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Liu C, Li S, Zhang C, Jin CH. Recent Advances in Research on Active Compounds Against Hepatic Fibrosis. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2571-2628. [PMID: 37497688 DOI: 10.2174/0929867331666230727102016] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Almost all chronic liver diseases cause fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver cancer. Liver fibrosis is now considered to be a reversible pathophysiological process and suppression of fibrosis is necessary to prevent liver cancer. At present, no specific drugs have been found that have hepatic anti-fibrotic activity. OBJECTIVE The research progress of anti-hepatic fibrosis compounds in recent ten years was reviewed to provide a reference for the design and development of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs. METHODS According to the structure of the compounds, they are divided into monocyclic compounds, fused-heterocyclic compounds, and acyclic compounds. RESULTS In this article, the natural products and synthetic compounds with anti-fibrotic activity in recent ten years were reviewed, with emphasis on their pharmacological activity and structure-activity relationship (SAR). CONCLUSION Most of these compounds are natural active products and their derivatives, and there are few researches on synthetic compounds and SAR studies on natural product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, China
| | - Siqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, China
| | - Changhao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, China
| | - Cheng-Hua Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, China
- Interdisciplinary of Biological Functional Molecules, College of Integration Science, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, China
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Li H, Kim JA, Jo SE, Lee H, Kim KC, Choi S, Suh SH. Modafinil exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects by upregulating adenosine A 2A and A 2B receptors. Purinergic Signal 2023:10.1007/s11302-023-09973-8. [PMID: 37938538 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-023-09973-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine receptor (AR) suppresses inflammation and fibrosis by activating cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling. We investigated whether altered AR expression contributes to the development of fibrotic diseases and whether A2AAR and A2BAR upregulation inhibits fibrotic responses. Primary human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) from normal (NHLFs) or patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (DHLF) were used for in vitro testing. Murine models of fibrotic liver or pulmonary disease were developed by injecting thioacetamide intraperitoneally, by feeding a high-fat diet, or by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Modafinil, which activates cAMP signaling via A2AAR and A2BAR, was administered orally. The protein amounts of A2AAR, A2BAR, and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) were reduced, while collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were elevated in DHLFs compared to NHLFs. In liver or lung tissue from murine models of fibrotic diseases, A2AAR and A2BAR were downregulated, but A1AR and A3AR were not. Epac amounts decreased, and amounts of collagen, α-SMA, KCa2.3, and KCa3.1 increased compared to the control. Modafinil restored the amounts of A2AAR, A2BAR, and Epac, and reduced collagen, α-SMA, KCa2.3, and KCa3.1 in murine models of fibrotic diseases. Transforming growth factor-β reduced the amounts of A2AAR, A2BAR, and Epac, and elevated collagen, α-SMA, KCa2.3, and KCa3.1 in NHLFs; however, these alterations were inhibited by modafinil. Our investigation revealed that A2AAR and A2BAR downregulation induced liver and lung fibrotic diseases while upregulation attenuated fibrotic responses, suggesting that A2AAR and A2BAR-upregulating agents, such as modafinil, may serve as novel therapies for fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Aee Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Eun Jo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea
| | - Huisu Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan-Chang Kim
- Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea.
| | - Shinkyu Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suk Hyo Suh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-ro 2-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07084, Republic of Korea.
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Seo JH, Lee HJ, Sim DY, Park JE, Ahn CH, Park SY, Cho AR, Koo J, Shim BS, Kim B, Kim SH. Honokiol inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and hepatic fibrosis via activation of Ecadherin/GSK3β/JNK and inhibition of AKT/ERK/p38/β-catenin/TMPRSS4 signaling axis. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4092-4101. [PMID: 37253375 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7871] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Though Honokiol was known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antithrombotic, anti-viral, metabolic, antithrombotic, and neurotrophic activities, the underlying mechanisms of Honokiol on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediated liver fibrosis still remain elusive so far. Anti-EMT and antifibrotic effects of Honokiol were explored in murine AML-12 hepatocyte cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, wound healing assay, Western blotting and also in CCl4-induced liver injury mouse model by immunohistochemistry. Honokiol significantly suppressed transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced EMT and migration of AML-12 cells along with decreased EMT phenotypes such as loss of cell adhesion and formation of fibroblast like mesenchymal cells in TGF-β1-treated AML-12 cells. Consistently, Honokiol suppressed the expression of Snail and transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4), but not p-Smad3, and activated E-cadherin in TGF-β1-treated AML-12 cells. Additionally, Honokiol reduced the expression of β-catenin, p-AKT, p-ERK, p-p38 and increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) and JNK in TGF-β1-treated AML-12 cells via TGF-β1/nonSmad pathway. Conversely, GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 reversed the ability of Honokiol to reduce Snail, β-catenin and migration and activate E-cadherin in TGF-β1-treated AML-12 cells. Also, Honokiol suppressed hepatic steatosis and necrosis by reducing the expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in liver tissues of CCl4 treated mice. These findings provide scientific evidence that Honokiol suppresses EMT and hepatic fibrosis via activation of E-cadherin/GSK3β/JNK and inhibition of AKT/ERK/p38/β-catenin/TMPRSS4 signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hwa Seo
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok Yong Sim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eon Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi-Hoon Ahn
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Yeon Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Reum Cho
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsuk Koo
