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Firat EAM, Buhl EM, Bouteldja N, Smeets B, Eriksson U, Boor P, Klinkhammer BM. PDGF-D Is Dispensable for the Development and Progression of Murine Alport Syndrome. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:641-655. [PMID: 38309427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Alport syndrome is an inherited kidney disease, which can lead to glomerulosclerosis and fibrosis, as well as end-stage kidney disease in children and adults. Platelet-derived growth factor-D (PDGF-D) mediates glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in various models of kidney disease, prompting investigation of its role in a murine model of Alport syndrome. In vitro, PDGF-D induced proliferation and profibrotic activation of conditionally immortalized human parietal epithelial cells. In Col4a3-/- mice, a model of Alport syndrome, PDGF-D mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated compared with non-diseased wild-type mice. To analyze the therapeutic potential of PDGF-D inhibition, Col4a3-/- mice were treated with a PDGF-D neutralizing antibody. Surprisingly, PDGF-D antibody treatment had no effect on renal function, glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis, or other indices of kidney injury compared with control treatment with unspecific IgG. To characterize the role of PDGF-D in disease development, Col4a3-/- mice with a constitutive genetic deletion of Pdgfd were generated and analyzed. No difference in pathologic features or kidney function was observed in Col4a3-/-Pdgfd-/- mice compared with Col4a3-/-Pdgfd+/+ littermates, confirming the antibody treatment data. Mechanistically, lack of proteolytic PDGF-D activation in Col4a3-/- mice might explain the lack of effects in vivo. In conclusion, despite its established role in kidney fibrosis, PDGF-D, without further activation, does not mediate the development and progression of Alport syndrome in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Miriam Buhl
- Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany; Electron Microscopy Facility, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nassim Bouteldja
- Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Bart Smeets
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ulf Eriksson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Boor
- Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany; Electron Microscopy Facility, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany; Department of Nephrology and Immunology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
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Di X, Chen J, Li Y, Wang M, Wei J, Li T, Liao B, Luo D. Crosstalk between fibroblasts and immunocytes in fibrosis: From molecular mechanisms to clinical trials. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1545. [PMID: 38264932 PMCID: PMC10807359 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1545] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of fibroblasts on the immune system provides insight into the function of fibroblasts. In various tissue microenvironments, multiple fibroblast subtypes interact with immunocytes by secreting growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, leading to wound healing, fibrosis, and escape of cancer immune surveillance. However, the specific mechanisms involved in the fibroblast-immunocyte interaction network have not yet been fully elucidated. MAIN BODY AND CONCLUSION Therefore, we systematically reviewed the molecular mechanisms of fibroblast-immunocyte interactions in fibrosis, from the history of cellular evolution and cell subtype divisions to the regulatory networks between fibroblasts and immunocytes. We also discuss how these communications function in different tissue and organ statuses, as well as potential therapies targeting the reciprocal fibroblast-immunocyte interplay in fibrosis. A comprehensive understanding of these functional cells under pathophysiological conditions and the mechanisms by which they communicate may lead to the development of effective and specific therapies targeting fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingpeng Di
- Department of Urology and Institute of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Department of Urology and Institute of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Urology and Institute of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Menghua Wang
- Department of Urology and Institute of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Jingwen Wei
- Department of Urology and Institute of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Tianyue Li
- Department of Urology and Institute of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Banghua Liao
- Department of Urology and Institute of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Deyi Luo
- Department of Urology and Institute of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
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Chen Y, Zhou H, Wu H, Lu W, He Y. Abnormal Fetal Lung of Hoxa1 -/- Piglets Is Rescued by Maternal Feeding with All-Trans Retinoic Acid. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2850. [PMID: 37760250 PMCID: PMC10525738 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal Hoxa1-/- piglets were characterized by dyspnea owing to the Hoxa1 mutation, and maternal administration with ATRA alleviated the dyspnea of neonatal Hoxa1-/- piglets. The purpose of this experiment was to explore how maternal ATRA administration rescued the abnormal fetal lungs of Hoxa1-/- piglets. Samples of the lungs were collected from neonatal Hoxa1-/- and non-Hoxa1-/- piglets delivered by sows in the control group, and from neonatal Hoxa1-/- piglets born by sows administered with ATRA at 4 mg/kg body weight on dpc 12, 13, or 14, respectively. These were used for the analysis of ELISA, histological morphology, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry staining, and quantitative real-time PCR. The results indicate that the Hoxa1 mutation had adverse impacts on the development of the alveoli and pulmonary microvessels of Hoxa1-/- piglets. Maternal administration with ATRA at 4 mg/kg body weight on dpc 14 rescued the abnormal lung development of Hoxa1-/- piglets by increasing the IFN-γ concentration (p < 0.05), airspace area (p < 0.01) and pulmonary microvessel density (p < 0.01); increasing the expression of VEGFD (p < 0.01), PDGFD (p < 0.01), KDR (p < 0.01), ID1 (p < 0.01), and NEDD4 (p < 0.01); and decreasing the septal wall thickness (p < 0.01) and the expression of SFTPC (p < 0.01) and FOXO3 (p < 0.01). Maternal administration with ATRA plays a vital role in rescuing the abnormal development of lung of Hoxa1-/- fetal piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Chen
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Engineering Research Center of Feed Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (Y.C.); (W.L.)
