1
|
Buakaew W, Krobthong S, Yingchutrakul Y, Khamto N, Sutana P, Potup P, Thongsri Y, Daowtak K, Ferrante A, Léon C, Usuwanthim K. In Vitro Investigation of the Anti-Fibrotic Effects of 1-Phenyl-2-Pentanol, Identified from Moringa oleifera Lam., on Hepatic Stellate Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8995. [PMID: 39201682 PMCID: PMC11354330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168995] [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: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition, is driven by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Due to the limited availability of anti-fibrotic drugs, the research on therapeutic agents continues. Here we have investigated Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO), known for its various bioactive properties, for anti-fibrotic effects. This study has focused on 1-phenyl-2-pentanol (1-PHE), a compound derived from MO leaves, and its effects on LX-2 human hepatic stellate cell activation. TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 cells were treated with MO extract or 1-PHE, and the changes in liver fibrosis markers were assessed at both gene and protein levels. Proteomic analysis and molecular docking were employed to identify potential protein targets and signaling pathways affected by 1-PHE. Treatment with 1-PHE downregulated fibrosis markers, including collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1), mothers against decapentaplegic homologs 2 and 3 (SMAD2/3), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), and reduced the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Proteomic analysis data showed that 1-PHE modulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, providing a possible mechanism for its effects. Our results suggest that 1-PHE inhibits the TGF-β1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and HSC activation, indicating its potential as an anti-liver-fibrosis agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Watunyoo Buakaew
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Sucheewin Krobthong
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry (CENP), Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, NSTDA, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Yodying Yingchutrakul
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, NSTDA, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Nopawit Khamto
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Pornsuda Sutana
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Pachuen Potup
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Yordhathai Thongsri
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Krai Daowtak
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Antonio Ferrante
- Department of Immunopathology, South Australia (SA) Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
- The Adelaide Medical School, The School of Biological Science and the Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Catherine Léon
- INSERM, UMR_S1255, Université de Strasbourg, Etablissement Français du Sang-GEST, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Kanchana Usuwanthim
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao J, Yue P, Mi N, Li M, Fu W, Zhang X, Gao L, Bai M, Tian L, Jiang N, Lu Y, Ma H, Dong C, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Zhang J, Ren Y, Suzuki A, Wong PF, Tanaka K, Rerknimitr R, Junger HH, Cheung TT, Melloul E, Demartines N, Leung JW, Yao J, Yuan J, Lin Y, Schlitt HJ, Meng W. Biliary fibrosis is an important but neglected pathological feature in hepatobiliary disorders: from molecular mechanisms to clinical implications. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:326-365. [PMID: 39135601 PMCID: PMC11317084 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2024-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis resulting from pathological repair secondary to recurrent or persistent tissue damage often leads to organ failure and mortality. Biliary fibrosis is a crucial but easily neglected pathological feature in hepatobiliary disorders, which may promote the development and progression of benign and malignant biliary diseases through pathological healing mechanisms secondary to biliary tract injuries. Elucidating the etiology and pathogenesis of biliary fibrosis is beneficial to the prevention and treatment of biliary diseases. In this review, we emphasized the importance of biliary fibrosis in cholangiopathies and summarized the clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and aberrant cellular composition involving the biliary ductules, cholangiocytes, immune system, fibroblasts, and the microbiome. We also focused on pivotal signaling pathways and offered insights into ongoing clinical trials and proposing a strategic approach for managing biliary fibrosis-related cholangiopathies. This review will offer a comprehensive perspective on biliary fibrosis and provide an important reference for future mechanism research and innovative therapy to prevent or reverse fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ping Yue
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ningning Mi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Matu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wenkang Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xianzhuo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Long Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Mingzhen Bai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Liang Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ningzu Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yawen Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haidong Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hengwei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jinduo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yanxian Ren
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Azumi Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Peng F. Wong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Kiyohito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kyoto Second Red Cross Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rungsun Rerknimitr
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn, Bangkok, Thailand
- Excellence Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Henrik H. Junger
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tan T. Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Emmanuel Melloul
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Demartines
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joseph W. Leung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UC Davis Medical Center and Sacramento VA Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jia Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinqiu Yuan
- Clinical Research Center, Big Data Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hans J. Schlitt
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wenbo Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang C, Zhang S, Li Y, Gong L, Yao C, Fu K, Li Y. Phillygenin Inhibits TGF-β1-induced Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Inflammation: Regulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 and Wnt/β-catenin Pathways. Inflammation 2024; 47:1403-1422. [PMID: 38393550 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-01984-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF), a precursor to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, is caused by abnormal proliferation of connective tissue and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in the liver. Notably, activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key link in the development of HF. Phillygenin (PHI, C21H24O6) is a lignan component extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Forsythiae Fructus, which has various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumour effects. However, whether PHI can directly inhibit HSC activation and ameliorate the mechanism of action of HF has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro anti-HF effects of PHI and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-activated mouse HSCs (mHSCs) and human HSCs (LX-2 cells) were used as an in vitro model of HF and treated with different concentrations of PHI for 24 h. Subsequently, cell morphological changes were observed under the microscope, cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry, and the mechanism of anti-fibrotic effect of PHI was explored by immunofluorescence, ELISA, RT-qPCR and western blot. The results showed that PHI suppressed the proliferation of TGF-β1-activated mHSCs and LX-2 cells, arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, decreased the levels of α-SMA, Collagen I, TIMP1 and MMP2 genes and proteins, and promoted apoptosis in activated mHSCs and LX-2 cells. Besides, PHI reduced the expression of inflammatory factors in activated mHSCs and LX-2 cells, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory effect. Mechanically, PHI inhibited TGF-β1-induced HSC activation and inflammation, at least in part through modulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Overall, PHI has significant anti-HF effects and may be a promising agent for the treatment of HF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Shenglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Lihong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Chenhao Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hu R, Pan JK, Li JH, Zhang H, Li SR, Zhang Y. Effects of Acupotomy on Immobilization-Induced Gastrocnemius Contracture and Fibrosis in Rats via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:633-642. [PMID: 37434029 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3553-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether acupotomy ameliorates immobilization-induced muscle contracture and fibrosis via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. METHODS Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6) by a random number table, including control, immobilization, passive stretching, acupotomy, and acupotomy 3 weeks (3-w) groups. The rat model of gastrocnemius contracture was established by immobilizing the right hind limb in plantar flexion for 4 weeks. Rats in the passive stretching group received passive stretching at gastrocnemius, a daily series of 10 repetitions for 30 s each at 30-s intervals for 10 consecutive days. Rats in the acupotomy and acupotomy 3-w groups received acupotomy once and combined with passive stretching at gastrocnemius a daily series of 10 repetitions for 30 s each at 30-s intervals for 10 consecutive days. Additionally, rats in the acupotomy 3-w group were allowed to walk freely for 3 weeks after 10-day therapy. After treatment, range of motion (ROM), gait analysis [i.e., paw area, stance/swing and maximum ratio of paw area to paw area duration (Max dA/dT)], gastrocnemius wet weight and the ratio of muscle wet weight to body weight (MWW/BW) were tested. Gastrocnemius morphometric and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Fibrosis-related mRNA expressions (i.e., Wnt 1, β-catenin, axin-2, α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and types I and III collagen) were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions. Wnt 1, β-catenin and fibronectin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Types I and III collagen in the perimysium and endomysium were analyzed using immunofluorescence. RESULTS Compared with the control group, ROM, gait function, muscle weight, MWW/BW and CSA were significantly decreased in the immobilization group (all P<0.01), while protein levels of types I and III collagen, Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes were obviously increased (all P<0.01). Treatment with passive stretching or acupotomy restored ROM and gait function and increased muscle wet weight, MWW/BW and CSA (all P<0.05), while protein expression levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes were remarkably declined compared with the immobilization group (all P<0.05). Compared with passive stretching group, ROM, gait function, MWW was remarkably restored (all P<0.05), and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes as well as protein expression levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen in the acupotomy group were obviously decreased (all P<0.05). Compared with the acupotomy group, ROM, paw area, Max dA/dT, and MWW were restored (all P<0.05), and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes along with protein levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen in the acupotomy 3-w group were decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Improvements in motor function, muscle contractures, and muscle fibrosis induced by acupotomy correlates with the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jun-Kang Pan
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jia-Hui Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Han Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shao-Rong Li
- Acupuncture Department, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nour Eldine M, Alhousseini M, Nour-Eldine W, Noureldine H, Vakharia KV, Krafft PR, Noureldine MHA. The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Progression of Secondary Brain Injury Following Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage. Transl Stroke Res 2024; 15:647-658. [PMID: 36930383 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-023-01147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) can be a fatal condition responsible for the death of 1.7% of all neonates in the USA. The majority of GMH survivors develop long-term sequalae with debilitating comorbidities. Higher grade GMH is associated with higher mortality rates and higher prevalence of comorbidities. The pathophysiology of GMH can be broken down into two main titles: faulty hemodynamic autoregulation and structural weakness at the level of tissues and cells. Prematurity is the most significant risk factor for GMH, and it predisposes to both major pathophysiological mechanisms of the condition. Secondary brain injury is an important determinant of survival and comorbidities following GMH. Mechanisms of brain injury secondary to GMH include apoptosis, necrosis, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. This review will have a special focus on the mechanisms of oxidative stress following GMH, including but not limited to inflammation, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, glutamate toxicity, and hemoglobin metabolic products. In addition, this review will explore treatment options of GMH, especially targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Nour Eldine
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | | | - Wared Nour-Eldine
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hussein Noureldine
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Kunal V Vakharia
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Paul R Krafft
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Mohammad Hassan A Noureldine
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Madir A, Grgurevic I, Tsochatzis EA, Pinzani M. Portal hypertension in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Current knowledge and challenges. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:290-307. [PMID: 38313235 PMCID: PMC10835535 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i4.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PH) has traditionally been observed as a consequence of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, recent studies have provided evidence that PH may develop in earlier stages of NAFLD, suggesting that there are additional pathogenetic mechanisms at work in addition to liver fibrosis. The early development of PH in NAFLD is associated with hepatocellular lipid accumulation and ballooning, leading to the compression of liver sinusoids. External compression and intra-luminal obstacles cause mechanical forces such as strain, shear stress and elevated hydrostatic pressure that in turn activate mechanotransduction pathways, resulting in endothelial dysfunction and the development of fibrosis. The spatial distribution of histological and functional changes in the periportal and perisinusoidal areas of the liver lobule are considered responsible for the pre-sinusoidal component of PH in patients with NAFLD. Thus, current diagnostic methods such as hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement tend to underestimate portal pressure (PP) in NAFLD patients, who might decompensate below the HVPG threshold of 10 mmHg, which is traditionally considered the most relevant indicator of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). This creates further challenges in finding a reliable diagnostic method to stratify the prognostic risk in this population of patients. In theory, the measurement of the portal pressure gradient guided by endoscopic ultrasound might overcome the limitations of HVPG measurement by avoiding the influence of the pre-sinusoidal component, but more investigations are needed to test its clinical utility for this indication. Liver and spleen stiffness measurement in combination with platelet count is currently the best-validated non-invasive approach for diagnosing CSPH and varices needing treatment. Lifestyle change remains the cornerstone of the treatment of PH in NAFLD, together with correcting the components of metabolic syndrome, using nonselective beta blockers, whereas emerging candidate drugs require more robust confirmation from clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Madir
