1
|
Zhang M, Yang J, Yuan Y, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Cui R, Maliu Y, Xu F, Wu X. Recruitment or activation of mast cells in the liver aggravates the accumulation of fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. Mol Immunol 2024; 170:60-75. [PMID: 38626622 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases caused by viral infections, alcoholism, drugs, or chemical poisons are a significant health problem: Liver diseases are a leading contributor to mortality, with approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Liver fibrosis, as a common liver disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition, is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and there is no effective treatment. Numerous studies have shown that the accumulation of mast cells (MCs) in the liver is closely associated with liver injury caused by a variety of factors. This study investigated the relationship between MCs and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and the effects of the MC stabilizers sodium cromoglycate (SGC) and ketotifen (KET) on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The results showed that MCs were recruited or activated during CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Coadministration of SCG or KET alleviated the liver fibrosis by decreasing SCF/c-kit expression, inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway, depressing the HIF-1a/VEGF pathway, activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and increasing the hepatic levels of GSH, GSH-Px, and GR, thereby reducing hepatic oxidative stress. Collectively, recruitment or activation of MCs is linked to liver fibrosis and the stabilization of MCs may provide a new approach to the prevention of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingkang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jinru Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yufan Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yazhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Ruirui Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yimai Maliu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Fen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xin'an Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Diwan R, Gaytan SL, Bhatt HN, Pena-Zacarias J, Nurunnabi M. Liver fibrosis pathologies and potentials of RNA based therapeutics modalities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8. [PMID: 38446352 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs when the liver tissue responds to injury or inflammation by producing excessive amounts of scar tissue, known as the extracellular matrix. This buildup stiffens the liver tissue, hinders blood flow, and ultimately impairs liver function. Various factors can trigger this process, including bloodborne pathogens, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While some existing small-molecule therapies offer limited benefits, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments that can truly cure LF. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising approach, as they can potentially downregulate cytokine levels in cells responsible for liver fibrosis. Researchers are actively exploring various RNA-based therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and oligonucleotides, to assess their efficacy in animal models. Furthermore, targeted drug delivery systems hold immense potential in this field. By utilizing lipid nanoparticles, exosomes, nanocomplexes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, researchers aim to deliver therapeutic agents directly to specific biomarkers or cytokines within the fibrotic liver, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. In conclusion, this review highlights the complex nature of liver fibrosis, its underlying causes, and the promising potential of RNA-based therapeutics and targeted delivery systems. Continued research in these areas could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment options for LF patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Samantha Lynn Gaytan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Himanshu Narendrakumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pena-Zacarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carvalho AM, Bansal R, Barrias CC, Sarmento B. The Material World of 3D-Bioprinted and Microfluidic-Chip Models of Human Liver Fibrosis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307673. [PMID: 37961933 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials are extensively used to mimic cell-matrix interactions, which are essential for cell growth, function, and differentiation. This is particularly relevant when developing in vitro disease models of organs rich in extracellular matrix, like the liver. Liver disease involves a chronic wound-healing response with formation of scar tissue known as fibrosis. At early stages, liver disease can be reverted, but as disease progresses, reversion is no longer possible, and there is no cure. Research for new therapies is hampered by the lack of adequate models that replicate the mechanical properties and biochemical stimuli present in the fibrotic liver. Fibrosis is associated with changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix that directly influence cell behavior. Biomaterials could play an essential role in better emulating the disease microenvironment. In this paper, the recent and cutting-edge biomaterials used for creating in vitro models of human liver fibrosis are revised, in combination with cells, bioprinting, and/or microfluidics. These technologies have been instrumental to replicate the intricate structure of the unhealthy tissue and promote medium perfusion that improves cell growth and function, respectively. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of material hints and cell-material interactions in a tridimensional context is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Carvalho
