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Qian S, Wang X, Chen Y, Zai Q, He Y. Inflammation in Steatotic Liver Diseases: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets. Semin Liver Dis 2024. [PMID: 38838739 DOI: 10.1055/a-2338-9261] [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: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), two main types of steatotic liver disease (SLDs), are characterized by a wide spectrum of several different liver disorders, including simple steatosis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Multiple immune cell-mediated inflammatory responses not only orchestrate the killing and removal of infected/damaged cells but also exacerbate the development of SLDs when excessive or persistent inflammation occurs. In recent years, single-cell and spatial transcriptome analyses have revealed the heterogeneity of liver-infiltrated immune cells in ALD and MASLD, revealing a new immunopathological picture of SLDs. In this review, we will emphasize the roles of several key immune cells in the pathogenesis of ALD and MASLD and discuss inflammation-based approaches for effective SLD intervention. In conclusion, the study of immunological mechanisms, especially highly specific immune cell population functions, may provide novel therapeutic opportunities for this life-threatening disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengying Qian
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingfen Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuhong Zai
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong He
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Li S, Xiong F, Zhang S, Liu J, Gao G, Xie J, Wang Y. Oligonucleotide therapies for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102184. [PMID: 38665220 PMCID: PMC11044058 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a severe disease subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that is thought to be highly associated with systemic metabolic abnormalities. It is characterized by a series of substantial liver damage, including hepatocellular steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. The end stage of NASH, in some cases, may result in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nowadays a large number of investigations are actively under way to test various therapeutic strategies, including emerging oligonucleotide drugs (e.g., antisense oligonucleotide, small interfering RNA, microRNA, mimic/inhibitor RNA, and small activating RNA) that have shown high potential in treating this fatal liver disease. This article systematically reviews the pathogenesis of NASH/NAFLD, the promising druggable targets proven by current studies in chemical compounds or biological drug development, and the feasibility and limitations of oligonucleotide-based therapeutic approaches under clinical or pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Feng Xiong
- Department of Cardiology, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Songbo Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinghua Liu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610066, China
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Portincasa P, Khalil M, Mahdi L, Perniola V, Idone V, Graziani A, Baffy G, Di Ciaula A. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: From Pathogenesis to Current Therapeutic Options. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5640. [PMID: 38891828 PMCID: PMC11172019 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidemiological burden of liver steatosis associated with metabolic diseases is continuously growing worldwide and in all age classes. This condition generates possible progression of liver damage (i.e., inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma) but also independently increases the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases and cancer. In recent years, the terminological evolution from "nonalcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD) to "metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease" (MAFLD) and, finally, "metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease" (MASLD) has been paralleled by increased knowledge of mechanisms linking local (i.e., hepatic) and systemic pathogenic pathways. As a consequence, the need for an appropriate classification of individual phenotypes has been oriented to the investigation of innovative therapeutic tools. Besides the well-known role for lifestyle change, a number of pharmacological approaches have been explored, ranging from antidiabetic drugs to agonists acting on the gut-liver axis and at a systemic level (mainly farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, PPAR agonists, thyroid hormone receptor agonists), anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory agents. The intrinsically complex pathophysiological history of MASLD makes the selection of a single effective treatment a major challenge, so far. In this evolving scenario, the cooperation between different stakeholders (including subjects at risk, health professionals, and pharmaceutical industries) could significantly improve the management of disease and the implementation of primary and secondary prevention measures. The high healthcare burden associated with MASLD makes the search for new, effective, and safe drugs a major pressing need, together with an accurate characterization of individual phenotypes. Recent and promising advances indicate that we may soon enter the era of precise and personalized therapy for MASLD/MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Mohamad Khalil
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Laura Mahdi
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Valeria Perniola
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Valeria Idone
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
- Aboca S.p.a. Società Agricola, 52037 Sansepolcro, Italy
| | - Annarita Graziani
- Institut AllergoSan Pharmazeutische Produkte Forschungs- und Vertriebs GmbH, 8055 Graz, Austria;
| | - Gyorgy Baffy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02132, USA
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
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Linero PL, Castilla-Guerra L. Management of Cardiovascular Risk in the Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Setting. Eur Cardiol 2024; 19:e02. [PMID: 38807854 PMCID: PMC11131151 DOI: 10.15420/ecr.2023.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an overlooked and undetected pathology, which affects more than 32% of adults worldwide. NAFLD is becoming more common in Western industrialised countries, particularly in patients with central obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia and metabolic syndrome. Although NAFLD has traditionally been interpreted as a liver disease with a high risk of liver-related complications, NAFLD is an underappreciated and independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is the principal cause of death in patients with NAFLD. Treatment options to counteract both the progression and development of cardiovascular disease and NAFLD include lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss, increased physical activity and dietary modification, and optimal medical therapy of comorbid conditions; nevertheless, further studies are needed to define optimal treatment strategies for the prevention of both hepatic and cardiovascular complications of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Luque Linero
- Vascular Risk Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Virgen MacarenaSeville, Spain
| | - Luis Castilla-Guerra
- Vascular Risk Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Virgen MacarenaSeville, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of SevilleSeville, Spain
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Ionita-Radu F, Patoni C, Nancoff AS, Marin FS, Gaman L, Bucurica A, Socol C, Jinga M, Dutu M, Bucurica S. Berberine Effects in Pre-Fibrotic Stages of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Clinical and Pre-Clinical Overview and Systematic Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4201. [PMID: 38673787 PMCID: PMC11050387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084201] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the predominant cause of chronic liver conditions, and its progression is marked by evolution to non-alcoholic steatosis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis related to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and the potential occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. In our systematic review, we searched two databases, Medline (via Pubmed Central) and Scopus, from inception to 5 February 2024, and included 73 types of research (nine clinical studies and 64 pre-clinical studies) from 2854 published papers. Our extensive research highlights the impact of Berberine on NAFLD pathophysiology mechanisms, such as Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), gut dysbiosis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), Sirtuins, and inflammasome. Studies involving human subjects showed a measurable reduction of liver fat in addition to improved profiles of serum lipids and hepatic enzymes. While current drugs for NAFLD treatment are either scarce or still in development or launch phases, Berberine presents a promising profile. However, improvements in its formulation are necessary to enhance the bioavailability of this natural substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentina Ionita-Radu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (F.I.-R.); (C.P.); (F.-S.M.); (S.B.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dr. Carol Davila Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Cristina Patoni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (F.I.-R.); (C.P.); (F.-S.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Andreea Simona Nancoff
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dr. Carol Davila Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Flavius-Stefan Marin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (F.I.-R.); (C.P.); (F.-S.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Laura Gaman
- Department of Biochemistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ana Bucurica
- Faculty of General Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Calin Socol
- Faculty of General Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Mariana Jinga
- Department of Gastroenterology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (F.I.-R.); (C.P.); (F.-S.M.); (S.B.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dr. Carol Davila Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Madalina Dutu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Dr. Carol Davila Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sandica Bucurica
- Department of Gastroenterology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (F.I.-R.); (C.P.); (F.-S.M.); (S.B.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dr. Carol Davila Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
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6
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Gudd CLC, Mitchell E, Atkinson SR, Mawhin MA, Turajlic S, Larkin J, Thursz MR, Goldin RD, Powell N, Antoniades CG, Woollard KJ, Possamai LA, Triantafyllou E. Therapeutic inhibition of monocyte recruitment prevents checkpoint inhibitor-induced hepatitis. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008078. [PMID: 38580334 PMCID: PMC11002390 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008078] [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] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Checkpoint inhibitor-induced hepatitis (CPI-hepatitis) is an emerging problem with the widening use of CPIs in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we developed a mouse model to characterize the mechanism of CPI-hepatitis and to therapeutically target key pathways driving this pathology. METHODS C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice were dosed with toll-like receptor (TLR)9 agonist (TLR9-L) for hepatic priming combined with anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) plus anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) ("CPI") or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) control for up to 7 days. Flow cytometry, histology/immunofluorescence and messenger RNA sequencing were used to characterize liver myeloid/lymphoid subsets and inflammation. Hepatocyte damage was assessed by plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) and cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) measurements. In vivo investigations of CPI-hepatitis were carried out in Rag2-/- and Ccr2rfp/rfp transgenic mice, as well as following anti-CD4, anti-CD8 or cenicriviroc (CVC; CCR2/CCR5 antagonist) treatment. RESULTS Co-administration of combination CPIs with TLR9-L induced liver pathology closely resembling human disease, with increased infiltration and clustering of granzyme B+perforin+CD8+ T cells and CCR2+ monocytes, 7 days post treatment. This was accompanied by apoptotic hepatocytes surrounding these clusters and elevated ALT and CK-18 plasma levels. Liver RNA sequencing identified key signaling pathways (JAK-STAT, NF-ΚB) and cytokine/chemokine networks (Ifnγ, Cxcl9, Ccl2/Ccr2) as drivers of CPI-hepatitis. Using this model, we show that CD8+ T cells mediate hepatocyte damage in experimental CPI-hepatitis. However, their liver recruitment, clustering, and cytotoxic activity is dependent on the presence of CCR2+ monocytes. The absence of hepatic monocyte recruitment in Ccr2rfp/rfp mice and CCR2 inhibition by CVC treatment in WT mice was able to prevent the development and reverse established experimental CPI-hepatitis. CONCLUSION This newly established mouse model provides a platform for in vivo mechanistic studies of CPI-hepatitis. Using this model, we demonstrate the central role of liver infiltrating CCR2+ monocyte interaction with tissue-destructive CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of CPI-hepatitis and highlight CCR2 inhibition as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrin L C Gudd
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Eoin Mitchell
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen R Atkinson
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marie-Anne Mawhin
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Samra Turajlic
- Cancer Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Renal and Skin Units, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Melanoma and Kidney Cancer Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - James Larkin
- Renal and Skin Units, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Melanoma and Kidney Cancer Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Mark R Thursz
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Robert D Goldin
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nick Powell
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kevin J Woollard
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lucia A Possamai