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ivica Grgurevic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Boo YC. Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Rosmarinic Acid and the Extracts of Lamiaceae Plants for the Treatment of Fibrosis of Various Organs. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:146. [PMID: 38397744 PMCID: PMC10886237 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, which causes structural hardening and functional degeneration in various organs, is characterized by the excessive production and accumulation of connective tissue containing collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), etc. In traditional medicine, extracts of medicinal plants or herbal prescriptions have been used to treat various fibrotic diseases. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the antifibrotic effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) and plant extracts that contain RA, as observed in various experimental models. RA, as well as the extracts of Glechoma hederacea, Melissa officinalis, Elsholtzia ciliata, Lycopus lucidus, Ocimum basilicum, Prunella vulgaris, Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis), Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Perilla frutescens, have been shown to attenuate fibrosis of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and abdomen in experimental animal models. Their antifibrotic effects were associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, cell activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and fibrogenic gene expression. RA treatment activated peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) while suppressing the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Wnt signaling pathways. Interestingly, most plants that are reported to contain RA and exhibit antifibrotic activity belong to the family Lamiaceae. This suggests that RA is an active ingredient for the antifibrotic effect of Lamiaceae plants and that these plants are a useful source of RA. In conclusion, accumulating scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of RA and Lamiaceae plant extracts in alleviating fibrosis and maintaining the structural architecture and normal functions of various organs under pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chool Boo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea;
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li JZ, Chen N, Ma N, Li MR. Mechanism and Progress of Natural Products in the Treatment of NAFLD-Related Fibrosis. Molecules 2023; 28:7936. [PMID: 38067665 PMCID: PMC10707854 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide, with liver fibrosis (LF) serving as a pivotal juncture in NAFLD progression. Natural products have demonstrated substantial antifibrotic properties, ushering in novel avenues for NAFLD treatment. This study provides a comprehensive review of the potential of natural products as antifibrotic agents, including flavonoids, polyphenol compounds, and terpenoids, with specific emphasis on the role of Baicalin in NAFLD-associated fibrosis. Mechanistically, these natural products have exhibited the capacity to target a multitude of signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β1, and NF-κB. Moreover, they can augment the activities of antioxidant enzymes, inhibit pro-fibrotic factors, and diminish fibrosis markers. In conclusion, this review underscores the considerable potential of natural products in addressing NAFLD-related liver fibrosis through multifaceted mechanisms. Nonetheless, it underscores the imperative need for further clinical investigation to authenticate their effectiveness, offering invaluable insights for future therapeutic advancements in this domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Zhong Li
- Division of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ning Chen
- General Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Center for Bioactive Natural Molecules and Innovative Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Min-Ran Li
- Division of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen S, Duan Y, Zhang Y, Cheng L, Cai L, Hou X, Li W. Associations Between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Hypoxia-Related Genes and Capsule Formation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1785-1797. [PMID: 37841371 PMCID: PMC10576505 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s417830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tumor capsule is an independent prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and used increasingly to guide clinical decision-making. Considering the genetic complexity for capsule formation and its potential association with hypoxia, the significance of the polymorphisms of hypoxia-related genes in capsule formation and HCC prognosis remains to be elucidated. Patients and Methods Peripheral blood samples from HCC patients were collected in this study. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was conducted by the iPLEX chemistry on a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Sequenom, Inc.). The demographic and clinical data for the patients were obtained through medical chart review and/or consultation with the treating physicians. SPSS 25.0, R 4.1.1, and PLINK toolset were used to perform statistical analysis. Results A total of 183 patients were enrolled, including 88 patients assigned to the capsule group and 95 to the non-capsule group. SLC2A1 rs841858 T allele, SLC2A1 rs2297977 T allele, STAT1 rs1547550 C allele, and STAT1 rs34997637 G allele were associated with significantly increased risk of capsule formation. The genotypes of SLC2A1 rs841858, SLC2A1 rs2297977, STAT1 rs34997637, and STAT1 rs1914408 were significantly associated with the formation of HCC capsule. The polymorphisms of STAT1 rs2066802, STAT1 rs12693591, and HIF1A rs2057482 showed close relationship with the prognosis of HCC patients in the capsule group, while the genotype distributions of CTNNB1 rs4135385, IFNG rs1861494, and SERPINE1 rs2227631 were closely related to the survival of patients in the non-capsule group. Further haplotype analysis suggested that SLC2A1 block 1 and STAT1 block 2 were related to the susceptibility of HCC capsule. Conclusion The polymorphisms of the hypoxia-related genes (HIF1A, SERPINE1, IFNG, STAT1, CTNNB1, and SLC2A1) were correlated with the formation of HCC capsule. Several SNPs in these genes also showed association with HCC prognosis except SLC2A1. Further functional studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Cancer Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youjia Duan
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongchao Zhang
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Long Cheng
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Cai
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaopu Hou
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu D, Zhang C, Zhang J, Xu GT, Zhang J. Molecular pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular AMD focusing on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of retinal pigment epithelium. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 185:106250. [PMID: 37536385 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among elderly people in developed countries. Neovascular AMD (nAMD) accounts for more than 90% of AMD-related vision loss. At present, intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is widely used as the first-line therapy to decrease the choroidal and retinal neovascularizations, and thus to improve or maintain the visual acuity of the patients with nAMD. However, about 1/3 patients still progress to irreversible visual impairment due to subretinal fibrosis even with adequate anti-VEGF treatment. Extensive literatures support the critical role of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD, but the underlying mechanisms still remain largely unknown. This review summarized the molecular pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD, especially focusing on the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced EMT pathways. It was also discussed how these pathways crosstalk and respond to signals from the microenvironment to mediate EMT and contribute to the progression of nAMD-related subretinal fibrosis. Targeting EMT signaling pathways might provide a promising and effective therapeutic strategy to treat subretinal fibrosis secondary to nAMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu F, Li S, Chen P, Gu Y, Wang S, Wang L, Chen C, Wang R, Yuan Y. Salvianolic acid B inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by targeting PDGFRβ. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110550. [PMID: 37451016 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible pathological process and a wound healing response to liver injury. As an early stage of various liver diseases, liver fibrosis can develop into cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer if not controlled in time. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a medicinal plant with hepatoprotective effects. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is the representative component of S. miltiorrhiza. Many studies have reported the anti-liver fibrosis effects and mechanisms of Sal B. However, the direct anti-fibrotic targets of Sal B have not yet been reported. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) is one of the most classical targets in liver fibrosis, which is closely related to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activated. Previously, we established and applied a PDGFRβ affinity chromatography model, and found that Sal B binds well to PDGFRβ. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the direct targets of Sal B against liver fibrosis. We confirmed the binding ability of Sal B to PDGFRβ by molecular docking and a surface plasmon resonance biosensor. Our findings indicated that Sal B targeted PDGFRβ to inhibit the activation, migration and proliferation of HSCs and suppressed the PDGF-BB-induced PDGFRβ signaling pathway. Annexin V-FITC/PI assay showed that Sal B reversed the PDGF-BB-induced decrease in HSC apoptosis rate. In the mouse liver fibrosis model, Sal B inhibited the PDGFRβ signaling pathway, HSC activation and reduced inflammatory response, ultimately improved CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In summary, the direct anti-fibrotic targets of Sal B may be PDGFRβ, and this study clarified the anti-liver fibrosis effects and mechanism of Sal B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangbin Liu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Shengnan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Rd, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Panpan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Rd, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Yanqiu Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Rd, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Shaozhan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Rd, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Rd, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Chun Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Rd, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Rd, Shanghai 201999, China.
| | - Yongfang Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Rd, Shanghai 201999, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zheng B, Tian Y, Liu S, Yang J, Wu F, Xiong H. Non-Solvatochromic Cell Membrane-Targeted NIR Fluorescent Probe for Visualization of Polarity Abnormality in Drug-Induced Liver Injury Mice. Anal Chem 2023; 95:12054-12061. [PMID: 37528071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive visualization of liver polarity by using fluorescence imaging technology is helpful to better understand drug-induced liver injury (DILI). However, cell membrane-targeted polarity-sensitive near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes are still scarce. Herein, we report a non-solvatochromic cell membrane-targeted NIR small molecular probe (N-BPM-C10) for monitoring the polarity changes on cell membranes in living cells and in vivo. N-BPM-C10 exhibits polarity-dependent fluorescence around 655 nm without an obvious solvatochromic effect, which endows it with good capability for the in vivo imaging study. Moreover, it can rapidly and selectively light up the cell membranes as well as distinguish tumor cells from normal cells due to its excellent polarity-sensitive ability. More importantly, N-BPM-C10 has been successfully applied to visualize liver polarity changes in vivo, revealing the reduction of liver polarity in DILI mice. We believe that N-BPM-C10 provides a new way for the diagnosis of DILI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Zheng
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yang Tian
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Senyao Liu
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jieyu Yang
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Fapu Wu
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hu Xiong
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cheng C, Wang Q, Huang Y, Xue Q, Wang Y, Wu P, Liao F, Miao C. Gandouling inhibits hepatic fibrosis in Wilson's disease through Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116445. [PMID: 37015279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGIC SIGNIFICANCE Wilson's disease (WD) hepatic fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury induced by Cu2+ deposition in the liver. Gandouling (GDL) is a hospital preparation of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine. Previous studies have found that GDL can play an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, and promote Cu2+ excretion, which has a clear anti-WD effect. AIM OF THE STUDY We found that Wnt-1 was significantly up-regulated in the liver tissue of toxic-milk (TX) mouse in the WD gene mutant model, and the monomer components of GDL could combine well with Wnt-1. Therefore, in this work, we used RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and related methods to study the effects of GDL on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and Wnt-1/β-catenin pathway in TX mice to clarify the effect of GDL on WD hepatic fibrosis. RESULTS GDL could alleviate hepatic fibrosis, improve liver function, and inhibit the activation of HSC in TX mice. Network pharmacology predicted that the Wnt-1/β-catenin was the target of GDL, and molecular dynamics further revealed that GDL has a good binding ability with Wnt-1 and inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through Wnt-1. Furthermore, we found that GDL blocked the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway in the liver of TX mice in vivo. In vitro, serum containing GDL blocked the Cu2+ ion-induced Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway in LX-2 cells. Therefore, GDL blocked the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway, inhibited HSC activation, and improved WD hepatic fibrosis by binding to Wnt-1. CONCLUSION GDL improves hepatic fibrosis in WD model mice by blocking the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway, and Wnt-1 may be a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of WD. This reveals a new mechanism of GDL against WD, and promotes the clinical promotion of GDL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, School of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China.