- Division of Horticulture & Medicinal Plant, Andong National University, Andong, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum Sang Shim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bonglee Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Park HJ, Choi J, Kim H, Yang DY, An TH, Lee EW, Han BS, Lee SC, Kim WK, Bae KH, Oh KJ. Cellular heterogeneity and plasticity during NAFLD progression. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1221669. [PMID: 37635938 PMCID: PMC10450943 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1221669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive liver disease that can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), NASH-related cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis (or nonalcoholic fatty liver [NAFL]) to NASH as a progressive form of NAFL, which is characterized by steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning with or without fibrosis. Because of the complex pathophysiological mechanism and the heterogeneity of NAFLD, including its wide spectrum of clinical and histological characteristics, no specific therapeutic drugs have been approved for NAFLD. The heterogeneity of NAFLD is closely associated with cellular plasticity, which describes the ability of cells to acquire new identities or change their phenotypes in response to environmental stimuli. The liver consists of parenchymal cells including hepatocytes and cholangiocytes and nonparenchymal cells including Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, and endothelial cells, all of which have specialized functions. This heterogeneous cell population has cellular plasticity to adapt to environmental changes. During NAFLD progression, these cells can exert diverse and complex responses at multiple levels following exposure to a variety of stimuli, including fatty acids, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Therefore, this review provides insights into NAFLD heterogeneity by addressing the cellular plasticity and metabolic adaptation of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and Kupffer cells during NAFLD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju Park
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyoung Choi
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmi Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Yeon Yang
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyeon An
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Woo Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Baek-Soo Han
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Biodefense Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chul Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kon Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hee Bae
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Oh
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Jang HJ, Leem J, Kim GM. Protective Effects of Apamin on Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4389-4399. [PMID: 37232748 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can cause severe liver damage, but therapeutic options are limited. Apamin is a natural peptide present in bee venom and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Accumulating evidence suggests that apamin has favorable actions in rodent models of inflammatory disorders. Here, we examined the effect of apamin on APAP-evoked hepatotoxicity. Intraperitoneal administration of apamin (0.1 mg/kg) alleviated histological abnormalities and reduced serum levels of liver enzymes in mice injected with APAP. Apamin inhibited oxidative stress through an increase in the amount of glutathione and activation of the antioxidant system. Apamin also attenuated apoptosis with inhibition of caspase-3 activation. Moreover, apamin reduced serum and hepatic levels of cytokines in APAP-injected mice. These effects were accompanied by suppression of NF-κB activation. Furthermore, apamin inhibited chemokine expression and inflammatory cell infiltration. Our results suggest that apamin dampens APAP-evoked hepatotoxicity through inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Jeong Jang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaechan Leem
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyun Moo Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
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Liu SQ, Deng X, Zhu CP, Cui YL, Xie WF, Zhang X. Depletion of Tgfbr2 in hepatocytes alleviates liver fibrosis and restores hepatic function in fibrotic mice. J Dig Dis 2023; 24:39-50. [PMID: 36967587 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies have demonstrated the pivotal role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling in activating hepatic stellate cells during liver fibrosis. In this study we aimed to demonstrate the effects and underlying mechanism of TGF-β signaling in hepatocytes on hepatic fibrogenesis. METHODS Hepatocyte-specific Tgfbr2-knockout (Tgfbr2HKO ) mice were generated by AAV8-TBG-Cre injection via the tail vein of Tgfbr2f/f mice. CCl4 was injected intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks to establish the fibrotic mouse model. The expression of the fibrogenesis markers was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RNA-seq analysis was used to detect the transcriptional profiles of primary hepatocytes isolated from Tgfbr2HKO mice and control mice. RESULTS The expression of TβR2 (Tgfbr2) was markedly upregulated in hepatocytes of the fibrotic liver. Tgfbr2 depletion in hepatocytes decreased the expressions of profibrogenic markers (Col1a1 and Acta2) in the CCl4 -treated fibrotic liver. RNA-seq analysis revealed that Tgfbr2 deletion in hepatocytes significantly reduced the inflammatory response and suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocytes accompanied by upregulation of the metabolic pathways during liver fibrosis. Moreover, the expressions of hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNFs), including Hnf4α, Foxa1, Foxa2, and Foxa3, which are important for maintaining liver metabolism and homeostasis, were decreased in fibrotic livers and significantly increased after Tgfbr2 blockade. CONCLUSION Blocking the TGF-β signaling pathway in hepatocytes reduces hepatic fibrosis and improves hepatic function in fibrotic livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Qing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Peng Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Lu Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Revisiting Epithelial Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137437. [PMID: 35806442 PMCID: PMC9267463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of cancer remains one of the most important enigmas in modern biology. This paper presents a hypothesis for the origin of carcinomas in which cellular aging and inflammation enable the recovery of cellular plasticity, which may ultimately result in cancer. The hypothesis describes carcinogenesis as the result of the dedifferentiation undergone by epithelial cells in hyperplasia due to replicative senescence towards a mesenchymal cell state with potentially cancerous behavior. In support of this hypothesis, the molecular, cellular, and histopathological evidence was critically reviewed and reinterpreted when necessary to postulate a plausible generic series of mechanisms for the origin and progression of carcinomas. In addition, the implications of this theoretical framework for the current strategies of cancer treatment are discussed considering recent evidence of the molecular events underlying the epigenetic switches involved in the resistance of breast carcinomas. The hypothesis also proposes an epigenetic landscape for their progression and a potential mechanism for restraining the degree of dedifferentiation and malignant behavior. In addition, the manuscript revisits the gradual degeneration of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to propose an integrative generalized mechanistic explanation for the involution and carcinogenesis of tissues associated with aging. The presented hypothesis might serve to understand and structure new findings into a more encompassing view of the genesis of degenerative diseases and may inspire novel approaches for their study and therapy.