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Yuan S, Wei Y, Jiang W, Sun F, Li S, Li Q, Song Z, Liu Z, Mo Y, Wang X, Li N, Lv P, She S, Wang C, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Hu W. CCR2 is a potential therapeutic target in peri-implantitis. J Clin Periodontol 2024; 51:354-364. [PMID: 38111083 DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13916] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM CCR2 (C-C chemokine receptor type 2) plays a crucial role in inflammatory and bone metabolic diseases; however, its role in peri-implantitis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore whether CCR2 contributes to peri-implantitis and the treatment effects of cenicriviroc (CVC) on peri-implant inflammation and bone resorption. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression of CCR2 was studied using clinical tissue analysis and an in vivo peri-implantitis model. The role of CCR2 in promoting inflammation and bone resorption in peri-implantitis was evaluated in Ccr2-/- mice and wild-type mice. The effect of CVC on peri-implantitis was evaluated using systemic and local dosage forms. RESULTS Human peri-implantitis tissues showed increased CCR2 and CCL2 levels, which were positively correlated with bone loss around the implants. Knocking out Ccr2 in an experimental model of peri-implantitis resulted in decreased monocyte and macrophage infiltration, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine generation and impaired osteoclast activity, leading to reduced inflammation and bone loss around the implants. Treatment with CVC ameliorated bone loss in experimental peri-implantitis. CONCLUSIONS CCR2 may be a potential target for peri-implantitis treatment by harnessing the immune-inflammatory response to modulate the local inflammation and osteoclast activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Yuan
- Department of Periodontology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
- Department of Periodontology, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Hospital of Stomatology, NanKai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiping Wei
- Department of Periodontology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenting Jiang
- Department of Periodontology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Periodontology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Periodontology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Qingqing Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanming Song
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongtian Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqian Mo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuekang Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Lv
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Center for Human Disease Genomics, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoping She
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cui Wang
- Department of Periodontology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Center for Human Disease Genomics, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Hu
- Department of Periodontology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
- NHC Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry, Beijing, China
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Chen L, Guo W, Mao C, Shen J, Wan M. Liver fibrosis: pathological features, clinical treatment and application of therapeutic nanoagents. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1446-1466. [PMID: 38265305 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02790b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible damage-repair response, the pathological features of which mainly include damage to hepatocytes, sinusoid capillarization, hepatic stellate cells activation, excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix and inflammatory response. Although some treatments (including drugs and stem cell therapy) for these pathological features have been shown to be effective, more clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness. In recent years, nanomaterials-based therapies have emerged as an innovative and promising alternative to traditional drugs, being explored for the treatment of liver fibrosis diseases. Natural nanomaterials (including extracellular vesicles) and synthetic nanomaterials (including inorganic nanomaterials and organic nanomaterials) are developed to facilitate drug targeting delivery and combination therapy. In this review, the pathological features of liver fibrosis and the current anti-fibrosis drugs in clinical trials are briefly introduced, followed by a detailed introduction of the therapeutic nanoagents for the precise delivery of anti-fibrosis drugs. Finally, the future development trend in this field is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Wenyan Guo
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jian Shen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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9
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Francque SM, Hodge A, Boursier J, Younes ZH, Rodriguez-Araujo G, Park GS, Alkhouri N, Abdelmalek MF. Phase 2, open-label, rollover study of cenicriviroc for liver fibrosis associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0335. [PMID: 38285756 PMCID: PMC10830067 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cenicriviroc (CVC) is a novel, orally administered antagonist of chemokine receptor types 2/5 that has demonstrated antifibrotic activity in a phase 2b study of patients with NASH. This phase 2, open-label, rollover study investigated the long-term safety and tolerability of CVC in patients with NASH and stage 0-4 liver fibrosis. METHODS Eligible patients who completed the phase 2 CENTAUR study or reached a predefined endpoint in the phase 3 AURORA study were rolled over and received open-label CVC 150 mg once daily. Safety assessments were conducted at the start of the study, and patients were seen in the clinic every 3 months until the study sponsor terminated CVC development. Safety endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), treatment-related TEAEs, adverse event severity, and clinical laboratory assessments. RESULTS A total of 167 patients were enrolled, with a median treatment duration of 33.6 months. Before study termination, 36 patients (21.6%) prematurely discontinued the study. Treatment-related TEAEs were reported in 28 patients (16.8%). The most common treatment-related TEAEs were 4 cases of diarrhea (2.4%) and 2 cases each (1.2%) of abdominal pain, nausea, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, hypertriglyceridemia, myalgia, pruritus, and rash. The majority of these treatment-related events were mild in intensity, and none were life-threatening. There were no clinically meaningful changes in hepatic function, chemistry, or liver parameters from baseline to the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS In this rollover study, CVC 150 mg once daily was well tolerated in patients with NASH and stage 0-4 liver fibrosis. No new safety signals were reported, and these data further support the safety and tolerability of CVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven M. Francque
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- InflaMed Centre of Excellence, Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Translational Sciences in Inflammation and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alexander Hodge
- Department of Gastroenterology Eastern Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jerome Boursier
- HIFIH Laboratory UPRES EA3859, SFR ICAT 4208, Angers University, Angers, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Oncology Department, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Manal F. Abdelmalek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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10
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Aggio D, Gallop K, Wittrup-Jensen V, Farsani SF, Lloyd AJ. Estimating utility values for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis health states: a discrete choice experiment. J Comp Eff Res 2024; 13:e230033. [PMID: 38226909 PMCID: PMC10842270 DOI: 10.57264/cer-2023-0033] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: This study estimated utility values for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Previous studies have assumed that health-related quality of life does not vary between the early stages of NASH. Materials & Methods: Discrete choice experiment (DCE) surveys estimated the value of avoiding fibrosis progression. Patients also completed the EQ-5D-5L. Marginal rates of substitution estimated utility change associated with fibrosis progression. Results: DCE surveys were completed by the UK general public (n = 520) and patients with NASH (n = 154). The utility decline between fibrosis stages F1 and F4 decompensated was between -0.521 to -0.646 (depending on method). Conclusion: Three methods were used to estimate utilities for NASH, each one showed sensitivity to advancing fibrosis, including in the early stages, which is often considered asymptomatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Aggio
- Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, London, WC1X 8NL, UK
| | - Katy Gallop
- Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, London, WC1X 8NL, UK
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11
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Abdelmalek MF, Sanyal AJ, Nakajima A, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Goodman ZD, Lawitz EJ, Harrison SA, Jacobson IM, Imajo K, Gunn N, Halegoua-DeMarzio D, Akahane T, Boone B, Yamaguchi M, Chatterjee A, Tirucherai GS, Shevell DE, Du S, Charles ED, Loomba R. Pegbelfermin in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Compensated Cirrhosis (FALCON 2): A Randomized Phase 2b Study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:113-123.e9. [PMID: 37088458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pegbelfermin is a polyethylene glycol-conjugated analog of human fibroblast growth factor 21, a nonmitogenic hormone that regulates energy metabolism. This phase 2b study evaluated 48-week pegbelfermin treatment in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with compensated cirrhosis. METHODS FALCON 2 (NCT03486912) was a randomized (1:1:1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eligible adults had biopsy-confirmed NASH and stage 4 fibrosis. Pegbelfermin (10, 20, or 40 mg) or placebo was injected subcutaneously once weekly. The primary endpoint was 1 or more stages of improvement in the NASH Clinical Research Network fibrosis score without NASH worsening at week 48; pegbelfermin dose response was assessed using a Cochran-Armitage trend test across proportions (1-sided α = .05). Additional endpoints included histologic and noninvasive measures of steatosis, fibrosis, and liver injury/inflammation. RESULTS Overall, 155 patients were randomized, and 154 patients received treatment. At week 48, 24% to 28% of the pegbelfermin arms had primary endpoint responses vs 31% of the placebo arm (P = .361). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score improvements were more frequent with pegbelfermin vs placebo and were driven primarily by reduced lobular inflammation. Numerically higher proportions of the pegbelfermin arms had liver stiffness (magnetic resonance elastography) and steatosis (magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction) improvements vs placebo; these differences were not statistically significant. Mean N-terminal type III collagen propeptide, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase values were numerically lower in the 20- and/or 40-mg pegbelfermin arms compared with placebo. Serious adverse events were more frequent with pegbelfermin vs placebo, although none were treatment related. One patient (40-mg pegbelfermin) discontinued treatment because of a treatment-emergent adverse event (worsening ascites). CONCLUSIONS FALCON 2 did not meet its primary endpoint of 1 or more stages of improvement in the NASH Clinical Research Network fibrosis without NASH worsening assessed via biopsy. Pegbelfermin generally was well tolerated in this advanced NASH population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal F Abdelmalek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Zachary D Goodman
- Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Eric J Lawitz
- The Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Ira M Jacobson
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Kento Imajo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | | | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shuyan Du
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey
| | | | - Rohit Loomba
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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12
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Loomba R, Sanyal AJ, Nakajima A, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Goodman ZD, Harrison SA, Lawitz EJ, Gunn N, Imajo K, Ravendhran N, Akahane T, Boone B, Yamaguchi M, Chatterjee A, Tirucherai GS, Shevell DE, Du S, Charles ED, Abdelmalek MF. Pegbelfermin in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Stage 3 Fibrosis (FALCON 1): A Randomized Phase 2b Study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:102-112.e9. [PMID: 37088457 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pegbelfermin is a polyethlene glycol-conjugated analog of human fibroblast growth factor 21, a nonmitogenic hormone that regulates energy metabolism. This phase 2b study evaluated 48-week pegbelfermin treatment in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and stage 3 (bridging) fibrosis. METHODS The FALCON 1 study (NCT03486899) was a multicenter, randomized (1:1:1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH and stage 3 fibrosis (N = 197) received weekly subcutaneous pegbelfermin (10, 20, or 40 mg) or placebo injections for 48 weeks. The week 24 primary endpoint was a ≥1-point decrease in fibrosis score without NASH worsening or NASH improvement without fibrosis worsening; pegbelfermin dose response was assessed using a Cochran-Armitage trend test across proportions (1-sided α = 0.05). Secondary/exploratory endpoints included histological and noninvasive measures of steatosis, fibrosis, and liver injury/inflammation. RESULTS At week 24, the primary endpoint was met by 14% (placebo) vs 24%-31% (pegbelfermin arms); statistical significance was not reached due to lack of pegbelfermin dose response (P = .134). At weeks 24 and 48, more patients who received pegbelfermin had ≥30% relative reductions in hepatic fat fraction (magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction) vs placebo, although no differences reached statistical significance. In the pegbelfermin arms, improvements in liver fibrosis (magnetic resonance elastography and N-terminal type III collagen propeptide) and liver injury/inflammation (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) were observed vs placebo. Adverse events occurred at similar frequencies across arms. No treatment-related serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS The FALCON 1 study did not meet its primary endpoint; a ≥1-point decrease in fibrosis score without NASH worsening or NASH improvement without fibrosis worsening assessed via biopsy. Pegbelfermin was generally well tolerated during 48 weeks of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Loomba
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Zachary D Goodman
- Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia
| | | | - Eric J Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Kento Imajo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shuyan Du
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey
| | | | - Manal F Abdelmalek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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13
