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Zhang L, Tao M, Zhang H, Zhang S, Hou X, Zong C, Sun G, Feng S, Yan H, Lu Y, Yang X, Wei L, Zhang L. Lipopolysaccharide modification enhances the inhibitory effect of clodronate liposomes on hepatic fibrosis by depletion of macrophages and hepatic stellate cells. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 395:111015. [PMID: 38663797 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a complex chronic liver disease in which both macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play important roles. Many studies have shown that clodronate liposomes (CLD-lipos) effectively deplete macrophages. However, no liposomes have been developed that target both HSCs and macrophages. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of lipopolysaccharide-coupled clodronate liposomes (LPS-CLD-lipos) and the effects of liposomes size on hepatic fibrosis. Three rat models of hepatic fibrosis were established in vivo; diethylnitrosamine (DEN), bile duct ligation (BDL), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Hematoxylin and eosin staining and serological liver function indices were used to analyze pathological liver damage. Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining were used to evaluate the effect of liposomes on liver collagen fibers. The hydroxyproline content in liver tissues was determined. In vitro cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and immunofluorescence assays were used to further explore the effects of LPS modification and liposomes size on the killing of macrophages and HSCs. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that 200 nm LPS-CLD-lipos significantly inhibited hepatic fibrosis and the abnormal deposition of collagen fibers in the liver and improved the related indicators of liver function. Further results showed that 200 nm LPS-CLD-lipos increased the clearance of macrophages and induced apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells, significantly. The present study demonstrated that 200 nm LPS-CLD-lipos could significantly inhibit hepatic fibrosis and improve liver function-related indices and this study may provide novel ideas and directions for hepatic fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Clinical Research Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Tao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Clinical Research Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hengyan Zhang
- Clinical Research Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shichao Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojuan Hou
- The National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China; Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zong
- The National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China; Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gangqi Sun
- Molecular Pathology Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyao Feng
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haixin Yan
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Yang
- The National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China; Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lixin Wei
- The National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China; Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Clinical Research Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Long C, Zhou X, Xia F, Zhou B. Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Gut Microbiota in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Assessment, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Considerations. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:243. [PMID: 38666855 PMCID: PMC11048184 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a type of metabolic stress liver injury closely related to insulin resistance (IR) and genetic susceptibility without alcohol consumption, which encompasses a spectrum of liver disorders ranging from simple hepatic lipid accumulation, known as steatosis, to the more severe form of steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), posing significant health risks. As a multisystem disease, NAFLD is closely associated with systemic insulin resistance, central obesity, and metabolic disorders, which contribute to its pathogenesis and the development of extrahepatic complications, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and certain extrahepatic cancers. Recent evidence highlights the indispensable roles of intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota in the onset and progression of NAFLD/NASH. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the role of intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota in NAFLD, including intestinal barrier function and assessment, inflammatory factors, TLR4 signaling, and the gut-liver axis. Finally, we conclude with a discussion on the potential therapeutic strategies targeting gut permeability and gut microbiota in individuals with NAFLD/NASH, such as interventions with medications/probiotics, fecal transplantation (FMT), and modifications in lifestyle, including exercise and diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changrui Long
- Department of Pharmacy, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sehenzhen 518107, China;
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China;
| | - Fan Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sehenzhen 518107, China;
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Benjie Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sehenzhen 518107, China;
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen 518107, China
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Wang K, Chen H, Zheng J, Chen J, Chen Y, Yuan Y. Engineered liposomes targeting hepatic stellate cells overcome pathological barriers and reverse liver fibrosis. J Control Release 2024; 368:219-232. [PMID: 38367862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.022] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Dual pathological barriers, including capillarized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and deposited extracellular matrix (ECM), result in insufficient drug delivery, significantly compromising the anti-fibrosis efficacy. Additionally, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hepatic microenvironment are crucial factors contributing to the progression of liver fibrosis. Hence, hyaluronic acid (HA) modified liposomes co-delivering all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and L-arginine (L-arg) were constructed to reverse hepatic fibrosis. By exhibiting exceptional responsiveness to the fibrotic microenvironment, our cleverly constructed liposomes efficiently disrupted the hepatic sinus pathological barrier, leading to enhanced accumulation of liposomes in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and subsequent induction of HSCs quiescence. Specially, excessive ROS in liver fibrosis promotes the conversion of loaded L-arg to nitric oxide (NO). The ensuing NO serves to reestablish the fenestrae structure of capillarized LSECs, thereby augmenting the likelihood of liposomes reaching the hepatic sinus space. Furthermore, subsequent oxidation of NO by ROS into peroxynitrite activates pro-matrix metalloproteinases into matrix metalloproteinases, which further disrupts the deposited ECM barrier. Consequently, this NO-induced cascade process greatly amplifies the accumulation of liposomes within activated HSCs. More importantly, the released RA could induce quiescence of activated HSCs by significantly downregulating the expression of myosin light chain-2, thereby effectively mitigating excessive collagen synthesis and ultimately leading to the reversal of liver fibrosis. Overall, this integrated systemic strategy has taken a significant step forward in advancing the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Hao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Jiani Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Jiali Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Yue Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
