis DN, Koulentaki M, Kouroumalis E. Enzymes of Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123179. [PMID: 36551935 PMCID: PMC9776355 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123179] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Liver fibrosis has been extensively studied at the cellular and molecular level, but very few data exist on the final enzymatic stages of collagen synthesis (prolyl hydroxylase, PH) and degradation (matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs), particularly in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Aim: We studied enzyme activities in liver tissue from patients with chronic liver diseases and compared them to normal livers. Patients: Eighteen patients with PBC of early and late stages (Ludwig’s classification) and seven on treatment with ursodeoxycholate (UDCA) were studied and compared to 34 patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD), 25 patients with chronic viral liver disease and five normal biopsies. Sera were available from a total of 140 patients. Methods: The tritiated water released from the tritiated proline was measured in PH assessment. 14C intact and heat-denatured collagen substrates were used to measure collagenase and gelatinases, respectively. 3H Elastin was the substrate for elastase. In serum, ELISAs were used for MMP-1, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 measurements while MMP-2 and MMP-9 were estimated by zymography. Results: PH was significantly increased in early and late PBC. Collagenase was reduced only in the late stages (p < 0.01), where the ratio PH/collagenase was increased. UDCA treatment restored values to almost normal. Gelatinases were reduced in late stages (p < 0.05). In contrast to PBC and ALD fibrosis, collagen synthesis is not increased in viral fibrosis. The balance shifted towards collagen deposition due to reduced degradation. Interestingly, gelatinolytic activity is not impaired in ALD. Elastase was similar to controls in all diseases studied. TIMP-1 was reduced in early PBC and viral and alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis (p < 0.001). Conclusions: (1) There is evidence that collagen synthesis increases in the early stages of PBC, but the collagenolytic mechanism may compensate for the increased synthesis. (2) In viral disease, fibrosis may be due to decreased degradation rather than increased synthesis. (3) The final biochemical stages of liver fibrosis may be quantitatively different according to underlying etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsomidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Greece
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Notas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Costas Xidakis
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Argyro Voumvouraki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios N Samonakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, PAGNI University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Mairi Koulentaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, PAGNI University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elias Kouroumalis
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Gastroenterology, PAGNI University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Correspondence:
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12
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Hany NM, Eissa S, Basyouni M, Hasanin AH, Aboul-Ela YM, Elmagd NMA, Montasser IF, Ali MA, Skipp PJ, Matboli M. Modulation of hepatic stellate cells by Mutaflor ® probiotic in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease management. Lab Invest 2022; 20:342. [PMID: 35907883 PMCID: PMC9338485 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03543-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NAFLD and NASH are emerging as primary causes of chronic liver disease, indicating a need for an effective treatment. Mutaflor® probiotic, a microbial treatment of interest, was effective in sustaining remission in ulcerative colitis patients. OBJECTIVE To construct a genetic-epigenetic network linked to HSC signaling as a modulator of NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis, then assess the effects of Mutaflor® on this network. METHODS First, in silico analysis was used to construct a genetic-epigenetic network linked to HSC signaling. Second, an investigation using rats, including HFHSD induced NASH and Mutaflor® treated animals, was designed. Experimental procedures included biochemical and histopathologic analysis of rat blood and liver samples. At the molecular level, the expression of genetic (FOXA2, TEAD2, and LATS2 mRNAs) and epigenetic (miR-650, RPARP AS-1 LncRNA) network was measured by real-time PCR. PCR results were validated with immunohistochemistry (α-SMA and LATS2). Target effector proteins, IL-6 and TGF-β, were estimated by ELISA. RESULTS Mutaflor® administration minimized biochemical and histopathologic alterations caused by NAFLD/NASH. HSC activation and expression of profibrogenic IL-6 and TGF-β effector proteins were reduced via inhibition of hedgehog and hippo pathways. Pathways may have been inhibited through upregulation of RPARP AS-1 LncRNA which in turn downregulated the expression of miR-650, FOXA2 mRNA and TEAD2 mRNA and upregulated LATS2 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION Mutaflor® may slow the progression of NAFLD/NASH by modulating a genetic-epigenetic network linked to HSC signaling. The probiotic may be a useful modality for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Hany
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt
| | - Sanaa Eissa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt. .,MASRI Research Institue, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Manal Basyouni
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt
| | - Amany H Hasanin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmin M Aboul-Ela
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nagwa M Abo Elmagd
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iman F Montasser
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Ali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Military Medical Academy, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Paul J Skipp
- Centre for Proteomic Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marwa Matboli