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell Biophysics, Technical Medical Center, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina C Barrias
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- IUCS - Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, CESPU, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, Gandra, 4585-116, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Balaji A, Bell CA, Houston ZH, Bridle KR, Genz B, Fletcher NL, Ramm GA, Thurecht KJ. Exploring the impact of severity in hepatic fibrosis disease on the intrahepatic distribution of novel biodegradable nanoparticles targeted towards different disease biomarkers. Biomaterials 2023; 302:122318. [PMID: 37708659 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDS) have shown promising results in reversing hepatic fibrosis, a common pathological basis of chronic liver diseases (CLDs), in preclinical animal models. However, none of these nanoparticle formulations has transitioned to clinical usage and there are currently no FDA-approved drugs available for liver fibrosis. This highlights the need for a better understanding of the challenges faced by nanoparticles in this complex disease setting. Here, we have systematically studied the impact of targeting strategy, the degree of macrophage infiltration during fibrosis, and the severity of fibrosis, on the liver uptake and intrahepatic distribution of nanocarriers. When tested in mice with advanced liver fibrosis, we demonstrated that the targeting ligand density plays a significant role in determining the uptake and retention of the nanoparticles in the fibrotic liver whilst the type of targeting ligand modulates the trafficking of these nanoparticles into the cell population of interest - activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs). Engineering the targeting strategy indeed reduced the uptake of nanoparticles in typical mononuclear phagocyte (MPS) cell populations, but not the infiltrated macrophages. Meanwhile, additional functionalization may be required to enhance the efficacy of DDS in end-stage fibrosis/cirrhosis compared to early stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arunpandian Balaji
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig A Bell
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Australia; Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Zachary H Houston
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Kim R Bridle
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4120, Australia
| | - Berit Genz
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Nicholas L Fletcher
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Australia; Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Grant A Ramm
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Kristofer J Thurecht
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Australia; Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guo C, Yuan H, Wang Y, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Yin T, He H, Gou J, Tang X. The interplay between PEGylated nanoparticles and blood immune system. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115044. [PMID: 37541623 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115044] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
During the last two decades, an increasing number of reports have pointed out that the immunogenicity of polyethylene glycol (PEG) may trigger accelerated blood clearance (ABC) and hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) to PEGylated nanoparticles, which could make PEG modification counterproductive. These phenomena would be detrimental to the efficacy of the load and even life-threatening to patients. Consequently, further elucidation of the interplay between PEGylated nanoparticles and the blood immune system will be beneficial to developing and applying related formulations. Many groups have worked to unveil the relevance of structural factors, dosing schedule, and other factors to the ABC phenomenon and hypersensitivity reaction. Interestingly, the results of some reports seem to be difficult to interpret or contradict with other reports. In this review, we summarize the physiological mechanisms of PEG-specific immune response. Moreover, we speculate on the potential relationship between the induction phase and the effectuation phase to explain the divergent results in published reports. In addition, the role of nanoparticle-associated factors is discussed based on the classification of the action phase. This review may help researchers to develop PEGylated nanoparticles to avoid unfavorable immune responses based on the underlying mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Haoyang Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Yuxiu Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Yupeng Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Tian Yin
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Haibing He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Jingxin Gou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China.