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Saldarriaga OA, Wanninger TG, Arroyave E, Gosnell J, Krishnan S, Oneka M, Bao D, Millian DE, Kueht ML, Moghe A, Jiao J, Sanchez JI, Spratt H, Beretta L, Rao A, Burks JK, Stevenson HL. Heterogeneity in intrahepatic macrophage populations and druggable target expression in patients with steatotic liver disease-related fibrosis. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100958. [PMID: 38162144 PMCID: PMC10757256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100958] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Clinical trials for reducing fibrosis in steatotic liver disease (SLD) have targeted macrophages with variable results. We evaluated intrahepatic macrophages in patients with SLD to determine if activity scores or fibrosis stages influenced phenotypes and expression of druggable targets, such as CCR2 and galectin-3. Methods Liver biopsies from controls or patients with minimal or advanced fibrosis were subject to gene expression analysis using nCounter to determine differences in macrophage-related genes (n = 30). To investigate variability among individual patients, we compared additional biopsies by staining them with multiplex antibody panels (CD68/CD14/CD16/CD163/Mac387 or CD163/CCR2/galectin-3/Mac387) followed by spectral imaging and spatial analysis. Algorithms that utilize deep learning/artificial intelligence were applied to create cell cluster plots, phenotype profile maps, and to determine levels of protein expression (n = 34). Results Several genes known to be pro-fibrotic (e.g. CD206, TREM2, CD163, and ARG1) showed either no significant differences or significantly decreased with advanced fibrosis. Although marked variability in gene expression was observed in individual patients with cirrhosis, several druggable targets and their ligands (e.g. CCR2, CCR5, CCL2, CCL5, and LGALS3) were significantly increased when compared to patients with minimal fibrosis. Antibody panels identified populations that were significantly increased (e.g. Mac387+), decreased (e.g. CD14+), or enriched (e.g. interactions of Mac387) in patients that had progression of disease or advanced fibrosis. Despite heterogeneity in patients with SLD, several macrophage phenotypes and druggable targets showed a positive correlation with increasing NAFLD activity scores and fibrosis stages. Conclusions Patients with SLD have markedly varied macrophage- and druggable target-related gene and protein expression in their livers. Several patients had relatively high expression, while others were like controls. Overall, patients with more advanced disease had significantly higher expression of CCR2 and galectin-3 at both the gene and protein levels. Impact and implications Appreciating individual differences within the hepatic microenvironment of patients with SLD may be paramount to developing effective treatments. These results may explain why such a small percentage of patients have responded to macrophage-targeting therapies and provide additional support for precision medicine-guided treatment of chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A. Saldarriaga
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Timothy G. Wanninger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Esteban Arroyave
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph Gosnell
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Santhoshi Krishnan
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Morgan Oneka
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel Bao
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel E. Millian
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Michael L. Kueht
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Akshata Moghe
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jingjing Jiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jessica I. Sanchez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Heidi Spratt
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Laura Beretta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arvind Rao
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Departmen of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jared K. Burks
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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14
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Anstee QM, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Wai-Sun Wong V, Abdelmalek MF, Rodriguez-Araujo G, Landgren H, Park GS, Bedossa P, Alkhouri N, Tacke F, Sanyal AJ. Cenicriviroc Lacked Efficacy to Treat Liver Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: AURORA Phase III Randomized Study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:124-134.e1. [PMID: 37061109 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cenicriviroc (CVC) is a novel, orally administered, chemokine receptor type 2 and 5 antagonist that showed antifibrotic potential in preclinical and phase IIb studies of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Herein, we report efficacy and safety results from the phase III study. METHODS The AURORA (A Study for the Efficacy and Safety of CVC for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis in Adults With NASH) study was a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-part study of patients with NASH and stage 2/3 liver fibrosis. Adults, 18-75 years of age, were randomized to CVC 150 mg or placebo once daily for 12 months (part 1) or 60 months (part 2). Liver biopsies were performed at screening, month 12, and early study discontinuation or termination. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with fibrosis improvement ≥1 stage without worsening of steatohepatitis at month 12 relative to screening. Adverse events were assessed throughout the study. RESULTS A total of 1778 patients were randomized and discontinued (part 1: n = 1293; part 2: n = 485). In part 1, at month 12, a similar proportion of patients receiving CVC or placebo achieved the primary endpoint (22.3% vs 25.5%; odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-1.10; P = .21) and complete resolution of steatohepatitis without worsening of fibrosis (23.0% vs 27.2%; P = .21). The safety profile was generally comparable across treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS This study did not demonstrate the efficacy of CVC for treating liver fibrosis assessed by histology in adults with NASH; however, CVC was safe and well tolerated in patients with NASH and liver fibrosis. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT03028740).
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin M Anstee
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Brent A Neuschwander-Tetri
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Manal F Abdelmalek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | | | - Pierre Bedossa
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | | | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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15
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Mohammed OS, Attia HG, Mohamed BMSA, Elbaset MA, Fayed HM. Current investigations for liver fibrosis treatment: between repurposing the FDA-approved drugs and the other emerging approaches. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES : A PUBLICATION OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, SOCIETE CANADIENNE DES SCIENCES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2023; 26:11808. [PMID: 38022905 PMCID: PMC10662312 DOI: 10.3389/jpps.2023.11808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Long-term liver injuries lead to hepatic fibrosis, often progressing into cirrhosis, liver failure, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is currently no effective therapy available for liver fibrosis. Thus, continuous investigations for anti-fibrotic therapy are ongoing. The main theme of anti-fibrotic investigation during recent years is the rationale-based selection of treatment molecules according to the current understanding of the pathology of the disease. The research efforts are mainly toward repurposing current FDA-approved drugs targeting etiological molecular factors involved in developing liver fibrosis. In parallel, investigations also focus on experimental small molecules with evidence to hinder or reverse the fibrosis. Natural compounds, immunological, and genetic approaches have shown significant encouraging effects. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety of current under-investigation antifibrosis medications targeting various molecular targets, as well as the properties of antifibrosis medications, mainly in phase II and III clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omima S. Mohammed
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hany G. Attia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassim M. S. A. Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marawan A. Elbaset
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hany M. Fayed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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16
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Yi Q, Yang J, Wu Y, Wang Y, Cao Q, Wen W. Immune microenvironment changes of liver cirrhosis: emerging role of mesenchymal stromal cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1204524. [PMID: 37539053 PMCID: PMC10395751 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1204524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a progressive and diffuse liver disease characterized by liver tissue fibrosis and impaired liver function. This condition is brought about by several factors, including chronic hepatitis, hepatic steatosis, alcohol abuse, and other immunological injuries. The pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis is a complex process that involves the interaction of various immune cells and cytokines, which work together to create the hepatic homeostasis imbalance in the liver. Some studies have indicated that alterations in the immune microenvironment of liver cirrhosis are closely linked to the development and prognosis of the disease. The noteworthy function of mesenchymal stem cells and their paracrine secretion lies in their ability to promote the production of cytokines, which in turn enhance the self-repairing capabilities of tissues. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the alterations in liver homeostasis and to discuss intercellular communication within the organ. Recent research on MSCs is yielding a blueprint for cell typing and biomarker immunoregulation. Hopefully, as MSCs researches continue to progress, novel therapeutic approaches will emerge to address cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyun Yi
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxian Yang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqi Cao
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Wen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
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17
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Zhang CY, Liu S, Yang M. Treatment of liver fibrosis: Past, current, and future. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:755-774. [PMID: 37397931 PMCID: PMC10308286 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i6.755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis accompanies the progression of chronic liver diseases independent of etiologies, such as hepatitis viral infection, alcohol consumption, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. It is commonly associated with liver injury, inflammation, and cell death. Liver fibrosis is characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix components that are expressed by liver myofibroblasts such as collagens and alpha-smooth actin proteins. Activated hepatic stellate cells contribute to the major population of myofibroblasts. Many treatments for liver fibrosis have been investigated in clinical trials, including dietary supplementation (e.g., vitamin C), biological treatment (e.g., simtuzumab), drug (e.g., pegbelfermin and natural herbs), genetic regulation (e.g., non-coding RNAs), and transplantation of stem cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells). However, none of these treatments has been approved by Food and Drug Administration. The treatment efficacy can be evaluated by histological staining methods, imaging methods, and serum biomarkers, as well as fibrosis scoring systems, such as fibrosis-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score. Furthermore, the reverse of liver fibrosis is slowly and frequently impossible for advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. To avoid the life-threatening stage of liver fibrosis, anti-fibrotic treatments, especially for combined behavior prevention, biological treatment, drugs or herb medicines, and dietary regulation are needed. This review summarizes the past studies and current and future treatments for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ye Zhang
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Radiology,The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
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18
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Alabdulaali B, Al-rashed F, Al-Onaizi M, Kandari A, Razafiarison J, Tonui D, Williams MR, Blériot C, Ahmad R, Alzaid F. Macrophages and the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1195699. [PMID: 37377968 PMCID: PMC10291618 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1195699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the site of first pass metabolism, detoxifying and metabolizing blood arriving from the hepatic portal vein and hepatic artery. It is made up of multiple cell types, including macrophages. These are either bona fide tissue-resident Kupffer cells (KC) of embryonic origin, or differentiated from circulating monocytes. KCs are the primary immune cells populating the liver under steady state. Liver macrophages interact with hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells to maintain homeostasis, however they are also key contributors to disease progression. Generally tolerogenic, they physiologically phagocytose foreign particles and debris from portal circulation and participate in red blood cell clearance. However as immune cells, they retain the capacity to raise an alarm to recruit other immune cells. Their aberrant function leads to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD refers to a spectrum of conditions ranging from benign steatosis of the liver to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. In NAFLD, the multiple hit hypothesis proposes that simultaneous influences from the gut and adipose tissue (AT) generate hepatic fat deposition and that inflammation plays a key role in disease progression. KCs initiate the inflammatory response as resident immune effectors, they signal to neighbouring cells and recruit monocytes that differentiated into recruited macrophages in situ. Recruited macrophages are central to amplifying the inflammatory response and causing progression of NAFLD to its fibro-inflammatory stages. Given their phagocytic capacity and their being instrumental in maintaining tissue homeostasis, KCs and recruited macrophages are fast-becoming target cell types for therapeutic intervention. We review the literature in the field on the roles of these cells in the development and progression of NAFLD, the characteristics of patients with NAFLD, animal models used in research, as well as the emerging questions. These include the gut-liver-brain axis, which when disrupted can contribute to decline in function, and a discussion on therapeutic strategies that act on the macrophage-inflammatory axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bader Alabdulaali
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | | | - Mohammed Al-Onaizi
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Anwar Kandari
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Joanna Razafiarison
- INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Université Paris Cité, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Dorothy Tonui
- INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Université Paris Cité, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | | | - Camille Blériot
- INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Université Paris Cité, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Inserm U1015, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Fawaz Alzaid
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Université Paris Cité, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