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt
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13
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Wang Y, Hamang M, Culver A, Jiang H, Yanum J, Garcia V, Lee J, White E, Kusumanchi P, Chalasani N, Liangpunsakul S, Yaden BC, Dai G. Activin B promotes the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:2812-2826. [PMID: 35866567 PMCID: PMC9512478 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of activin B, a transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily cytokine, in liver health and disease is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate whether activin B modulates liver fibrogenesis. Liver and serum activin B, along with its analog activin A, were analyzed in patients with liver fibrosis from different etiologies and in mouse acute and chronic liver injury models. Activin B, activin A, or both was immunologically neutralized in mice with progressive or established carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced liver fibrosis. Hepatic and circulating activin B was increased in human patients with liver fibrosis caused by several liver diseases. In mice, hepatic and circulating activin B exhibited persistent elevation following the onset of several types of liver injury, whereas activin A displayed transient increases. The results revealed a close correlation of activin B with liver injury regardless of etiology and species. Injured hepatocytes produced excessive activin B. Neutralizing activin B largely prevented, as well as improved, CCl4 -induced liver fibrosis, which was augmented by co-neutralizing activin A. Mechanistically, activin B mediated the activation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and the maintenance of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) expression in injured livers. Moreover, activin B directly induced a profibrotic expression profile in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and stimulated these cells to form a septa structure. Conclusions: We demonstrate that activin B, cooperating with activin A, mediates the activation or expression of JNK, iNOS, and PARP1 and the activation of HSCs, driving the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Matthew Hamang
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Alexander Culver
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Huaizhou Jiang
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jennifer Yanum
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Veronica Garcia
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Joonyong Lee
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Emily White
- College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Praveen Kusumanchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Benjamin C Yaden
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Guoli Dai
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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14
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Ferdek PE, Krzysztofik D, Stopa KB, Kusiak AA, Paw M, Wnuk D, Jakubowska MA. When healing turns into killing ‐ the pathophysiology of pancreatic and hepatic fibrosis. J Physiol 2022; 600:2579-2612. [DOI: 10.1113/jp281135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel E. Ferdek
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Daria Krzysztofik
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Kinga B. Stopa
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Agnieszka A. Kusiak
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
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15
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Xu L, Liu W, Bai F, Xu Y, Liang X, Ma C, Gao L. Hepatic Macrophage as a Key Player in Fatty Liver Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:708978. [PMID: 34956171 PMCID: PMC8696173 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.708978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty liver disease, characterized by excessive inflammation and lipid deposition, is becoming one of the most prevalent liver metabolic diseases worldwide owing to the increasing global incidence of obesity. However, the underlying mechanisms of fatty liver disease are poorly understood. Accumulating evidence suggests that hepatic macrophages, specifically Kupffer cells (KCs), act as key players in the progression of fatty liver disease. Thus, it is essential to examine the current evidence of the roles of hepatic macrophages (both KCs and monocyte-derived macrophages). In this review, we primarily address the heterogeneities and multiple patterns of hepatic macrophages participating in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NLRP3 inflammasome, lipotoxicity, glucotoxicity, metabolic reprogramming, interaction with surrounding cells in the liver, and iron poisoning. A better understanding of the diverse roles of hepatic macrophages in the development of fatty liver disease may provide a more specific and promising macrophage-targeting therapeutic strategy for inflammatory liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Xu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Fuxiang Bai
- Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Laboratory, Yueyang Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Yueyang, China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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16
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Is the Macrophage Phenotype Determinant for Fibrosis Development? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121747. [PMID: 34944564 PMCID: PMC8698841 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathophysiological process of wound repair that leads to the deposit of connective tissue in the extracellular matrix. This complication is mainly associated with different pathologies affecting several organs such as lung, liver, heart, kidney, and intestine. In this fibrotic process, macrophages play an important role since they can modulate fibrosis due to their high plasticity, being able to adopt different phenotypes depending on the microenvironment in which they are found. In this review, we will try to discuss whether the macrophage phenotype exerts a pivotal role in the fibrosis development in the most important fibrotic scenarios.