| | - Xing Tang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li X, Wang Q, Ai L, Cheng K. Unraveling the activation process and core driver genes of HSCs during cirrhosis by single-cell transcriptome. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:1414-1424. [PMID: 37674431 PMCID: PMC10657590 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231191109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, cirrhosis is a common cause of death, manifesting itself as fibrosis of the liver tissue. When the liver is damaged, the liver produces fibrotic, proliferative myofibroblasts, which are formed by the differentiation of activated hepatic stellate cells. There are no effective antifibrotic treatment options. To deeply explore the activation process of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and to discover better therapeutic target genes, single-cell RNA sequencing data on 13 non-cirrhotic liver tissue samples and 10 cirrhotic liver tissue samples were analyzed. We identified activated HSCs from the mesenchymal cell population with high expression of ACTA2. By pseudo-time analysis, we found that the key genes for the differentiation of HSCs into myofibroblasts were C3, CCDC80, COL1A1, COL3A1, DCN, FBLN1, IGFBP3, MXRA5, SERPINE1, and MYH11. Then, we found that the main regulators of HSCs from inactive to activated state were NTF3, NTRK3, NTRK2, JAG1, NOTCH3, ESAM, and CD46 by cell-cell communication analysis. In addition, we found that the top2 hub genes of activated HSCs were CRIP1 and ACTA2. The experimental results show that the top2 hub genes were significantly overexpressed in cirrhotic samples. Our work dissected key intercellular regulators and core driver genes during hepatic stellate cell activation during cirrhosis through single-cell transcriptome data analysis, providing a research strategy to discover rational therapeutic targets for cirrhosis and some important information for gene targeting therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Transplantation Center, Engineering & Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of Hunan Province, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Transplantation Center, Engineering & Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of Hunan Province, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Liang Ai
- Transplantation Center, Engineering & Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of Hunan Province, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Ke Cheng
- Transplantation Center, Engineering & Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of Hunan Province, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Qin S, Du X, Wang K, Wang D, Zheng J, Xu H, Wei X, Yuan Y. Vitamin A-modified ZIF-8 lipid nanoparticles for the therapy of liver fibrosis. Int J Pharm 2023:123167. [PMID: 37356511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is one of the major diseases that threaten human health. Until now, no effective drugs have been approved for clinical anti-liver fibrosis treatment. In this study, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) lipid nanoparticles loaded with pirfenidone (PFD) and modified with vitamin A (VA) were constructed (VA-PFD@ZIF-8@DMPC NPs). PFD was embedded in ZIF-8 by the "one-pot" method, and the prepared ZIF-8 had a small particle size (84.3 nm) and high drug loading (54.46%). Moreover, the inherent pH sensitivity of ZIF-8 makes it stable in a normal physiological environment and collapsed in an acidic environment, thus controlling drug release and preventing drug leakage. Besides, the phospholipid layer makes the nano-drug delivery system dispersible and improves its biocompatibility. More importantly, VA is modified on the surface of nanoparticles (NPs), which can target the highly expressed retinol-binding protein receptor (RBPR) on the surface of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), thereby accurately increasing the local drug concentration at the site of LF. In vivo experiments showed that VA-PFD@ZIF-8@DMPC NPs can reduce liver injury, improve the degree of LF, and exert specific therapeutic effects on LF. In conclusion, this nano-delivery system may become a novel and effective anti-liver fibrosis treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Xuening Du
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Kaili Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Da Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Jiani Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyan Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Yue Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Salem GEM, Azzam SM, Nasser MA, Malah TE, Abd El-Latief HM, Chavanich S, Khan RH, Anwar HM. Bacterial protease alleviate chronic liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide through suppression of hepatic stellate cells consequently decrease its proliferative index. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 239:124243. [PMID: 37011746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
In chronic liver diseases, liver fibrosis occurs due to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) protein accumulation. Approximately 2 million deaths occur yearly due to liver disease, while cirrhosis is the 11th most common cause of death. Therefore, newer compounds or biomolecules must be synthesized to treat chronic liver diseases. In this aspect, the present study focuses on the assessment of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant impact of Bacterial Protease (BP) produced by a new mutant strain of bacteria (Bacillus cereus S6-3/UM90) and 4,4'-(2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene) bis (1-(3-ethoxy phenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole) (DPET) in the treatment of early stage of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Sixty male rats were divided into six groups, ten rats each as follows: (1) Control group, (2) BP group, (3) TAA group, (4) TAA-Silymarin (S) group, (5) TAA-BP group, and (6) TAA-DPET group. Liver fibrosis significantly elevated liver function ALT, AST, and ALP, as well as anti-inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6) and VEGF. The oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, and NO) were significantly increased with a marked reduction in GSH. Expression of MAPK and MCP-1 was unregulated in the TAA group, with downregulation of Nrf2 was observed. TAA caused histopathological alterations associated with hepatic vacuolation and fibrosis, increasing collagen fibers and high immuno-expression of VEGF. On the other hand, treatment with BP successfully improved the severe effects of TAA on the liver and restored histological architecture. Our study concluded the protective potentials of BP for attenuating liver fibrosis and could be used as adjuvant therapy for treating hepatic fibrosis.