- Department of Animal Science, Ganzhou Polytechnic, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Haimei Zhou
- Department of Animal Science, Jiangxi Agricultural Engineering College, Zhangshu 331200, China;
| | - Huadong Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China;
| | - Wei Lu
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Engineering Research Center of Feed Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (Y.C.); (W.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China;
| | - Yuyong He
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Engineering Research Center of Feed Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (Y.C.); (W.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China;
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Kim HJ, Cheng P, Travisano S, Weldy C, Monteiro JP, Kundu R, Nguyen T, Sharma D, Shi H, Lin Y, Liu B, Haldar S, Jackson S, Quertermous T. Molecular mechanisms of coronary artery disease risk at the PDGFD locus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:847. [PMID: 36792607 PMCID: PMC9932166 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36518-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome wide association studies for coronary artery disease (CAD) have identified a risk locus at 11q22.3. Here, we verify with mechanistic studies that rs2019090 and PDGFD represent the functional variant and gene at this locus. Further, FOXC1/C2 transcription factor binding at rs2019090 is shown to promote PDGFD transcription through the CAD promoting allele. With single cell transcriptomic and histology studies with Pdgfd knockdown in an SMC lineage tracing male atherosclerosis mouse model we find that Pdgfd promotes expansion, migration, and transition of SMC lineage cells to the chondromyocyte phenotype. Pdgfd also increases adventitial fibroblast and pericyte expression of chemokines and leukocyte adhesion molecules, which is linked to plaque macrophage recruitment. Despite these changes there is no effect of Pdgfd deletion on overall plaque burden. These findings suggest that PDGFD mediates CAD risk by promoting deleterious phenotypic changes in SMC, along with an inflammatory response that is primarily focused in the adventitia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Paul Cheng
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Stanislao Travisano
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Chad Weldy
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - João P Monteiro
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ramendra Kundu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Trieu Nguyen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Disha Sharma
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Huitong Shi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yi Lin
- Research Center for Intelligent Computing Platforms, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Boxiang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Saptarsi Haldar
- Amgen Inc., 1120 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Simon Jackson
- Amgen Inc., 1120 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Thomas Quertermous
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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5
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Kim HJ, Cheng P, Travisano S, Weldy C, Monteiro JP, Kundu R, Nguyen T, Sharma D, Shi H, Lin Y, Liu B, Haldar S, Jackson S, Quertermous T. Molecular mechanisms of coronary artery disease risk at the PDGFD locus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.26.525789. [PMID: 36747745 PMCID: PMC9900883 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling has been extensively studied in the context of vascular disease, but the genetics of this pathway remain to be established. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) for coronary artery disease (CAD) have identified a risk locus at 11q22.3, and we have verified with fine mapping approaches that the regulatory variant rs2019090 and PDGFD represent the functional variant and putative functional gene. Further, FOXC1/C2 transcription factor (TF) binding at rs2019090 was found to promote PDGFD transcription through the CAD promoting allele. Employing a constitutive Pdgfd knockout allele along with SMC lineage tracing in a male atherosclerosis mouse model we mapped single cell transcriptomic, cell state, and lesion anatomical changes associated with gene loss. These studies revealed that Pdgfd promotes expansion, migration, and transition of SMC lineage cells to the chondromyocyte phenotype and vascular calcification. This is in contrast to protective CAD genes TCF21, ZEB2, and SMAD3 which we have shown to promote the fibroblast-like cell transition or perturb the pattern or extent of transition to the chondromyocyte phenotype. Further, Pdgfd expressing fibroblasts and pericytes exhibited greater expression of chemokines and leukocyte adhesion molecules, consistent with observed increased macrophage recruitment to the plaque. Despite these changes there was no effect of Pdgfd deletion on SMC contribution to the fibrous cap or overall lesion burden. These findings suggest that PDGFD mediates CAD risk through promoting SMC expansion and migration, in conjunction with deleterious phenotypic changes, and through promoting an inflammatory response that is primarily focused in the adventitia where it contributes to leukocyte trafficking to the diseased vessel wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA; 94305
| | - Paul Cheng
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA; 94305
| | - Stanislao Travisano
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA; 94305
| | - Chad Weldy
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA; 94305
| | - João P. Monteiro
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA; 94305
| | - Ramendra Kundu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA; 94305
| | - Trieu Nguyen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA; 94305
| | - Disha Sharma
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA; 94305
| | - Huitong Shi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA; 94305
| | - Yi Lin
- Research Center for Intelligent Computing Platforms, Zhejiang Laboratory, China 311121
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228
| | - Boxiang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228
| | - Saptarsi Haldar
- Amgen Inc., 1120 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Simon Jackson
- Amgen Inc., 1120 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Thomas Quertermous
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA; 94305
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6
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Ding Y, Tao C, Chen Q, Chen L, Hu X, Li M, Wang S, Jiang F. Cynarin inhibits PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and activation in hepatic stellate cells through PPARγ. OPEN CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/chem-2022-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cynarin, a caffeoylquinic acid compound that was mainly extracted from Cynara scolymus L., displays various activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, choleretic, and hepatoprotective functions. However, the target of cynarin and the mechanism of its hepatoprotective effect are still unclear. To find cynarin’s target, we performed molecular docking analysis, fluorescence-based ligand-binding assay, and reporter gene system assay. Our results indicated that cynarin was a partial agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Further studies showed that cynarin significantly inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation and activation of rat CFSC-8G hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Our results also revealed that cynarin inhibited PDGF-BB-induced extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) and v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) phosphorylation in HSCs. In addition, this inhibition effect was PPARγ dependent since the knockdown of PPARγ significantly attenuated the effects of cynarin on PDGF-BB-induced p-ERK, p-AKT, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressions. Therefore, this study suggests that cynarin is a promising antifibrotic lead compound that inhibits the activation of HSCs, and it works by targeting PPARγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ding