| | - Yurong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiuyun Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Faxue Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Chenggui Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shen Y, Cheng L, Xu M, Wang W, Wan Z, Xiong H, Guo W, Cai M, Xu F. SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin downregulates miRNA-34a-5p and targets GREM2 to inactivate hepatic stellate cells and ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-associated fibrosis. Metabolism 2023:155657. [PMID: 37422021 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the central event of fibrosis, indicates the severe stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in this process. Treatment with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) alleviates liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD; however, the role of SGLT2i in ameliorating liver fibrosis in NAFLD by regulating miRNAs remains unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS We monitored the expression of NAFLD-associated miRNAs in the livers of two NAFLD models and observed high expression of miR-34a-5p. miR-34a-5p was highly expressed in mouse primary liver non-parenchymal cells and LX-2 HSCs, and this miRNA was positively correlated with alanine transaminase levels in NAFLD models. Overexpression of miR-34a-5p enhanced LX-2 activation, whereas its inhibition prevented HSCs activation by regulating the TGFβ signaling pathway. The SGLT2i empagliflozin significantly downregulated miR-34a-5p, inhibited the TGFβ signaling pathway, and ameliorated hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD models. Subsequently, GREM2 was identified as a direct target of miR-34a-5p through database prediction and a dual-luciferase reporter assay. In LX-2 HSCs, the miR-34a-5p mimic and inhibitor directly downregulated and upregulated GREM2, respectively. Overexpressing GREM2 inactivated the TGFβ pathway whereas GREM2 knockdown activated it. Additionally, empagliflozin upregulated Grem2 expression in NAFLD models. In methionine- and choline-deficient diet-fed ob/ob mice, a fibrosis model, empagliflozin downregulated miR-34a-5p and upregulated Grem2 to improve liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Empagliflozin ameliorates NAFLD-associated fibrosis by downregulating miR-34a-5p and targeting GREM2 to inhibit the TGFβ pathway in HSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Shen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Nanchang 330006, China; Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Lidan Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Jiujiang University Affiliated Hospital, Jiujiang 330300, China
| | - Minxuan Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | - Zhiping Wan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Haixia Xiong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Nanchang 330006, China; Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wanrong Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Mengyin Cai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Fen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rashidi M, Matour E, Beheshti Nasab H, Cheraghzadeh M, Shakerian E. Isorhamnetin Exerts Antifibrotic Effects by Attenuating Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB-induced HSC-T6 Cells Activation via Suppressing PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:199-204. [PMID: 37598299 PMCID: PMC10507286 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Currently, liver fibrosis is growing worldwide; unfortunately, there is no definite cure for this disease. Hence, understanding the molecular pathways involved in the development of liver fibrosis can help to find a proper treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of isorhamnetin as an antifibrotic agent on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC)-T6 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. We have also attempted to assess signaling pathways that may affect liver fibrosis. Methods PDGF-BB was used to activate the HSC-T6 rat hepatic stellate cell line. The activated cells were treated with Isorhamnetin for 24 h. Finally, we compared the mRNA expression level of COLA1 and α-SMA and also the level of phosphorylated AKT protein with the control group. Results The obtained data revealed a significant increase in the expression level of the COLA1 and α-SMA genes (p > 0.05), as well as phosphorylated AKT protein, in the cells treated with PDGF-BB. In addition, 75 and 100 µM concentrations of Isorhamnetin markedly declined the COLA1 and α-SMA expression and also the phosphorylated AKT protein level in the HSC-T6 cells. Conclusion Our findings suggest that Isorhamnetin decreases HSC-T6 activation, the expression of COLA1 and α-SMA, in vitro, which could act as an antifibrotic element to reduce and treat liver fibrosis disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elham Shakerian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Science Research Institute, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang C, Liu Y, Gong L, Xue X, Fu K, Ma C, Li Y. Phillygenin Ameliorates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis: Suppression of Inflammation and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Inflammation 2023:10.1007/s10753-023-01826-1. [PMID: 37219693 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01826-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is caused by the chronic wound healing response to liver injury from various origins. Among the causes, inflammatory response is the central trigger of LF. Phillygenin (PHI) is a lignan derived from Forsythia suspensa, which has significant anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of PHI on improving LF and the underlying mechanism have rarely been studied. In this study, we used carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to establish a mouse model of LF. Through histological analysis of liver tissue, and measurement of the levels of hepatocyte damage markers (ALT, AST, TBIL, TBA) and four indicators of LF (Col IV, HA, LN, PC-III) in serum, it was shown that PHI improved liver function and reduced the progress of LF. Subsequently, the detection of fibrogenic biomarkers in liver tissue showed that PHI inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Next, the expression of inflammatory markers in liver tissue/serum was detected by immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and ELISA, suggesting that PHI inhibited inflammation during LF. Similarly, in vitro experiments also confirmed that PHI could inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells, which showed strong anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the results of network pharmacology, molecular docking, RT-qPCR and western blot confirmed that PHI could alleviate CCl4-induced LF by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In conclusion, our research showed that PHI curbed LF through inhibition of HSC activation and collagen accumulation via inhibiting multiple profibrogenic factors, modulating a variety of inflammatory factors, and suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Lihong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Salgüero S, Brochado-Kith Ó, Verdices AV, Berenguer J, González-García J, Martínez I, Díez C, Hontañón V, Pérez-Latorre L, Fernández-Rodríguez A, Jiménez-Sousa MÁ, Resino S. PBMCs gene expression signature of advanced cirrhosis with high risk for clinically significant portal hypertension in HIV/HCV coinfected patients: A cross-control study. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114220. [PMID: 36628818 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced cirrhosis are at high risk of developing clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). We analyzed the gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV/HCV coinfected patients to identify a gene expression signature of advanced cirrhosis with high risk for CSPH. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study on 68 patients. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was used to stratify patients into < 12.5 kPa (no cirrhosis, n = 19), 12.5 - 24.9 kPa (cirrhosis, n = 20), and ≥ 25 kPa (advanced cirrhosis with high risk for CSPH, n = 29). Besides, we further evaluated LSM < 25 kPa (n = 39) vs. ≥ 25 kPa (n = 29). Total RNA was extracted from PBMCs, and poly(A) RNA sequencing was performed. Two significant differentially expressed (SDE) transcripts were validated by quantitative PCR in a different cohort (n = 46). RESULTS We found 60 SDE transcripts between patients with LSM < 12.5 kPa and ≥ 25 kPa. Partial least squares discriminant analysis showed that those 60 SDE transcripts collectively discriminated LSM ≥ 25 kPa, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.84. Eight genes had an AUROC ≥ 0.75 for LSM ≥ 25 kPa: five were positively associated with LSM values (SCAMP1, ABHD17B, GPR146, GTF2A1, and TMEM64), while three were inversely associated (ZFHX2-AS1, MDK, and STAG3L2). We validated the two SDE transcripts with the highest discrimination capacity in a different cohort, finding significant differences between < 25 kPa and ≥ 25 kPa (MDK (p = 0.006) and STAG3L2 (p = 0.021)). CONCLUSIONS A gene expression signature of 60 transcripts was associated with advanced cirrhosis with high risk for CSPH in HIV/HCV coinfected patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Salgüero
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital El Escorial, Spain.
| | - Óscar Brochado-Kith
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Virseda Verdices
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Berenguer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH; Hospital General Universitario "Gregorio Marañón", Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan González-García
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de VIH; Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario "La Paz", Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isidoro Martínez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Cristina Díez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH; Hospital General Universitario "Gregorio Marañón", Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Víctor Hontañón
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de VIH; Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario "La Paz", Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Leire Pérez-Latorre
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH; Hospital General Universitario "Gregorio Marañón", Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Amanda Fernández-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Ángeles Jiménez-Sousa
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Role of Genetic and Epigenetic Modifications in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic HCV Patients. LIVERS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/livers3010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity among chronically infected HCV patients. It is established that HCV is a primary risk factor for HCC progression. The treatment of HCV infection has been transformed by the introduction of DAAs with high rates of virological clearance. The reduction in cirrhosis-related consequences, particularly HCC, is the long-term objective of DAAs therapy for HCV. Although the risk of developing HCC is decreased in HCV patients who achieve a disease-sustaining virological response, these patients are nevertheless at risk, especially those with severe fibrosis and cirrhosis. Previous studies have shown that HCV induce several mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis in the host’s hepatic micro- and macro-environment, which leads to HCC progression. In an HCV-altered environment, compensatory liver regeneration favors chromosomal instability and irreversible alterations, which encourage hepatocyte neoplastic transformation and the development of malignant clones. These mechanisms involve a series of genetic and epigenetic modifications including host genetic factors, dysregulation of several signaling pathways, histone, and DNA modifications including methylation and acetylation. This review highlights the genetic and epigenetic factors that lead to the development of HCC in chronic HCV-infected individuals and can be targeted for earlier HCC diagnosis and prevention.