Collapse
|
10
|
Luo S, Yang Y, Zhao T, Zhang R, Fang C, Li Y, Zhang Z, Gong T. Albumin-Based Silibinin Nanocrystals Targeting Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells for Liver Fibrosis Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:7747-7758. [PMID: 36719351 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c19269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are critical during the development and progression of liver fibrosis. Once liver fibrosis occurs, aHSCs highly express secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a typical albumin-binding protein. We designed a nano platform, silibinin albumin nanocrystals (SLB-HSA NCs), to target aHSCs for liver fibrosis therapy. The prepared SLB-HSA NCs showed uniform particle size distribution of approximately 60 nm with PDI < 0.15 and high loading efficiency up to 49.4%. Albumin coated on the surface of nanocrystals was demonstrated to increase cellular uptake by aHSCs through SPARC-mediated endocytosis. In addition, SLB-HSA NCs significantly improved the bioavailability compared with free SLB in pharmacokinetic study. Following tail-vein injection, SLB-HSA NCs were massively accumulated in the fibrotic liver and exhibited enhanced antifibrotic effects in hepatic fibrosis mice. Overall, our findings prove the great potential of SLB-HSA NCs in the targeted treatment of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Yuping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Rongping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Changlong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Yan Li
- Sichuan Institute for Drug Control NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Chengdu611731, China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li L, Zhu Z. Pharmacological modulation of ferroptosis as a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1071844. [PMID: 36703745 PMCID: PMC9871257 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1071844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, which is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) materials (primarily fibrillar collagen-I), is an abnormal repair reaction and pathological outcome of chronic liver diseases caused by alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections. Liver fibrosis often progresses to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Ferroptosis, characterized by lipid peroxidation, is a form of iron-dependent non-apoptotic cell death, and recent studies have reported that ferroptosis contribute to the development of liver fibrosis. Moreover, several agents have demonstrated therapeutic effects in experimental liver fibrosis models by inducing hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) ferroptosis. This review delineates the specific mechanism by which ferroptosis contributes to the development of liver fibrosis. Specifically, we focused on the different types of therapeutic agents that can induce HSCs ferroptosis and summarize their pharmacological effectiveness for liver fibrosis treatment. We suggest that HSCs ferroptosis may be a potential useful target of novel therapies for preventing and treating liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Li
- Liver Transplantation Center, Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of hepatobiliary surgery, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Zhijun Zhu
- Liver Transplantation Center, Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Zhijun Zhu,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhou L, Liang Q, Li Y, Cao Y, Li J, Yang J, Liu J, Bi J, Liu Y. Collagenase-I decorated co-delivery micelles potentiate extracellular matrix degradation and hepatic stellate cell targeting for liver fibrosis therapy. Acta Biomater 2022; 152:235-254. [PMID: 36087869 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process of multiple chronic liver diseases progressing to cirrhosis for which there are currently no effective treatment options. During fibrosis progression, the overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen secreted by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) greatly impedes drug delivery and reduces drug therapeutic effects. In this study, a glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-conjugated prodrug micellar system with collagenase I (COL) decoration (COL-HA-GA, abbreviated as CHG) was designed to codelivery sorafenib (Sora/CHG, abbreviated as S/CHG) for potentiating ECM degradation and HSCs targeting on liver fibrosis therapy. In ECM barrier models established in vitro or in vivo, CHG micelles efficiently degraded pericellular collagen and demonstrated enormous ECM penetration abilities as well as superior HSCs internalization. Moreover, CHG micelles exhibited more Sora & GA accumulations and activated HSCs targeting efficiencies in the fibrotic livers than those in the normal livers. More importantly, S/CHG micelles were more effective in anti-liver fibrosis by lowering the collagen content, inhibiting the HSCs activation, as well as down-regulating the fibrosis-related factors, leading to reverse the fibrotic liver to normal liver through the multi-mechanisms including angiogenesis reduction, liver fibrosis microenvironment regulation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibition. In conclusion, the developed COL decorated nano-codelivery system with fibrotic ECM collagen degradation and activated HSCs targeting dual-functions exhibited great potential for liver fibrosis therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-conjugated prodrug with collagenase I (COL) decoration (CHG) was designed for codelivery with sorafenib (S/CHG), potentiating extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation-penetration and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) targeting on liver fibrosis therapy. In ECM barrier models, CHG