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forest Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University , Kunming 650224 , China
| | - Congcong Tao
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forest Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University , Kunming 650224 , China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University , Xiamen 361102 , China
| | - Qian Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University , Xiamen 361102 , China
| | - Lulu Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University , Xiamen 361102 , China
| | - Xianwen Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University , Xiamen 361102 , China
| | - Mingyu Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University , Xiamen 361102 , China
| | - Shicong Wang
- Fujian Pien Tze Huang Enterprise Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou Pien Tze Huang Pharmaceutical, Co., Ltd. , Zhangzhou 363000 , China
| | - Fuquan Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University , Xiamen 361102 , China
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Maretti-Mira AC, Salomon MP, Hsu AM, Kanel GC, Golden-Mason L. Hepatic damage caused by long-term high cholesterol intake induces a dysfunctional restorative macrophage population in experimental NASH. Front Immunol 2022; 13:968366. [PMID: 36159810 PMCID: PMC9495937 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.968366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive dietary cholesterol is preferentially stored in the liver, favoring the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by progressive hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Emerging evidence indicates a critical contribution of hepatic macrophages to NASH severity. However, the impact of cholesterol on these cells in the setting of NASH remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the dietary cholesterol content directly affects hepatic macrophage global gene expression. Our findings suggest that the modifications triggered by prolonged high cholesterol intake induce long-lasting hepatic damage and support the expansion of a dysfunctional pro-fibrotic restorative macrophage population even after cholesterol reduction. The present work expands the understanding of the modulatory effects of cholesterol on innate immune cell transcriptome and may help identify novel therapeutic targets for NASH intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Maretti-Mira
- USC Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Ana C. Maretti-Mira,
| | - Matthew P. Salomon
- USC Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Angela M. Hsu
- USC Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Gary C. Kanel
- USC Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- USC Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Li D, Huang LT, Zhang CP, Li Q, Wang JH. Insights Into the Role of Platelet-Derived Growth Factors: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis and Treatment. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:890509. [PMID: 35847662 PMCID: PMC9283766 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.890509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, commonly occurs in the elderly population, causing a significant medical and economic burden to the aging society worldwide. At present, there are few effective methods that achieve satisfactory clinical results in the treatment of PD. Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) are important neurotrophic factors that are expressed in various cell types. Their unique structures allow for specific binding that can effectively regulate vital functions in the nervous system. In this review, we summarized the possible mechanisms by which PDGFs/PDGFRs regulate the occurrence and development of PD by affecting oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, protein folding and aggregation, Ca2+ homeostasis, and cell neuroinflammation. These modes of action mainly depend on the type and distribution of PDGFs in different nerve cells. We also summarized the possible clinical applications and prospects for PDGF in the treatment of PD, especially in genetic treatment. Recent advances have shown that PDGFs have contradictory roles within the central nervous system (CNS). Although they exert neuroprotective effects through multiple pathways, they are also associated with the disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Our recommendations based on our findings include further investigation of the contradictory neurotrophic and neurotoxic effects of the PDGFs acting on the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Family Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Le-Tian Huang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Cheng-pu Zhang
- Department of Family Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Li,
| | - Jia-He Wang
- Department of Family Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Jia-He Wang,
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Targeting fibrosis, mechanisms and cilinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:206. [PMID: 35773269 PMCID: PMC9247101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01070-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by the excessive extracellular matrix deposition due to dysregulated wound and connective tissue repair response. Multiple organs can develop fibrosis, including the liver, kidney, heart, and lung. Fibrosis such as liver cirrhosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis caused substantial disease burden. Persistent abnormal activation of myofibroblasts mediated by various signals, such as transforming growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and fibroblast growh factor, has been recongized as a major event in the occurrence and progression of fibrosis. Although the mechanisms driving organ-specific fibrosis have not been fully elucidated, drugs targeting these identified aberrant signals have achieved potent anti-fibrotic efficacy in clinical trials. In this review, we briefly introduce the aetiology and epidemiology of several fibrosis diseases, including liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Then, we summarise the abnormal cells (epithelial cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts) and their interactions in fibrosis. In addition, we also focus on the aberrant signaling pathways and therapeutic targets that regulate myofibroblast activation, extracellular matrix cross-linking, metabolism, and inflammation in fibrosis. Finally, we discuss the anti-fibrotic drugs based on their targets and clinical trials. This review provides reference for further research on fibrosis mechanism, drug development, and clinical trials.