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Tapper EB, Zhao Z, Shah D, Parikh ND. A Two-Step Algorithm for the Noninvasive Identification of Candidates for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Trials: The APRI-FAST. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:1652-1653. [PMID: 35398566 PMCID: PMC11178253 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Neehar D Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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20
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Yang L, Hao Y, Boeckmans J, Rodrigues RM, He Y. Immune cells and their derived microRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles in nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases: Novel therapeutic targets. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 243:108353. [PMID: 36738973 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108353] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Despite extensive research and multiple clinical trials, there are still no FDA-approved therapies to treat the most severe forms of NAFLD. This is largely due to its complicated etiology and pathogenesis, which involves visceral obesity, insulin resistance, gut dysbiosis, etc. Although inflammation is generally believed to be one of the critical factors that drive the progression of simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the exact type of inflammation and how it contributes to NASH pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Liver inflammation is accompanied by the elevation of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and chemokines and consequently intrahepatic infiltration of multiple types of immune cells. Recent studies revealed that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from inflammatory cells and hepatocytes play an important role in controlling liver inflammation during NASH. In this review, we highlight the roles of innate and adaptive immune cells and their microRNA-enriched EVs during NAFLD development and discuss potential drugs that target inflammatory pathways for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yawen Hao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Joost Boeckmans
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robim M Rodrigues
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Yong He
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Saldarriaga OA, Krishnan S, Wanninger TG, Oneka M, Rao A, Bao D, Arroyave E, Gosnell J, Kueht M, Moghe A, Millian D, Jiao J, Sanchez JI, Spratt H, Beretta L, Stevenson HL. Patients with fibrosis from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis have heterogeneous intrahepatic macrophages and therapeutic targets. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.16.23285924. [PMID: 36865099 PMCID: PMC9980226 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.16.23285924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims In clinical trials for reducing fibrosis in NASH patients, therapeutics that target macrophages have had variable results. We evaluated intrahepatic macrophages in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis to determine if fibrosis influenced phenotypes and expression of CCR2 and Galectin-3. Approach & Results We used nCounter to analyze liver biopsies from well-matched patients with minimal (n=12) or advanced (n=12) fibrosis to determine which macrophage-related genes would be significantly different. Known therapy targets (e.g., CCR2 and Galectin-3) were significantly increased in patients with cirrhosis.However, several genes (e.g., CD68, CD16, and CD14) did not show significant differences, and CD163, a marker of pro-fibrotic macrophages was significantly decreased with cirrhosis. Next, we analyzed patients with minimal (n=6) or advanced fibrosis (n=5) using approaches that preserved hepatic architecture by multiplex-staining with anti-CD68, Mac387, CD163, CD14, and CD16. Spectral data were analyzed using deep learning/artificial intelligence to determine percentages and spatial relationships. This approach showed patients with advanced fibrosis had increased CD68+, CD16+, Mac387+, CD163+, and CD16+CD163+ populations. Interaction of CD68+ and Mac387+ populations was significantly increased in patients with cirrhosis and enrichment of these same phenotypes in individuals with minimal fibrosis correlated with poor outcomes. Evaluation of a final set of patients (n=4) also showed heterogenous expression of CD163, CCR2, Galectin-3, and Mac387, and significant differences were not dependent on fibrosis stage or NAFLD activity. Conclusions Approaches that leave hepatic architecture intact, like multispectral imaging, may be paramount to developing effective treatments for NASH. In addition, understanding individual differences in patients may be required for optimal responses to macrophage-targeting therapies.
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Kohlhepp MS, Liu H, Tacke F, Guillot A. The contradictory roles of macrophages in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and primary liver cancer-Challenges and opportunities. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1129831. [PMID: 36845555 PMCID: PMC9950415 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1129831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases from varying etiologies generally lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Among them, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects roughly one-quarter of the world population, thus representing a major and increasing public health burden. Chronic hepatocyte injury, inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH) and liver fibrosis are recognized soils for primary liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), being the third most common cause for cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite recent advances in liver disease understanding, therapeutic options on pre-malignant and malignant stages remain limited. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify targetable liver disease-driving mechanisms for the development of novel therapeutics. Monocytes and macrophages comprise a central, yet versatile component of the inflammatory response, fueling chronic liver disease initiation and progression. Recent proteomic and transcriptomic studies performed at singular cell levels revealed a previously overlooked diversity of macrophage subpopulations and functions. Indeed, liver macrophages that encompass liver resident macrophages (also named Kupffer cells) and monocyte-derived macrophages, can acquire a variety of phenotypes depending on microenvironmental cues, and thus exert manifold and sometimes contradictory functions. Those functions range from modulating and exacerbating tissue inflammation to promoting and exaggerating tissue repair mechanisms (i.e., parenchymal regeneration, cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, fibrosis). Due to these central functions, liver macrophages represent an attractive target for the treatment of liver diseases. In this review, we discuss the multifaceted and contrary roles of macrophages in chronic liver diseases, with a particular focus on NAFLD/NASH and HCC. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic approaches targeting liver macrophages.
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Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Type 2 Diabetes, and Non-viral Hepatocarcinoma: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and New Therapeutic Strategies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020468. [PMID: 36831004 PMCID: PMC9953066 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the incidence of non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased dramatically, which is probably related to the increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, together with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Several epidemiological studies have established the association between T2DM and the incidence of HCC and have demonstrated the role of diabetes mellitus as an independent risk factor for the development of HCC. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis are various and involve pro-inflammatory agents, oxidative stress, apoptosis, adipokines, JNK-1 activation, increased IGF-1 activity, immunomodulation, and alteration of the gut microbiota. Moreover, these mechanisms are thought to play a significant role in the development of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Early diagnosis and the timely correction of risk factors are essential to prevent the onset of liver fibrosis and HCC. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the association among obesity, NASH/NAFLD, T2DM, and HCC, with an emphasis on clinical impact. In addition, we will examine the main mechanisms underlying this complex relationship, and the promising strategies that have recently emerged for these diseases' treatments.
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24
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Recent updates on targeting the molecular mediators of NAFLD. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:101-124. [PMID: 36792729 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02282-4] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly becoming the most common disease worldwide in an era of rapid economic growth. NAFLD is a multifactorial disease, involving multiple genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors, and is closely associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. NAFLD can be classified into nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can both progress to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to the enormous burden of NAFLD and its complications, no FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of NAFLD are on the market, and therapeutic targets and drug therapies are being actively investigated. In view of the various pathological mechanisms of NAFLD, numbers of preclinical studies and clinical trials have made rapid progress. This review mainly summarizes the most recently characterized mechanisms and therapeutic targets in each mechanism of NAFLD, focusing on the mechanism and application potential.
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25
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Felli E, Nulan Y, Selicean S, Wang C, Gracia-Sancho J, Bosch J. Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Portal Hypertension. CURRENT HEPATOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 22:51-66. [PMID: 36908849 PMCID: PMC9988810 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-023-00598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Portal hypertension is responsible of the main complications of cirrhosis, which carries a high mortality. Recent treatments have improved prognosis, but this is still far from ideal. This paper reviews new potential therapeutic targets unveiled by advances of key pathophysiologic processes. Recent Findings Recent research highlighted the importance of suppressing etiologic factors and a safe lifestyle and outlined new mechanisms modulating portal pressure. These include intrahepatic abnormalities linked to inflammation, fibrogenesis, vascular occlusion, parenchymal extinction, and angiogenesis; impaired regeneration; increased hepatic vascular tone due to sinusoidal endothelial dysfunction with insufficient NO availability; and paracrine liver cell crosstalk. Moreover, pathways such as the gut-liver axis modulate splanchnic vasodilatation and systemic inflammation, exacerbate liver fibrosis, and are being targeted by therapy. We have summarized studies of new agents addressing these targets. Summary New agents, alone or in combination, allow acting in complementary mechanisms offering a more profound effect on portal hypertension while simultaneously limiting disease progression and favoring regression of fibrosis and of cirrhosis. Major changes in treatment paradigms are anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Felli
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yelidousi Nulan
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Selicean
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS Research Institute, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Zivko C, Witt F, Koeberle A, Fuhrmann G, Luciani P. Formulating elafibranor and obeticholic acid with phospholipids decreases drug-induced association of SPARC to extracellular vesicles from LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 182:32-40. [PMID: 36470521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.11.025] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatic diseases often compromise liver function and are directly responsible for up to two million yearly deaths world-wide. There are yet no treatment options to solve this global medical need. Experimental drugs elafibranor (Ela) and obeticholic acid (OA) appeared promising in numerous earlier studies, but they recently struggled to show significant benefits in patients. Little is known on the drugs' impact on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), key players in liver fibrogenesis. We recently reported a beneficial effect of polyenylphosphatidylcholines (PPCs)-rich formulations in reverting fibrogenic features of HSCs, including differences in their extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, we newly formulated Ela and OA in PPC liposomes and evaluated their performance on the LX-2 (human HSC) cell line through our rigorous methods of EV-analysis, now expanded to include lipidomics. We show that direct treatments with Ela and OA increase EV-associated secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich (SPARC), a matricellular protein overexpressed in fibrogenesis. However, our results suggest that this potentially damaging drugs' action to HSCs could be mitigated when delivering them with lipid-based formulations, most notably with a PPC-rich phospholipid inducing specific changes in the cellular and EV phospholipid composition. Thus, EV analysis substantially deepens evaluations of drug performances and delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zivko
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Finja Witt
- Michael Popp Institute, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor Fuhrmann
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Paola Luciani
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Lessons on Drug Development: A Literature Review of Challenges Faced in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010158. [PMID: 36613602 PMCID: PMC9820446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NAFLD is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, occurring in both obese and lean patients. It can lead to life-threatening liver diseases and nonhepatic complications, such as cirrhosis and cardiovascular diseases, that burden public health and the health care system. Current care is weight loss through diet and exercise, which is a challenging goal to achieve. However, there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for NAFLD. This review thoroughly examines the clinical trial findings from 22 drugs (Phase 2 and above) and evaluates the future direction that trials should take for further drug development. These trialed drugs can broadly be categorized into five groups-hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, bile-pathway, anti-inflammatory, and others, which include nutraceuticals. The multitude of challenges faced in these yet-to-be-approved NAFLD drug trials provided insight into a few areas of improvement worth considering. These include drug repurposing, combinations, noninvasive outcomes, standardization, adverse event alleviation, and the need for precision medicine with more extensive consideration of NAFLD heterogenicity in drug trials. Understandably, every evolution of the drug development landscape lies with its own set of challenges. However, this paper believes in the importance of always learning from lessons of the past, with each potential improvement pushing clinical trials an additional step forward toward discovering appropriate drugs for effective NAFLD management.