Collapse
|
19
|
Aoshima K, Inagaki S, Takagi Y, Nakamura S, Hara H, Shimazawa M. ALK5 inhibitor acts on trabecular meshwork cell and reduces intraocular pressure. Exp Eye Res 2023; 227:109382. [PMID: 36634838 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important risk factor for the onset and progression of glaucoma. IOP reduction has been proven effective in the treatment of glaucoma. IOP is controlled by the production and outflow of the aqueous humor (AH), and the trabecular meshwork (TM) is the main pathway for AH drainage from the eye. However, there are few conventional IOP-lowering treatments that target TM, and there is a need for such treatments. In this study, we screened for the expression level of fibronectin as an indicator and identified an activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 5 inhibitor. Western blot analysis showed that SB431542, an ALK 5 inhibitor, reduced fibronectin and α-SMA expression. Moreover, a single dose of the ALK5 inhibitor SB431542 reduced IOP in mice, and the IOP-lowering effect of the ALK5 inhibitor was greater than that of a Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase inhibitor (Y-27632). Repeated dosing with ALK5 inhibitor eye drops (once daily) enhanced the murine IOP-lowering effect. Furthermore, ALK5 inhibition decreased the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) mRNA and suppressed ECM production. These findings suggest that ALK5 inhibitors may contribute to the development of new treatments for glaucoma that target the TM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kota Aoshima
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inagaki
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yuya Takagi
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan; Laboratory of Collaborative Research for Innovative Drug Discovery, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan; Laboratory of Collaborative Research for Innovative Drug Discovery, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Feng R, Wan J, He Y, Gong H, Xu Z, Feng J. Angiotensin-receptor blocker losartan alleviates atrial fibrillation in rats by downregulating frizzled 8 and inhibiting the activation of WNT-5A pathway. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2023; 50:19-27. [PMID: 36047789 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia. Angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) is related to AF treatment. This study explored the mechanism of ARB in AF. AF rat models were established by Ach-CaCl2 mixed solution injection. Rats were treated with ARB by gavage and injected with pcDNA3.1-based frizzled homolog 8 (FZD8) overexpression plasmids (oe-FZD8) through the tail vein. The 12-lead electrocardiogram was recorded by biological signal acquisition and processing system and AF duration was recorded, and atrial effective refractory period (AERP) was monitored by electrophysiology. Atrial fibrosis degree, FZD8 messenger RNA and protein levels, collagen I, collagen III, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), fibronectin, α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), WBT-5B, and p-JNK1/2 levels, interleukin 1 β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were detected by Masson staining, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot assay, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ACh-CaCl2-induced AF rats showed a large area of fused necrosis, abnormal collagen fibre proliferation, high atrial fibrosis degree, and increased atrial fibrosis area in atrial interstitium, elevated collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, fibronectin, α-SMA, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, whereas these trends were averted by ARB treatment. FZD8 was highly expressed in AF rat myocardium. ARB repressed FZD8 expression, prolonged AERP and reduced AF incidence. FZD8 overexpression annulled the effects of ARB on improving AF rat myocardial fibrosis. ARB inactivated the WNT-5A pathway by suppressing FZD8. ARB inactivated the WNT-5A pathway by silencing FZD8, therefore, alleviating AF rat atrial fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronghua Feng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jinjie Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yongsheng He
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hui Gong
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zeqin Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jiugeng Feng
- Department of Postgraduate, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dong BS, Liu FQ, Yang WN, Li XD, Shi MJ, Li MR, Yan XL, Zhang H. Huangqi Decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, inhibits the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells by regulating the long noncoding RNA-C18orf26-1/microRNA-663a/transforming growth factor-β axis. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:47-61. [PMID: 36456413 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Huangqi Decoction (HQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used as a valid treatment for alleviating liver fibrosis; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unknown. Although our previous studies showed that microRNA-663a (miR-663a) suppresses the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the transforming growth factor-β/small mothers against decapentaplegic (TGF-β/Smad) pathway, whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in HSC activation via the miR-663a/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway has not yet reported. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of lncRNA lnc-C18orf26-1 in the activation of HSCs and the mechanism by which HQD inhibits hepatic fibrosis. METHODS The expression levels of lnc-C18orf26-1, miR-663a and related genes were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. HSCs were transfected with the miR-663a mimic or inhibitor and lnc-C18orf26-1 small interfering RNAs. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay was used to assess the proliferation rate of HSCs. Changes in lncRNA expression were evaluated in miR-663a-overexpressing HSCs by using microarray to identify miR-663a-regulated lncRNAs. RNA hybrid was used to predict the potential miR-663a binding sites on lncRNAs. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed the interaction between miR-663a and the lncRNA. The expression levels of collagen α-2(I) chain (COL1A2), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins were determined using Western blotting. RESULTS Lnc-C18orf26-1 was upregulated in TGF-β1-activated HSCs and competitively bound to miR-663a. Knockdown of lnc-C18orf26-1 inhibited HSC proliferation and activation, downregulated TGF-β1-stimulated α-SMA and COL1A2 expression, and inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. HQD suppressed the proliferation and activation of HSCs. HQD increased miR-663a expression and decreased lnc-C18orf26-1 expression in HSCs. Further studies showed that HQD inhibited the expression of COL1A2, α-SMA, TGF-β1, TGF-β type I receptor (TGF-βRI) and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) in HSCs, and these effects were reversed by miR-663a inhibitor treatment. CONCLUSION Our study identified lnc-C18orf26-1 and miR-663a as promising therapeutic targets for hepatic fibrosis. HQD inhibits HSC proliferation and activation at least partially by regulating the lnc-C18orf26-1/miR-663a/TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/p-Smad2 axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Sheng Dong
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fu-Qun Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 211299, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Na Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 211299, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Miao-Juan Shi
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mao-Rong Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiu-Li Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang H, Zhou P, Xing W, Chen L, Zhou Y, Yang H, Fu K, Liu Z. GLIS2 Prevents Hepatic Fibrosis by Competitively Binding HDAC3 to Inhibit Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:355-372. [PMID: 36397300 PMCID: PMC9792572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of GLIS2 in fibrotic diseases is controversial. GLIS2 deficiency has been reported to contribute to renal fibrosis in mice and has also been reported to prevent high lipid-induced mice hepatic fibrosis. METHODS Hepatic fibrosis in mice was induced by CCl4. Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson, Sirius red, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect and evaluate the stage of hepatic fibrosis in humans or mice. A study model of tetracycline-responsive GLIS2 knockout hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was constructed and named GLIS2-SG-Dox. By adding transforming growth factor β1 to stimulate the transdifferentiation of HSCs, the activation status of HSCs was comprehensively evaluated from the aspects of cell proliferation, migration, and the amount of lipid droplets. In mechanistic studies, dual-luciferase, coimmunoprecipitation, yeast two-hybrid system, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and DNA pulldown were performed to investigate or to prove the molecular mechanism that GLIS2 was involved in regulating liver fibrosis. Throughout the study, real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) was used to detect the relative abundance of messenger RNA expression of each target gene, Western blot was used to detect the relative abundance of protein, and immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence was used to observe the subcellular localization of the target protein. RESULTS The expression of GLIS2 was significantly decreased in human liver fibrosis tissues and CCL4-induced mouse liver fibrosis tissues, especially in HSCs. In the GLIS2-SG-Dox cells, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) pathway was inactive and cells underwent myofibroblastic transdifferentiation transformation. Overexpression of GLIS2 can increase the acetylation level of PPAR-γ and alleviate CCL4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Mechanically, relatively abundant GLIS2 and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) form chelates to avoid the deacetylation of PPAR-γ, so as to maintain the activation level of PPAR-γ signaling pathway in HSCs cells. In this process, HDAC3 acts as a medium for GLIS2 to influence PPAR-γ signaling. Nonetheless, when GLIS2 is absent, HDAC3 deacetylates PPAR-γ, activates HSCs, and leads to liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS GLIS2 deficiency promotes myofibroblastic transdifferentiation and activation of HSCs. Mechanically, GLIS2 regulates the acetylation of PPAR-γ by competitively binding to HDAC3 in HSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoye Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu Xing
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangmei Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangkang Fu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bajaj JS, Nagy LE. Natural History of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Understanding the Changing Landscape of Pathophysiology and Patient Care. Gastroenterology 2022; 163:840-851. [PMID: 35598629 PMCID: PMC9509416 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use and consequent liver disease are major burdens that have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several facets to the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of alcohol-use disorder (AUD) and progression to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) that require a concerted effort by clinicians and translational and basic science investigators. Several recent advances from bedside to bench and bench to bedside have been made in ALD. We focused this review on a case-based approach that provides a human context to these important advances across the spectrum of ALD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia.
