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Liou CJ, Wu SJ, Yang HC, Fang LW, Cheng SC, Huang WC. Licochalcone D ameliorates lipid metabolism in hepatocytes by modulating lipogenesis and autophagy. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 975:176644. [PMID: 38754535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease is a metabolic disease caused by abnormal lipid accumulation in the liver. Excessive lipid accumulation results in liver inflammation and fibrosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the chalcone licochalcone D, which is isolated from Glycyrrhiza inflata Batal, has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study explored whether licochalcone D can regulate lipid accumulation in fatty liver cells. FL83B hepatocytes were incubated with oleic acid to establish a fatty liver cell model, and then treated with licochalcone D to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of lipid metabolism. In addition, male C57BL/6 mice were fed a methionine/choline-deficient diet to induce an animal model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and given 5 mg/kg licochalcone D by intraperitoneal injection. In cell experiments, licochalcone D significantly reduced lipid accumulation in fatty liver cells and reduced sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c expression, blocking fatty acid synthase production. Licochalcone D increased adipose triglyceride lipase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 expression, enhancing lipolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation, respectively. Licochalcone D also significantly increased SIRT-1 and AMPK phosphorylation, reducing acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation and inhibiting fatty acid synthesis. Licochalcone D also increased the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes to promote autophagy, reducing oil droplet accumulation in fatty liver cells. In the animal experiments, licochalcone D effectively reduced the number of lipid vacuoles and degree of fibrosis in liver tissue and inhibited liver inflammation. Thus, licochalcone D can improve MASH by reducing lipid accumulation, inhibiting inflammation, and increasing autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chian-Jiun Liou
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan; Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ju Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan; Aesthetic Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, 33303, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chi Yang
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wen Fang
- Department of Nutrition, I-Shou University, No.8, Yida Rd. Yanchao Dist., Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chen Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 33303, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chung Huang
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital (Built and Operated by Chang Gung Medical Foundation), New Taipei, 23656, Taiwan.
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Barlabà A, Grella C, Tammaro M, Petrone D, Guarino S, Miraglia Del Giudice E, Marzuillo P, Di Sessa A. Kidney function evaluation in children and adolescents with obesity: a not-negligible need. Eur J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s00431-024-05641-0. [PMID: 38871979 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05641-0] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The role of obesity as risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been well-recognized. As previously demonstrated in adults, emerging data highlighted the relevant impact of obesity on renal function since childhood. As a matter of fact, obesity also affects renal health through a complex pathogenic mechanism in which insulin resistance (IR) plays a pivotal role. Worthy of note, the vicious interplay among obesity, IR, and renal hemodynamics clinically translates into a plethora of kidney function impairments potentially leading to CKD development. Therefore, renal injury needs to be added to the well-known spectrum of cardiometabolic obesity comorbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes, IR, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease). CONCLUSION Taking this into account, a careful and timely monitoring of kidney function should not be neglected in the global assessment of children with obesity. We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the relevance of kidney evaluation in children with obesity by shedding lights on the intriguing relationship of obesity with renal health in this at-risk population. WHAT IS KNOWN • Obesity has been found to be a risk factor for chronic kidney disease. • Unlike adults, pediatric data supporting the association between obesity and renal function are still limited. WHAT IS NEW • As observed in adults, obesity might affect renal function since childhood. • Kidney function should be carefully evaluated in children with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Barlabà
- Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carolina Grella
- Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Tammaro
- Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Delfina Petrone
- Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Guarino
- Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Marzuillo
- Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Sessa
- Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
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Allen AM, Younossi ZM, Diehl AM, Charlton MR, Lazarus JV. Envisioning how to advance the MASH field. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:10.1038/s41575-024-00938-9. [PMID: 38834817 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00938-9] [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] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Since 1980, the cumulative effort of scientists and health-care stakeholders has advanced the prerequisites to address metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a prevalent chronic non-communicable liver disease. This effort has led to, among others, the approval of the first drug specific for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH; formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). Despite substantial progress, MASLD is still a leading cause of advanced chronic liver disease, including primary liver cancer. This Perspective contextualizes the nomenclature change from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to MASLD and proposes important considerations to accelerate further progress in the field, optimize patient-centric multidisciplinary care pathways, advance pharmacological, behavioural and diagnostic research, and address health disparities. Key regulatory and other steps necessary to optimize the approval and access to upcoming additional pharmacological therapeutic agents for MASH are also outlined. We conclude by calling for increased education and awareness, enhanced health system preparedness, and concerted action by policy-makers to further the public health and policy agenda to achieve at least parity with other non-communicable diseases and to aid in growing the community of practice to reduce the human and economic burden and end the public health threat of MASLD and MASH by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina M Allen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Zobair M Younossi
- Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
- The Global NASH Council, Washington DC, USA
| | | | - Michael R Charlton
- Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- The Global NASH Council, Washington DC, USA.