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17
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The Hepatic Sinusoid in Chronic Liver Disease: The Optimal Milieu for Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225719. [PMID: 34830874 PMCID: PMC8616349 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary During the development of chronic liver disease, the hepatic sinusoid undergoes major changes that further compromise the hepatic function, inducing persistent inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, together with alterations in liver hemodynamics. This diseased background may induce the formation and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common form of primary liver cancer and a major cause of mortality. In this review, we describe the ways in which the dysregulation of hepatic sinusoidal cells—including liver sinusoidal cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells—may have an important role in the development of HCC. Our review summarizes all of the known sinusoidal processes in both health and disease, and possible treatments focusing on the dysregulation of the sinusoid; finally, we discuss how some of these alterations occurring during chronic injury are shared with the pathology of HCC and may contribute to its development. Abstract The liver sinusoids are a unique type of microvascular beds. The specialized phenotype of sinusoidal cells is essential for their communication, and for the function of all hepatic cell types, including hepatocytes. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) conform the inner layer of the sinusoids, which is permeable due to the fenestrae across the cytoplasm; hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) surround LSECs, regulate the vascular tone, and synthetize the extracellular matrix, and Kupffer cells (KCs) are the liver-resident macrophages. Upon injury, the harmonic equilibrium in sinusoidal communication is disrupted, leading to phenotypic alterations that may affect the function of the whole liver if the damage persists. Understanding how the specialized sinusoidal cells work in coordination with each other in healthy livers and chronic liver disease is of the utmost importance for the discovery of new therapeutic targets and the design of novel pharmacological strategies. In this manuscript, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of sinusoidal cells and their communication both in health and chronic liver diseases, and their potential pharmacologic modulation. Finally, we discuss how alterations occurring during chronic injury may contribute to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is usually developed in the background of chronic liver disease.
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18
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Cheng D, Chai J, Wang H, Fu L, Peng S, Ni X. Hepatic macrophages: Key players in the development and progression of liver fibrosis. Liver Int 2021; 41:2279-2294. [PMID: 33966318 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathological process involving persistent liver injury with various etiologies and subsequent inflammatory responses that occur in chronic liver diseases. If left untreated, liver fibrosis can progress to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and eventually, liver failure. Unfortunately, to date, there is no effective treatment for liver fibrosis, with the exception of liver transplantation. Although the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis is multifactorial and includes the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which are known to drive liver fibrogenesis, hepatic macrophages have emerged as central players in the development of liver fibrosis and regression. Hepatic macrophages, which consist of resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) and monocyte-derived macrophages, have been shown to play an intricate role in the initiation of inflammatory responses to liver injury, progression of fibrosis, and promotion of fibrosis resolution. These features have made hepatic macrophages uniquely attractive therapeutic targets in the fight against hepatic fibrosis. In this review, we synthesised the literature to highlight the functions and regulation of heterogeneity in hepatic macrophages. Furthermore, using the existing findings, we attempt to offer insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic switch from fibrogenic macrophages to restorative macrophages, the regulation of heterogeneity, and modes of action for hepatic macrophages. A better understanding of these mechanisms may guide the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapies (eg macrophage subset-targeted treatments) to combat liver fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin Chai
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Huiwen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shifang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Ni
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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19
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Jia F, Hu X, Kimura T, Tanaka N. Impact of Dietary Fat on the Progression of Liver Fibrosis: Lessons from Animal and Cell Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910303. [PMID: 34638640 PMCID: PMC8508674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed that a high-fat diet is one of the key contributors to the progression of liver fibrosis, and increasing studies are devoted to analyzing the different influences of diverse fat sources on the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. When we treated three types of isocaloric diets that are rich in cholesterol, saturated fatty acid (SFA) and trans fatty acid (TFA) with hepatitis C virus core gene transgenic mice that spontaneously developed hepatic steatosis without apparent fibrosis, TFA and cholesterol-rich diet, but not SFA-rich diet, displayed distinct hepatic fibrosis. This review summarizes the recent advances in animal and cell studies regarding the effects of these three types of fat on liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangping Jia