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Wu K, Liu Y, Xia J, Liu J, Wang K, Liang H, Xu F, Liu D, Nie D, Tang X, Huang A, Chen C, Tang N. Loss of SLC27A5 Activates Hepatic Stellate Cells and Promotes Liver Fibrosis via Unconjugated Cholic Acid. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304408. [PMID: 37957540 PMCID: PMC10787101 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Although the dysregulation of bile acid (BA) composition has been associated with fibrosis progression, its precise roles in liver fibrosis is poorly understood. This study demonstrates that solute carrier family 27 member 5 (SLC27A5), an enzyme involved in BAs metabolism, is substantially downregulated in the liver tissues of patients with cirrhosis and fibrosis mouse models. The downregulation of SLC27A5 depends on RUNX family transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), which serves as a transcriptional repressor. The findings reveal that experimental SLC27A5 knockout (Slc27a5-/- ) mice display spontaneous liver fibrosis after 24 months. The loss of SLC27A5 aggravates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCI4 ) and thioacetamide (TAA). Mechanistically, SLC27A5 deficiency results in the accumulation of unconjugated BA, particularly cholic acid (CA), in the liver. This accumulation leads to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by upregulated expression of early growth response protein 3 (EGR3). The re-expression of hepatic SLC27A5 by an adeno-associated virus or the reduction of CA levels in the liver using A4250, an apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitor, ameliorates liver fibrosis in Slc27a5-/- mice. In conclusion, SLC27A5 deficiency in mice drives hepatic fibrosis through CA-induced activation of HSCs, highlighting its significant implications for liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Jie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Jiale Liu
- Institute of Life SciencesChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Huijun Liang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Fengli Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Dina Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Dan Nie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Xin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
| | - Chang Chen
- Institute of Life SciencesChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400010China
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Guo Y, Wang H, Lyu R, Wang J, Wang T, Shi J, Lyu L. Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery of MicroRNAs for Fibrotic Diseases. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:53-67. [PMID: 37897655 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00681-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs that mediate the fibrotic process by regulating multiple targets. MicroRNA-based therapy can restore or inhibit miRNA expression and is expected to become an effective approach to prevent and alleviate fibrotic diseases. However, the safe, targeted, and effective delivery of miRNAs is a major challenge in translating miRNA therapy from bench to bedside. In this review, we briefly describe the pathophysiological process of fibrosis and the mechanism by which miRNAs regulate the progression of fibrosis. Additionally, we summarize the miRNA nanodelivery tools for fibrotic diseases, including chemical modifications and polymer-based, lipid-based, and exosome-based delivery systems. Further clarification of the role of miRNAs in fibrosis and the development of a novel nanodelivery system may facilitate the prevention and alleviation of fibrotic diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Guo
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Hanying Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Rumin Lyu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jingpei Shi
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, Yunnan, China.
| | - Lechun Lyu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
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6
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Niu X, Meng Y, Cui J, Li R, Ding X, Niu B, Chang G, Xu N, Li G, Wang Y, Wang L. Hepatic Stellate Cell- and Liver Microbiome-Specific Delivery System for Dihydrotanshinone I to Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis. ACS NANO 2023; 17:23608-23625. [PMID: 37995097 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality associated with liver diseases, yet effective treatment options remain limited. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are a promising target for hepatic fibrogenesis due to their pivotal role in disease progression. Our previous research has demonstrated the potential of Dihydrotanshinone I (DHI), a lipophilic component derived from the natural herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, in treating liver fibrosis by inhibiting the YAP/TEAD2 interaction in HSCs. However, the clinical application of DHI faces challenges due to its poor aqueous solubility and lack of specificity for HSCs. Additionally, recent studies have implicated the impact of liver microbiota, distinct from gut microbiota, on the pathogenesis of liver diseases. In this study, we have developed an HSC- and microbiome-specific delivery system for DHI by conjugating prebiotic-like cyclodextrin (CD) with vitamin A, utilizing PEG2000 as a linker (VAP2000@CD). Our results demonstrate that VAP2000@CD markedly enhances the cellular uptake in human HSC line LX-2 and enhances the deposition of DHI in the fibrotic liver in vivo. Subsequently, intervention with DHI-VAP2000@CD has shown a notable reduction in bile duct-like structure proliferation, collagen accumulation, and the expression of fibrogenesis-associated genes in rats subjected to bile duct ligation. These effects may be attributed to the regulation of the YAP/TEAD2 interaction. Importantly, the DHI-VAP2000@CD intervention has also restored microbial homeostasis in the liver, promoting the amelioration of liver inflammation. Overall, our findings indicate that DHI-VAP2000@CD represents a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis by specifically targeting HSCs and restoring the liver microbial balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Niu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yanan Meng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jinjin Cui