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Antiplatelet therapy associated with lower prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian J Gastroenterol 2022; 41:119-126. [PMID: 35318571 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-021-01230-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing disease burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), approved medical treatments to improve or prevent liver fibrosis are effective only in a small number of patients. Recent studies have found the new use of antiplatelet agents for antifibrotic benefits in NAFLD, but human studies are still limited. The goal of this meta-analysis was to combine the findings of existing relevant studies to investigate the effects of antiplatelet therapy in reducing or preventing advanced liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception to January 2021 to identify all original studies that investigated the use of antiplatelet agents in patients with NAFLD. We used the National Institutes of Health's quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies to assess study quality and risk of bias. The primary outcome was the prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis stage 3-4. Data from each study was combined using the random-effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird to calculate pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of the 2,498 studies identified, 4 studies involving 2,593 patients with NAFLD were included in this study (949 antiplatelet agent users and 1,644 non-antiplatelet agent users). The use of aspirin and/or P2Y12 receptor inhibitors was associated with a lower pooled OR of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD (pooled OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.53-0.81, I2 = 0.0%; p < 0.001). This study focuses on the outcome of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Our study is limited by the small number of studies that were included. Preliminary evidence from this meta-analysis suggests a protective association between antiplatelet therapy and the prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Our findings support future research into repositioning an antiplatelet agent as a novel NAFLD treatment.
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11
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Cheng J, Chen Z, Zuo G, Cao W. Integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes, differentially methylated genes, and natural compounds in hepatitis C virus-induced cirrhosis. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221074525. [PMID: 35086375 PMCID: PMC8801647 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221074525] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify key genes in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced cirrhosis and to predict effective drugs for its treatment. Methods Three datasets were used to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) in HCV-induced cirrhosis. DEGs were subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses using the clusterProfiler R package. Their respective protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using Cytoscape. Cross analysis of DEGs and DMGs was performed to identify the genetic landscape of HCV-induced cirrhosis, and five genes were validated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Molecular autodocking between ISG15 and natural products was performed using AutoDock Tool 1.5.6. Results A total of 357 DEGs and 8,830 DMGs were identified. DEG functional analysis identified several pathways involved in the pathogenesis of HCV-induced cirrhosis. Cross analysis of DEGs and DMGs identified 212 genes, and PPI network analysis identified 25 hub genes. Finally, five genes including ISG15 were identified and confirmed in dataset GSE36411. Artesunate and betulinic acid were shown to have a strong binding affinity to ISG15. Conclusion Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of HCV-induced cirrhosis which could lead to the identification of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiong Cheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12550Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12550Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Guoqing Zuo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12550Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Wenfu Cao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12550Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, P. R. China
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12
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Feldmann S, Grimm I, Stöhr D, Antonini C, Lischka P, Sinzger C, Stegmann C. Targeted mutagenesis on PDGFRα-Fc identifies amino acid modifications that allow efficient inhibition of HCMV infection while abolishing PDGF sequestration. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009471. [PMID: 33780515 PMCID: PMC8031885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) serves as an entry receptor for the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and soluble PDGFRα-Fc can neutralize HCMV at a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of about 10 ng/ml. While this indicates a potential for usage as an HCMV entry inhibitor PDGFRα-Fc can also bind the physiological ligands of PDGFRα (PDGFs), which likely interferes with the respective signaling pathways and represents a potential source of side effects. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that interference with PDGF signaling can be prevented by mutations in PDGFRα-Fc or combinations thereof, without losing the inhibitory potential for HCMV. To this aim, a targeted mutagenesis approach was chosen. The mutations were quantitatively tested in biological assays for interference with PDGF-dependent signaling as well as inhibition of HCMV infection and biochemically for reduced affinity to PDGF-BB, facilitating quantification of PDGFRα-Fc selectivity for HCMV inhibition. Mutation of Ile 139 to Glu and Tyr 206 to Ser strongly reduced the affinity for PDGF-BB and hence interference with PDGF-dependent signaling. Inhibition of HCMV infection was less affected, thus increasing the selectivity by factor 4 and 8, respectively. Surprisingly, the combination of these mutations had an additive effect on binding of PDGF-BB but not on inhibition of HCMV, resulting in a synergistic 260fold increase of selectivity. In addition, a recently reported mutation, Val 242 to Lys, was included in the analysis. PDGFRα-Fc with this mutation was fully effective at blocking HCMV entry and had a drastically reduced affinity for PDGF-BB. Combining Val 242 to Lys with Ile 139 to Glu and/or Tyr 206 to Ser further reduced PDGF ligand binding beyond detection. In conclusion, this targeted mutagenesis approach identified combinations of mutations in PDGFRα-Fc that prevent interference with PDGF-BB but maintain inhibition of HCMV, which qualifies such mutants as candidates for the development of HCMV entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Feldmann