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28
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Fu Y, Zhou Y, Shen L, Li X, Zhang H, Cui Y, Zhang K, Li W, Chen WD, Zhao S, Li Y, Ye W. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:973366. [PMID: 36408234 PMCID: PMC9666875 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.973366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The global incidence rate of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is approximately 25%. With the global increase in obesity and its associated metabolic syndromes, NAFLD has become an important cause of chronic liver disease in many countries. Despite recent advances in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutics, there are still challenges in its treatment. In this review, we briefly describe diagnostic methods, therapeutic targets, and drugs related to NAFLD. In particular, we focus on evaluating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, lipotoxicity, cell death, inflammation, and fibrosis as potential therapeutic targets for NAFLD. We also summarized the clinical research progress in terms of drug development and combination therapy, thereby providing references for NAFLD drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yanzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Linhu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xuewen Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Haorui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yeqi Cui
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Weiguo Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wei-dong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shizhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shizhen Zhao, ; Yunfu Li, ; Wenling Ye,
| | - Yunfu Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shizhen Zhao, ; Yunfu Li, ; Wenling Ye,
| | - Wenling Ye
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shizhen Zhao, ; Yunfu Li, ; Wenling Ye,
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Koda Y, Nakamoto N, Kanai T. Regulation of Progression and Resolution of Liver Fibrosis by Immune Cells. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:475-488. [PMID: 36208620 DOI: 10.1055/a-1957-6384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins results in fibrosis-a condition implicated in several diseased conditions, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, viral hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. Despite its prevalence, direct and effective treatments for fibrosis are lacking, warranting the development of better therapeutic strategies. Accumulating evidence has shown that liver fibrosis-a condition previously considered irreversible-is reversible in specific conditions. Immune cells residing in or infiltrating the liver (e.g., macrophages) are crucial in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Given this background, the roles and action mechanisms of various immune cells and their subsets in the progression and recovery of liver fibrosis, particularly concerning nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, are discussed in this review. Furthermore, the development of better therapeutic strategies based on stage-specific properties and using advanced techniques as well as the mechanisms underlying recovery are elaborated. In conclusion, we consider the review comprehensively provides the present achievements and future possibilities revolving around fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzo Koda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Wang M, Li L, Xu Y, Du J, Ling C. Roles of hepatic stellate cells in NAFLD: From the perspective of inflammation and fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:958428. [PMID: 36313291 PMCID: PMC9606692 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.958428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common diseases and severe problems worldwide because of the global increase in obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. NAFLD includes a wide spectrum of liver diseases, the histological forms of which range from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), which is generally nonprogressive, to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can progress to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis (LC), and sometimes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unlike NAFL, as the progressive form of NAFLD, NASH is characterized by the presence of inflammation with or without fibrosis in addition to hepatic steatosis. Although it is widely known and proved that persistent hepatic injury and chronic inflammation in the liver activate quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and lead to hepatic fibrosis, the three-step process of “inflammation-fibrosis-carcinoma” in NAFLD has not been investigated and clarified clearly. In this process, the initiation of inflammation in the liver and the function of various liver inflammatory cells have been discussed regularly, while the activated HSCs, which constitute the principal cells responsible for fibrosis and their cross-talk with inflammation, seem not to be investigated specifically and frequently. Also, accumulated evidence suggests that HSCs can not only be activated by inflammation but also participate in the regulation of liver inflammation. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the unique roles of HSCs in NAFLD from the perspective of inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we review the pivotal effects and mechanisms of HSCs and highlight the potential value of HSC-targeted treatment methods in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Emergency, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yannan Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Du
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changquan Ling
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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31
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Laursen TL, Mellemkjær A, Møller HJ, Grønbæk H, Kazankov K. Spotlight on liver macrophages for halting injury and progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:697-705. [PMID: 36205054 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2132145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and is rapidly emerging as the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Macrophages play an essential role in the development and progression of NAFLD. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an update on recent studies of drugs, which directly or indirectly affect macrophages in NAFLD, and discuss the implication of macrophage biomarkers to monitor the disease stage and progression/regression. EXPERT OPINION There is an unmet need for better understanding of disease pathogenesis from hepatic fat accumulation to disease progression with inflammation and fibrosis. We expect that future research will uncover additional objects/pathways as treatment targets. We speculate that this will involve better characterization of the gut microbiome, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPS) or molecules and pathways involved in development of DAMPS, and advanced molecular biology studies including single-cell sequencing of macrophage subpopulations. In addition, we speculate that studies focusing on pharmaceuticals that improve insulin resistance, diminish the metabolic syndrome and reduce fibrosis will prevail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Medicine, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Anders Mellemkjær
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Holger Jon Møller
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Konstantin Kazankov
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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32
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Suri J, Borja S, Lim JK. Combination strategies for pharmacologic treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:5129-5140. [PMID: 36188726 PMCID: PMC9516677 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i35.5129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is defined as hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and hepatocyte injury with or without fibrosis. It has emerged as the second leading indication for liver transplantation with a rising death rate in the non-transplantable population. While there are many drugs in evaluation, currently no approved therapies are on the market for this condition. Given this importance, the Food and Drug Administration has provided formal guidance regarding drug development for stopping or reversing NASH or NASH associated fibrosis. The complex pathogenesis of NASH and its bidirectional relationship with metabolic syndrome has highlighted multiple drugs of interest that address metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic factors. A few promising liver specific targets include farnesoid X receptor agonists and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists. Previously studied drug classes such as glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs or sodium/glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors have also demonstrated ability to improve hepatic steatosis. Here we discuss current rationale, scientific work, and preliminary data in combining multiple drugs for the purposes of a multimodal attack on the pathogenesis of NASH. We highlight multiple Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies that demonstrate the potential to achieve a response rate higher than previously assessed monotherapies for this condition. Ultimately, one of these combination strategies may rise above in its safety and efficacy to become a part of a standardized approach to NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Suri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, CT 06856, United States
| | - Sebastian Borja
- Department of Internal Medicine, Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, CT 06850, United States
| | - Joseph K Lim
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
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Yan M, Man S, Ma L, Gao W. Comprehensive molecular mechanisms and clinical therapy in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: An overview and current perspectives. Metabolism 2022; 134:155264. [PMID: 35810782 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) pathophysiology continues to advance rapidly. Given the complexity of the pathogenesis of NASH, the field has moved from describing the single pathogenesis of NASH to deeply phenotyping with a description of the multi-mechanism and multi-target pathogenesis that includes glucose, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, fibrotic progression, inflammation, immune reaction and apoptosis. To make the picture more complex, the pathogenesis of NASH involves pathological connections between the liver and several organs such as the adipose, pancreas, kidney and gut. Numerous pharmacologic candidates have been tested in clinical trials and have generated some positive results. Importantly, PPAR as triglyceride synthesis inhibitor and FXR as bile acids synthesis inhibitor have displayed beneficial effects on candidates for lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Although the efficacy of these drugs has been affirmed, serious side effects hinder their further development. It is a particularly important task to carry out the in-depth long-term research. Additionally, drug combination increases response rate and reduces side effects of a single drug. Mastering the advantages and limitations of clinical candidate drugs and continuous improvement and innovation are necessary to formulate a new strategy for the future treatment of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Wenyuan Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China.