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan;
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China;
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan;
| | - Naoki Tanaka
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Shinshu University 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
- Correspondence:
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20
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Park JS, Ma H, Roh YS. Ubiquitin pathways regulate the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114764. [PMID: 34529948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is considered the leading cause of global mortality. In westernized countries, increased consumption of alcohol and overeating foods with high fat/ high glucose promote progression of CLD such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). Accumulating evidence and research suggest that ubiquitin, a 75 amino acid protein, plays crucial role in the pathogenesis of CLD through dynamic post-translational modifications (PTMs) exerting diverse cellular outcomes such as protein degradation through ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy, and regulation of signal transduction. In this review, we present the function of ubiquitination and latest findings on diverse mechanism of PTMs, UPS and autophagy which significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, and HCC. Despite its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality, there are only few FDA approved drugs that could be administered to CLD patients. The goal of this review is to present a variety of pathways and therapeutic targets involving ubiquitination in the pathogenesis of CLD. Further, this review summarizes collective views of pharmaceutical inhibition or activation of recent drugs targeting UPS and autophagy system to highlight potential targets and new approaches to treat CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Su Park
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, South Korea
| | - Hwan Ma
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, South Korea
| | - Yoon-Seok Roh
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, South Korea.
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21
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Nati M, Chung KJ, Chavakis T. The Role of Innate Immune Cells in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Innate Immun 2021; 14:31-41. [PMID: 34515137 DOI: 10.1159/000518407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common hepatic pathology featuring steatosis and is linked to obesity and related conditions, such as the metabolic syndrome. When hepatic steatosis is accompanied by inflammation, the disorder is defined as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which in turn can progress toward fibrosis development that can ultimately result in cirrhosis. Cells of innate immunity, such as neutrophils or macrophages, are central regulators of NASH-related inflammation. Recent studies utilizing new experimental technologies, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, have revealed substantial heterogeneity within the macrophage populations of the liver, suggesting distinct functions of liver-resident Kupffer cells and recruited monocyte-derived macrophages with regards to regulation of liver inflammation and progression of NASH pathogenesis. Herein, we discuss recent developments concerning the function of innate immune cell subsets in NAFLD and NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nati
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of Helmholtz Center Munich at the University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kyoung-Jin Chung
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of Helmholtz Center Munich at the University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
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22
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Ahmed O, Robinson MW, O'Farrelly C. Inflammatory processes in the liver: divergent roles in homeostasis and pathology. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:1375-1386. [PMID: 33864004 PMCID: PMC8166849 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00639-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatic immune system is designed to tolerate diverse harmless foreign moieties to maintain homeostasis in the healthy liver. Constant priming and regulation ensure that appropriate immune activation occurs when challenged by pathogens and tissue damage. Failure to accurately discriminate, regulate, or effectively resolve inflammation offsets this balance, jeopardizing overall tissue health resulting from an either overly tolerant or an overactive inflammatory response. Compelling scientific and clinical evidence links dysregulated hepatic immune and inflammatory responses upon sterile injury to several pathological conditions in the liver, particularly nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Murine and human studies have described interactions between diverse immune repertoires and nonhematopoietic cell populations in both physiological and pathological activities in the liver, although the molecular mechanisms driving these associations are not clearly understood. Here, we review the dynamic roles of inflammatory mediators in responses to sterile injury in the context of homeostasis and disease, the clinical implications of dysregulated hepatic immune activity and therapeutic developments to regulate liver-specific immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Ahmed