| | - Laura E Nagy
- Center for Liver Disease Research, Departments of Inflammation and Immunity and Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Xu ZX, Li JZ, Li Q, Xu MY, Li HY. CircRNA608-microRNA222-PINK1 axis regulates the mitophagy of hepatic stellate cells in NASH related fibrosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 610:35-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
25
|
Osborn J, Mourya R, Thanekar U, Su W, Fei L, Shivakumar P, Bezerra JA. Serum Proteomics Uncovers Biomarkers of Clinical Portal Hypertension in Children With Biliary Atresia. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:995-1004. [PMID: 34962102 PMCID: PMC9035582 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with biliary atresia (BA) often develop portal hypertension (PHT) and its complications, which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study was to identify serum biomarkers of PHT by using large-scale proteomics. We applied the slow off-rate modified aptamer scan (SOMAscan) to measure 1,305 proteins in serum samples of children with BA with and without clinical evidence of PHT in validation and discovery cohorts enrolled in the Biliary Atresia Study of Infants and Children. Serum proteomics data was analyzed using logistic regression to identify protein(s) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) ≥ 0.90. Immunostaining was used to characterize the cellular localization of the new biomarker proteins in liver tissues. We identified nine proteins in the discovery cohort (n = 40 subjects) and five proteins in the validation cohort (n = 80 subjects) that individually or in combination predicted clinical PHT with AUROCs ≥ 0.90. Merging the two cohorts, we found that semaphorin 6B (SEMA6B) alone and three other protein combinations (SEMA6B+secreted frizzle protein 3 [SFRP3], SEMA6B+COMM domain containing 7 [COMMD7], and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM1]+BMX nonreceptor tyrosine kinase [BMX]) had AUROCs ≥ 0.90 in both cohorts, with high positive- and negative-predictive values. Immunostaining of the new protein biomarkers showed increased expression in hepatic endothelial cells, cholangiocytes, and immune cells within portal triads in BA livers with clinical PHT compared to healthy livers. Conclusion: Large-scale proteomics identified SEMA6B, SFRP3, COMMD7, BMX, and VCAM1 as biomarkers highly associated with clinical PHT in BA. The expression of the biomarkers in hepatic epithelial, endothelial, and immune cells support their potential role in the pathophysiology of PHT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Osborn
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Reena Mourya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Unmesha Thanekar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Weizhe Su
- Division of Biostatistics and EpidemiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Lin Fei
- Division of Biostatistics and EpidemiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA.,Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Pranavkumar Shivakumar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA.,Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Jorge A Bezerra
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA.,Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOHUSA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Niu K, Dai G, Jiang W, Zhang I, Zhang P, Tan Y, Feng B. Study on the Action Mechanism of Dkk-1, TGF-β1 and TNF-α Expression Levels in Dupuytren's Contracture. HANDCHIR MIKROCHIR P 2022; 54:149-154. [PMID: 35419784 DOI: 10.1055/a-1794-5668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The biological mechanism of Dupuytren's contracture needs to be further studied in order to minimize postoperative recurrence and provide a pathological basis for the development of new therapeutic targets. METHODS HE staining, immunohistochemistry, PCR and western blotting were performed in pathological palmar aponeurosis specimens and normal palmar aponeurosis tissues for comparative study. RESULTS (1) TNF-α expression was up-regulated: TNF-α mRNA was more highly expressed in the pathological tissues of DD patients than in the CT group, P < 0.05, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant; (2) Dkk-1 expression was down-regulated: Dkk-1 mRNA was lower expressed in the pathological tissues of DD patients than in the CT group, P < 0.05, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant; (3) TGF-β1 expression was up-regulated: TGF-β1 mRNA was higher expressed in the pathological tissues of DD patients than in the CT group, P < 0.05, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant; (4) Pearson correlation analysis suggested that TNF-α expression was positively correlated with TGF-β1 expression, TNF-α expression was negatively correlated with DKK-1 expression, and TGF-β1 expression was negatively correlated with DKK-1 expression. CONCLUSION TNF-α, DKK-1 and TGF-β1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of palmar aponeurosis contracture, and there is a relationship between them. The study of the relationship between the three and their related signaling pathways provides a therapeutic target and a basis for the prevention and early treatment of palmar aponeurotic contracture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kecheng Niu
- The third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medicial University
| | - Guanming Dai
- The third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medicial University
| | - Wei Jiang
- The third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medicial University
| | - Ian Zhang
- The third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medicial University
| | - Peiguang Zhang
- The third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medicial University
| | - Yunyan Tan
- The third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medicial University
| | - Bo Feng
- The third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medicial University
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Holste KG, Xia F, Ye F, Keep RF, Xi G. Mechanisms of neuroinflammation in hydrocephalus after intraventricular hemorrhage: a review. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:28. [PMID: 35365172 PMCID: PMC8973639 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both neonatal and adult populations. IVH not only causes immediate damage to surrounding structures by way of mass effect and elevated intracranial pressure; the subsequent inflammation causes additional brain injury and edema. Of those neonates who experience severe IVH, 25-30% will go on to develop post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). PHH places neonates and adults at risk for white matter injury, seizures, and death. Unfortunately, the molecular determinants of PHH are not well understood. Within the past decade an emphasis has been placed on neuroinflammation in IVH and PHH. More information has come to light regarding inflammation-induced fibrosis and cerebrospinal fluid hypersecretion in response to IVH. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of neuroinflammation involving clot-derived neuroinflammatory factors including hemoglobin/iron, peroxiredoxin-2 and thrombin, as well as macrophages/microglia, cytokines and complement in the development of PHH. Understanding the mechanisms of neuroinflammation after IVH may highlight potential novel therapeutic targets for PHH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine G Holste
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 3470 Taubman Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA.
| | - Fan Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 3470 Taubman Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fenghui Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 3470 Taubman Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA
| | - Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 3470 Taubman Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA
| | - Guohua Xi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 3470 Taubman Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA.
- , 5018 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chen B, Gu Y, Shen H, Liu Q, Wang H, Li Y, Liu X, Liu Y, Du Q, Sun H, Liao X. Borealin Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:171-188. [PMID: 35308603 PMCID: PMC8926168 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s336452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant disease with high morbidity and mortality throughout the world. While Borealin is a putative oncogene that is dysregulated in multiple tumors, its exact role in HCC remains less investigated. Methods Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were employed to examine the relative amount of Borealin. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and other bioinformatic analyses were implemented to probe into the potential functions of Borealin. The biological roles and mechanisms of Borealin in the tumorigenesis and development of HCC were further evaluated using a battery of functional assays in vivo and in vitro. Results Borealin was enhanced in the HCC tissue samples and hepatoma cells when compared with the nontumor tissues and normal liver cells. Higher Borealin expression was positively linked with advanced pathological phenotypes and inferior overall survival. The overexpression of Borealin promoted the cells' abilities on proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro, facilitated tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo, whereas the silencing of Borealin inhibited these capabilities in vitro. Furthermore, Borealin interacted with β-catenin and further activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which endowed HCC cells with highly aggressive and metastatic capabilities. Conclusion Borealin was identified as an oncogene that could promote HCC growth and metastasis by activating the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings extended the understanding of Borealin in HCC tumorigenesis and development and highlighted the significance of Borealin in HCC diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baiyang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas, The First People’s Hospital of Jingmen, Jingmen, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiangsheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yabo Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xifan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinghao Du
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huapeng Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaofeng Liao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Canonical Wnt Signaling in the Pathology of Iron Overload-Induced Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7163326. [PMID: 35116092 PMCID: PMC8807048 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7163326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Iron accumulates in the vital organs with aging. This is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to age-related disorders. Abnormal iron levels are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, liver injury, cancer, and ocular diseases. Canonical Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that regulates many cellular functions including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, and stem cell renewal. Recent evidences indicate that iron regulates Wnt signaling, and iron chelators like deferoxamine and deferasirox can inhibit Wnt signaling and cell growth. Canonical Wnt signaling is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, and there are significant efforts ongoing to develop innovative therapies targeting the aberrant Wnt signaling. This review examines how intracellular iron accumulation regulates Wnt signaling in various tissues and their potential contribution in the progression of age-related diseases.
Collapse
|
30
|
Duspara K, Bojanic K, Pejic JI, Kuna L, Kolaric TO, Nincevic V, Smolic R, Vcev A, Glasnovic M, Curcic IB, Smolic M. Targeting the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Liver Fibrosis for Drug Options: An Update. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:960-971. [PMID: 34966659 PMCID: PMC8666372 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a life-threatening disease, with challenging morbidity and mortality for healthcare systems worldwide. It imparts an enormous economic burden to societies, making continuous research and informational updates about its pathogenesis and treatment crucial. This review's focus is on the current knowledge about the Wnt signaling pathway, serving as an important pathway in liver fibrosis development and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Two types of Wnt pathways are distinguished, namely the ß-catenin-dependent canonical and non-canonical Ca2+ or planar cell polarity (PCP)-dependent pathway. The dynamic balance of physiologically healthy liver and hepatocytes is disturbed by repeated liver injuries. Activation of the ß-catenin Wnt pathway prevents the regeneration of hepatocytes by the replacement of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to the appearance of scar tissue and the formation of regenerated nodular hepatocytes, lacking the original function of healthy hepatocytes. Therefore, liver function is reduced due to the severely advanced disease. Selective inhibition of ß-catenin inhibits inflammatory processes (since chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced during Wnt activation), reduces growth of activated HSCs and reduces collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, thereby reducing the progression of liver fibrosis in vivo. While the canonical Wnt pathway is usually inactive in a physiologically healthy liver, it shows activity during cell regeneration or renewal and in certain pathophysiological conditions, such as liver diseases and cancer. Targeted blocking of some of the basic components of the Wnt pathway is a therapeutic approach. These include the frizzled transmembrane receptor (Fz) receptors using the secreted frizzled-related protein family (sFRP), Fz-coreceptors low-density LRP 5/6 through dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) or niclosamide, glycogen kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) using SB-216763, cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CBP) using PRI-724 and ICG-001, the lymphoid enhancer binding factor (LEF)/T cell-specific transcription factor (TCF) system as well as Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) and miR-17-5p using pinostilbene hydrate (PSH). Significant progress has been made in inhibiting Wnt and thus stopping the progression of liver fibrosis by diminishing key components for its action. Comprehending the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in liver fibrosis may lead to discovery of novel targets in liver fibrosis therapeutic strategies' development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Duspara
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Kristina Bojanic
- Department of Biophysics and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Biophysics and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Radiology, Health Center Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Josipa Ivanusic Pejic
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Lucija Kuna
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tea Omanovic Kolaric
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vjera Nincevic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Robert Smolic
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Aleksandar Vcev
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marija Glasnovic