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Choi S, Kim JA, Li H, Jo SE, Lee H, Kim TH, Kim M, Kim SJ, Suh SH. Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of modafinil in nonalcoholic liver disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112372. [PMID: 34794237 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Small- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels, KCa2.3 and KCa3.1, are involved in cellular signaling processes associated with inflammation and fibrosis. KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 are upregulated by proinflammatory cytokines and profibrotic growth factors. Cyclic AMP, which downregulates KCa2.3 and KCa3.1, is elevated by modafinil in cells; accordingly, we investigated whether modafinil exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic responses via KCa2.3- and KCa3.1-mediated pathways in high-fat diet (HFD)- or thioacetamide-induced liver disease models in mice. Modafinil was administered orally in the form of a racemate, (R)-isomer, or (S)-isomer. We also determined whether the treatment targeted the profibrotic activity of hepatic stellate cells using immortalized human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2 cells). Modafinil improved HFD- or thioacetamide-induced changes compared to the control, leading to a reduced inflammatory response, collagen deposition, and α-smooth muscle actin expression both in vivo and in vitro. However, modafinil did not relieve HFD-induced steatosis. There were no significant differences in the effects of the (R)- and (S)-isomers of modafinil. KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 were upregulated and catalase was downregulated in liver tissues from thioacetamide- or HFD-induced liver disease models or in TGF-β-treated LX-2 cells. TGF-β-induced upregulation of KCa2.3, KCa3.1, collagen, and α-smooth muscle actin and downregulation of catalase were reversed by modafinil, polyethylene glycol catalase, N-acetylcysteine, siRNA against KCa2.3 or KCa3.1, and Epac inhibitors. Our investigation revealed that modafinil attenuated inflammatory and fibrotic progression via KCa2.3- and KCa3.1-mediated pathways in nonalcoholic hepatitis, suggesting that inhibiting KCa2.3- and KCa3.1-mediated signaling may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for inflammatory and fibrotic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinkyu Choi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Aee Kim
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Haiyan Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Eun Jo
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Huisu Lee
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minje Kim
- CellionBioMed Inc., Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Suk Hyo Suh
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Gwon MG, An HJ, Gu H, Kim YA, Han SM, Park KK. Apamin inhibits renal fibrosis via suppressing TGF-β1 and STAT3 signaling in vivo and in vitro. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1265-1277. [PMID: 34031696 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a progressive and chronic process that influences kidneys with chronic kidney disease (CKD), irrespective of cause, leading to irreversible failure of renal function and end-stage kidney disease. Among the signaling related to renal fibrosis, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling is a major pathway that induces the activation of myofibroblasts and the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. Apamin, a component of bee venom (BV), has been studied in relation to various diseases. However, the effect of apamin on renal interstitial fibrosis has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to estimate the beneficial effect of apamin in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis and TGF-β1-induced renal fibroblast activation. This study revealed that obstructive kidney injury induced an inflammatory response, tubular atrophy, and ECM accumulation. However, apamin treatment suppressed the increased expression of fibrotic-related genes, including α-SMA, vimentin, and fibronectin. Administration of apamin also attenuated the renal tubular cells injury and tubular atrophy. In addition, apamin attenuated fibroblast activation, ECM synthesis, and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by suppressing the TGF-β1-canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways. This study showed that apamin inhibits UUO-induced renal fibrosis in vivo and TGF-β1-induced renal fibroblasts activation in vitro. Apamin inhibited the inflammatory response, tubular atrophy, ECM accumulation, fibroblast activation, and renal interstitial fibrosis through suppression of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and STAT3 signaling pathways. These results suggest that apamin might be a potential therapeutic agent for renal fibrosis. KEY MESSAGES: UUO injury can induce renal dysfunction; however, apamin administration prevents renal failure in UUO mice. Apamin inhibited renal inflammatory response and ECM deposition in UUO-injured mice. Apamin suppressed the activation of myofibroblasts in vivo and in vitro. Apamin has the anti-fibrotic effect on renal fibrosis via regulation of TGF-β1 canonical and non-canonical signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Gyeong Gwon
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, 42472, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin An
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, 42472, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemin Gu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, 42472, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ah Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, 42472, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Mi Han
- National Academy of Agricultural Science, Jeonjusi, Jeonbuk, 54875, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, 42472, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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An evaluation of the chemical content and microbiological contamination of Anatolian bee venom. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255161. [PMID: 34293062 PMCID: PMC8297878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a natural substance produced by worker bees. The aim of this research paper is to determine the characteristics of Anatolian bee venom by evaluating its chemical content and microbiological properties. Physical, chemical and microbiological analyses were performed on 25 bee venom samples from different areas of Anatolia, Turkey. Data obtained by 3-replicate studies were evaluated with normality and one-way and two-way ANOVA / Tukey tests. Chemical analyses of the bee venoms revealed average melittin, apamin, and phospholipase A2 contents of 40.57%, 2.12% and 13.67%, respectively. The results suggest that Anatolian bee venom has a high phospholipase A2 content compared to the previous literature. The results for apamin content were similar to those reported in other countries. Melittin content was within the range of standard values. Bee venom samples were also observed to have a high sugar content, associated with pollen and nectar contamination. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts revealed no microbial development in 11 samples of bee venom. Staphylococcus aureus was not detected in any sample. A low microbial load was associated with a high phospholipase A2 content in the bee venom composition, thus contributing to its antimicrobial character. This study presents an examination of Anatolian bee venom in terms of chemical content and microbial quality. The examination of other components in addition to phospholipase A2, melittin and apamin in future studies, together with an analysis of antimicrobial properties will further our understanding of Anatolian bee venom.
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Yeh H, Chiang CC, Yen TH. Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with renal dysfunction: Pathophysiology, prognosis, and treatment challenges. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4104-4142. [PMID: 34326614 PMCID: PMC8311541 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i26.4104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The population of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) overlaps to a high degree with those for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The degrees of renal dysfunction vary, from the various stages of CKD to dialysis-dependent ESRD, which often affects the prognosis and treatment choice of patients with HCC. In addition, renal dysfunction makes treatment more difficult and may negatively affect treatment outcomes. This study summarized the possible causes of the high comorbidity of HCC and renal dysfunction. The possible mechanisms of CKD causing HCC involve uremia itself, long-term dialysis status, immunosuppressive agents for postrenal transplant status, and miscellaneous factors such as hormone alterations and dysbiosis. The possible mechanisms of HCC affecting renal function include direct tumor invasion and hepatorenal syndrome. Finally, we categorized the risk factors that could lead to both HCC and CKD into four categories: Environmental toxins, viral hepatitis, metabolic syndrome, and vasoactive factors. Both CKD and ESRD have been reported to negatively affect HCC prognosis, but more research is warranted to confirm this. Furthermore, ESRD status itself ought not to prevent patients receiving aggressive treatments. This study then adopted the well-known Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines as a framework to discuss the indicators for each stage of HCC treatment, treatment-related adverse renal effects, and concerns that are specific to patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction when undergoing aggressive treatments against CKD and ESRD. Such aggressive treatments include liver resection, simultaneous liver kidney transplantation, radiofrequency ablation, and transarterial chemoembolization. Finally, focusing on patients unable to receive active treatment, this study compiled information on the latest systemic pharmacological therapies, including targeted and immunotherapeutic drugs. Based on available clinical studies and Food and Drug Administration labels, this study details the drug indications, side effects, and dose adjustments for patients with renal dysfunction. It also provides a comprehensive review of information on HCC patients with renal dysfunction from disease onset to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan Yeh
- Department of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taipei 105, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Cheng Chiang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Hai Yen
- Department of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taipei 105, Taiwan
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12
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Zhang Q, Chang X, Wang H, Liu Y, Wang X, Wu M, Zhan H, Li S, Sun Y. TGF-β1 mediated Smad signaling pathway and EMT in hepatic fibrosis induced by Nano NiO in vivo and in vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2020; 35:419-429. [PMID: 31737983 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nickel oxide nanoparticles (Nano NiO) bears hepatotoxicity, while whether it leads to liver fibrosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to establish the Nano NiO-induced hepatic fibrosis model in vivo and investigate the roles of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in Smad pathway activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurrence, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in vitro. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg/kg Nano NiO by intratracheal instilling twice a week for 9 weeks. HepG2 cells were treated with 100 μg/mL Nano NiO and TGF-β1 inhibitor (SB431542) to explore the mechanism of collagen formation. Results of Masson staining as well as the elevated levels of type I collagen (Col-I) and Col-III suggested that Nano NiO resulted in hepatic fibrosis in rats. Furthermore, Nano NiO increased the protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinase9 (MMP9), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase1 (TIMP1), while decreased the protein content of E-cadherin and Smad7 in rat liver and HepG2 cells. Most importantly, Nano NiO-triggered the abnormal expression of the abovementioned proteins were all alleviated by co-treatment with SB431542, implying that TGF-β1-mediated Smad pathway, EMT and MMP9/TIMP1 imbalance were involved in overproduction of collagen in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that Nano NiO induced hepatic fibrosis via TGF-β1-mediated Smad pathway activation, EMT occurrence, and ECM deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuhong Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haibing Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yunlan Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Minmin Wu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haibing Zhan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department occupational disease control, Lanzhou Municipal Center for Disease Control, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingbiao Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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13
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Therapeutic Effects of Apamin as a Bee Venom Component for Non-Neoplastic Disease. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12030195. [PMID: 32204567 PMCID: PMC7150898 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12030195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a natural toxin produced by honeybees and plays an important role in defending bee colonies. Bee venom has several kinds of peptides, including melittin, apamin, adolapamine, and mast cell degranulation peptides. Apamin accounts for about 2%-3% dry weight of bee venom and is a peptide neurotoxin that contains 18 amino acid residues that are tightly crosslinked by two disulfide bonds. It is well known for its pharmacological functions, which irreversibly block Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels. Apamin regulates gene expression in various signal transduction pathways involved in cell development. The aim of this study was to review the current understanding of apamin in the treatment of apoptosis, fibrosis, and central nervous system diseases, which are the pathological processes of various diseases. Apamin's potential therapeutic and pharmacological applications are also discussed.