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH), New York, NY, USA.
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Crudele L, De Matteis C, Novielli F, Di Buduo E, Petruzzelli S, De Giorgi A, Antonica G, Berardi E, Moschetta A. Fatty Liver Index (FLI) is the best score to predict MASLD with 50% lower cut-off value in women than in men. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:43. [PMID: 38760802 PMCID: PMC11100212 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00617-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is defined by the presence of hepatic steatosis, detected on ultrasonography (US) imaging or histology, and at least one of criteria for Metabolic Syndrome diagnosis. Simple non-invasive tests (NITs) have been proposed as an acceptable alternative when US and biopsy are not available or feasible but have not been validated for MASLD. In this observational study, we investigated the reliability of NITs for MASLD detection and whether sex-differences in screening methods should be considered. METHODS We included 1069 individuals (48% males and 52% females) who underwent their first clinical examination for Metabolic Syndrome in the period between January 2015 and December 2022. Liver steatosis was detected through US and anthropometric and clinical parameters were recorded. RESULTS Liver steatosis was detected in 648 patients and MASLD was diagnosed in 630 subjects (355 males; 275 females). Women with MASLD showed better metabolic profile and lower prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome criteria than men. Among NITs, Fatty Liver Index (FLI) showed the best ability for detection of MASLD, with a cut-off value of 44 (AUC = 0.82). When considering the two sexes for MASLD detection via FLI, despite no substantial differences regarding FLI correlations with metabolic biomarkers except for age, women showed marked lower FLI cut-off value (32; AUC = 0.80) than men (60; AUC = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found that FLI is the best non-invasive predictor of both liver steatosis and MASLD. The finding that in women FLI cut-off value for MASLD detection is 50% lower than in men suggests the need of a sex-specific personalized program of screening and prevention of dysmetabolism-related liver diseases, despite outwardly healthy biomarkers profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucilla Crudele
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare N. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo De Matteis
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare N. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Novielli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare N. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Ersilia Di Buduo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare N. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Petruzzelli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare N. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia De Giorgi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare N. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Antonica
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare N. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Elsa Berardi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare N. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Moschetta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare N. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
- INBB National Institute for Biostructure and Biosystems, Viale Delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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Papadopoulos G, Giannousi E, Avdi AP, Velliou RI, Nikolakopoulou P, Chatzigeorgiou A. Τ cell-mediated adaptive immunity in the transition from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343806. [PMID: 38774646 PMCID: PMC11106433 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343806] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the progressed version of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, but also a pathophysiological "hub" that favors the emergence of liver malignancies. Current research efforts aim to identify risk factors, discover disease biomarkers, and aid patient stratification in the context of MASH-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent cancer among MASLD patients. To investigate the tumorigenic transition in MASH-induced HCC, researchers predominantly exploit preclinical animal-based MASH models and studies based on archived human biopsies and clinical trials. Recapitulating the immune response during tumor development and progression is vital to obtain mechanistic insights into MASH-induced HCC. Notably, the advanced complexity behind MASLD and MASH pathogenesis shifted the research focus towards innate immunity, a fundamental element of the hepatic immune niche that is usually altered robustly in the course of liver disease. During the last few years, however, there has been an increasing interest for deciphering the role of adaptive immunity in MASH-induced HCC, particularly regarding the functions of the various T cell populations. To effectively understand the specific role of T cells in MASH-induced HCC development, scientists should urgently fill the current knowledge gaps in this field. Pinpointing the metabolic signature, sketching the immune landscape, and characterizing the cellular interactions and dynamics of the specific T cells within the MASH-HCC liver are essential to unravel the mechanisms that adaptive immunity exploits to enable the emergence and progression of this cancer. To this end, our review aims to summarize the current state of research regarding the T cell functions linked to MASH-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Papadopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Giannousi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini P. Avdi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rallia-Iliana Velliou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences (AIMES), Karolinska Institute and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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6