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Liu N, Wang X, Steer CJ, Song G. MicroRNA-206 promotes the recruitment of CD8 + T cells by driving M1 polarisation of Kupffer cells. Gut 2022; 71:1642-1655. [PMID: 34706869 PMCID: PMC9279850 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-324170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Kupffer cells (KCs) protect against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by communicating with other immune cells. However, the underlying mechanism(s) of this process is incompletely understood. DESIGN FVB/NJ mice were hydrodynamically injected with AKT/Ras and Sleeping Beauty transposon to induce HCC. Mini-circle and Sleeping Beauty were used to overexpress microRNA-206 in KCs of mice. Flow cytometry and immunostaining were used to evaluate the change in the immune system. RESULTS Hydrodynamic injection of AKT/Ras into mice drove M2 polarisation of KCs and depletion of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and promoted HCC development. M1-to-M2 transition of KCs impaired microRNA-206 biogenesis. By targeting Klf4 (kruppel like factor 4) and, thereby, enhancing the production of M1 markers including C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), microRNA-206 promoted M1 polarisation of macrophages. Indeed, microRNA-206-mediated increase of CCL2 facilitated hepatic recruitment of CTLs via CCR2. Disrupting each component of the KLF4/CCL2/CCR2 axis impaired the ability of microRNA-206 to drive M1 polarisation of macrophages and recruit CTLs. In AKT/Ras mice, KC-specific expression of microRNA-206 drove M1 polarisation of KCs and hepatic recruitment of CTLs and fully prevented HCC, while 100% of control mice died from HCC. Disrupting the interaction between microRNA-206 and Klf4 in KCs and depletion of CD8+ T cells impaired the ability of miR-206 to prevent HCC. CONCLUSIONS M2 polarisation of KCs is a major contributor of HCC in AKT/Ras mice. MicroRNA-206, by driving M1 polarisation of KCs, promoted the recruitment of CD8+ T cells and prevented HCC, suggesting its potential use as an immunotherapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Clifford John Steer
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Guisheng Song
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Moreno Traspas R, Teoh TS, Wong PM, Maier M, Chia CY, Lay K, Ali NA, Larson A, Al Mutairi F, Al-Sannaa NA, Faqeih EA, Alfadhel M, Cheema HA, Dupont J, Bézieau S, Isidor B, Low DY, Wang Y, Tan G, Lai PS, Piloquet H, Joubert M, Kayserili H, Kripps KA, Nahas SA, Wartchow EP, Warren M, Bhavani GS, Dasouki M, Sandoval R, Carvalho E, Ramos L, Porta G, Wu B, Lashkari HP, AlSaleem B, BaAbbad RM, Abreu Ferrão AN, Karageorgou V, Ordonez-Herrera N, Khan S, Bauer P, Cogne B, Bertoli-Avella AM, Vincent M, Girisha KM, Reversade B. Loss of FOCAD, operating via the SKI messenger RNA surveillance pathway, causes a pediatric syndrome with liver cirrhosis. Nat Genet 2022; 54:1214-1226. [PMID: 35864190 PMCID: PMC7615854 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01120-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is usually a late-onset and life-threatening disease characterized by fibrotic scarring and inflammation that disrupts liver architecture and function. While it is typically the result of alcoholism or hepatitis viral infection in adults, its etiology in infants is much less understood. In this study, we report 14 children from ten unrelated families presenting with a syndromic form of pediatric liver cirrhosis. By genome/exome sequencing, we found recessive variants in FOCAD segregating with the disease. Zebrafish lacking focad phenocopied the human disease, revealing a signature of altered messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation processes in the liver. Using patient's primary cells and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated inactivation in human hepatic cell lines, we found that FOCAD deficiency compromises the SKI mRNA surveillance pathway by reducing the levels of the RNA helicase SKIC2 and its cofactor SKIC3. FOCAD knockout hepatocytes exhibited lowered albumin expression and signs of persistent injury accompanied by CCL2 overproduction. Our results reveal the importance of FOCAD in maintaining liver homeostasis and disclose a possible therapeutic intervention point via inhibition of the CCL2/CCR2 signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Moreno Traspas
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Tze Shin Teoh
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pui-Mun Wong
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael Maier
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Crystal Y Chia
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kenneth Lay
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nur Ain Ali
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Austin Larson
- Section of Pediatrics-Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Fuad Al Mutairi
- Department of Genetics and Precision Medicine, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Eissa Ali Faqeih
- Section of Medical Genetics, Children's Specialist Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Alfadhel
- Department of Genetics and Precision Medicine, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Genomic Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huma Arshad Cheema
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Juliette Dupont
- Department of Pediatrics, Genetic Services, Lisbon North University Hospital Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stéphane Bézieau
- Medical Genetics Service, Nantes University Hospital Center, Nantes, France
| | - Bertrand Isidor
- Medical Genetics Service, Nantes University Hospital Center, Nantes, France
| | - Dorrain Yanwen Low
- Singapore Phenome Center, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yulan Wang
- Singapore Phenome Center, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grace Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Poh San Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hugues Piloquet
- Gastropediatrics Department, Nantes University Hospital Center, Nantes, France
| | - Madeleine Joubert
- Anatomopathology Department, Nantes University Hospital Center, Nantes, France
| | - Hulya Kayserili
- Medical Genetics Department, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kimberly A Kripps
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shareef A Nahas
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Eric P Wartchow
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mikako Warren
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gandham SriLakshmi Bhavani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Majed Dasouki
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, AdventHealth Medical Group, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Renata Sandoval
- Department of Oncogenetics, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Elisa Carvalho
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital da Criança de Brasília José Alencar, UniCEUB, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Luiza Ramos
- Mendelics Genomic Analysis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gilda Porta
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Transplant Unit, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bin Wu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Harsha Prasada Lashkari
- Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Badr AlSaleem
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Children's Specialist Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raeda M BaAbbad
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Children's Specialist Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Benjamin Cogne
- Medical Genetics Service, Nantes University Hospital Center, Nantes, France
| | | | - Marie Vincent
- Medical Genetics Service, Nantes University Hospital Center, Nantes, France
| | - Katta Mohan Girisha
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Bruno Reversade
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Medical Genetics Department, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
- Smart-Health Initiative, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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36
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Jiang W, Xu T, Yuan S, Wei Y, Song Z, Li Q, She S, Wang X, Wang C, Yang G, Cao J, Sun F, Shi M, Li S, Liu Z, Mo Y, Lv P, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Hu W. Critical roles for CCR2 and the therapeutic potential of cenicriviroc in periodontitis: a pre-clinical study. J Clin Periodontol 2022; 49:1203-1216. [PMID: 35817437 DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM CCR2 plays important roles in many inflammatory and bone metabolic diseases, but its specific role in periodontitis is unknown. In the present study, we aimed to explore the role of CCR2 in the progression of periodontitis and evaluate the effect of cenicriviroc (CVC) on periodontitis. METHODS The expression of CCR2 was studied in patients with periodontitis and in ligation-induced murine model of periodontitis. The role of CCR2 in promoting inflammation and bone resorption in periodontitis was evaluated in Ccr2-/- mice and wild-type mice. The effect of CVC in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis was evaluated by systemic and local medication. Micro-CT, Hematoxylin and eosin staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, real-time qPCR, ELISA, and flow cytometric were used for histomorphology, molecular biology and cytology analysis respectively. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that CCR2 was highly expressed in human and murine periodontitis and that CCR2 deficiency was associated with decreased inflammation, alveolar bone resorption, osteoclast number, monocyte and macrophage infiltration. Prevention and treatment with CVC significantly reduced the severity of periodontitis, regardless of whether it was administered systemically or locally. CONCLUSION CCR2 plays an important role in the development and progression of periodontitis and CVC is a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Jiang
- Department of Periodontology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Emergency, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Shasha Yuan
- Department of Periodontology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Yiping Wei
- Department of Periodontology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanming Song
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingqing Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoping She
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuekang Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Cui Wang
- Department of Periodontology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of Periodontology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Department of Periodontology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Periodontology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Shi
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Periodontology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongtian Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqian Mo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Lv
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Center for Human Disease Genomics, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Center for Human Disease Genomics, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Hu
- Department of Periodontology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China.,NHC Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Anitha AK, Narayanan P, Ajayakumar N, Sivakumar KC, Kumar KS. Novel small synthetic HIV-1 V3 crown variants: CCR5 targeting ligands. J Biochem 2022; 172:149-164. [PMID: 35708645 PMCID: PMC9445593 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) antagonism represents a promising pharmacological strategy for therapeutic intervention as it plays a significant role in reducing the severity and progression of a wide range of pathological conditions. Here we designed and generated peptide ligands targeting the chemokine receptor, CCR5, that were derived from the critical interaction sites of the V3 crown domain of envelope protein glycoprotein gp120 (TRKSIHIGPGRAFYTTGEI) of HIV-1 using computational biology approach and the peptide sequence corresponding to this region was taken as the template peptide, designated as TMP-1. The peptide variants were synthesized by employing Fmoc chemistry using polymer support and were labelled with rhodamine B to study their interaction with the CCR5 receptor expressed on various cells. TMP-1 and TMP-2 were selected as the high-affinity ligands from in vitro receptor-binding assays. Specific receptor-binding experiments in activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and HOS.CCR5 cells indicated that TMP-1 and TMP-2 had significant CCR5 specificity. Further, the functional analysis of TMP peptides using chemotactic migration assay showed that both peptides did not mediate the migration of responsive cells. Thus, template
TMP-1 and TMP-2 represent promising CCR5 targeting peptide candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Krishnan Anitha
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Pathogen biology research program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India.,University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Pratibha Narayanan
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Pathogen biology research program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India.,University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Neethu Ajayakumar
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Pathogen biology research program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India.,University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Krishnankutty Chandrika Sivakumar
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Pathogen biology research program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India
| | - Kesavakurup Santhosh Kumar
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Pathogen biology research program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India
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Puengel T, Lefere S, Hundertmark J, Kohlhepp M, Penners C, Van de Velde F, Lapauw B, Hoorens A, Devisscher L, Geerts A, Boehm S, Zhao Q, Krupinski J, Charles ED, Zinker B, Tacke F. Combined Therapy with a CCR2/CCR5 Antagonist and FGF21 Analogue Synergizes in Ameliorating Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126696. [PMID: 35743140 PMCID: PMC9224277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: With new potential drug targets emerging, combination therapies appear attractive to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Chemokine receptor CCR2/5 antagonists can improve fibrosis by reducing monocyte infiltration and altering hepatic macrophage subsets. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) may improve NASH by modulating lipid and glucose metabolism. We compared effects of single drug to combination treatment as therapeutic strategies against NASH. (2) Methods: We analyzed serum samples and liver biopsies from 85 nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. A CCR2/5 inhibitor (BMS-687681-02-020) and a pegylated FGF21 agonist (BMS-986171) were tested in male C57BL/6J mice subjected to dietary models of NASH and fibrosis (choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) up to 12 weeks; short- (2w) or long-term (6w) treatment). (3) Results: In NAFLD patients, chemokine CCL2 and FGF21 serum levels correlated with inflammatory serum markers, only CCL2 was significantly associated with advanced liver fibrosis. In rodent NASH, CCR2/5 inhibition significantly reduced circulating Ly6C+ monocytes and hepatic monocyte-derived macrophages, alongside reduced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. FGF21 agonism decreased body weight, liver triglycerides and histological NASH activity. Combination treatment reflected aspects of both compounds upon short- and long-term application, thereby amplifying beneficial effects on all aspects of steatohepatitis and fibrosis. (4) Conclusions: CCR2/5 inhibition blocks hepatic infiltration of inflammatory monocytes, FGF21 agonism improves obesity-related metabolic disorders. Combined therapy ameliorates steatohepatitis and fibrosis more potently than single drug treatment in rodent NASH, corroborating the therapeutic potential of combining these two approaches in NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Puengel
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.H.); (M.K.); (F.T.)