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14
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Aufschnaiter A, Kohler V, Khalifa S, Abd El-Wahed A, Du M, El-Seedi H, Büttner S. Apitoxin and Its Components against Cancer, Neurodegeneration and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Limitations and Possibilities. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E66. [PMID: 31973181 PMCID: PMC7076873 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products represent important sources for the discovery and design of novel drugs. Bee venom and its isolated components have been intensively studied with respect to their potential to counteract or ameliorate diverse human diseases. Despite extensive research and significant advances in recent years, multifactorial diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and neurodegenerative diseases remain major healthcare issues at present. Although pure bee venom, apitoxin, is mostly described to mediate anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and neuroprotective effects, its primary component melittin may represent an anticancer therapeutic. In this review, we approach the possibilities and limitations of apitoxin and its components in the treatment of these multifactorial diseases. We further discuss the observed unspecific cytotoxicity of melittin that strongly restricts its therapeutic use and review interesting possibilities of a beneficial use by selectively targeting melittin to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Aufschnaiter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Svante Arrheniusväg 16, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Verena Kohler
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Svante Arrheniusväg 20C, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Shaden Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Svante Arrheniusväg 20C, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Aida Abd El-Wahed
- Department of Bee Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, 12627 Giza, Egypt;
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 574, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, 32512 Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Ming Du
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116024, China;
| | - Hesham El-Seedi
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 574, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, 32512 Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
- International Research Center for Food nutrition and safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Sabrina Büttner
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Svante Arrheniusväg 20C, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.K.); (S.K.)
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Humboldtstraße 50, 8010 Graz, Austria
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15
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Jeong YJ, Park YY, Park KK, Choi YH, Kim CH, Chang YC. Bee Venom Suppresses EGF-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Tumor Invasion in Lung Cancer Cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2019; 47:1869-1883. [PMID: 31786944 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x19500952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Bee venom of Apis mellifera is a traditional medicine in Asia. It has been used with promoting results for the treatment of pain, rheumatoid, and cancer disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of bee venom on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and determine possible signaling pathway affected in EGF-induced EMT in A549 cells. Bee venom inhibited EGF-induced F-actin reorganization and cell invasion, and suppressed EGF-induced EMT, processes associated with tumor metastasis in NSCLC. Bee venom enhanced the upregulation of E-cadherin and the downregulation of vimentin and inhibited EGF-induced ERK, JNK, FAK, and mTOR phosphorylation in A549 cells. However, the inhibition of JNK phosphorylation by bee venom was not related to the inhibitory effects of EMT. Furthermore, we found that bee venom suppressed the EMT-related transcription factors ZEB2 and Slug by blocking EGF-induced ERK, FAK and mTOR phosphorylation. Bee venom inhibits EGF-induced EMT by blocking the phosphorylation of ERK, FAK, and mTOR, resulting in the suppression of ZEB2 and Slug. These data suggest bee venom as a potential antimetastatic agent for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jeong Jeong
- Research Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Korea
| | - Yoon-Yub Park
- Research Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Korea
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Research Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dongeui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheorl-Ho Kim
- Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Kyunggi-Do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chae Chang
- Research Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Korea
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16
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Kim JY, Park JH, Kim K, Leem J, Park KK. Melatonin Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in AML12 Hepatocytes. BIOLOGY 2019; 8:biology8040084. [PMID: 31717992 PMCID: PMC6956139 DOI: 10.3390/biology8040084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies showed that melatonin, a well-known pineal hormone that modulates the circadian rhythm, exerts beneficial effects against liver fibrosis. However, mechanisms for its protective action against the fibrotic processes remain incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to explore the effects of the hormone on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in AML12 hepatocytes. Pretreatment with melatonin dose-dependently reversed downregulation of an epithelial marker and upregulation of mesenchymal markers after TGF-β1 stimulation. Additionally, melatonin dose-dependently suppressed an increased phosphorylation of Smad2/3 after TGF-β1 treatment. Besides the canonical Smad signaling pathway, an increase in phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 was also dose-dependently attenuated by melatonin. The suppressive effect of the hormone on EMT stimulated by TGF-β1 was not affected by luzindole, an antagonist of melatonin membrane receptors, suggesting that its membrane receptors are not required for the inhibitory action of melatonin. Moreover, melatonin suppressed elevation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in TGF-β1-treated cells. Finally, TGF-β1-stimulated EMT was also inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Collectively, these results suggest that melatonin prevents TGF-β1-stimulated EMT through suppression of Smad and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascades by deactivating ROS-dependent mechanisms in a membrane receptor-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
| | - Jae-Hyung Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea; (J.-H.P.); (K.K.)
| | - Kiryeong Kim
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea; (J.-H.P.); (K.K.)