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Rui Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiao Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resource in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Bingyu Niu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ge Chang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guiling Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Laleman W, Mertens J, Vanderschueren E, Praktiknjo M, Trebicka J. Advances in Endohepatology. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:1756-1767. [PMID: 37610016 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the number of endoscopic procedures relevant to patients with liver disease not only increased but also altered and expanded in terms of indications and applications. "Endohepatology" refers to the integration of advanced endoscopy within the practice of hepatology with endoscopic ultrasound as one of the main pillars. Current applications under the umbrella of endohepatology focus on advanced diagnostics and oncological, vascular, and metabolic interventions. These involve, among others, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided liver biopsy, EUS-guided portal pressure gradient measurement, and EUS-guided coil and glue embolization of gastric varices. In addition to its conceptually attractive technical and innovative characteristics, endohepatology is also an appealing practical option for daily practice because it can be offered as a "one-stop clinic" intervention where comprehensive endoscopic diagnostic and/or therapeutic testing is performed in a single outpatient visit. In this review, we will discuss current trends and future developments within endohepatology and the remaining hurdles to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Laleman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Section of Liver and Biliopancreatic Disorders, University Hospitals Leuven, KU LEUVEN, Leuven, Belgium
- Medizinische Klinik B, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster University, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Mertens
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Klinik Hirslanden, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emma Vanderschueren
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Section of Liver and Biliopancreatic Disorders, University Hospitals Leuven, KU LEUVEN, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael Praktiknjo
- Medizinische Klinik B, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster University, Münster, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Medizinische Klinik B, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster University, Münster, Germany
- European Foundation of Chronic Liver Failure, EFCLIF, Barcelona, Spain
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Zhang C, Teng Y, Li F, Ho W, Bai X, Xu X, Zhang XQ. Nanoparticle-Mediated RNA Therapy Attenuates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Related Fibrosis by Targeting Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. ACS NANO 2023; 17:14852-14870. [PMID: 37490628 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury and inflammation triggered by metabolic abnormalities initiate the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), driving fibrosis and parenchymal dysfunction, culminating in disorders such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Unfortunately, there are currently no approved drugs capable of effectively treating NASH due to the challenges in addressing fibrosis and restoring extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. We discovered a significant up-regulation of interleukin-11 (IL-11) in fibrotic livers using two well-established murine models of NASH. To leverage this signaling pathway, we developed a nanoparticle (NP)-assisted RNA interfering approach that specifically targets activated HSCs (aHSCs), blocking IL-11/ERK signaling to regulate HSC transdifferentiation along with fibrotic remodeling. The most potent NP, designated NP-AEAA, showed enhanced accumulation in fibrotic livers with NASH and was primarily enriched in aHSCs. We further investigated the therapeutic efficacy of aHSC-targeting NP-AEAA encapsulating small interfering RNA (siRNA) against IL11 or its cognate receptor IL11ra1 (termed siIL11@NP-AEAA or siIL11ra1@NP-AEAA, respectively) for resolving fibrosis and NASH. Our results demonstrate that both siIL11@NP-AEAA and siIL11ra1@NP-AEAA effectively inhibit HSC activation and resolve fibrosis and inflammation in two well-established murine models of NASH. Notably, siIL11ra1@NP-AEAA exhibits a superior therapeutic effect over siIL11@NP-AEAA, in terms of reducing liver steatosis and fibrosis as well as recovering liver function. These results constitute a targeted nanoparticulate siRNA therapeutic approach against the IL-11 signaling pathway of aHSCs in the fibrotic liver, offering a promising therapeutic intervention for NASH and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshuang Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yilong Teng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | | | | | - Xin Bai
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | | | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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9
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Kim HJ, Baek EB, Hwang JH, Lim M, Jung WH, Bae MA, Son HY, Cho JW. Application of convolutional neural network for analyzing hepatic fibrosis in mice. J Toxicol Pathol 2023; 36:21-30. [PMID: 36683726 PMCID: PMC9837472 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2022-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, with the development of computer vision using artificial intelligence (AI), clinical research on diagnosis and prediction using medical image data has increased. In this study, we applied AI methods to analyze hepatic fibrosis in mice to determine whether an AI algorithm can be used to analyze lesions. Whole slide image (WSI) Sirius Red staining was used to examine hepatic fibrosis. The Xception network, an AI algorithm, was used to train normal and fibrotic lesion identification. We compared the results from two analyses, that is, pathologists' grades and researchers' annotations, to observe whether the automated algorithm can support toxicological pathologists efficiently as a new apparatus. The accuracies of the trained model computed from the training and validation datasets were greater than 99%, and that obtained by testing the model was 100%. In the comparison between analyses, all analyses showed significant differences in the results for each group. Furthermore, both normalized fibrosis grades inferred from the trained model annotated the fibrosis area, and the grades assigned by the pathologists showed significant correlations. Notably, the deep learning algorithm derived the highest correlation with the pathologists' average grade. Owing to the correlation outcomes, we conclude that the trained model might produce results comparable to those of the pathologists' grading of the Sirius Red-stained WSI fibrosis. This study illustrates that the deep learning algorithm can potentially be used for analyzing fibrotic lesions in combination with Sirius Red-stained WSIs as a second opinion tool in non-clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ji Kim
- Toxicological Pathology Research Group, Department of
Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu,
Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea,College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National
University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea,†These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Eun Bok Baek
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National
University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Hwang
- Toxicological Pathology Research Group, Department of
Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu,
Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Minyoung Lim
- Toxicological Pathology Research Group, Department of
Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu,
Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Hoon Jung
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of
Korea
| | - Myung Ae Bae
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of
Korea
| | - Hwa-Young Son
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National
University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea,*Corresponding authors: JW Cho (e-mail: ); HY Son (e-mail: )
| | - Jae-Woo Cho
- Toxicological Pathology Research Group, Department of
Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu,
Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea,*Corresponding authors: JW Cho (e-mail: ); HY Son (e-mail: )
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10
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Lee KC, Wu PS, Lin HC. Pathogenesis and treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and its fibrosis. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:77-98. [PMID: 36226471 PMCID: PMC9845678 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The initial presentation of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is hepatic steatosis. The dysfunction of lipid metabolism within hepatocytes caused by genetic factors, diet, and insulin resistance causes lipid accumulation. Lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress would further contribute to hepatocyte injury and death, leading to inflammation and immune dysfunction in the liver. During the healing process, the accumulation of an excessive amount of fibrosis might occur while healing. During the development of NASH and liver fibrosis, the gut-liver axis, adipose-liver axis, and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may be dysregulated and impaired. Translocation of bacteria or its end-products entering the liver could activate hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells, exacerbating hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Bile acids regulate glucose and lipid metabolism through Farnesoid X receptors in the liver and intestine. Increased adipose tissue-derived non-esterified fatty acids would aggravate hepatic steatosis. Increased leptin also plays a role in hepatic fibrogenesis, and decreased adiponectin may contribute to hepatic insulin resistance. Moreover, dysregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the liver, adipose, and muscle tissues may impair lipid metabolism. In addition, the RAS may contribute to hepatic fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. The treatment includes lifestyle modification, pharmacological therapy, and non-pharmacological therapy. Currently, weight reduction by lifestyle modification or surgery is the most effective therapy. However, vitamin E, pioglitazone, and obeticholic acid have also been suggested. In this review, we will introduce some new clinical trials and experimental therapies for the treatment of NASH and related fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuei-Chuan Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Corresponding author : Kuei-Chuan Lee Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan Tel: +886 2 2871 2121, Fax: +886 2 2873 9318, E-mail:
| | - Pei-Shan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Endoscopy Center for Diagnosis and Treatment, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Corresponding author : Kuei-Chuan Lee Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan Tel: +886 2 2871 2121, Fax: +886 2 2873 9318, E-mail:
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11
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Hsieh YC, Wu PS, Lin YT, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lee KC, Lin HC. (Pro)renin receptor inhibition attenuated liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice with steatohepatitis. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22526. [PMID: 36063123 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200594r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is reportedly involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and hepatocyte PRR knockdown protects mice against hepatosteatosis. However, the impact of PRR inhibition on liver inflammation and fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains unclear. Herein, C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet or fast food diet (FFD) for 24 weeks. Lentivirus-mediated PRR short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or handle region peptide (HRP), a PRR blocker, was administered for PRR inhibition. Mouse primary hepatocytes were cultured with palmitic acid, prorenin, siRNA-targeted PRR, and HRP. In FFD-fed mice, PRR inhibition via lentivirus-mediated PRR knockdown or HRP significantly attenuated liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Mechanistically, PRR knockdown or HRP decreased hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) abundance and upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα). HRP treatment also decreased hepatic PRR expression. In addition, intrahepatic oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammatory cell recruitment were ameliorated by PRR knockdown or HRP treatment, along with suppression of proinflammatory cytokine expression. PRR inhibition downregulated the hepatic expression of profibrotic factors, as well as TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway. In primary mouse hepatocytes, PRR knockdown with siRNA or HRP downregulated cellular ACC and increased PPARα expression. In conclusion, our findings revealed that PRR inhibition attenuated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice with NASH. Accordingly, targeting PRR signaling may serve as a potential treatment for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Cheng Hsieh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shan Wu
- Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Endoscopy Center for Diagnosis and Treatment, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tsung Lin
- Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Chuan Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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12
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Modelling fatty liver disease with mouse liver-derived multicellular spheroids. Biomaterials 2022; 290:121817. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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13