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Dagmar Stöhr
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Chiara Antonini
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Peter Lischka
- AiCuris Anti-infective Cures GmbH, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Christian Sinzger
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- * E-mail: (CSi); (CSt)
| | - Cora Stegmann
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- * E-mail: (CSi); (CSt)
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13
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Cheng QN, Yang X, Wu JF, Ai WB, Ni YR. Interaction of non‑parenchymal hepatocytes in the process of hepatic fibrosis (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:364. [PMID: 33760176 PMCID: PMC7986015 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is the process of fibrous scar formation caused by chronic liver injury of different etiologies. Previous studies have hypothesized that the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the central process in HF. The interaction between HSCs and surrounding cells is also crucial. Additionally, hepatic sinusoids capillarization, inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis develop during HF. The process involves multiple cell types that are highly connected and work in unison to maintain the homeostasis of the hepatic microenvironment, which serves a key role in the initiation and progression of HF. The current review provides novel insight into the intercellular interaction among liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, HSCs and Kupffer cells, as well as the hepatic microenvironment in the development of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Ni Cheng
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
| | - Xue Yang
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
| | - Jiang-Feng Wu
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Bing Ai
- The Yiling Hospital of Yichang, Yichang, Hubei 443100, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Ran Ni
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
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14
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Yan L, Messner CJ, Zhang X, Suter-Dick L. Assessment of fibrotic pathways induced by environmental chemicals using 3D-human liver microtissue model. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110679. [PMID: 33387535 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental chemicals, particularly those with persistent and bioaccumulative properties have been linked to liver diseases. Induction of fibrotic pathways is considered as a pre-requirement of chemical induced liver fibrosis. Here, we applied 3D in vitro human liver microtissues (MTs) composed of HepaRG, THP-1 and hTERT-HSC that express relevant hepatic pathways (bile acid, sterol, and xenobiotic metabolism) and can recapitulate key events of liver fibrosis (e.g. extracellular matrix-deposition). The liver MTs were exposed to a known profibrotic chemical, thioacetamide (TAA) and three representative environmental chemicals (TCDD, benzo [a] pyrene (BaP) and PCB126). Both TAA and BaP triggered fibrotic pathway related events such as hepatocellular damage (cytotoxicity and decreased albumin release), hepatic stellate cell activation (transcriptional upregulation of α-SMA and Col1α1) and extracellular matrix remodelling. TCDD or PCB126 at measured concentrations did not elicit these responses in the 3D liver MTs system, though they caused cytotoxicity in HepaRG monoculture at high concentrations. Reduced human transcriptome (RHT) analysis captured molecular responses involved in liver fibrosis when MTs were treated with TAA and BaP. The results suggest that 3D, multicellular, human liver microtissues represent an alternative, human-relevant, in vitro liver model for assessing fibrotic pathways induced by environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Catherine Jane Messner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, 4132, Switzerland; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, 4003, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), 4056, Switzerland
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
| | - Laura Suter-Dick
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, 4132, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), 4056, Switzerland
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15
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PDGFA gene rs9690350 polymorphism increases biliary atresia risk in Chinese children. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:225782. [PMID: 32662506 PMCID: PMC7374268 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a genetic and severe fibro-inflammatory obliterative cholangiopathy of neonates. Platelet-derived growth factor subunit A (PDGFA), as one of participants in liver fibrosis, the overexpression of PDGFA through DNA hypomethylation may lead to the development of BA, but the pathogenesis is still unclear. We conducted a large case-control cohort to investigate the association of genetic variants in PDGFA with BA susceptibility in the Southern Chinese population (506 cases and 1473 controls). We observed that the G allele of rs9690350(G>C) in PDGFA was significantly associated with an increased risk of BA (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.04-1.49, P=0.02). Additionally, the rs9690350 G allele increased the risk of non-cystic biliary atresia (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.04-1.52, P=0.02) and was a genetic biomarker of severe manifestations after surgery. These findings indicate that the rs9690350 G allele is a PDGFA polymorphism associated with the risk of BA that may confer increased disease susceptibility.