| | - Jaechan Leem
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
- Correspondence:
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
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17
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Li Q, Li Z, Lin Y, Che H, Hu Y, Kang X, Zhang Y, Wang L, Zhang Y. High glucose promotes hepatic fibrosis via miR‑32/MTA3‑mediated epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:3190-3200. [PMID: 30816482 PMCID: PMC6423609 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by the aberrant production and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Growing evidence indicates that the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition serves a crucial role in the progression of liver fibrogenesis. Although a subset of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) has recently been identified as essential regulators of the EMT gene expression, studies of the EMT in hyperglycemic‑induced liver fibrosis are limited. In the current study, it was observed that high glucose‑treated AML12 cells occurred EMT process, and miR‑32 expression was markedly increased in the liver tissue of streptozotocin‑induced diabetic rats and in high glucose‑treated AML12 cells. Additionally, the contribution of the EMT to liver fibrosis by targeting metastasis‑associated gene 3 (MTA3) under hyperglycemic conditions was suppressed by AMO‑32. The results indicated that miR‑32 and MTA3 may be considered as novel drug targets in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis under hyperglycemic conditions. These finding improves the understanding of the progression of liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
| | - Zhange Li
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Hui Che
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Yingying Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Xujuan Kang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Lihong Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
- Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
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18
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Mohamed WA, Abd-Elhakim YM, Ismail SAA. Involvement of the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-secretory activity of bee venom in its therapeutic effects on acetylsalicylic acid-induced gastric ulceration in rats. Toxicology 2019; 419:11-23. [PMID: 30885738 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is the most highly consumed pharmaceutical product worldwide. Importantly, gastrointestinal ulceration due to ASA is a major complication. Hence, the present work aimed to examine, for the first time, the healing properties of bee venom (BV) in acute gastric ulceration induced by ASA. Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups that received distilled water only, ASA (500 mg/kg BW) twice daily for 3 days, ASA for 3 days followed by BV (2 mg/kg BW) for 7 days, or ASA for 3 days followed by ranitidine hydrochloride (50 mg/kg BW) for 7 days. Haematological analysis, haemostatic evaluation, and inflammatory marker estimation were performed. Rat stomachs were collected for ulcer scoring, gene expression analysis, oxidative stress assays, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, and tissue eosinophil scoring. The results revealed that BV markedly decreased the ulcer index, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, malondialdehyde levels, BAX distribution, caspase-3 expression, and tissue eosinophil levels. Additionally, significant increases in antioxidant enzymes and heat shock protein 70 localization in gastric tissue were evident following BV treatment after ASA exposure. Also, BV has been found to attenuate the haematological, haemostatic, and histopathological alterations induced by ASA. Our findings collectively indicate that the gastroprotective effect of BV against ASA-induced ulceration in rats is mediated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-secretory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa A Mohamed
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Yasmina M Abd-Elhakim
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Shimaa A A Ismail
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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19
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Antifibrotic Effect of Smad Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotide in a CCl₄-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis Animal Model. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23081991. [PMID: 30103395 PMCID: PMC6222866 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23081991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the wound-healing process of chronic hepatic disease that leads to the end-stage of hepatocellular carcinoma and demolition of hepatic structures. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been identified to phenotypic conversion of the epithelium to mesenchymal phenotype that occurred during fibrosis. Smad decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) is a synthetic DNA fragment containing a complementary sequence of Smad transcription factor. Thus, this study evaluated the antifibrotic effects of Smad decoy ODN on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. As shown in histological results, CCl4 treatment triggered hepatic fibrosis and increased Smad expression. On the contrary, Smad decoy ODN administration suppressed fibrogenesis and EMT process. The expression of Smad signaling and EMT-associated protein was markedly decreased in Smad decoy ODN-treated mice compared with CCl4-injured mice. In conclusion, these data indicate the practicability of Smad decoy ODN administration for preventing hepatic fibrosis and EMT processes.
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20
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Kumar P, Smith T, Raeman R, Chopyk DM, Brink H, Liu Y, Sulchek T, Anania FA. Periostin promotes liver fibrogenesis by activating lysyl oxidase in hepatic stellate cells. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:12781-12792. [PMID: 29941453 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis arises from dysregulated wound healing due to persistent inflammatory hepatic injury. Periostin is a nonstructural extracellular matrix protein that promotes organ fibrosis in adults. Here, we sought to identify the molecular mechanisms in periostin-mediated hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis in periostin-/- mice was attenuated as evidenced by significantly reduced collagen fibril density and liver stiffness compared with those in WT controls. A single dose of carbon tetrachloride caused similar acute liver injury in periostin-/- and WT littermates, and we did not detect significant differences in transaminases and major fibrosis-related hepatic gene expression between these two genotypes. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major periostin-producing liver cell type. We found that in primary rat HSCs in vitro, periostin significantly increases the expression levels and activities of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) isoforms 1-3. Periostin also induced expression of intra- and extracellular collagen type 1 and fibronectin in HSCs. Interestingly, periostin stimulated phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, which was sustained despite short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor I and II, indicating that periostin-mediated SMAD2/3 phosphorylation is independent of TGFβ receptors. Moreover, periostin induced the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and AKT in HSCs. Notably, siRNA-mediated FAK knockdown failed to block periostin-induced SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. These results suggest that periostin promotes enhanced matrix stiffness in chronic liver disease by activating LOX and LOXL, independently of TGFβ receptors. Hence, targeting periostin may be of therapeutic benefit in combating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.
| | - Tekla Smith
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Reben Raeman
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Daniel M Chopyk
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Hannah Brink
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332
| | - Yunshan Liu
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Todd Sulchek
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332
| | - Frank A Anania
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
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21
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Zhang S, Liu Y, Ye Y, Wang XR, Lin LT, Xiao LY, Zhou P, Shi GX, Liu CZ. Bee venom therapy: Potential mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Toxicon 2018; 148:64-73. [PMID: 29654868 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Bee venom is a very complex mixture of natural products extracted from honey bee which contains various pharmaceutical properties such as peptides, enzymes, biologically active amines and nonpeptide components. The use of bee venom into the specific points is so called bee venom therapy, which is widely used as a complementary and alternative therapy for 3000 years. A growing number of evidence has demonstrated the anti-inflammation, the anti-apoptosis, the anti-fibrosis and the anti-arthrosclerosis effects of bee venom therapy. With these pharmaceutical characteristics, bee venom therapy has also been used as the therapeutic method in treating rheumatoid arthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis, pain and others. Although widely used, several cases still reported that bee venom therapy might cause some adverse effects, such as local itching or swelling. In this review, we summarize its potential mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and discuss its existing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Yang Ye
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Xue-Rui Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Li-Ting Lin
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Ling-Yong Xiao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Guang-Xia Shi
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China.