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark W Robinson
- Department of Biology, Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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23
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Xue J, Xiao T, Wei S, Sun J, Zou Z, Shi M, Sun Q, Dai X, Wu L, Li J, Xia H, Tang H, Zhang A, Liu Q. miR-21-regulated M2 polarization of macrophage is involved in arsenicosis-induced hepatic fibrosis through the activation of hepatic stellate cells. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6025-6041. [PMID: 33481270 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Arsenicosis induced by chronic exposure to arsenic is recognized as one of the main damaging effects on public health. Exposure to arsenic can cause hepatic fibrosis, but the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are complex and elusive. It is not known if miRNAs are involved in arsenic-induced liver fibrosis. We found that in the livers of mice exposed to arsenite, there were elevated levels of microRNA-21 (miR-21), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and arginase 1 (Arg1); low levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); and more extensive liver fibrosis. For cultured cells, arsenite-induced miR-21, p-mTOR, and Arg1; decreased PTEN; and promoted M2 polarization of macrophages derived from THP-1 monocytes (THP-M), which caused secretion of fibrogenic cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β1. Coculture of arsenite-treated, THP-M with LX-2 cells induced α-SMA and collagen I in the LX-2 cells and resulted in the activation of these cells. Downregulation of miR-21 in THP-M inhibited arsenite-induced M2 polarization and activation of LX-2 cells, but cotransfection with PTEN siRNA or a miR-21 inhibitor reversed this inhibition. Moreover, knockout of miR-21 in mice attenuated liver fibrosis and M2 polarization compared with WT mice exposed to arsenite. Additionally, LN, PCIII, and HA levels were higher in patients with higher hair arsenic levels, and levels of miR-21 were higher than controls and positively correlated with PCIII, LN, and HA levels. Thus, arsenite induces the M2 polarization of macrophages via miR-21 regulation of PTEN, which is involved in the activation of hepatic stellate cells and hepatic fibrosis. The results establish a previously unknown mechanism for arsenicosis-induced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchao Xue
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tian Xiao
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaofeng Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhonglan Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyu Dai
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Wu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haibo Xia
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huanwen Tang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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24
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Su SB, Qin SY, Xian XL, Huang FF, Huang QL, ZhangDi HJ, Jiang HX. Interleukin-22 regulating Kupffer cell polarization through STAT3/Erk/Akt crosstalk pathways to extenuate liver fibrosis. Life Sci 2021; 264:118677. [PMID: 33129875 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Interleukin (IL)-22 activates multiple signaling pathways to exert anti-inflammatory effects, but few studies have examined whether and how IL-22 may shift macrophage polarization between M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) states and thereby influence the progression of hepatic fibrosis. MAIN METHODS Utilized CCl4 to induce liver fibrosis in mice, detected the role of IL-22 in inhibiting liver fibrosis by regulating Kupffer cells (KCs) polarization in vivo and in vitro. U937 cells were used to confirm the mechanism of IL-22 regulating macrophage polarization via the STAT3/Erk/Akt pathways. Human liver specimens were collected to verify the correlation between the levels of IL-22 and KCs during liver fibrogenesis. KEY FINDINGS During CCl4-induced liver fibrosis progression in mice, adding exogenous IL-22 significantly inhibited pro-fibrogenic and macrophage phenotype-altering factors secreted by M1-KCs, and it increased the number of M2-KCs. In co-cultures of hepatic stellate cells and KCs from mice treated with IL-22, a high M2/M1-KCs ratio inhibited collagen production and stellate cell activation. These results suggest that IL-22 can increase the ratio of M2-KCs to M1-KCs and thereby attenuate the progression of liver fibrosis. Mechanistic studies in vitro showed that IL-22 promoted polarization of lipopolysaccharide-treated U937 macrophages from M1 to M2. The cytokine exerted these effects by activating the STAT3 pathway while suppressing Erk1/2 and Akt pathways. Furthermore, immunofluorescent staining in human liver specimens confirmed that IL-22 levels positively correlated with the number of M2-KCs during liver fibrogenesis. SIGNIFICANCE IL-22 regulates the STAT3/Erk/Akt to increase the M2/M1-KCs ratio and thereby slow liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Biao Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Shan-Yu Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Xiao-Long Xian
- Graduate School of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Fei-Fei Huang
- Graduate School of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Qiu-Lan Huang
- Graduate School of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Han-Jing ZhangDi
- Graduate School of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Hai-Xing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Province, China.