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16
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Berumen J, Baglieri J, Kisseleva T, Mekeel K. Liver fibrosis: Pathophysiology and clinical implications. WIREs Mech Dis 2020; 13:e1499. [PMID: 32713091 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a clinically significant finding that has major impacts on patient morbidity and mortality. The mechanism of fibrosis involves many different cellular pathways, but the major cell type involved appears to be hepatic stellate cells. Many liver diseases, including Hepatitis B, C, and fatty liver disease cause ongoing hepatocellular damage leading to liver fibrosis. No matter the cause of liver disease, liver-related mortality increases exponentially with increasing fibrosis. The progression to cirrhosis brings more dramatic mortality and higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Fibrosis can also affect outcomes following liver transplantation in adult and pediatric patients and require retransplantation. Drugs exist to treat Hepatitis B and C that reverse fibrosis in patients with those viral diseases, but there are currently no therapies to directly treat liver fibrosis. Several mouse models of chronic liver diseases have been successfully reversed using novel drug targets with current therapies focusing mostly on prevention of myofibroblast activation. Further research in these areas could lead to development of drugs to treat fibrosis, which will have invaluable impact on patient survival. This article is categorized under: Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Berumen
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kristin Mekeel
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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17
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Katsarou A, Moustakas II, Pyrina I, Lembessis P, Koutsilieris M, Chatzigeorgiou A. Metabolic inflammation as an instigator of fibrosis during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:1993-2011. [PMID: 32536770 PMCID: PMC7267690 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i17.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive storage of fatty acids in the form of triglycerides in hepatocytes. It is most prevalent in western countries and includes a wide range of clinical and histopathological findings, namely from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and fibrosis, which may lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. The key event for the transition from steatosis to fibrosis is the activation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSC) and their differentiation to myofibroblasts. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), expressed by a plethora of immune cells, serve as essential components of the innate immune system whose function is to stimulate phagocytosis and mediate inflammation upon binding to them of various molecules released from damaged, apoptotic and necrotic cells. The activation of PRRs on hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, the resident macrophages of the liver, and other immune cells results in the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as profibrotic factors in the liver microenvironment leading to qHSC activation and subsequent fibrogenesis. Thus, elucidation of the inflammatory pathways associated with the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD may lead to a better understanding of its pathophysiology and new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Katsarou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
- 251 Hellenic Airforce General Hospital, Athens 11525, Greece
| | - Ioannis I Moustakas
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Iryna Pyrina
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Lembessis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany.
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18
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Dhar D, Baglieri J, Kisseleva T, Brenner DA. Mechanisms of liver fibrosis and its role in liver cancer. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:96-108. [PMID: 31924111 PMCID: PMC7016420 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219898141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrogenesis is a pathophysiological outcome of chronic liver injury hallmarked by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Fibrosis is a dynamic process that involves cross-talk between parenchymal cells (hepatocytes), hepatic stellate cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells and both resident and infiltrating immune cells. In this review, we focus on key cell-types that contribute to liver fibrosis, cytokines, and chemokines influencing this process and what it takes for fibrosis to regress. We discuss how mitochondria and metabolic changes in hepatic stellate cells modulate the fibrogenic process. We also briefly review how the presence of fibrosis affects development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Dhar
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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19
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Zhao Z, Lin CY, Cheng K. siRNA- and miRNA-based therapeutics for liver fibrosis. Transl Res 2019; 214:17-29. [PMID: 31476281 PMCID: PMC6848786 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing process induced by chronic liver injuries, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and metal poisoning. The accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver is a key characteristic of liver fibrosis. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major producers of ECM and therefore play irreplaceably important roles during the progression of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrogenesis is highly correlated with the activation of HSCs, which is regulated by numerous profibrotic cytokines. Using RNA interference to downregulate these cytokines in activated HSCs is a promising strategy to reverse liver fibrosis. Meanwhile, microRNAs (miRNAs) have also been exploited for the treatment of liver fibrosis. This review focuses on the current siRNA- and miRNA-based liver fibrosis treatment strategies by targeting activated HSCs in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhao
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.