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Li N, Zhang X, Zhou J, Li W, Shu X, Wu Y, Long M. Multiscale biomechanics and mechanotransduction from liver fibrosis to cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114448. [PMID: 35820602 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of multiscale biomechanical studies has been proposed to highlight the mechanical cues in the development of hepatic fibrosis and cancer. At the cellular level, changes in mechanical microenvironment induce phenotypic and functional alterations of hepatic cells, initiating a positive feedback loop that promotes liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Tumor mechanical microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma facilitates tumor cell growth and metastasis, and hinders the drug delivery and immunotherapy. At the molecular level, mechanical forces are sensed and transmitted into hepatic cells via allosteric activation of mechanoreceptors on the cell membrane, leading to the activation of various mechanotransduction pathways including integrin and YAP signaling and then regulating cell function. Thus, the application of mechanomedicine concept in the treatment of liver diseases is promising for rational design and cell-specific delivery of therapeutic drugs. This review mainly discusses the correlation between biomechanical cues and liver diseases from the viewpoint of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wang Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinyu Shu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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14
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Park JH. Regulation of in vivo fate of exosomes for therapeutic applications: New frontier in nanomedicines. J Control Release 2022; 348:483-488. [PMID: 35675897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The significance of exosomes as intercellular messengers in a range of biological phenomena has hugely inspired many researchers to use them for disease diagnosis and treatment. Likewise, since the adoption of exosomes as new tools for our research, I aspired to address relevant delivery challenges with my expertise in the field of nanomedicine to develop better exosome-related therapies. In particular, innately therapeutic and exogenous drug-loaded exosomes should be located at the target site, whereas pathological exosomes or their biogenesis pathways should be targeted to control them. Reflecting recent preclinical efforts in my research group to meet such needs, the related previous work history, and initial accomplishments for regulating the in vivo fate of exosomes are covered in this contribution to the Orations-New Horizons of the Journal of Controlled Release, along with our ambitions for future developments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyung Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Zhou W, Dong G, Gao G, He Z, Xu J, Aziz S, Ma L, Zhao W. Evaluation of HZX-960, a novel DCN1-UBC12 interaction inhibitor, as a potential antifibrotic compound for liver fibrosis. Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 100:309-324. [PMID: 35544948 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2021-0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a very common health problem and currently lacks effective treatments. Cullin ring E3 ligases (CRLs) regulate the turnover of ~20% of mammalian cell proteins. Neddylation, the process by which NEDD8 is covalently attached to cullin proteins through sequential enzymatic reactions, is critical for the activation of CRLs and was recently found to be elevated in liver fibrosis. NEDD8-activating enzyme E1-specific inhibition led to the reduced liver damage characterized by decreased apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis. However, the relevance of a co-E3 ligase, DCN1, in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Here, a novel and potent DCN1-UBC12 interaction inhibitor HZX-960 was discovered with an IC50 value of 9.37nM, which could inhibit the neddylation of cullin3. Importantly, we identified that HZX-960 treatment could attenuate TGFβ-induced liver fibrotic responses by reducing the deposition of collagen I and α-SMA, and upregulating cellular NRF2, HO-1 and NQO1 level in two hepatic stellate cell lines. Additionally, DCN1 was shown to be unregulated in CCl4-induced mice liver tissue, and liver fibrotic signaling in mice was reduced by HZX-960. Therefore, our data demonstrated that HZX-960 possessed anti-liver fibrosis ability, and DCN1 may be a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Zhou
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Oslo University Hospital, 155272, Department of Pathology, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Guanjun Dong
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhnezhou, China;
| | - Ge Gao
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
| | - Zhangxu He
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
| | - Jiale Xu
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
| | - Shireen Aziz
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
| | - Liying Ma
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
| | - Wen Zhao
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
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16
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Li R, Hovingh MV, Koehorst M, de Blaauw P, Verkade HJ, de Boer JF, Kuipers F. Short-term obeticholic acid treatment does not impact cholangiopathy in Cyp2c70-deficient mice with a human-like bile acid composition. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2022; 1867:159163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2022.159163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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17
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Lee J, Byun J, Shim G, Oh YK. Fibroblast activation protein activated antifibrotic peptide delivery attenuates fibrosis in mouse models of liver fibrosis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1516. [PMID: 35314685 PMCID: PMC8938482 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29186-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In liver fibrosis, activated hepatic stellate cells are known to overexpress fibroblast activation protein. Here we report a targeted antifibrotic peptide-delivery system in which fibroblast activation protein, which is overexpressed in fibrotic regions of the liver, liberates the antifibrotic peptide melittin by cleaving a fibroblast activation protein-specific site in the peptide. The promelittin peptide is linked to pegylated and maleimide-functionalized liposomes, resulting in promelittin-modified liposomes. The promelittin-modified liposomes were effective in reducing the viability of activated hepatic stellate cells but not that of control cells. In three types of liver fibrosis mouse models, intravenously administered promelittin-modified liposomes significantly reduces fibrotic regions. In addition, in the bile duct ligation mouse model promelittin-modified liposome-treatment increases overall survival. Although this peptide-delivery concept was tested for liver fibrosis, it can potentially be adapted to other fibrotic diseases. Activated hepatic stellate cells contribute towards the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, and overexpress fibroblast activation protein. Here the authors report a targeted peptide-delivery system in which fibroblast activation protein liberates the antifibrotic peptide melittin, and demonstrate the approach attenuates fibrosis in mouse models of liver fibrosis.