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Abstract
Fibrosis of the liver is an inherent wound healing response to chronic liver injury. Regeneration of liver epithelium and restoration of normal liver structure were generally involved in this process. Although the liver has a striking capacity to adapt to damage through tissue repair, excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix during this process often leads to scar tissue formation and subsequent fibrosis. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) enables a polarized epithelial cell to undergo multiple changes biochemically and to bear a mesenchymal cell phenotype. EMT plays a critical role in tissue and organ development and embryogenesis. In the liver, it is proposed that epithelial cells can acquire fibroblastic phonotype via EMT and contribute to fibrogenesis. This made EMT a potential target for antifibrotic strategies. Following an original passion, many investigators devote themselves to exploring this mechanism in liver fibrosis. However, as research continues, this hypothesis became highly controversial. The exact contribution of EMT to fibrogenesis was challenged due to the contradictory results from related studies. In this review, we summarized the recent advances regarding EMT in hepatic fibrosis and discussed the potentially involved liver cell types and pathways in order to reach rational and helpful conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangfeng Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China,Address for correspondence: Dr. Ning Li, Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai – 200040, People's Republic of China. E-mail:
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The Effects of Melittin and Apamin on Airborne Fungi-Induced Chemical Mediator and Extracellular Matrix Production from Nasal Polyp Fibroblasts. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9110348. [PMID: 29076987 PMCID: PMC5705963 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin and apamin are the main components of bee venom and they have been known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of melittin and apamin on airborne fungi-induced chemical mediator and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in nasal fibroblasts. Primary nasal fibroblasts were isolated from nasal polyps, which were collected during endoscopic sinus surgery. Nasal fibroblasts were treated with Alternaria and Aspergillus. The effects of melittin and apamin on the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were determined with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. ECM mRNA and protein expressions were determined with the use of quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Alternaria-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production was significantly inhibited by apamin. However, melittin did not influence the production of IL-6 and IL-8 from nasal fibroblasts. Melittin or apamin significantly inhibited collagen type I, TIMP-1, and MMP-9 mRNA expression and protein production from nasal fibroblasts. Melittin and apamin inhibited Alternaria-induced phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 and p38 MAPK. Melittin and apamin can inhibit the fungi-induced production of chemical mediators and ECM from nasal fibroblasts. These results suggest the possible role of melittin and apamin in the treatment of fungi induced airway inflammatory diseases.
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Physiological oxygen tension reduces hepatocyte dedifferentiation in in vitro culture. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5923. [PMID: 28724942 PMCID: PMC5517567 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06433-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary hepatocytes cultured in vitro are a powerful tool to study the functions of hepatocytes and to evaluate the metabolism and toxicity of new drugs. However, in vitro culture of hepatocytes has proven to be very difficult. Ordinary culture conditions lead to dedifferentiation of hepatocytes, resulting in rapid change in cell morphology and significant reduction in specific cell functions. In the current study, we show that hepatocyte dedifferentiation is a rapid process under 21% O2 conditions. Hepatocytes cultured in 21% O2 undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), obtain fibroblast-like morphology, and show decreased hepatic functions. In contrast, 5% O2 is very effective in maintaining the epithelial morphology and many functions of the primary hepatocytes cultured in vitro for up to five days. These functions include albumin production, glycogen storage, LDL-uptake and CYP450-mediated drug metabolism. Furthermore, we find that 5% O2 can relieve the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease the level of DNA damage in primary cultured hepatocytes. In addition, we also show that blocking the ERK and GSK-3β pathways can inhibit the dedifferentiation of hepatocytes to a certain extent. Lowering the oxygen tension in cell culture is easily achievable, we believe it could be combined with other methods, such as the use of small molecule cocktails and 3D culture, to maintain proliferation and functions of primary hepatocytes in vitro.
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Kim JY, An HJ, Kim WH, Gwon MG, Gu H, Park YY, Park KK. Anti-fibrotic Effects of Synthetic Oligodeoxynucleotide for TGF-β1 and Smad in an Animal Model of Liver Cirrhosis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 8:250-263. [PMID: 28918026 PMCID: PMC5511593 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by changes in tissue architecture and extracellular matrix composition. Liver fibrosis affects not only hepatocytes but also the non-parenchymal cells such as hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are essential for maintaining an intact liver structure and function. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine that induces liver fibrosis through activation of Smad signaling pathways. To improve a new therapeutic approach, synthetic TGF-β1/Smad oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) was used to suppress both TGF-β1 expression and Smad transcription factor using a combination of antisense ODN and decoy ODN. The aims of this study are to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of TGF-β1/Smad ODN on simultaneous suppressions of both Smad transcription factor and TGF-β1 mRNA expression in the hepatic fibrosis model in vitro and in vivo. Synthetic TGF-β1/Smad ODN effectively inhibits Smad binding activity and TGF-β1 expression. TGF-β1/Smad ODN attenuated the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activation of HSCs in TGF-β1-induced AML12 and HSC-T6 cells. TGF-β1/Smad ODN prevented the fibrogenesis and deposition of collagen in CCl4-treated mouse model. Synthetic TGF-β1/Smad ODN demonstrates anti-fibrotic effects that are mediated by the suppression of fibrogenic protein and inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, synthetic TGF-β1/Smad ODN has substantial therapeutic feasibility for the treatment of liver fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin An
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon-Hae Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Gyeong Gwon
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemin Gu
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Yub Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea.