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Osonoi S, Takebe T. Organoid-guided precision hepatology for metabolic liver disease. J Hepatol 2024; 80:805-821. [PMID: 38237864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease affects millions of people worldwide. Progress towards a definitive cure has been incremental and treatment is currently limited to lifestyle modification. Hepatocyte-specific lipid accumulation is the main trigger of lipotoxic events, driving inflammation and fibrosis. The underlying pathology is extraordinarily heterogenous, and the manifestations of steatohepatitis are markedly influenced by metabolic communications across non-hepatic organs. Synthetic human tissue models have emerged as powerful platforms to better capture the mechanistic diversity in disease progression, while preserving person-specific genetic traits. In this review, we will outline current research efforts focused on integrating multiple synthetic tissue models of key metabolic organs, with an emphasis on organoid-based systems. By combining functional genomics and population-scale en masse profiling methodologies, human tissues derived from patients can provide insights into personalised genetic, transcriptional, biochemical, and metabolic states. These collective efforts will advance our understanding of steatohepatitis and guide the development of rational solutions for mechanism-directed diagnostic and therapeutic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Osonoi
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Takanori Takebe
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; WPI Premium Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe) and Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan; Communication Design Center, Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan.
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Luo Z, Yan S, Chao Y, Shen M. Unveiling the mitophagy puzzle in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Six hub genes for early diagnosis and immune modulatory roles. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28935. [PMID: 38601640 PMCID: PMC11004814 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28935] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) stands as a predominant chronic liver ailment globally, yet its pathogenesis remains elusive. This study aims to identify Hub mitophagy-related genes (MRGs), and explore the underlying pathological mechanisms through which these hub genes regulate NAFLD. Methods A total of 3 datasets were acquired from the GEO database and integrated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in NAFLD and perform Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). By intersecting DEGs with MRGs, mitophagy-related differentially expressed genes (MRDEGs) were obtained. Then, hub MRGs with diagnostic biomarker capability for NAFLD were screened and a diagnostic prediction model was constructed and assessed using Nomogram, Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), and ROC curves. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted on the identified hub genes to explore their biological significance. Additionally, regulatory networks were constructed using databases. NAFLD was stratified into high and low-risk groups based on the Riskscore from the diagnostic prediction model. Furthermore, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT algorithms were employed to analyze immune cell infiltration patterns and the relationship between Hub MRGs and immune cells. Results The integrated dataset comprised 122 NAFLD samples and 31 control samples. After screening, 18 MRDEGs were identified. Subsequently, six hub MRGs (NR4A1, PPP2R2A, P4HA1, TUBB6, DUSP1, NAMPT) with diagnostic potential were selected through WGCNA, logistic regression, SVM, RF, and LASSO models, all significantly downregulated in NAFLD samples compared to the control group. A diagnostic prediction model based on these six genes demonstrated robust predictive performance. Functional enrichment analysis of the six hub genes revealed involvement in processes such as protein phosphorylation or dephosphorylation. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant association between hub MRGs and infiltrating immune cells. Conclusion We identified six hub MRGs in NAFLD and constructed a diagnostic prediction model based on these six genes, applicable for early NAFLD diagnosis. These genes may participate in regulating NAFLD progression through the modulation of mitophagy and immune activation. Our findings may contribute to subsequent clinical and basic research on NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenguo Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shu Yan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Chao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Shen
- Department of Cardiology, The 926th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kaiyuan, Yunnan, China
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8
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Meyer M, Schwärzler J, Jukic A, Tilg H. Innate Immunity and MASLD. Biomolecules 2024; 14:476. [PMID: 38672492 PMCID: PMC11048298 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040476] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as the most common liver disease worldwide in recent years. MASLD commonly presents as simple hepatic steatosis, but ~25% of patients develop liver inflammation, progressive fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and related hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver inflammation and the degree of fibrosis are key determinants of the prognosis. The pathophysiology of liver inflammation is incompletely understood and involves diverse factors and specifically innate and adaptive immune responses. More specifically, diverse mediators of innate immunity such as proinflammatory cytokines, adipokines, inflammasomes and various cell types like mononuclear cells, macrophages and natural killer cells are involved in directing the inflammatory process in MASLD. The activation of innate immunity is driven by various factors including excess lipids and lipotoxicity, insulin resistance and molecular patterns derived from gut commensals. Targeting pathways of innate immunity might therefore appear as an attractive therapeutic strategy in the future management of MASLD and possibly its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.M.); (A.J.)