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), 10178 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH-University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (T.P.); (S.L.); Tel.: +49-30-450-630-057 (T.P.); +49-30-450-553-022 (S.L.)
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH-University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (T.P.); (S.L.); Tel.: +49-30-450-630-057 (T.P.); +49-30-450-553-022 (S.L.)
| | - Jana Hundertmark
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.H.); (M.K.); (F.T.)
| | - Marlene Kohlhepp
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.H.); (M.K.); (F.T.)
| | - Christian Penners
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH-University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | | | - Bruno Lapauw
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (F.V.d.V.); (B.L.)
| | - Anne Hoorens
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Stephanie Boehm
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (S.B.); (Q.Z.); (J.K.); (E.D.C.); (B.Z.)
| | - Qihong Zhao
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (S.B.); (Q.Z.); (J.K.); (E.D.C.); (B.Z.)
| | - John Krupinski
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (S.B.); (Q.Z.); (J.K.); (E.D.C.); (B.Z.)
| | - Edgar D. Charles
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (S.B.); (Q.Z.); (J.K.); (E.D.C.); (B.Z.)
| | - Bradley Zinker
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (S.B.); (Q.Z.); (J.K.); (E.D.C.); (B.Z.)
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.H.); (M.K.); (F.T.)
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Shan L, Wang F, Zhai D, Meng X, Liu J, Lv X. New Drugs for Hepatic Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:874408. [PMID: 35770089 PMCID: PMC9234287 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.874408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of hepatic fibrosis caused by various etiologies are high worldwide, and the trend is increasing annually. At present, there is no effective method to cure hepatic fibrosis except liver transplantation, and its serious complications threaten the health of patients and cause serious medical burdens. Additionally, there is no specific drug for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis, and many drugs with anti-hepatic fibrosis effects are in the research and development stage. Recently, remarkable progress has been made in the research and development of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs targeting different targets. We searched websites such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Home-ClinicalTrials.gov and found approximately 120 drugs with anti-fibrosis properties, some of which are in phase Ⅱ or Ⅲ clinical trials. Additionally, although these drugs are effective against hepatic fibrosis in animal models, most clinical trials have shown poor results, mainly because animal models do not capture the complexity of human hepatic fibrosis. Besides, the effect of natural products on hepatic fibrosis has not been widely recognized at home and abroad. Furthermore, drugs targeting a single anti-hepatic fibrosis target are prone to adverse reactions. Therefore, currently, the treatment of hepatic fibrosis requires a combination of drugs that target multiple targets. Ten new drugs with potential for development against hepatic fibrosis were selected and highlighted in this mini-review, which provides a reference for clinical drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Fengling Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dandan Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiangyun Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Liu, ; Xiongwen Lv,
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Liu, ; Xiongwen Lv,
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An Update on the Chemokine System in the Development of NAFLD. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58060761. [PMID: 35744024 PMCID: PMC9227560 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58060761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Sustained hepatic inflammation is a key driver of the transition from simple fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the more aggressive form of NAFLD. Hepatic inflammation is orchestrated by chemokines, a family of chemoattractant cytokines that are produced by hepatocytes, Kupffer cells (liver resident macrophages), hepatic stellate cells, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Over the last three decades, accumulating evidence from both clinical and experimental investigations demonstrated that chemokines and their receptors are increased in the livers of NAFLD patients and that CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 2 and CCL5 in particular play a pivotal role in inducing insulin resistance, steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in liver disease. Cenicriviroc (CVC), a dual antagonist of these chemokines’ receptors, CCR2 and CCR5, has been tested in clinical trials in patients with NASH-associated liver fibrosis. Additionally, recent studies revealed that other chemokines, such as CCL3, CCL25, CX3C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1), CXC chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), and CXCL16, can also contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Here, we review recent updates on the roles of chemokines in the development of NAFLD and their blockade as a potential therapeutic approach.
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Hyaluronan synthase 2, a target of miR-200c, promotes carbon tetrachloride-induced acute and chronic liver inflammation via regulation of CCL3 and CCL4. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:739-752. [PMID: 35662287 PMCID: PMC9256637 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00781-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis occurs during wound healing after repeated liver injury and is characterized by extensive extracellular matrix deposition. We previously identified hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) as a driver of liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Developing strategies to suppress HSC activation is key to alleviating liver fibrosis, and HAS2 is an attractive candidate for intervention. To gain insight into the molecular function of HAS2, we investigated its posttranscriptional regulation. We found that miR-200c directly targets the 3' untranslated regions of HAS2. Moreover, miR-200c and HAS2 were inversely expressed in fibrotic human and mouse livers. After establishing the direct interaction between miR-200c and HAS2, we investigated the functional outcome of regulating HAS2 expression in three murine models: CCl4-induced acute liver injury, CCl4-induced chronic liver fibrosis, and bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis. Hepatic Has2 expression was induced by acute and chronic CCl4 treatment. In contrast, miR-200c expression was decreased after CCl4 treatment. HSC-specific Has2 deletion reduced the expression of inflammatory markers and infiltration of macrophages in the models. Importantly, hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL2) but not HYAL1 was overexpressed in fibrotic human and murine livers. HYAL2 is an enzyme that can cleave the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan. We found that low-molecular-weight hyaluronan stimulated the expression of inflammatory genes. Treatment with the HA synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone alleviated bile duct ligation-induced expression of these inflammatory markers. Collectively, our results suggest that HAS2 is negatively regulated by miR-200c and contributes to the development of acute liver injury and chronic liver inflammation via hyaluronan-mediated immune signaling.
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Ahmad MI, Khan MU, Kodali S, Shetty A, Bell SM, Victor D. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Due to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Concepts and Future Challenges. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:477-496. [PMID: 35673598 PMCID: PMC9167599 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s344559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity has been labeled as the global pandemic of the 21st century, resulting from a sedentary lifestyle and caloric excess. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by excessive hepatic steatosis, is strongly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome and is estimated to be present in one-quarter of the world population, making it the most common cause of the chronic liver disease (CLD). NAFLD spectrum varies from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. The burden of NAFLD has been predicted to increase in the coming decades resulting in increased rates of decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver-related deaths. In the current review, we describe the pathophysiology of NAFLD and NASH, risk factors associated with disease progression, related complications, and mortality. Later, we have discussed the changing epidemiology of HCC, with NAFLD emerging as the most common cause of CLD and HCC. We have also addressed the risk factors of HCC development in the NAFLD population (including demographic, metabolic, genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors), presentation of NAFLD-associated HCC, its prognosis, and the issue of HCC development in non-cirrhotic NAFLD. Lastly, the problems related to HCC screening in the NAFLD population, the remaining challenges, and future directions, especially the need to identify the high-risk individuals, will be discussed. We will conclude the review by summarizing the clinical evidence for treating fibrosis and preventing HCC in those at risk with NAFLD-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran Ahmad
- Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad Umair Khan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- ECPE- Executive and Continuing Professional Education, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115-5810, USA
| | - Sudha Kodali
- Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Akshay Shetty
- Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S Michelle Bell
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Victor
- Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Duell PB, Welty FK, Miller M, Chait A, Hammond G, Ahmad Z, Cohen DE, Horton JD, Pressman GS, Toth PP. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cardiovascular Risk: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:e168-e185. [PMID: 35418240 DOI: 10.1161/atv.0000000000000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly common condition that is believed to affect >25% of adults worldwide. Unless specific testing is done to identify NAFLD, the condition is typically silent until advanced and potentially irreversible liver impairment occurs. For this reason, the majority of patients with NAFLD are unaware of having this serious condition. Hepatic complications from NAFLD include nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition to these serious complications, NAFLD is a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is the principal cause of death in patients with NAFLD. Accordingly, the purpose of this scientific statement is to review the underlying risk factors and pathophysiology of NAFLD, the associations with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diagnostic and screening strategies, and potential interventions.
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Files DC, Tacke F, O’Sullivan A, Dorr P, Ferguson WG, Powderly WG. Rationale of using the dual chemokine receptor CCR2/CCR5 inhibitor cenicriviroc for the treatment of COVID-19. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010547. [PMID: 35749425 PMCID: PMC9231801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has created a global pandemic infecting over 230 million people and costing millions of lives. Therapies to attenuate severe disease are desperately needed. Cenicriviroc (CVC), a C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) and C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) antagonist, an agent previously studied in advanced clinical trials for patients with HIV or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), may have the potential to reduce respiratory and cardiovascular organ failures related to COVID-19. Inhibiting the CCR2 and CCR5 pathways could attenuate or prevent inflammation or fibrosis in both early and late stages of the disease and improve outcomes of COVID-19. Clinical trials using CVC either in addition to standard of care (SoC; e.g., dexamethasone) or in combination with other investigational agents in patients with COVID-19 are currently ongoing. These trials intend to leverage the anti-inflammatory actions of CVC for ameliorating the clinical course of COVID-19 and prevent complications. This article reviews the literature surrounding the CCR2 and CCR5 pathways, their proposed role in COVID-19, and the potential role of CVC to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Clark Files
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Immunology Section, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Frank Tacke
- Medical Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Patrick Dorr
- AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | | | - William G. Powderly
- John T. Milliken Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Szabo G, Thursz M, Shah VH. Therapeutic advances in alcohol-associated hepatitis. J Hepatol 2022; 76:1279-1290. [PMID: 35589250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there have been important advances in our understanding of alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH), which have occurred in parallel with a surge in clinical trial activity. Meanwhile, the broader medical field has seen a transformation in care paradigms based on emerging digital technologies. This review focuses on breakthroughs in our understanding of AH and how these breakthroughs are leading to new paradigms for biomarker discovery, clinical trial activity, and care models for patients. It portends a future in which multimodal data from genetic, radiomic, histologic, and environmental sources can be integrated and synthesised to generate personalised biomarkers and therapies for patients with AH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyongyi Szabo
- Carol M. Gatton Chairman of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mark Thursz
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Imperial College, London, UK.