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Kim SM, Choi JE, Hur W, Kim JH, Hong SW, Lee EB, Lee JH, Li TZ, Sung PS, Yoon SK. RAR-Related Orphan Receptor Gamma (ROR-γ) Mediates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Of Hepatocytes During Hepatic Fibrosis. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:2026-2036. [PMID: 27791279 PMCID: PMC5488206 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in many different types of cellular behavior, including liver fibrosis. In this report, we studied a novel function of RAR‐related orphan receptor gamma (ROR‐γ) in hepatocyte EMT during liver fibrosis. To induce EMT in vitro, primary hepatocytes and FL83B cells were treated with TGF‐β1. Expression of ROR‐γ was analyzed by Western blot in the fibrotic mouse livers and human livers with cirrhosis. To verify the role of ROR‐γ in hepatocyte EMT, we silenced ROR‐γ in FL83B cells using a lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) vector. The therapeutic effect of ROR‐γ silencing was investigated in a mouse model of TAA‐induced fibrosis by hydrodynamic injection of plasmids. ROR‐γ expression was elevated in hepatocyte cells treated with TGF‐β1, and ROR‐γ protein levels were elevated in the fibrotic mouse livers and human livers with cirrhosis. Knockdown of ROR‐γ resulted in the attenuation of TGF‐β1‐induced EMT in hepatocytes. Strikingly, ROR‐γ bound to ROR‐specific DNA response elements (ROREs) in the promoter region of TGF‐β type I receptor (Tgfbr1) and Smad2, resulting in the downregulation of Tgfbr1 and Smad2 after silencing of ROR‐γ. Therapeutic delivery of shRNA against ROR‐γ attenuated hepatocyte EMT and ameliorated liver fibrosis in a mouse model of TAA‐induced liver fibrosis. Overall, our results suggest that ROR‐γ regulates TGF‐β‐induced EMT in hepatocytes during liver fibrosis. We suggest that ROR‐γ may become a potential therapeutic target in treating liver fibrosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2026–2036, 2017. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Hong
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Byul Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Ho Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Tian Zhu Li
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, School of Medical Science, Chifeng University, Chifeng, 024000, China
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, #505 Banpo-Dong, Seocho-gu, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, #505 Banpo-Dong, Seocho-gu, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
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27
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Kim WH, An HJ, Kim JY, Gwon MG, Gu H, Lee SJ, Park JY, Park KD, Han SM, Kim MK, Park KK. Apamin inhibits TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced inflammatory cytokines and chemokines via suppressions of NF-κB signaling pathway and STAT in human keratinocytes. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 69:1030-1035. [PMID: 28958612 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis (AD) is identified by an increase in infiltrations of several inflammatory cells including type 2 helper (Th2) lymphocytes. Th2-related chemokines such as thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22), and pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 are considered to play a crucial role in AD. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α- and interferon (IFN)-γ induce the inflammatory condition through production of TARC, MDC, IL-1β and IL-6, and activations of related transcription factors, such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) in keratinocytes. Apamin, a peptide component of bee venom, has been reported its beneficial activities in various diseases. However, anti-inflammatory effects of apamin on inflammatory condition in keratinocytes have not been explored. Therefore, the present study aimed to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effect of apamin on TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced inflammatory condition in keratinocytes. METHODS HaCaT was used as human keratinocytes cell line. Cell Counting Kit-8 was performed to measure a cytotoxicity of apamin. The effects of apamin on TNF-α-/IFN-γ-induced inflammatory condition were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Further, NF-κB signaling pathways, STAT1, and STAT3 were analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Apamin ameliorated the inflammatory condition through suppression of Th2-related chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, apamin down-regulated the activations of NF-κB signaling pathways and STATs in HaCaT cells. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that apamin has therapeutic effect on AD through improvement of inflammatory condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woon-Hae Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyun-Jin An
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mi-Gyeong Gwon
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyemin Gu
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sun-Jae Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Y Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Duck Park
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Mi Han
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, 300, Nongsaengmyeong-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54875, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min-Kyung Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, 123, Dongdae-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38066, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea.
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Suppression of Hepatic Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Melittin via Blocking of TGFβ/Smad and MAPK-JNK Signaling Pathways. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9040138. [PMID: 28406452 PMCID: PMC5408212 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9040138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 plays a crucial role in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which contributes to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Melittin (MEL) is a major component of bee venom and is effective in rheumatoid arthritis, pain relief, cancer cell proliferation, fibrosis and immune modulating activity. In this study, we found that MEL inhibits hepatic EMT in vitro and in vivo, regulating the TGFβ/Smad and TGFβ/nonSmad signaling pathways. MEL significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced expression of EMT markers (E-cadherin reduction and vimentin induction) in vitro. These results were confirmed in CCl4-induced liver in vivo. Treatment with MEL almost completely blocked the phosphorylation of Smad2/3, translocation of Smad4 and phosphorylation of JNK in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that MEL suppresses EMT by inhibiting the TGFβ/Smad and TGFβ/nonSmad-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. These results indicated that MEL possesses potent anti-fibrotic and anti-EMT properties, which may be responsible for its effects on liver diseases.
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29
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Kim JY, An HJ, Kim WH, Park YY, Park KD, Park KK. Apamin suppresses biliary fibrosis and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Int J Mol Med 2017; 39:1188-1194. [PMID: 28405682 PMCID: PMC5403474 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.2922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic liver disease is characterized by the progressive destruction of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) followed by fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and portal fibroblasts are the major cellular effectors of enhanced collagen deposition in biliary fibrosis. Apamin, an 18 amino acid peptide neurotoxin found in apitoxin (bee venom), is known to block Ca2+-activated K+ channels and prevent carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. In the present study, we aimed to ascertain whether apamin inhibits biliary fibrosis and the proliferation of HSCs. Cholestatic liver fibrosis was established in mouse models with 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) feeding. Cellular assays were performed on HSC-T6 cells (rat immortalized HSCs). DDC feeding led to increased hepatic damage and proinflammtory cytokine levels. Notably, apamin treatment resulted in decreased liver injury and proinflammatory cytokine levels. Moreover, apamin suppressed the deposition of collagen, proliferation of BECs and expression of fibrogenic genes in the DDC-fed mice. In HSCs, apamin suppressed activation of HSCs by inhibiting the Smad signaling pathway. These data suggest that apamin may be a potential therapeutic target in cholestatic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin An
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon-Hae Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Yub Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Duck Park
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
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Pak SC. An Introduction to the Toxins Special Issue on "Bee and Wasp Venoms: Biological Characteristics and Therapeutic Application". Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8110315. [PMID: 27801836 PMCID: PMC5127112 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8110315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sok Cheon Pak
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia.