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18
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Dong Z, Yang X, Qiu T, an Y, Zhang G, Li Q, Jiang L, Yang G, Cao J, Sun X, Liu X, Liu D, Yao X. Exosomal miR-181a-2-3p derived from citreoviridin-treated hepatocytes activates hepatic stellate cells trough inducing mitochondrial calcium overload. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 358:109899. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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19
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Keshvari S, Genz B, Teakle N, Caruso M, Cestari MF, Patkar OL, Tse BWC, Sokolowski KA, Ebersbach H, Jascur J, MacDonald KPA, Miller G, Ramm GA, Pettit AR, Clouston AD, Powell EE, Hume DA, Irvine KM. Therapeutic potential of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF1) in chronic liver disease. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274391. [PMID: 35169835 PMCID: PMC9044210 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resident and recruited macrophages control the development and proliferation of the liver. We showed previously in multiple species that treatment with a macrophage colony stimulating factor (CSF1)-Fc fusion protein initiated hepatocyte proliferation and promoted repair in models of acute hepatic injury in mice. Here we investigated the impact of CSF1-Fc on resolution of advanced fibrosis and liver regeneration, utilizing a non-resolving toxin-induced model of chronic liver injury and fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice. Co-administration of CSF1-Fc with exposure to thioacetamide (TAA) exacerbated inflammation consistent with monocyte contributions to initiation of pathology. After removal of TAA, either acute or chronic CSF1-Fc treatment promoted liver growth, prevented progression and promoted resolution of fibrosis. Acute CSF1-Fc treatment was also anti-fibrotic and pro-regenerative in a model of partial hepatectomy in mice with established fibrosis. The beneficial impacts of CSF1-Fc treatment were associated with monocyte-macrophage recruitment and increased expression of remodeling enzymes and growth factors. These studies indicate that CSF1-dependent macrophages contribute to both initiation and resolution of fibrotic injury and that CSF1-Fc has therapeutic potential in human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Keshvari
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Berit Genz
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ngari Teakle
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melanie Caruso
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle F Cestari
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Omkar L Patkar
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brian W C Tse
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kamil A Sokolowski
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hilmar Ebersbach
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Fabrikstrasse 2, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Jascur
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Fabrikstrasse 2, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Grant A Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Allison R Pettit
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew D Clouston
- Envoi Specialist Pathologists, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David A Hume
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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20
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Abstract
Cholestatic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) share several key pathophysiological mechanisms which can be targeted by novel therapeutic concepts that are currently developed for both areas. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcriptional regulators of key metabolic processes including hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism, energy expenditure and bile acid (BA) homoeostasis, as well as inflammation, fibrosis and cellular proliferation. Dysregulation of these processes contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of cholestatic as well as fatty liver disease, placing NRs at the forefront of novel therapeutic approaches. This includes BA and fatty acid activated NRs such as farnesoid-X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, respectively, for which high affinity therapeutic ligands targeting specific or multiple isoforms have been developed. Moreover, novel liver-specific ligands for thyroid hormone receptor beta 1 complete the spectrum of currently available NR-targeted drugs. Apart from FXR ligands, BA signalling can be targeted by mimetics of FXR-activated fibroblast growth factor 19, modulation of their enterohepatic circulation through uptake inhibitors in hepatocytes and enterocytes, as well as novel BA derivatives undergoing cholehepatic shunting (instead of enterohepatic circulation). Other therapeutic approaches more directly target inflammation and/or fibrosis as critical events of disease progression. Combination strategies synergistically targeting metabolic disturbances, inflammation and fibrosis may be ultimately necessary for successful treatment of these complex and multifactorial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Daniela Fuchs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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21
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Lu ZN, Shan Q, Hu SJ, Zhao Y, Zhang GN, Zhu M, Yu DK, Wang JX, He HW. Discovery of 1,8-naphthalidine derivatives as potent anti-hepatic fibrosis agents via repressing PI3K/AKT/Smad and JAK2/STAT3 pathways. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 49:116438. [PMID: 34610571 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the most common pathological consequences of chronic liver diseases (CLD). To develop effective antifibrotic strategies, a novel class of 1-(substituted phenyl)-1,8-naphthalidine-3-carboxamide derivatives were designed and synthesized. By means of the collagen type I α 1 (COL1A1)-based screening and cytotoxicity assay in human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2, seven compounds were screened out from total 60 derivatives with high inhibitory effect and relatively low cytotoxicity for further COL1A1 mRNA expression analysis. It was found that compound 17f and 19g dose-dependently inhibited the expression of fibrogenic markers, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloprotein 2 (MMP-2), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) on both mRNA and protein levels. Further mechanism studies indicated that they might suppress the hepatic fibrogenesis via inhibiting both PI3K/AKT/Smad and non-Smad JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. Furthermore, 19g administration attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation, and reduced fibrogenesis-associated protein expression in liver tissues of bile duct ligation (BDL) rats, showing significant antifibrotic effect in vivo. These findings identified 1,8-naphthalidine derivatives as potent anti-hepatic fibrosis agents, and provided valuable information for further structure optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Ning Lu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qi Shan
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shang-Jiu Hu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Beijing Changping Technology Innodevelop Group, Beijing 102200, China