- Department of Medicine, Family Medicine and History of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ines Bilic Curcic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Martina Smolic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Correspondence to: Martina Smolic, University of Osijek, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, J. Huttlera 4, Osijek 31000, Croatia. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6867-826X. Tel: + 385-31-512-800, Fax: +385-31-512-833, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang J, Liu Q, He J, Li Y. Novel Therapeutic Targets in Liver Fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:766855. [PMID: 34805276 PMCID: PMC8602792 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.766855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is end-stage liver disease that can be rescued. If irritation continues due to viral infection, schistosomiasis and alcoholism, liver fibrosis can progress to liver cirrhosis and even cancer. The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs that act directly against liver fibrosis. The only treatments currently available are drugs that eliminate pathogenic factors, which show poor efficacy; and liver transplantation, which is expensive. This highlights the importance of clarifying the mechanism of liver fibrosis and searching for new treatments against it. This review summarizes how parenchymal, nonparenchymal cells, inflammatory cells and various processes (liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell activation, cell death and proliferation, deposition of extracellular matrix, cell metabolism, inflammation and epigenetics) contribute to liver fibrosis. We highlight discoveries of novel therapeutic targets, which may provide new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhang Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinhui Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinhan He
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sankarasubramanian S, Pfohl U, Regenbrecht CRA, Reinhard C, Wedeken L. Context Matters-Why We Need to Change From a One Size Fits all Approach to Made-to-Measure Therapies for Individual Patients With Pancreatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:760705. [PMID: 34805167 PMCID: PMC8599957 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.760705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers and remains a major unsolved health problem. While pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with driver mutations in only four major genes (KRAS, TP53, SMAD4, and CDKN2A), every tumor differs in its molecular landscape, histology, and prognosis. It is crucial to understand and consider these differences to be able to tailor treatment regimens specific to the vulnerabilities of the individual tumor to enhance patient outcome. This review focuses on the heterogeneity of pancreatic tumor cells and how in addition to genetic alterations, the subsequent dysregulation of multiple signaling cascades at various levels, epigenetic and metabolic factors contribute to the oncogenesis of PDAC and compensate for each other in driving cancer progression if one is tackled by a therapeutic approach. This implicates that besides the need for new combinatorial therapies for PDAC, a personalized approach for treating this highly complex cancer is required. A strategy that combines both a target-based and phenotypic approach to identify an effective treatment, like Reverse Clinical Engineering® using patient-derived organoids, is discussed as a promising way forward in the field of personalized medicine to tackle this deadly disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulrike Pfohl
- CELLphenomics GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- ASC Oncology GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Bio Science, Goethe University Frankfurt Am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian R. A. Regenbrecht
- CELLphenomics GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- ASC Oncology GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Lena Wedeken
- CELLphenomics GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- ASC Oncology GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lin SN, Mao R, Qian C, Bettenworth D, Wang J, Li J, Bruining D, Jairath V, Feagan B, Chen M, Rieder F. Development of Anti-fibrotic Therapy in Stricturing Crohn's Disease: Lessons from Randomized Trials in Other Fibrotic Diseases. Physiol Rev 2021; 102:605-652. [PMID: 34569264 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00005.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is considered an inevitable complication of Crohn's disease (CD) that results in symptoms of obstruction and stricture formation. Endoscopic or surgical treatment is required to treat the majority of patients. Progress in the management of stricturing CD is hampered by the lack of effective anti-fibrotic therapy; however, this situation is likely to change because of recent advances in other fibrotic diseases of the lung, liver and skin. In this review, we summarized data from randomized controlled trials (RCT) of anti-fibrotic therapies in these conditions. Multiple compounds have been tested for the anti-fibrotic effects in other organs. According to their mechanisms, they were categorized into growth factor modulators, inflammation modulators, 5-hydroxy-3-methylgultaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, intracellular enzymes and kinases, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) modulators and others. From our review of the results from the clinical trials and discussion of their implications in the gastrointestinal tract, we have identified several molecular candidates that could serve as potential therapies for intestinal fibrosis in CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Nan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Ren Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Chenchen Qian
- Department of Internal Medicine, UPMC Pinnacle, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Dominik Bettenworth
- Department of Medicine B, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drug, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - David Bruining
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Vipul Jairath
- Alimentiv Inc., London, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Feagan
- Alimentiv Inc., London, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Minhu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhao P, Malik S, Xing S. Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in HCV-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Front Oncol 2021; 11:677926. [PMID: 34336665 PMCID: PMC8320331 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.677926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, which is largely caused by virus infection. About 80% of the virus-infected people develop a chronic infection that eventually leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With approximately 71 million HCV chronic infected patients worldwide, they still have a high risk of HCC in the near future. However, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis in chronic HCV infection have not been still fully understood, which involve a complex epigenetic regulation and cellular signaling pathways. Here, we summarize 18 specific gene targets and different signaling pathways involved in recent findings. With these epigenetic alterations requiring histone modifications and DNA hyper or hypo-methylation of these specific genes, the dysregulation of gene expression is also associated with different signaling pathways for the HCV life cycle and HCC. These findings provide a novel insight into a correlation between HCV infection and HCC tumorigenesis, as well as potentially preventable approaches. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection largely causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide with 3 to 4 million newly infected cases diagnosed each year. It is urgent to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms for therapeutic treatment and biomarker discovery. However, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis in chronic HCV infection have not been still fully understood, which involve a complex epigenetic regulation and cellular signaling pathways. Here, we summarize 18 specific gene targets and different signaling pathways involved in recent findings. With these epigenetic alterations requiring histone modifications and DNA hyper or hypo-methylation of these specific genes, the dysregulation of gene expression is also associated with different signaling pathways for the HCV life cycle and HCC. These findings provide a novel insight into a correlation between HCV infection and HCC tumorigenesis, as well as potentially preventable approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pin Zhao
- Guandong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Samiullah Malik
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaojun Xing
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang W, Li F, Lai X, Liu H, Wu S, Han Y, Shen Y. Exosomes secreted by palmitic acid-treated hepatocytes promote LX-2 cell activation by transferring miRNA-107. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:174. [PMID: 34234100 PMCID: PMC8263701 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key inducer of liver fibrogenesis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Exosomes play an important role between hepatocytes and HSCs. This study aims to explore the role of exosomes derived from palmitic acid (PA)-treated hepatocytes in regulating HSCs (LX-2 cell) proliferation and activation and the underlying mechanisms. Exosomes were isolated from PA-treated human normal hepatocytes and incubated with LX-2 cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was performed to determine LX-2 cell proliferation, and the expression of fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type 1 α1 (CoL1A1) were examined to evaluateLX-2 cell activation. PA induced hepatocytes to release more exosomes enriched in miR-107. Mechanically, on the one hand, exosomes from PA-treated hepatocytes shuttled miR-107 to LX-2 cells, where miR-107 activated Wnt signaling by targeting DKK1 and thereby induced LX-2 cell activation; on the other hand, PA-treated hepatocytes derived exosomes also delivered miR-107 to CD4 + T lymphocytes, where miR-107 elevated IL-9 expression by targeting Foxp1, which bound to the IL-9 promoter in CD4 + T cells and suppressed Th9 cell differentiation and reduced IL-9 expression, and thus promoted LX-2 cell activation by activating Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoyang Lai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Shuting Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Yunqin Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Yunfeng Shen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Extracellular Vesicles in Organ Fibrosis: Mechanisms, Therapies, and Diagnostics. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071596. [PMID: 34202136 PMCID: PMC8305303 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the unrelenting deposition of excessively large amounts of insoluble interstitial collagen due to profound matrigenic activities of wound-associated myofibroblasts during chronic injury in diverse tissues and organs. It is a highly debilitating pathology that affects millions of people globally and leads to decreased function of vital organs and increased risk of cancer and end-stage organ disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced within the chronic wound environment have emerged as important vehicles for conveying pro-fibrotic signals between many of the cell types involved in driving the fibrotic response. On the other hand, EVs from sources such as stem cells, uninjured parenchymal cells, and circulation have in vitro and in vivo anti-fibrotic activities that have provided novel and much-needed therapeutic options. Finally, EVs in body fluids of fibrotic individuals contain cargo components that may have utility as fibrosis biomarkers, which could circumvent current obstacles to fibrosis measurement in the clinic, allowing fibrosis stage, progression, or regression to be determined in a manner that is accurate, safe, minimally-invasive, and conducive to repetitive testing. This review highlights the rapid and recent progress in our understanding of EV-mediated fibrotic pathogenesis, anti-fibrotic therapy, and fibrosis staging in the lung, kidney, heart, liver, pancreas, and skin.
Collapse
|
37
|
The emerging roles of exosomes in autoimmune diseases, with special emphasis on microRNAs in exosomes. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105680. [PMID: 34010670 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic vasculitis, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis (SSc), mixed connective tissue disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD) and ulcerative colitis. Exosomes exist in body fluids, including blood, saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and milk. They are mainly derived from the invagination of intracellular lysosomal particles, which are released into the extracellular matrix after fusion of the outer membrane of the exosomes with the cell membrane. Exosomes mediate intercellular communication and regulate the biological activity of receptor cells by carrying proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. Evidences show that exosomes are involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. In view of the important roles of exosomes in autoimmune diseases, this work systematically reviewed the effects of exosomes on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, especially the regulatory roles of exosome derived microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of RA, SLE, dermatomyositis, SSc, AITD and ulcerative colitis. The review of the roles of exosomes in autoimmune diseases will help to clarify the pathogenesis of these diseases and explore new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
38
|
Ding R, Zheng J, Li N, Cheng Q, Zhu M, Wang Y, Zhou X, Zhang Z, Shi G. DZNep, an inhibitor of the histone methyltransferase EZH2, suppresses hepatic fibrosis through regulating miR-199a-5p/SOCS7 pathway. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11374. [PMID: 34040893 PMCID: PMC8127960 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic fibrosis is a common response to chronic liver injury. Recently, the role of DZNep (a histone methyltransferase EZH2 inhibitor) in repressing pulmonary and renal fibrosis was verified. However, the potential effect of DZNep on hepatic fibrosis has not been elucidated. Methods The hepatic fibrosis model was established in rats treated with CCl4 and in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) treated with TGF-β1. The liver tissues were stained with H&E and Masson’s trichrome. The expression of EZH2, SOCS7, collagen I, αSMA mRNA and miR-199-5p was assessed using qPCR, immunohistochemical or western blot analysis. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was carried out to validate the regulatory relationship of miR-199a-5p with SOCS7. Results The EZH2 level was increased in CCl4-treated rats and in TGF-β1-treated HSCs, whereas DZNep treatment significantly inhibited EZH2 expression. DZNep repressed hepatic fibrosis in vivo and in vitro, as evidenced by the decrease of hepatic fibrosis markers (α-SMA and Collagen I). Moreover, miR-199a-5p expression was repressed by DZNep in TGF-β1-activated HSCs. Notably, downregulation of miR-199a-5p decreased TGF-β1-induced expression of fibrosis markers. SOCS7 was identified as a direct target of miR-199a-5p. The expression of SOCS7 was decreased in TGF-β1-activated HSCs, but DZNep treatment restore d SOCS7 expression. More importantly, SOCS7 knockdown decreased the effect of DZNep on collagen I and α SMA expression in TGF-β1-activated HSCs. Conclusions DZNep suppresses hepatic fibrosis through regulating miR-199a-5p/SOCS7 axis, suggesting that DZNep may represent a novel treatment for fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Ding
- Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Hepatobiliary Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Zheng
- Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Li
- Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Cheng
- Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengqi Zhu
- Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanbing Wang
- Hepatobiliary Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinlan Zhou
- Hepatobiliary Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanqing Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangfeng Shi
- Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chen L, Guo P, Li W, Fang F, Zhu W, Fan J, Wang F, Gao Y, Zhao Q, Wang Q, Xiao Y, Xing X, Li D, Shi T, Yu D, Aschner M, Zhang L, Chen W. Perturbation of Specific Signaling Pathways Is Involved in Initiation of Mouse Liver Fibrosis. Hepatology 2021; 73:1551-1569. [PMID: 32654205 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To identify the regulatory role of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the development of liver disease, we generated a mouse model with hepatocyte-specific deletion of Ppp2r1a gene (encoding PP2A Aα subunit). APPROACH AND RESULTS Homozygote (HO) mice and matched wild-type littermates were investigated at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months of age. Pathological examination showed that PP2A Aα deficiency in hepatocytes resulted in progressive liver fibrosis phenotype from 9 months of age. No hepatocyte death was observed in HO mice. However, perturbation of pathways including epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR1), amino acid metabolism, and translation factors as well as leptin and adiponectin led to pronounced hepatic fibrosis. In vitro studies demonstrated the involvement of specific B subunit complexes in the regulation of EGFR1 signaling pathway and cross talk between defected hepatocytes and stimulation of interstitial hyperplasia. It is noteworthy that HO mice failed to develop hepatocellular carcinoma for as long as 22 months of age. We further demonstrate that PP2A Aβ-containing holoenzymes played a critical role in preventing hepatocyte apoptosis and antagonizing tumorigenesis through specific pathways on Aα loss. Furthermore, PP2A Aα and Aβ were functionally distinct, and the Aβ isoform failed to substitute for Aα in the development of inflammation and liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS These observations identify pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and provide putative therapeutic targets for its treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxue Li
- Department of Toxicology, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Fang
- Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, National Chromatographic Research and Analysis Center, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junling Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangping Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- The Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, National Chromatographic Research and Analysis Center, Dalian, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongmei Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiumei Xing
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daochuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tieliu Shi
- The Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dianke Yu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, National Chromatographic Research and Analysis Center, Dalian, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wu Z, Huang S, Zheng X, Gu S, Xu Q, Gong Y, Zhang J, Fu B, Tang L. Regulatory long non-coding RNAs of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:351. [PMID: 33732324 PMCID: PMC7903415 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is a continuous wound healing process caused by numerous chronic hepatic diseases and poses a major threat to human health. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a critical event in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are involved in HSC activation, participate in the development of LF and are likely to be therapeutic targets for LF. In the present review, the cellular signaling pathways of LF with respect to HSCs were discussed. In particular, this present review highlighted the current knowledge on the role of lncRNAs in activating or inhibiting LF, revealing lncRNAs that are likely to be biomarkers or therapeutic targets for LF. Additional studies should be performed to elucidate the potential of lncRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of LF and to provide novel therapeutic approaches for the reversion of LF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Shunmei Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Silan Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Qiaomai Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Bin Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Lingling Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ganguly N, Chakrabarti S. Role of long non‑coding RNAs and related epigenetic mechanisms in liver fibrosis (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:23. [PMID: 33495817 PMCID: PMC7846421 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the major liver pathologies affecting patients worldwide. It results from an improper tissue repair process following liver injury or inflammation. If left untreated, it ultimately leads to liver cirrhosis and liver failure. Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in a wide variety of diseases. They can regulate gene expression and modulate signaling. Some of the lncRNAs promote, while others inhibit liver fibrosis. Similarly, other epigenetic processes, such as methylation and acetylation regulate gene transcription and can modulate gene expression. Notably, there are several regulatory associations of lncRNAs with other epigenetic processes. A major mechanism of action of long non‑coding RNAs is to competitively bind to their target microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), which in turn affects miRNA availability and bioactivity. In the present review, the role of lncRNAs and related epigenetic processes contributing to liver fibrosis is discussed. Finally, various potential therapeutic approaches targeting lncRNAs and related epigenetic processes, which are being considered as possible future treatment targets for liver fibrosis are identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niladri Ganguly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Subrata Chakrabarti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Heyens LJM, Busschots D, Koek GH, Robaeys G, Francque S. Liver Fibrosis in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: From Liver Biopsy to Non-invasive Biomarkers in Diagnosis and Treatment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:615978. [PMID: 33937277 PMCID: PMC8079659 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.615978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing percentage of people have or are at risk to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) worldwide. NAFLD comprises different stadia going from isolated steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is a chronic state of liver inflammation that leads to the transformation of hepatic stellate cells to myofibroblasts. These cells produce extra-cellular matrix that results in liver fibrosis. In a normal situation, fibrogenesis is a wound healing process that preserves tissue integrity. However, sustained and progressive fibrosis can become pathogenic. This process takes many years and is often asymptomatic. Therefore, patients usually present themselves with end-stage liver disease e.g., liver cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Fibrosis has also been identified as the most important predictor of prognosis in patients with NAFLD. Currently, only a minority of patients with liver fibrosis are identified to be at risk and hence referred for treatment. This is not only because the disease is largely asymptomatic, but also due to the fact that currently liver biopsy is still the golden standard for accurate detection of liver fibrosis. However, performing a liver biopsy harbors some risks and requires resources and expertise, hence is not applicable in every clinical setting and is unsuitable for screening. Consequently, different non-invasive diagnostic tools, mainly based on analysis of blood or other specimens or based on imaging have been developed or are in development. In this review, we will first give an overview of the pathogenic mechanisms of the evolution from isolated steatosis to fibrosis. This serves as the basis for the subsequent discussion of the current and future diagnostic biomarkers and anti-fibrotic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leen J. M. Heyens
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, NUTRIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Dana Busschots
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, NUTRIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ger H. Koek
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, NUTRIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sven Francque
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Sven Francque
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Di Gregorio J, Robuffo I, Spalletta S, Giambuzzi G, De Iuliis V, Toniato E, Martinotti S, Conti P, Flati V. The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as a Possible Therapeutic Target in Fibrotic Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:607483. [PMID: 33409282 PMCID: PMC7779530 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.607483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which leads to scarring and loss of function of the affected organ or tissue. Indeed, the fibrotic process affects a variety of organs and tissues, with specific molecular background. However, two common hallmarks are shared: the crucial role of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and the involvement of the inflammation process, that is essential for initiating the fibrotic degeneration. TGF-β in particular but also other cytokines regulate the most common molecular mechanism at the basis of fibrosis, the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT has been extensively studied, but not yet fully explored as a possible therapeutic target for fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between fibrosis and EMT may represent an opportunity for the development of a broadly effective anti-fibrotic therapy. Here we report the evidences of the relationship between EMT and multi-organ fibrosis, and the possible therapeutic approaches that may be developed by exploiting this relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Di Gregorio
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Iole Robuffo
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Section of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sonia Spalletta
- Department of Clinical Pathology, E. Profili Hospital, Fabriano, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Giambuzzi
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Iuliis
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Elena Toniato
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Martinotti
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Pio Conti
- Postgraduate Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Flati
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Dual Pharmacological Targeting of HDACs and PDE5 Inhibits Liver Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of Biliary Inflammation and Fibrosis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123748. [PMID: 33322158 PMCID: PMC7763137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic liver injury and inflammation leads to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, known as liver fibrosis, and the distortion of the hepatic parenchyma. Liver fibrosis may progress to cirrhosis, a condition in which hepatic function is impaired and most cases of liver tumors occur. Currently, there are no effective therapies to inhibit and reverse the progression of liver fibrosis, and therefore, chronic liver disease remains a global health problem. In this study we have tested the efficacy of a new class of molecules that simultaneously target two molecular pathways known to be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. In a clinically relevant mouse model of liver injury and inflammation we show that the combined inhibition of histones deacetylases and the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) results in potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Our findings open new avenues for the treatment of liver fibrosis and therefore, the prevention of hepatic carcinogenesis. Abstract Liver fibrosis, a common hallmark of chronic liver disease (CLD), is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix secreted by activated hepatic fibroblasts and stellate cells (HSC). Fibrogenesis involves multiple cellular and molecular processes and is intimately linked to chronic hepatic inflammation. Importantly, it has been shown to promote the loss of liver function and liver carcinogenesis. No effective therapies for liver fibrosis are currently available. We examined the anti-fibrogenic potential of a new drug (CM414) that simultaneously inhibits histone deacetylases (HDACs), more precisely HDAC1, 2, and 3 (Class I) and HDAC6 (Class II) and stimulates the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-protein kinase G (PKG) pathway activity through phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibition, two mechanisms independently involved in liver fibrosis. To this end, we treated Mdr2-KO mice, a clinically relevant model of liver inflammation and fibrosis, with our dual HDAC/PDE5 inhibitor CM414. We observed a decrease in the expression of fibrogenic markers and collagen deposition, together with a marked reduction in inflammation. No signs of hepatic or systemic toxicity were recorded. Mechanistic studies in cultured human HSC and cholangiocytes (LX2 and H69 cell lines, respectively) demonstrated that CM414 inhibited pro-fibrogenic and inflammatory responses, including those triggered by transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Our study supports the notion that simultaneous targeting of pro-inflammatory and fibrogenic mechanisms controlled by HDACs and PDE5 with a single molecule, such as CM414, can be a new disease-modifying strategy.
Collapse
|
45
|
El-Ashmawy NE, Al-Ashmawy GM, Fakher HE, Khedr NF. The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and glutamine metabolism in the pathogenesis of CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis: Repositioning of niclosamide and concerns about lithium. Cytokine 2020; 136:155250. [PMID: 32882667 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a serious health problem which may lead to advanced liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and glutamine aminohydrolase enzyme (l-glutaminase) in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and the potential benefits of niclosamide in treating liver fibrosis. METHODS Ninety male Albino rats were divided into 6 equal groups (n = 15) as follows: a normal control group (NC), CCl4-only treated group (Fib.) which received 1 mg/kg CCl4 two times weekly, niclosamide-treated group (Niclo.) which received 5 mg/kg of niclosamide one time daily, lithium chloride-treated group (LiCl) which received 100 mg/kg of LiCl one time daily, niclosamide-and-CCl4-treated group (Niclo. + Fib.) which received same doses of niclosamide and CCl4 given to other groups, and finally lithium chloride-and-CCl4-treated rat group (LiCl + Fib.) which received same doses of LiCl and CCl4 given to other groups. All treatments were administered orally for 8 weeks. Liver tissue was assessed for l-hydroxyproline, beta-catenin (β-catenin), l-glutaminase activity, as well as the gene expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and Dishevelled-2 (Dvl2). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of alpha smooth muscle actin α-SMA were performed. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total bilirubin were measured. RESULTS The group of niclosamide-and-CCl4-treated rats showed a significant decrease in total bilirubin, ALT and AST, β-catenin, l-hydroxyproline, l-glutaminase activity, and gene expression of TGF-β1 and Dvl2. Moreover, the liver tissue in this group of rats showed mild α-SMA reactivity compared with the rats treated with CCl4 only (fibrosis group). On the other hand, lithium chloride-and-CCl4-treated rats showed a significant increase in liver indices, TGF-β1 expression, β-catenin, l-hydroxyproline, and l-glutaminase activity with severe α-SMA reactivity and apoptosis in the liver tissue. CONCLUSIONS Niclosamide protected rats against liver fibrosis by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and glutaminolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nahla E El-Ashmawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Postal code: 31527, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Al-Ashmawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Postal code: 31527, Egypt
| | - Hoda E Fakher
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Postal code: 32511, Egypt.