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31
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Zhao YL, Zhu RT, Sun YL. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in liver fibrosis. Biomed Rep 2016; 4:269-274. [PMID: 26998262 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the result of a sustained wound healing response to sustained chronic liver injury, which includes viral, alcoholic and autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatic regeneration is the dominant outcome of liver damage. The outcomes of successful repair are the replacement of dead epithelial cells with healthy epithelial cells, and reconstruction of the normal hepatic structure and function. Prevention of the development of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may control and even reverse liver fibrosis. EMT is a critical process for an epithelial cell to undergo a conversion to a mesenchymal phenotype, and is believed to be an inflammation-induced response, which may have a central role in liver fibrosis. The origin of fibrogenic cells in liver fibrosis remains controversial. Numerous studies have investigated the origin of all fibrogenic cells within the liver and the mechanism of the signaling pathways that lead to the activation of EMT programs during numerous chronic liver diseases. The present study aimed to summarize the evidence to explain the possible role of EMT in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Lei Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, School of Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, P.R. China
| | - Rong-Tao Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, School of Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Ling Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, School of Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, P.R. China
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Xiao T, Luo J, Wu Z, Li F, Zeng O, Yang J. Effects of hydrogen sulfide on myocardial fibrosis and PI3K/AKT1-regulated autophagy in diabetic rats. Mol Med Rep 2015; 13:1765-73. [PMID: 26676365 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis is the predominant pathological characteristic of diabetic myocardial damage. Previous studies have indicated that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has beneficial effects in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. However, there is little research investigating the effect of H2S on myocardial fibrosis in diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of H2S on the progression of myocardial fibrosis induced by diabetes. Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) was used as an exogenous donor of H2S. After 8 weeks, expression levels of cystathionine-γ-lyase were determined by western blot analysis and morphological changes in the myocardium were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining. The hydroxyproline content and fibrosis markers were determined by a basic hydrolysis method and western blot analysis, respectively. Autophagosomes were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Expression levels of autophagy-associated proteins and their upstream signaling molecules were also evaluated by western blotting. The results of the current study indicated that diabetes induced marked myocardial fibrosis, enhanced myocardial autophagy and suppressed the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/RAC-α serine/threonine-protein kinase (PI3K/AKT1) signaling pathway. By contrast, following treatment with NaHS, myocardial fibrosis was ameliorated, myocardial autophagy was decreased and the PI3K/AKT1 pathway suppression was reversed. The results of the present study demonstrated that the protective effect of H2S against diabetes-induced myocardial fibrosis may be associated with the attenuation of autophagy via the upregulation of the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Jian Luo
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Zhixiong Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Ou Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
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The protective effect of bee venom on fibrosis causing inflammatory diseases. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:4758-72. [PMID: 26580653 PMCID: PMC4663532 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7114758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom therapy is a treatment modality that may be thousands of years old and involves the application of live bee stings to the patient’s skin or, in more recent years, the injection of bee venom into the skin with a hypodermic needle. Studies have proven the effectiveness of bee venom in treating pathological conditions such as arthritis, pain and cancerous tumors. However, there has not been sufficient review to fully elucidate the cellular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of bee venom and its components. In this respect, the present study reviews current understanding of the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory properties of bee venom and its components in the treatment of liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis and skin disease.
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Ricci C, Ferri N. Naturally occurring PDGF receptor inhibitors with potential anti-atherosclerotic properties. Vascul Pharmacol 2015; 70:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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35
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Park JH, Yoon J, Lee KY, Park B. RETRACTED: Effects of geniposide on hepatocytes undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatic fibrosis by targeting TGFβ/Smad and ERK-MAPK signaling pathways. Biochimie 2015; 113:26-34. [PMID: 25818617 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. The corresponding author, Dr Byoungduck Park, requested publication of a corrigendum to correct figure 2B which reused control data from a different publication (doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.02.014). Upon further inspection, the Biochimie editorial team noticed that: Comparison of Fig 2B with Fig 4C of a previous publication in International Immunopharmacology by two co-authors (doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.02.014) reveals that western blot β-actin control data from the earlier paper were re-used in a different experiment shown in Figure 2B of the article in Biochimie, after adjustment of the brightness/contrast. Furthermore, the same bands, after more image manipulation were presented as Smad3 data in Figure 4C of the Biochimie article. Here the image manipulation involved notably the rotation of the set of bands by 180° and some adjustment of the height/width ratio. The authors apologise for any confusion that may have arisen from their article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyun Park
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 704-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewoo Yoon
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 704-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Yong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong 339-700, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byoungduck Park
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 704-701, Republic of Korea.
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Strategies to prevent and reverse liver fibrosis in humans and laboratory animals. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:1727-50. [PMID: 25963329 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic damage to the liver in conjunction with various pathways and is mediated by a complex microenvironment. Based on clinical observations, it is now evident that fibrosis is a dynamic, bidirectional process with an inherent capacity for recovery and remodeling. The major mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis include the repetitive injury of hepatocytes, the activation of the inflammatory response after injury stimulation, and the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which represents the major extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells, stimulated by hepatocyte injury and inflammation. The microenvironment in the liver is synergistically regulated abnormal ECM deposition, scar formation, angiogenesis, and fibrogenesis. Moreover, recent studies have clarified novel mechanism in fibrosis such as epigenetic regulation of HSCs, the leptin and PPARγ pathways, the coagulation system, and even autophagy. Uncovering the mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis provides a basis to develop potential therapies to reverse and treat the fibrotic response, thereby improving the outcomes of patients with chronic liver disease. Although both scientific and clinical challenges remain, emerging studies attempt to reveal the ideal anti-fibrotic drug that could be easily delivered to the liver with high specificity and low toxicity. This review highlights the mechanisms, including novel pathways underlying fibrogenesis that may be translated into preventive and treatment strategies, reviews both current and novel agents that target specific pathways or multiple targets, and discusses novel drug delivery systems such as nanotechnology that can be applied in the treatment of liver fibrosis. In addition, we also discuss some current treatment strategies that are being applied in animal models and in clinical trials.
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Chen MS, Zhang JH, Wang JL, Gao L, Chen XX, Xiao JH. Anti-Fibrotic Effects of Neferine on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2015; 43:231-40. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x15500159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The effects of neferine, a bisbenzylisoquinline alkaloid extracted from the seed embryo of the Chinese traditional medicine Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, on carbon tetrachloride ( CCl 4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice were evaluated. Adult male Kunming mice were administered with CCl 4 1 ml/kg via intraperitoneal injection twice a week for 8 weeks. At the beginning of the 9th week, mice were treated with normal saline, colchicine (0.1 mg/kg), and neferine (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection once a day for 2 weeks. The liver index and histological examination, plasma ALT/AST levels, hydroxyproline and TGF-β1 content of liver tissue were examined. In the model group, the liver index, the hydroxyproline content of liver tissue and plasma ALT/AST levels were increased, and a high expression of TGF-β1 was observed. The abnormal changes could be improved by neferine in a dose-dependent manner. Our data showed that neferine had an antifibrosis effect on CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice, possibly partly due to the decreased expression of TGF-β1 in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo-Si Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Hua Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Ling Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Lu Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Xu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Hua Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
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