micelles efficiently degraded pericellular collagen and demonstrated ECM penetration abilities, as well as displayed superior HSCs internalization. Moreover, S/CHG micelles were more effective in anti-liver fibrosis by lowering the collagen content, inhibiting the HSCs activation, as well as down-regulating cytokines, reversing the fibrotic liver to normal through various mechanisms. In conclusion, the developed fibrotic ECM degradation and HSCs targeting dual-functional nano-codelivery system provided a prospective potentiality in liver fibrosis therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Qiangwei Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yongjing Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jiayu Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jiawei Bi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jia H, Ding L, Yu A, Tang W, Tang S, Zhang C, Oupický D. A boronate-based modular assembly nanosystem to block the undesirable crosstalk between hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells. Bioact Mater 2022; 25:569-579. [PMID: 37056257 PMCID: PMC10087950 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Crosstalk between Kupffer cells (KCs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays an important role in multiple liver disease conditions, including the formation of liver fibrosis in alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD). Therapeutic targeting of the KC-HSC crosstalk is a prime target for therapeutic interventions. Herein, a novel modular nanosystem was designed and prepared through the self-assembly utilizing boric acid and catechol interactions to prepare polymers modified with a CXCR4-inhibiting moieties. The polymers were used to encapsulate anti-miR-155 and to block the undesirable crosstalk between HSCs and KCs by downregulating miR-155 expression in KCs with the parallel inhibition of CXCR4 signaling in activated HSCs. The combined inhibition of miR-155 and CXCR4 at two different liver cell types achieved improved antifibrosis effects in a mouse model of AALD fibrosis. Our finding highlights the key role that blocking the undesirable crosstalk between HSCs and KCs plays in reversing AALD fibrosis as well as demonstrates a proof-of-concept approach for designing and constructing multifunctional delivery nanosystems using orthogonal functional modules based on the understanding of disease mechanisms.
Collapse
|
14
|
The Role of Macrophages in Liver Fibrosis: New Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126649. [PMID: 35743092 PMCID: PMC9224467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is the hallmark of fibrotic disorders and is characterized by the activation of immune cells in the damaged tissues. Macrophages have emerged as central players in the fibrotic process since they initiate, sustain and amplify the inflammatory reaction. As regards the liver, distinct populations of phagocytic cells, like Kupffer cells and monocyte-derived macrophages, are indisputably key cells implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic liver diseases. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the origin, role and functions of macrophages in fibrotic conditions, with a specific focus on liver fibrosis; then, we discuss some innovative therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages in fibrotic liver diseases.
Collapse
|
15
|
Nie G, Zhou Y, Song M, Xu J, Cui Z, Feng Y, Wang H, Chen D, Zhang Y, Wang K. NIR-II imaging-guided diagnosis and evaluation of the therapeutic effect on acute alcoholic liver injury via a nanoprobe. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 14:1847-1855. [PMID: 35412537 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay00279e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Acute alcoholic liver injury (AALI) is hard to diagnose on account of no obvious clinical symptoms, and thereby it easily develops into serious liver diseases and threatens people's health. However, traditional methods for detecting AALI are far from satisfactory due to the low sensitivity, invasiveness and non-visualization, and the development of new techniques is in urgent demand. Near-infrared (NIR)-II fluorescence imaging has been widely studied in biochemistry and biomedicine. As the blood flow velocity of the liver is closely related to the progression of AALI, herein, a NIR-II fluorescent nanoprobe, NTPB-NPs, was applied to diagnose AALI by monitoring the fluorescence intensity changes in the liver caused by the variations of the blood flow velocity. More importantly, when medication was applied to alleviate the liver injury of AALI mice, NTPB-NPs could also track the therapeutic effect in situ. In this study, the relationship between hepatic vascular velocity and the progression of AALI was confirmed with NTPB-NPs via NIR-II imaging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a NIR-II fluorescence imaging technique has been used to diagnose AALI mice and evaluate the therapeutic effect on AALI mice. This study may also provide a potential NIR-II imaging agent for clinical research to improve the management of liver injury related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Nie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nature Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yinxing Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nature Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Mengzi Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nature Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jingya Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nature Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Zheng Cui
- Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yangzhen Feng
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Huiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Center, College of Chemistry, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensing Technology and Health, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dugang Chen