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20
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ERK Pathway in Activated, Myofibroblast-Like, Hepatic Stellate Cells: A Critical Signaling Crossroad Sustaining Liver Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112700. [PMID: 31159366 PMCID: PMC6600376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrogenic progression of chronic liver disease, whatever the etiology, is characterized by persistent chronic parenchymal injury, chronic activation of inflammatory response, and sustained activation of liver fibrogenesis, and of pathological wound healing response. A critical role in liver fibrogenesis is played by hepatic myofibroblasts (MFs), a heterogeneous population of α smooth-muscle actin—positive cells that originate from various precursor cells through a process of activation and transdifferentiation. In this review, we focus the attention on the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway as a critical one in modulating selected profibrogenic phenotypic responses operated by liver MFs. We will also analyze major therapeutic antifibrotic strategies developed in the last two decades in preclinical studies, some translated to clinical conditions, designed to interfere directly or indirectly with the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in activated hepatic MFs, but that also significantly increased our knowledge on the biology and pathobiology of these fascinating profibrogenic cells.
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21
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Ying HZ, Chen Q, Zhang WY, Zhang HH, Ma Y, Zhang SZ, Fang J, Yu CH. PDGF signaling pathway in hepatic fibrosis pathogenesis and therapeutics (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:7879-7889. [PMID: 28983598 PMCID: PMC5779870 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The platelet‑derived growth factor (PDFG) signaling pathway exerts persistent activation in response to a variety of stimuli and facilitates the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Since this pathway modulates a broad spectrum of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, inflammation and carcinogenesis, it has emerged as a therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis and liver‑associated disorders. The present review exhibits the current knowledge of the role of the PDGF signaling pathway and its pathological profiles in hepatic fibrosis, and assesses the potential of inhibitors which have been investigated in the experimental hepatic fibrosis model, in addition to the clinical challenges associated with these inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Zhong Ying
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Wen-You Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Huan-Huan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Yue Ma
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Song-Zhao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Jie Fang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Chen-Huan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
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22
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Muhl L, Folestad EB, Gladh H, Wang Y, Moessinger C, Jakobsson L, Eriksson U. Neuropilin 1 binds platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-D and is a co-receptor in PDGF-D/PDGF receptor β signaling. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:1365-1378. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.200493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-D is a PDGF receptor β (PDGFRβ) specific ligand implicated in a number of pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, but its biological function remains incompletely understood.
In this study, we demonstrate that PDGF-D binds directly to NRP1, with the requirement of the C-terminal Arg residue of PDGF-D. Stimulation with PDGF-D, but not PDGF-B, induced PDGFRβ/NRP1 complex formation in fibroblasts. Additionally, PDGF-D induced translocation of NRP1 to cell-cell junctions in endothelial cells, independent of PDGFRβ, altering the availability of NRP1 for VEGF-A/VEGF receptor 2 signaling. PDGF-D showed differential effects on pericyte behavior in ex vivo sprouting assays, compared to PDGF-B. Furthermore, PDGF-D induced PDGFRβ/NRP1 interaction in the trans-configuration between endothelial cells and pericytes.
In summary, we show that NRP1 can act as a co-receptor for PDGF-D in PDGFRβ signaling, possibly implicated in intercellular communication in the vascular wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Muhl
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, A3:P4, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erika Bergsten Folestad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, A3:P4, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Gladh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, A3:P4, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yixin Wang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, A3:P4, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christine Moessinger
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, A3:P4, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Jakobsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, A3:P4, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Eriksson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, A3:P4, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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Khan S, Ahirwar K, Jena G. Anti-fibrotic effects of valproic acid: role of HDAC inhibition and associated mechanisms. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1087-101. [PMID: 27411759 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue injuries and pathological insults produce oxidative stress, genetic and epigenetic alterations, which lead to an imbalance between pro- and anti-fibrotic molecules, and subsequent accumulation of extracellular matrix, thereby fibrosis. Various molecular pathways play a critical role in fibroblasts activation, which promotes the extracellular matrix production and accumulation. Recent reports highlighted that histone deacetylases (HDACs) are upregulated in various fibrotic disorders and play a central role in fibrosis, while HDAC inhibitors exert antifibrotic effects. Valproic acid is a first-line anti-epileptic drug and a proven HDAC inhibitor. This review provides the current research and novel insights on antifibrotic effects of valproic acid in various fibrotic conditions with an emphasis on the possible strategies for treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabbir Khan
- Facility for Risk Assessment & Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Kailash Ahirwar
- Facility for Risk Assessment & Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Gopabandhu Jena
- Facility for Risk Assessment & Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
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Wang X, Wu X, Zhang A, Wang S, Hu C, Chen W, Shen Y, Tan R, Sun Y, Xu Q. Targeting the PDGF-B/PDGFR-β Interface with Destruxin A5 to Selectively Block PDGF-BB/PDGFR-ββ Signaling and Attenuate Liver Fibrosis. EBioMedicine 2016; 7:146-56. [PMID: 27322468 PMCID: PMC4909612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PDGF-BB/PDGFR-ββ signaling plays very crucial roles in the process of many diseases such as liver fibrosis. However, drug candidates with selective affinities for PDGF-B/PDGFR-β remain deficient. Here, we identified a natural cyclopeptide termed destruxin A5 that effectively inhibits PDGF-BB-induced PDGFR-β signaling. Interestingly and importantly, the inhibitory mechanism is distinct from the mechanism of tyrosine kinase inhibitors because destruxin A5 does not have the ability to bind to the ATP-binding pocket of PDGFR-β. Using Biacore T200 technology, thermal shift technology, microscale thermophoresis technology and computational analysis, we confirmed that destruxin A5 selectively targets the PDGF-B/PDGFR-β interaction interface to block this signaling. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of destruxin A5 on PDGF-BB/PDGFR-ββ signaling was verified using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models, in which the extent of liver fibrosis was effectively alleviated by destruxin A5. In summary, destruxin A5 may represent an efficacious and more selective inhibitor of PDGF-BB/PDGFR-ββ signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China; Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Xuefeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chunhui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Renxiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China.