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Mitchell T. Rabkin, M.D. Chair, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Chief Academic Officer, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Beth Israel Lahey Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
Hepatic macrophages are key immune cells associated with the broad ranges of liver diseases including steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Hepatic macrophages interact with other immune cells and orchestrate hepatic immune circumstances. Recently, the heterogenous populations of hepatic macrophages have been discovered termed residential Kupffer cells and monocyte-derived macrophages, and identified their distinct population dynamics during the progression of various liver diseases. Liver injury lead to Kupffer cells activation with induction of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which triggers recruitment of inflammatory monocyte-derived macrophages. To understand liver pathology, the functions of different subtypes of liver macrophages should be regarded with different perspectives. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the roles of hepatic macrophages under liver damages and suggest hepatic macrophages as promising therapeutic targets for treating liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeong-Jin Lee
- Laboratory of Pathology and Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Mi-Yeon Kim
- Laboratory of Pathology and Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Yong-Hyun Han
- Laboratory of Pathology and Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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Woreta TA, Van Natta ML, Lazo M, Krishnan A, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Loomba R, Mae Diehl A, Abdelmalek MF, Chalasani N, Gawrieh S, Dasarathy S, Vuppalanchi R, Siddiqui MS, Kowdley KV, McCullough A, Terrault NA, Behling C, Kleiner DE, Fishbein M, Hertel P, Wilson LA, Mitchell EP, Miriel LA, Clark JM, Tonascia J, Sanyal AJ. Validation of the accuracy of the FAST™ score for detecting patients with at-risk nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a North American cohort and comparison to other non-invasive algorithms. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266859. [PMID: 35427375 PMCID: PMC9012361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Management of patients with NASH who are at elevated risk of progressing to complications of cirrhosis (at-risk NASH) would be enhanced by an accurate, noninvasive diagnostic test. The new FAST™ score, a combination of FibroScan® parameters liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), has shown good diagnostic accuracy for at-risk NASH (area-under-the-Receiver-Operating-Characteristic [AUROC] = 0.80) in European cohorts. We aimed to validate the FAST™ score in a North American cohort and show how its diagnostic accuracy might vary by patient mix. We also compared the diagnostic performance of FAST™ to other non-invasive algorithms for the diagnosis of at-risk NASH. METHODS We studied adults with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from the multicenter NASH Clinical Research Network (CRN) Adult Database 2 (DB2) cohort study. At-risk-NASH was histologically defined as definite NASH with a NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) ≥ 4 with at least 1 point in each category and a fibrosis stage ≥ 2. We used the Echosens® formula for FAST™ from LSM (kPa), CAP (dB/m), and AST (U/L), and the FAST™-based Rule-Out (FAST™ ≤ 0.35, sensitivity = 90%) and Rule-In (FAST™ ≥ 0.67, specificity = 90%) zones. We determined the following diagnostic performance measures: AUROC, sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV); these were calculated for the total sample and by subgroups of patients and by FibroScan® exam features. We also compared the at-risk NASH diagnostic performance of FAST™ to other non-invasive algorithms: NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, and AST to platelet ratio index (APRI). RESULTS The NASH CRN population of 585 patients was 62% female, 79% white, 14% Hispanic, and 73% obese; the mean age was 51 years. The mean (SD) AST and ALT were 50 (37) U/L and 66 (45) U/L, respectively. 214 (37%) had at-risk NASH. The AUROC of FAST™ for at-risk NASH in the NASH CRN study population was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77, 0.84. Using FAST™-based cut-offs, 35% of patients were ruled-out with corresponding NPV = 0.90 and 27% of patients were ruled-in with corresponding PPV = 0.69. The diagnostic accuracy of FAST™ was higher in non-whites vs. whites (AUROC: 0.91 vs 0.78; p = 0.001), and in patients with a normal BMI vs. BMI > 35 kg/m2 (AUROC: 0.94 vs 0.78, p = 0.008). No differences were observed by other patient characteristics or FibroScan® exam features. The FAST™ score had higher diagnostic accuracy than other non-invasive algorithms for the diagnosis of at-risk NASH (AUROC for NFS, FIB-4, and APRI 0.67, 0.73, 0.74, respectively). CONCLUSION We validated the FAST™ score for the diagnosis of at-risk NASH in a large, multi-racial population in North America, with a prevalence of at-risk NASH of 37%. Diagnostic performance varies by subgroups of NASH patients defined by race and obesity. FAST™ performed better than other non-invasive algorithms for the diagnosis of at-risk NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinsay A. Woreta
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark L. Van Natta
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mariana Lazo
- Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Arunkumar Krishnan
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Rohit Loomba
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Naga Chalasani
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Samer Gawrieh
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | | | - Raj Vuppalanchi
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Mohammad S. Siddiqui
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kris V. Kowdley
- Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Norah A. Terrault
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Behling
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - David E. Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mark Fishbein
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg Medical School of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Paula Hertel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Laura A. Wilson
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Emily P. Mitchell
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Laura A. Miriel
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jeanne M. Clark
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - James Tonascia
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
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She S, Ren L, Chen P, Wang M, Chen D, Wang Y, Chen H. Functional Roles of Chemokine Receptor CCR2 and Its Ligands in Liver Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:812431. [PMID: 35281057 PMCID: PMC8913720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.812431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are a family of cytokines that orchestrate the migration and positioning of immune cells within tissues and are critical for the function of the immune system. CCR2 participates in liver pathology, including acute liver injury, chronic hepatitis, fibrosis/cirrhosis, and tumor progression, by mediating the recruitment of immune cells to inflammation and tumor sites. Although a variety of chemokines have been well studied in various diseases, there is no comprehensive review presenting the roles of all known chemokine ligands of CCR2 (CCL2, CCL7, CCL8, CCL12, CCL13, CCL16, and PSMP) in liver disease, and this review aims to fill this gap. The introduction of each chemokine includes its discovery, its corresponding chemotactic receptors, physiological functions and roles in inflammation and tumors, and its impact on different immune cell subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoping She
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Ren
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Pu Chen
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Dongbo Chen
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongsong Chen
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongsong Chen,
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Liedtke C, Nevzorova YA, Luedde T, Zimmermann H, Kroy D, Strnad P, Berres ML, Bernhagen J, Tacke F, Nattermann J, Spengler U, Sauerbruch T, Wree A, Abdullah Z, Tolba RH, Trebicka J, Lammers T, Trautwein C, Weiskirchen R. Liver Fibrosis-From Mechanisms of Injury to Modulation of Disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:814496. [PMID: 35087852 PMCID: PMC8787129 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.814496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Transregional Collaborative Research Center "Organ Fibrosis: From Mechanisms of Injury to Modulation of Disease" (referred to as SFB/TRR57) was funded for 13 years (2009-2021) by the German Research Council (DFG). This consortium was hosted by the Medical Schools of the RWTH Aachen University and Bonn University in Germany. The SFB/TRR57 implemented combined basic and clinical research to achieve detailed knowledge in three selected key questions: (i) What are the relevant mechanisms and signal pathways required for initiating organ fibrosis? (ii) Which immunological mechanisms and molecules contribute to organ fibrosis? and (iii) How can organ fibrosis be modulated, e.g., by interventional strategies including imaging and pharmacological approaches? In this review we will summarize the liver-related key findings of this consortium gained within the last 12 years on these three aspects of liver fibrogenesis. We will highlight the role of cell death and cell cycle pathways as well as nutritional and iron-related mechanisms for liver fibrosis initiation. Moreover, we will define and characterize the major immune cell compartments relevant for liver fibrogenesis, and finally point to potential signaling pathways and pharmacological targets that turned out to be suitable to develop novel approaches for improved therapy and diagnosis of liver fibrosis. In summary, this review will provide a comprehensive overview about the knowledge on liver fibrogenesis and its potential therapy gained by the SFB/TRR57 consortium within the last decade. The kidney-related research results obtained by the same consortium are highlighted in an article published back-to-back in Frontiers in Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Liedtke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yulia A Nevzorova
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Complutense University Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tom Luedde
- Medical Faculty, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Henning Zimmermann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniela Kroy
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Berres
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bernhagen
- Chair of Vascular Biology, Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Klinikum der Universität München (KUM), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jacob Nattermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrich Spengler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tilman Sauerbruch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Wree
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zeinab Abdullah
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - René H Tolba
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Dong Z, He F, Yan X, Xing Y, Lei Y, Gao J, He M, Li D, Bai L, Yuan Z, Y-J. Shyy J. Hepatic Reduction in Cholesterol 25-Hydroxylase Aggravates Diet-induced Steatosis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1161-1179. [PMID: 34990887 PMCID: PMC8873960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (Ch25h), converting cholesterol to 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC), is critical in modulating cellular lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. However, its role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease remains unclear. METHODS Ch25h expression was detected in livers of ob/ob mice and E3 rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Gain- or loss-of-function of Ch25h was performed using Ch25h+/+ (wild type [WT]) mice receiving AAV8-Ch25h or Ch25h knockout (Ch25h-/-) mice. WT mice fed an HFD were administered with 25-HC. The Ch25h-LXRα-CYP axis was measured in primary hepatocytes isolated from WT and Ch25h-/- mice. RESULTS We found that Ch25h level was decreased in livers of ob/ob mice and E3 rats fed an HFD. Ch25h-/- mice fed an HFD showed aggravated fatty liver and decreased level of cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1), in comparison with their WT littermates. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in livers of HFD-fed Ch25h-/- mice were involved in pathways of positive regulation of lipid metabolic process, steroid metabolic process, cholesterol metabolic process, and bile acid biosynthetic process. As gain-of-function experiments, WT mice receiving AAV8-Ch25h or 25-HC showed alleviated NAFLD, when compared with the control group receiving AAV8-control or vehicle control. Consistently, Ch25h overexpression significantly elevated the levels of primary and secondary bile acids and CYP7A1 but decreased those of small heterodimer partner and FGFR4. CONCLUSIONS Elevated levels of Ch25h and its enzymatic product 25-HC alleviate HFD-induced hepatic steatosis via regulating enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. The underlying mechanism involves 25-HC activation of CYP7A1 via liver X receptor. These data suggest that targeting Ch25h or 25-HC may have therapeutic advantages against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Dong
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fangzhou He
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaosong Yan
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanming Xing
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuyang Lei
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ming He
- Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Dongmin Li
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liang Bai
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Liang Bai, PhD, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China. tel: 86 298 265 5363; fax: 86 298 265 5362.
| | - Zuyi Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - John Y-J. Shyy
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California,John Y-J. Shyy, PhD, Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093. tel: (858) 534-3737.
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