| | - Naglaa F Khedr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Postal code: 31527, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Suresh RR, Jain S, Chen Z, Tosh DK, Ma Y, Podszun MC, Rotman Y, Salvemini D, Jacobson KA. Design and in vivo activity of A 3 adenosine receptor agonist prodrugs. Purinergic Signal 2020; 16:367-377. [PMID: 32720036 PMCID: PMC7524976 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-020-09715-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prodrugs (MRS7422, MRS7476) of highly selective A3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists Cl-IB-MECA and MRS5698, respectively, were synthesized by succinylation of the 2' and 3' hydroxyl groups, and the parent, active drug was shown to be readily liberated upon incubation with liver esterases. The prodrug MRS7476 had greatly increased aqueous solubility compared with parent MRS5698 and was fully efficacious and with a longer duration than MRS7422 in reversing mouse neuropathic pain (chronic constriction injury model, 3 μmol/kg, p.o.), a known A3AR effect. MRS7476 (5 mg/kg, p.o., twice daily) was found to protect against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in the STAM mouse model, indicated by the NAFLD activity score. Hepatocyte ballooning, IL-10 production, and liver histology were significantly normalized in the MRS7476-treated mice, but not liver fibrosis (no change in ACTA2 levels) or inflammation. Hepatic expression of ADORA3 in human NAFLD patients was 1.9-fold lower compared to normal controls. Adora3 expression determined by qPCR in primary mouse liver was associated with the stellate cells, and its mouse full body A3AR knockout worsened liver markers of inflammation and steatosis. Thus, we have introduced a reversible prodrug strategy that enables water solubility and in vivo activity of masked A3AR agonists in models of two disease conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. Rama Suresh
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 8A, Rm. B1A-19, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-0810 USA
| | - Shanu Jain
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 8A, Rm. B1A-19, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-0810 USA
| | - Zhoumou Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO USA
- Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Dilip K. Tosh
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 8A, Rm. B1A-19, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-0810 USA
| | - Yanling Ma
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Maren C. Podszun
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Yaron Rotman
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Daniela Salvemini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO USA
- Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 8A, Rm. B1A-19, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-0810 USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Targeting chromatin dysregulation in organ fibrosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 57:64-72. [PMID: 32900600 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis leads to destruction of organ architecture accompanied by chronic inflammation and loss of function. Fibrosis affects nearly every organ in the body and accounts for ∼45% of total deaths worldwide. Over the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the basic mechanisms leading to organ fibrosis. However, we are limited with therapeutic options and there is a significant need to develop highly effective anti-fibrotic therapies. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have advanced the burgeoning field of epigenetics towards molecular understanding at a higher resolution. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the recent advances in chromatin regulatory processes, specifically DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histones, and chromatin remodeling complexes in kidney, liver and lung fibrosis. Although this research field is young, we discuss new strategies for potential therapeutic interventions for treating organ fibrosis.
Collapse
|
48
|
Heme Oxygenase-1 Suppresses Wnt Signaling Pathway in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis-Related Liver Fibrosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4910601. [PMID: 32461992 PMCID: PMC7212281 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4910601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Methods Mice were fed with a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 8 weeks to induce steatohepatitis-related liver fibrosis and were treated with HO-1 inducer Hemin and inhibitor ZnPP. Mouse sera were collected for the biochemical analysis, and livers were obtained for further histological observation and gene expression analysis. HSC-T6 cells were cultured for the in vitro study and were administrated with Hemin and si-HO-1 to induce or inhibit the expression of HO-1. qPCR and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein levels of genes. Results MCD-fed mice developed marked macrovesicular steatosis, focal necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration and pericellular fibrosis in liver sections. Administration of Hemin could significantly ameliorate the severity of steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis and also could decrease the serum ALT and AST. We demonstrated that HO-1 induction was able to downregulate the key regulator of the canonical Wnt pathway Wnt1 and the noncanonical Wnt pathway Wnt5a. The downstream factors of the Wnt pathway β-catenin and NFAT5 were inhibited by Hemin, but GSK-3β was upregulated compared to the MCD group, which were consistent with the in vitro study. Hemin markedly inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that HO-1 inhibited the activation of canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways in NASH-related liver fibrosis. Thus, these results may suggest a new therapeutic strategy for NASH-related liver fibrosis.
Collapse
|
49
|
Rzeszotarska E, Sowinska A, Stypinska B, Walczuk E, Wajda A, Lutkowska A, Felis-Giemza A, Olesinska M, Puszczewicz M, Majewski D, Jagodzinski PP, Czerewaty M, Malinowski D, Pawlik A, Jaronczyk M, Paradowska-Gorycka A. The Role of MECP2 and CCR5 Polymorphisms on the Development and Course of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030494. [PMID: 32214033 PMCID: PMC7175371 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic and systemic autoimmune disease. SLE is described by production of autoantibodies and causes damage of many organs. T-cells play a crucial role in SLE pathogenesis. T-cells intensify inflammation through a number of processes, which leads to autoimmunization. CCR5 and MECP2 genes are linked with T-cells and pathogenesis of SLE. Polymorphisms in these genes are related with the prognostic factors of risk of disease onset and disease severity. The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of polymorphisms in MECP2 and CCR5 genes on the development and course of systemic lupus erythematosus. We examined 137 SLE patients and 604 healthy controls. We studied polymorphisms for CCR5 gene: rs333 and for MECP2: rs2075596, rs1734787, rs17435, and rs2239464. We genotyped our MECP2 samples and we performed a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis for CCR5 samples. We showed a risk factor for allele T in rs17435 and for allele A in rs2075596 in MECP2. We noticed that MECP2 rs2075596 G/A, rs1734787 C/A, rs17435 A/T, and rs2239464 G/A polymorphisms are more prevalent in SLE patients than in healthy controls. We believe that above-mentioned MECP2 polymorphisms can be considered as SLE susceptibility factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Rzeszotarska
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (E.R.); (B.S.); (E.W.); (A.W.)
| | - Anna Sowinska
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Barbara Stypinska
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (E.R.); (B.S.); (E.W.); (A.W.)
| | - Ewa Walczuk
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (E.R.); (B.S.); (E.W.); (A.W.)
| | - Anna Wajda
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (E.R.); (B.S.); (E.W.); (A.W.)
| | - Anna Lutkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (A.L.); (P.P.J.)
| | - Anna Felis-Giemza
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (A.F.-G.); (M.O.)
| | - Marzena Olesinska
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (A.F.-G.); (M.O.)
| | - Mariusz Puszczewicz
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Science, 61-545 Poznan, Poland; (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Dominik Majewski
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Science, 61-545 Poznan, Poland; (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Pawel Piotr Jagodzinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (A.L.); (P.P.J.)
| | - Michal Czerewaty
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (M.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Damian Malinowski
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Pawlik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (M.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Malgorzata Jaronczyk
- Department of Drug Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, National Medicines Institute, 30/34 Chelmska Str., 00-725 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Paradowska-Gorycka
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (E.R.); (B.S.); (E.W.); (A.W.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Lipphardt M, Dihazi H, Jeon NL, Dadafarin S, Ratliff BB, Rowe DW, Müller GA, Goligorsky MS. Dickkopf-3 in aberrant endothelial secretome triggers renal fibroblast activation and endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2019; 34:49-62. [PMID: 29726981 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfy100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that Sirt1endo-/- mice show endothelial dysfunction and exaggerated renal fibrosis, whereas mice with silenced endothelial transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling are resistant to fibrogenic signals. Considering the fact that the only difference between these mutant mice is confined to the vascular endothelium, this indicates that secreted substances contribute to these contrasting responses. Methods We performed an unbiased proteomic analysis of the secretome of renal microvascular endothelial cells (RMVECs) isolated from these two mutants. We cultured renal fibroblasts and RMVECs and used microfluidic devices for coculturing. Results Dickkopf-3 (DKK3), a putative ligand of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, was present exclusively in the fibrogenic secretome. In cultured fibroblasts, DKK3 potently induced myofibroblast activation. In addition, DKK3 antagonized effects of DKK1, a known inhibitor of the Wnt pathway, in conversion of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. In RMVECs, DKK3 induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition and impaired their angiogenic competence. The inhibition of endothelial outgrowth, enhanced myofibroblast formation and endothelial-mesenchymal transition were confirmed in coculture. In reporter DKK3-eGFP × Col3.6-GFPcyan mice, DKK3 was marginally expressed under basal conditions. Adriamycin-induced nephropathy resulted in upregulation of DKK3 expression in tubular and, to a lesser degree, endothelial compartments. Sulindac sulfide was found to exhibit superior Wnt pathway-suppressive action and decreased DKK3 signals and the extent of renal fibrosis. Conclusions In conclusion, this unbiased proteomic screen of the profibrogenic endothelial secretome revealed DKK3 acting as an agonist of the Wnt pathway, enhancing formation of myofibroblasts and endothelial-mesenchymal transition and impairing angiogenesis. A potent inhibitor of the Wnt pathway, sulindac sulfide, suppressed nephropathy-induced DKK3 expression and renal fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lipphardt
- Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology and Physiology, Renal Research Institute, New York Medical College at Touro University, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Göttingen University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hassan Dihazi
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Göttingen University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Division of WCU Multiscale Mechanical Design, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sina Dadafarin
- Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology and Physiology, Renal Research Institute, New York Medical College at Touro University, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Brian B Ratliff
- Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology and Physiology, Renal Research Institute, New York Medical College at Touro University, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - David W Rowe
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, Biomaterials and Skeletal Development, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Gerhard A Müller
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Göttingen University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael S Goligorsky
- Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology and Physiology, Renal Research Institute, New York Medical College at Touro University, Valhalla, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|