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Buhl EM, Djudjaj S, Babickova J, Klinkhammer BM, Folestad E, Borkham-Kamphorst E, Weiskirchen R, Hudkins K, Alpers CE, Eriksson U, Floege J, Boor P. The role of PDGF-D in healthy and fibrotic kidneys. Kidney Int 2016; 89:848-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2015.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Chen Q, Chen L, Wu X, Zhang F, Jin H, Lu C, Shao J, Kong D, Wu L, Zheng S. Dihydroartemisinin prevents liver fibrosis in bile duct ligated rats by inducing hepatic stellate cell apoptosis through modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. IUBMB Life 2016; 68:220-31. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.1478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Lianyun Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Xiafei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
- National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Material Medical; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
| | - Huanhuan Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Chunfeng Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Desong Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
- Department of Science; Technology and Education, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
- National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Material Medical; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
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27
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Weiskirchen R. Hepatoprotective and Anti-fibrotic Agents: It's Time to Take the Next Step. Front Pharmacol 2016; 6:303. [PMID: 26779021 PMCID: PMC4703795 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis cause strong human suffering and necessitate a monetary burden worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of therapies. Pre-clinical animal models are indispensable in the drug discovery and development of new anti-fibrotic compounds and are immensely valuable for understanding and proofing the mode of their proposed action. In fibrosis research, inbreed mice and rats are by far the most used species for testing drug efficacy. During the last decades, several hundred or even a thousand different drugs that reproducibly evolve beneficial effects on liver health in respective disease models were identified. However, there are only a few compounds (e.g., GR-MD-02, GM-CT-01) that were translated from bench to bedside. In contrast, the large number of drugs successfully tested in animal studies is repeatedly tested over and over engender findings with similar or identical outcome. This circumstance undermines the 3R (Replacement, Refinement, Reduction) principle of Russell and Burch that was introduced to minimize the suffering of laboratory animals. This ethical framework, however, represents the basis of the new animal welfare regulations in the member states of the European Union. Consequently, the legal authorities in the different countries are halted to foreclose testing of drugs in animals that were successfully tested before. This review provides a synopsis on anti-fibrotic compounds that were tested in classical rodent models. Their mode of action, potential sources and the observed beneficial effects on liver health are discussed. This review attempts to provide a reference compilation for all those involved in the testing of drugs or in the design of new clinical trials targeting hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy, and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
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Borkham-Kamphorst E, Weiskirchen R. The PDGF system and its antagonists in liver fibrosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 28:53-61. [PMID: 26547628 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling plays an important role in activated hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblast proliferation, chemotaxis, migration and cell survival. PDGF receptors and ligands are upregulated in experimental liver fibrotic models as well as in human liver fibrotic diseases. Blocking of PDGF signaling ameliorates experimental liver fibrogenesis. The plurality of molecular and cellular activities of PDGF and its involvement in initiation, progression and resolution of hepatic fibrogenesis offers an infinite number of therapeutic possibilities. These include the application of therapeutic antibodies (e.g. AbyD3263, MOR8457) which specifically sequester individual PDGF isoforms or the inhibition of PDGF isoforms by synthetic aptamers. In particular, the isolation of innovative slow off-rate modified aptamers (e.g., SOMAmer SL1 and SL5) that carry functional groups absent in natural nucleic acids by the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential (SELEX) enrichment technique offers the possibility to design high affinity aptamers that target PDGF isoforms for clinical purposes. Dominant-negative soluble PDGF receptors are also effective in attenuation of hepatic stellate cell proliferation and hepatic fibrogenesis. Moreover, some multikinase inhibitors targeting PDGF signaling have been intensively tested during the last decade and are on the way into advanced preclinical studies and clinical trials. This narrative review aims to gauge the recent progression of research into PDGF systems and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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