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Pipitone RM, Lupo G, Zito R, Javed A, Petta S, Pennisi G, Grimaudo S. The PD-1/PD-L1 Axis in the Biology of MASLD. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3671. [PMID: 38612483 PMCID: PMC11011676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073671] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver (MASL), previously named nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), is a multifactorial disease in which metabolic, genetic, and environmental risk factors play a predominant role. Obesity and type 2 diabetes act as triggers of the inflammatory response, which contributes to the progression of MASL to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. In the liver, several parenchymal, nonparenchymal, and immune cells maintain immunological homeostasis, and different regulatory pathways balance the activation of the innate and adaptative immune system. PD-1/PD-L1 signaling acts, in the maintenance of the balance between the immune responses and the tissue immune homeostasis, promoting self-tolerance through the modulation of activated T cells. Recently, PD-1 has received much attention for its roles in inducing an exhausted T cells phenotype, promoting the tumor escape from immune responses. Indeed, in MASLD, the excessive fat accumulation dysregulates the immune system, increasing cytotoxic lymphocytes and decreasing their cytolytic activity. In this context, T cells exacerbate liver damage and promote tumor progression. The aim of this review is to illustrate the main pathogenetic mechanisms by which the immune system promotes the progression of MASLD and the transition to HCC, as well as to discuss the possible therapeutic applications of PD-1/PD-L1 target therapy to activate T cells and reinvigorate immune surveillance against cancer.
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Zhu W, Hong Y, Tong Z, He X, Li Y, Wang H, Gao X, Song P, Zhang X, Wu X, Tan Z, Huang W, Liu Z, Bao Y, Ma J, Zheng N, Xie C, Ke X, Zhou W, Jia W, Li M, Zhong J, Sheng L, Li H. Activation of hepatic adenosine A1 receptor ameliorates MASH via inhibiting SREBPs maturation. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101477. [PMID: 38508143 PMCID: PMC10983109 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101477] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic (dysfunction)-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the advanced stage of metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) lacking approved clinical drugs. Adenosine A1 receptor (A1R), belonging to the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily, is mainly distributed in the central nervous system and major peripheral organs with wide-ranging physiological functions; however, the exact role of hepatic A1R in MAFLD remains unclear. Here, we report that liver-specific depletion of A1R aggravates while overexpression attenuates diet-induced metabolic-associated fatty liver (MAFL)/MASH in mice. Mechanistically, activation of hepatic A1R promotes the competitive binding of sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) to sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), rather than protein kinase A (PKA) leading to SCAP degradation in lysosomes. Reduced SCAP hinders SREBP1c/2 maturation and thus suppresses de novo lipogenesis and inflammation. Higher hepatic A1R expression is observed in patients with MAFL/MASH and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, which is supposed to be a physiologically adaptive response because A1R agonists attenuate MAFL/MASH in an A1R-dependent manner. These results highlight that hepatic A1R is a potential target for MAFL/MASH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weize Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhaowei Tong
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine Research and Translation for Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Xiaofang He
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinxin Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Pengtao Song
- Department of Pathology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Xianshan Zhang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine Research and Translation for Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Xiaochang Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Zhenhua Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Wenjin Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zekun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yiyang Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Junli Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ningning Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cen Xie
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xisong Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural, Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Wei Jia
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Mingxiao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jing Zhong
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine Research and Translation for Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China.
| | - Lili Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Houkai Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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11
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Byrne CD, Targher G, Tilg H. Thyroid hormone receptor-beta agonists: new MASLD therapies on the horizon. Gut 2024; 73:573-581. [PMID: 38233199 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Byrne
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Metabolic Disease Research Unit, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella (VR), Italy
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University, Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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