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25
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Function of TREM1 and TREM2 in Liver-Related Diseases. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122626. [PMID: 33297569 PMCID: PMC7762355 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
TREM1 and TREM2 are members of the triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family. Both TREM1 and TREM2 are immunoglobulin superfamily receptors. Their main function is to identify foreign antigens and toxic substances, thereby adjusting the inflammatory response. In the liver, TREM1 and TREM2 are expressed on non-parenchymal cells, such as liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells, and cells which infiltrate the liver in response to injury including monocyte-derived macrophages and neutrophils. The function of TREM1 and TREM2 in inflammatory response depends on Toll-like receptor 4. TREM1 mainly augments inflammation during acute inflammation, while TREM2 mainly inhibits chronic inflammation to protect the liver from pathological changes. Chronic inflammation often induces metabolic abnormalities, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. The above physiological changes lead to liver-related diseases, such as liver injury, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we review the function of TREM1 and TREM2 in different liver diseases based on inflammation, providing a more comprehensive perspective for the treatment of liver-related diseases.
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26
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Zhang YR, Wu YF, Wang H, Lin XM, Zhang XM. [Role of microRNA-17-5p in the pathogenesis of pediatric nephrotic syndrome and related mechanisms]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2020; 22:958-963. [PMID: 32933626 PMCID: PMC7499452 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2003329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the role of microRNA-17-5p (miR-17-5p) in the pathogenesis of pediatric nephrotic syndrome (NS) and its effect on renal podocyte apoptosis via the activin A (ActA)/Smads pathway. METHODS An analysis was performed on 55 children with NS (NS group) who were admitted from March 2018 to March 2019. Fifty healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period of time were enrolled as the control group. The mRNA expression of miR-17-5p in peripheral blood was measured and compared between the two groups. Human renal podocytes were transfected with antisense oligonucleotide recombinant plasmid containing miR-17-5p (inhibition group) or control vector containing nonsense random sequence (negative control group), and untreated human renal podocytes were used as the blank group. These groups were compared in terms of cell apoptosis and the mRNA and protein expression of miR-17-5p, ActA, and Smads after transfection. RESULTS The NS group had a significantly higher level of miR-17-5p in peripheral blood than the control group (P<0.001). Compared with the blank and negative control groups, the inhibition group had significantly lower apoptosis rate and relative mRNA expression of miR-17-5p and significantly higher relative mRNA and protein expression of ActA, Smad2, and Smad3 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS There is an increase in the content of miR-17-5p in peripheral blood in children with NS. Low expression of miR-17-5p can inhibit the apoptosis of human renal podocytes, which may be associated with the upregulation of the mRNA and protein expression of ActA, Smad2 and Smad3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Rui Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China.
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27
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Li H, Zhou Y, Wang H, Zhang M, Qiu P, Zhang M, Zhang R, Zhao Q, Liu J. Crosstalk Between Liver Macrophages and Surrounding Cells in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1169. [PMID: 32670278 PMCID: PMC7326822 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the advanced stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is emerging as a leading cause of progressive liver fibrosis and end-stage liver disease. Liver macrophages, mainly composed of Kupffer cells (KCs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs), play a vital role in NASH progression and regression. Recent advances suggest that cell–cell communication is a fundamental feature of hepatic microenvironment. The reprogramming of cell–cell signaling between macrophages and surrounding cells contributes to the pathogenesis of NASH. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of NASH regarding the composition of liver macrophages and their communication with surrounding cells, which are composed of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and other immune cells. We also discuss the potential therapeutic strategies based on the level of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiou Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center, Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunjiao Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center, Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Haizhou Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center, Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center, Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Peishan Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center, Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengna Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center, Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruike Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center, Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center, Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center, Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
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28
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Chen J, Deng X, Liu Y, Tan Q, Huang G, Che Q, Guo J, Su Z. Kupffer Cells in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Friend or Foe? Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2367-2378. [PMID: 32760204 PMCID: PMC7378652 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.47143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing all around the world and it may become the primary cause of terminal liver disease in adults and children in the next few decades. However, the pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any drugs for its treatment. Kupffer cells are the key cells regulating immunity in the liver, and the effect of their unique polarization on NAFLD has received increasing attention. Kupffer cells mainly reside in the lumen of hepatic sinusoids and account for 80% to 90% of colonized macrophages in the human body. They are phagocytic cells with the capacity for self-renewal that rarely migrate from their niche in the liver, and play a crucial role in regulating and maintaining homeostasis. Upon liver damage, Kupffer cells will be activated, releasing a good deal of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This review summarizes the multiple roles of Kupffer cells in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, the role of infiltrating macrophages in the pathogenesis of NAFLD is also briefly discussed, and aims to provide a theoretical basis for designing an NAFLD treatment strategy with Kupffer cells as the therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Chen