| | - Guo-Ning Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Mei Zhu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Dong-Ke Yu
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Ju-Xian Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Hong-Wei He
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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22
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Fu Y, Xiao Z, Tian X, Liu W, Xu Z, Yang T, Hu Y, Zhou X, Fang J, Gao S, Zhang D, Mu Y, Zhang H, Hu Y, Huang C, Chen J, Liu P. The Novel Chinese Medicine JY5 Formula Alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Notch Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671152. [PMID: 34630075 PMCID: PMC8493219 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced liver fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis, resulting in an accelerated risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. Fuzheng Huayu formula (FZHY) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula treated liver fibrosis in China approved by a Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (NO: Z20050546), composed of Salvia Miltiorrhiza bge., Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch., cultured Cordyceps sinensis (BerK.) Sacc. Mycelia, Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., Pinus massoniana Lamb., and Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino. However, the main active substances and mechanism of FZHY are unclear. The aim of this study is to identify a novel anti-fibrotic compound, which consists of the main active ingredients of FZHY, and investigate its mechanism of pharmacological action. The main active ingredients of FZHY were investigated by quantitative analysis of FZHY extracts and FZHY-treated plasma and liver in rats. The anti-fibrotic composition of the main active ingredients was studied through uniform design in vivo, and its mechanism was evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis models in rats and mice, and transforming growth factor beta 1-induced LX-2 cell activation model in vitro. A novel Chinese medicine, namely JY5 formula, consisting of salvianolic acid B, schisantherin A, and amygdalin, the main active ingredients of FZHY, significantly alleviated hepatic hydroxyproline content and collagen deposition in CCl4-and BDL-induced fibrotic liver in rats and mice. In addition, JY5 inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by inactivating Notch signaling in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we found a novel JY5 formula, which exerted anti-hepatic fibrotic effects by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway, consequently suppressing HSCs activation. These results provide an adequate scientific basis for clinical research and application of the JY5 formula, which may be a potential novel therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Fu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhun Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoting Tian
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Fang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siqi Gao
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongping Mu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenggang Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Solhi R, Lotfinia M, Gramignoli R, Najimi M, Vosough M. Metabolic hallmarks of liver regeneration. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:731-745. [PMID: 34304970 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite the crucial role of cell metabolism in biological processes, particularly cell division, metabolic aspects of liver regeneration are not well defined. Better understanding of the metabolic activity governing division of liver cells will provide powerful insights into mechanisms of physiological and pathological liver regeneration. Recent studies have provided evidence that metabolic response to liver failure might be a proximal signal to initiate cell proliferation in liver regeneration. In this review, we highlight how lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins dynamically change and orchestrate liver regeneration. In addition, we discuss translational studies in which metabolic intervention has been used to treat chronic liver diseases (CLDs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Solhi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Lotfinia
- Physiology Research Center, Basic Sciences Research Institute, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Core Research Lab, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Roberto Gramignoli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran.
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24
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Hypoxia, Hypoxia-Inducible Factors and Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071764. [PMID: 34359934 PMCID: PMC8305108 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a potentially reversible pathophysiological event, leading to excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and taking place as the net result of liver fibrogenesis, a dynamic and highly integrated process occurring during chronic liver injury of any etiology. Liver fibrogenesis and fibrosis, together with chronic inflammatory response, are primarily involved in the progression of chronic liver diseases (CLD). As is well known, a major role in fibrogenesis and fibrosis is played by activated myofibroblasts (MFs), as well as by macrophages and other hepatic cell populations involved in CLD progression. In the present review, we will focus the attention on the emerging pathogenic role of hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and related mediators in the fibrogenic progression of CLD.
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25
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Extracellular Vesicles in Organ Fibrosis: Mechanisms, Therapies, and Diagnostics. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071596. [PMID: 34202136 PMCID: PMC8305303 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the unrelenting deposition of excessively large amounts of insoluble interstitial collagen due to profound matrigenic activities of wound-associated myofibroblasts during chronic injury in diverse tissues and organs. It is a highly debilitating pathology that affects millions of people globally and leads to decreased function of vital organs and increased risk of cancer and end-stage organ disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced within the chronic wound environment have emerged as important vehicles for conveying pro-fibrotic signals between many of the cell types involved in driving the fibrotic response. On the other hand, EVs from sources such as stem cells, uninjured parenchymal cells, and circulation have in vitro and in vivo anti-fibrotic activities that have provided novel and much-needed therapeutic options. Finally, EVs in body fluids of fibrotic individuals contain cargo components that may have utility as fibrosis biomarkers, which could circumvent current obstacles to fibrosis measurement in the clinic, allowing fibrosis stage, progression, or regression to be determined in a manner that is accurate, safe, minimally-invasive, and conducive to repetitive testing. This review highlights the rapid and recent progress in our understanding of EV-mediated fibrotic pathogenesis, anti-fibrotic therapy, and fibrosis staging in the lung, kidney, heart, liver, pancreas, and skin.