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Kaiping Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nature Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ji K, Fan M, Huang D, Sun L, Li B, Xu R, Zhang J, Shao X, Chen Y. Clodronate-nintedanib-loaded exosome-liposome hybridization enhances the liver fibrosis therapy by inhibiting Kupffer cell activity. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:702-713. [PMID: 34927632 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01663f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis therapy remains limited due to the inefficiency of drug delivery and inflammation induced by Kupffer cells. In this study, an exosome-liposome hybrid drug delivery system (LIEV) was developed to increase the efficacy of clodronate (CLD)-inhibition of Kupffer cells and to effectively deliver nintedanib (NIN) to liver fibroblasts to ensure enhanced anti-fibrosis therapy. CLD and NIN co-loaded LIEV (CLD/NIN@LIEV) exerted non-specific inhibition of phagocytosis by Kupffer cells, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and showed homologous homing properties mediated by fibroblast-derived exosomes, thereby achieving superior antifibrotic effects in a CCl4-induced fibrosis mouse model by inhibiting the proliferation of fibroblasts. Furthermore, the inhibited Kupffer cells regenerated within 10 days after dosage withdrawal. Unlike carrier-free NIN treatment, CLD/NIN@LIEV induced a marked decrease in liver enzymes, indicating improved safety and anti-fibrosis efficacy. These results indicate its great potential for treatment with the combined anti-fibrosis agent and Kupffer cell inhibition strategies to enhance the liver fibrosis therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keqin Ji
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Mingrui Fan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Dong Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Lingna Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Bingqin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Ruoting Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Jiajing Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Xuan Shao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Yanzuo Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
- Engineering Research Centre of Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Liu M, Huang Q, Zhu Y, Chen L, Li Y, Gong Z, Ai K. Harnessing reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and inflammation: Nanodrugs for liver injury. Mater Today Bio 2022; 13:100215. [PMID: 35198963 PMCID: PMC8850330 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
|
18
|
El-Gendy ZA, Ramadan A, El-Batran SA, Ahmed RF, El-Marasy SA, Abd El-Rahman SS, Youssef S. Carvacrol hinders the progression of hepatic fibrosis via targeting autotaxin and thioredoxin in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rat. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:2188-2201. [PMID: 34155936 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211026729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common outcome of nearly all chronic diseases of liver that results in changes of its functions which requires medical attention. The current research aims to investigate the potential anti-fibrotic efficacy of Carvacrol against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in male rats using Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) as a reference anti-fibrotic product. Carvacrol (25 and 50 mg/kg) markedly declined TAA-increased serum liver enzymes; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) as well as total bilirubin (TB) and direct bilirubin (DB) levels as well as increased levels of total protein (TP) and albumin. Carvacrol significantly reduced glutathione depletion (GSH), Nitric oxide (NOX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in liver tissue. Additionally, its anti-oxidant effect brightened up via affecting markers of stress found in the cell as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) where it still had high content and decreased Thioredoxin (Trx) level. The anti-inflammatory effect of Carvacrol was confirmed by decreasing nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) contents. Carvacrol showed anti-fibrotic effect clarified by turning down fibrosis-related markers; TGF-β1, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and 9 (MMP-3 and 9) and Autotaxin (ATX) contents. Furthermore, it decreased alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and caspase-3 immune-expression. The overall outcome of aforementioned markers results showed that Carvacrol suppresses the progression of liver fibrosis via its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic effect and its ability in lowering Thioredoxin and Autotaxin; hence it can be categorized as a hepatoprotective natural substance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z A El-Gendy
- Department of Pharmacology, 68787National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - A Ramadan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 63526Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S A El-Batran
- Department of Pharmacology, 68787National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - R F Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, 68787National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - S A El-Marasy
- Department of Pharmacology, 68787National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - S S Abd El-Rahman
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 63526Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sah Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 63526Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|