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM, Level 3 Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism SATCM, Institute of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoyi Deng
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM, Level 3 Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism SATCM, Institute of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongjian Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM, Level 3 Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism SATCM, Institute of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiuhua Tan
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM, Level 3 Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism SATCM, Institute of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guidong Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University; 15# Lequn Road, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 54101, China
| | - Qishi Che
- Guangzhou Rainhome Pharm & Tech CO., LTD 5F, No.10 Yongsheng Road, Yonghe Econoic region, Science City, Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM, Level 3 Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism SATCM, Institute of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhengquan Su
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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29
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Kostallari E, Shah VH. Pericytes in the Liver. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1122:153-167. [PMID: 30937868 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-11093-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver pericytes, commonly named hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), reside in the space between liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatocytes. They display important roles in health and disease. HSCs ensure the storage of the majority of vitamin A in a healthy body, and they represent the major source of fibrotic tissue in liver disease. Surrounding cells, such as LSECs, hepatocytes, and Kupffer cells, present a significant role in modulating HSC behavior. Therapeutic strategies against liver disease are being currently developed, where HSCs represent an ideal target. In this chapter, we will discuss HSC quiescence and activation in the context of healthy liver and diseases, such as fibrosis, steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Emerging awareness on the importance of skeletal muscle in liver diseases: time to dig deeper into mechanisms! Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:465-481. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20180421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a tissue that represents 30–40% of total body mass in healthy humans and contains up to 75% of total body proteins. It is thus the largest organ in non-obese subjects. The past few years have seen increasing awareness of the prognostic value of appreciating changes in skeletal muscle compartment in various chronic diseases. Hence, a low muscle mass, a low muscle function and muscle fatty infiltration are linked with poor outcomes in many pathological conditions. In particular, an affluent body of evidence links the severity, the complications and mortality of chronic liver disease (CLD) with skeletal muscle depletion. Yet it is still not clear whether low muscle mass is a cause, an aggravating factor, a consequence of the ongoing disease, or an epiphenomenon reflecting general alteration in the critically ill patient. The mechanisms by which the muscle compartment influences disease prognosis are still largely unknown. In addition, whether muscle alterations contribute to liver disease progression is an unanswered question. Here, we first review basic knowledge about muscle compartment to draw a conceptual framework for interpreting skeletal muscle alteration in CLD. We next describe recent literature on muscle wasting in cirrhosis and liver transplantation. We then discuss the implication of skeletal muscle compartment in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), focusing on plausible metabolic disruption in muscle compartment that might participate in NAFLD progression. Finally, we discuss shortcomings and challenges we need to address in the near future prior to designate the muscle compartment as a therapeutic target in CLD.
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George J, Tsuchishima M, Tsutsumi M. Molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of N-nitrosodimethylamine induced hepatic fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:18. [PMID: 30622238 PMCID: PMC6325159 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1272-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is marked by excessive synthesis and deposition of connective tissue proteins, especially interstitial collagens in the extracellular matrix of the liver. It is a result of an abnormal wound healing in response to chronic liver injury from various causes such as ethanol, viruses, toxins, drugs, or cholestasis. The chronic stimuli involved in the initiation of fibrosis leads to oxidative stress and generation of reactive oxygen species that serve as mediators of molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. These processes lead to cellular injury and initiate inflammatory responses releasing a variety of cytokines and growth factors that trigger activation and transformation of resting hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblast like cells, which in turn start excessive synthesis of connective tissue proteins, especially collagens. Uncontrolled and extensive fibrosis results in distortion of lobular architecture of the liver leading to nodular formation and cirrhosis. The perpetual injury and regeneration process could also results in genomic aberrations and mutations that lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. This review covers most aspects of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis with special emphasize on N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA; Dimethylnitorsmaine, DMN) as the inducing agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph George
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan.
| | - Mutsumi Tsuchishima
- Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Mikihiro Tsutsumi
- Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
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Chen QQ, Zhang C, Qin MQ, Li J, Wang H, Xu DX, Wang JQ. Inositol-Requiring Enzyme 1 Alpha Endoribonuclease Specific Inhibitor STF-083010 Alleviates Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver Injury and Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1344. [PMID: 30538632 PMCID: PMC6277551 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating data demonstrated that hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Long-term chronic hepatocyte death contributed to liver fibrosis initiation and progression. Previous researches reported that ER stress sensor inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α) was first activated in the process of liver fibrosis. STF-083010 was an IRE1α RNase specific inhibitor. This study aimed to explore the effects of STF-083010 on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and subsequent liver fibrosis. Mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with CCl4 (0.15 ml/kg) for 8 weeks. In STF-083010+CCl4 group, mice were injected with STF-083010 (30 mg/kg, i.p.), twice a week, beginning from the 6th week after CCl4 injection. CCl4 treatment markedly enhanced the levels of serum ALT, TBIL, DBIL and TBA, and STF-083010 had obviously extenuated CCl4-induced exaltation of ALT, DBIL, and TBA levels. CCl4-induced hepatic hydroxyproline and collagen I, major indicators of liver fibrosis, were alleviated by STF-083010. Additionally, CCl4-induced α-smooth muscle actin, a marker for hepatic stellate cells activation, was obviously attenuated in STF-083010-treated mice. Moreover, CCl4-induced upregulation of inflammatory cytokines was suppressed by STF-083010. Mechanistic exploration found that hepatic miR-122 was downregulated in CCl4-treated mice. Hepatic MCP1, CTGF, P4HA1, Col1α1, and Mmp9, target genes of miR-122, were upregulated in CCl4-treated mice. Interestingly, STF-083010 reversed CCl4-induced hepatic miR-122 downregulation. Correspondingly, STF-083010 inhibited CCl4-induced upregulation of miR-122 target genes. This study provides partial evidence that STF-083010 alleviated CCl4-induced liver injury and thus protected against liver fibrosis associated with hepatic miR-122.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Chen
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ming-Qiang Qin
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jian-Qing Wang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Fagonia indica Repairs Hepatic Damage through Expression Regulation of Toll-Like Receptors in a Liver Injury Model. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:7967135. [PMID: 30057922 PMCID: PMC6051044 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7967135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fagonia indica is a traditionally used phytomedicine to cure hepatic ailments. However, efficient validation of its hepatoprotective effect and molecular mechanisms involved are not yet well established. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Fagonia indica and to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the reversal of hepatic injury. The liver injury mouse model was established by thioacetamide followed by oral administration of plant extract. Serum biochemical and histological analyses were performed to assess the level of hepatic injury. Expression analysis of proinflammatory, hepatic, and immune regulatory genes was performed with RT-PCR. Results of serological and histological analyses described the restoration of normal liver function and architecture in mice treated with plant extract. In addition, altered expression of proinflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β) and hepatic (krt-18 and albumin) markers further strengthens the liver injury reversal effects of Fagonia indica. Furthermore, a significant expression regulation of innate immunity components such as toll-like receptors 4 and 9 and MyD-88 was observed suggesting an immune regulatory role of the plant in curing liver injury. In conclusion, the current study not only proposes Fagonia indica, a strong hepatoprotective candidate, but also recommends an immune regulatory toll-like receptor pathway as an important therapeutic target in liver diseases.
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Song M, Xia L, Sun M, Yang C, Wang F. Circular RNA in Liver: Health and Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1087:245-257. [PMID: 30259372 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-1426-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) is an important class of noncoding RNA characterized by covalently closed continuous loop structures. In recent years, the various functions of circRNAs have been continuously documented, including effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis and nutrient metabolism. The liver is the largest solid organ in mammals, and it also performs many functions in the body, which is considered to be the busiest organ in the body. At the same time, the liver is vulnerable to multiple pathogenic factors, causing various acute and chronic liver diseases. The pathogenesis of liver disease is still not fully understood. As a rising star for the past few years, circRNAs have been proven involved in the regulation of liver homeostasis and disease. This chapter will explain the role of circRNAs in liver health and diseases and sort out the confusion in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyi Song
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Xia
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengxue Sun
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changqing Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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