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26
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You DG, Oh BH, Nguyen VQ, Lim GT, Um W, Jung JM, Jeon J, Choi JS, Choi YC, Jung YJ, Lee J, Jo DG, Cho YW, Park JH. Vitamin A-coupled stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles regulate the fibrotic cascade by targeting activated hepatic stellate cells in vivo. J Control Release 2021; 336:285-295. [PMID: 34174353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic transplantation of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) offers great potential for treating liver fibrosis. However, owing to their intrinsic surface characteristics, bare EVs are non-specifically distributed in the liver tissue after systemic administration, leading to limited therapeutic efficacy. To target activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are responsible for hepatic fibrogenesis, vitamin A-coupled small EVs (V-EVs) were prepared by incorporating vitamin A derivative into the membrane of bare EVs. No significant differences were found in the particle size and morphology between bare and V-EVs. In addition, surface engineering of EVs did not affect the expression of surface marker proteins (e.g., CD63 and CD9), as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Owing to the surface incorporation of vitamin A, V-EVs were selectively taken up by activated HSCs via receptor-mediated endocytosis. When systemically administered to mice with liver fibrosis, V-EVs effectively targeted activated HSCs in the liver tissue, resulting in reversal of the fibrotic cascade. Consequently, even at a 10-fold lower dose, V-EVs exhibited comparable anti-fibrotic effects to those of bare EVs, substantiating their therapeutic potential for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Gil You
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Hoon Oh
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Van Quy Nguyen
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeong Taek Lim
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooram Um
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Min Jung
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jueun Jeon
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Suk Choi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea; ExoStemTech Inc., 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chan Choi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea; ExoStemTech Inc., 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Jae Jung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea; ExoStemTech Inc., 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungmi Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Gyu Jo
- ExoStemTech Inc., 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea; School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), , Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Woo Cho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea; ExoStemTech Inc., 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyung Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; ExoStemTech Inc., 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), , Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Eritoran Attenuates Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice with Chronic Liver Injury. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061562. [PMID: 34205789 PMCID: PMC8235164 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling plays a key role in liver inflammation and fibrosis. The therapeutic effects of eritoran, a TLR4 antagonist, in mice with chronic liver injury remained unclear. C57BL/6 mice were fed a fast-food diet (FFD) or treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce chronic liver injury. Eritoran (10 mg/kg) or a vehicle was randomly intraperitoneally administered to the FFD-fed mice and the CCl4-injured mice. Primary mouse liver cells were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or eritoran. In both FFD and CCl4 mouse models, eritoran significantly reduced serum ALT levels and decreased hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration without altering hepatic steatosis. Additionally, eritoran attenuated liver fibrosis by decreasing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and the abundance of α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-β1. Hepatic TLR4 downstream signaling including MyD88 expression, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, p38 and JNK phosphorylation were successfully inhibited by eritoran. In the in vitro study, LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB in primary HSCs and Kupffer cells was significantly suppressed by eritoran. In conclusion, eritoran attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis by inhibition of the TLR4 signaling pathway in mice with chronic liver injury. Eritoran may serve as a potential drug for chronic liver disease.
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28
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Hsieh YC, Lee KC, Lei HJ, Lan KH, Huo TI, Lin YT, Chan CC, Schnabl B, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lin HC. (Pro)renin Receptor Knockdown Attenuates Liver Fibrosis Through Inactivation of ERK/TGF-β1/SMAD3 Pathway. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:813-838. [PMID: 34087453 PMCID: PMC8340309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Activation of the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) up-regulates the expression of profibrotic genes in the kidney and heart. We aimed to investigate the role of PRR in hepatic fibrogenesis. METHODS Human hepatic PRR levels were measured in patients with or without liver fibrosis. PRR expression was analyzed in primary mouse hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Experimental fibrosis was studied in thioacetamide (TAA)-treated or methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet-fed C57BL/6 mice. Lentivirus-mediated PRR short hairpin RNA was used to knockdown hepatic PRR expression. Lentiviral vectors expressing PRR short hairpin RNA or complementary DNA from the α-smooth muscle actin promoter were used for myofibroblast-specific gene knockdown or overexpression. RESULTS PRR is up-regulated in human and mouse fibrotic livers, and in activated HSCs. Hepatic PRR knockdown reduced liver fibrosis by suppressing the activation of HSCs and expression of profibrotic genes in TAA or MCD diet-injured mice without significant changes in hepatic inflammation. Renin and prorenin increased the expression of PRR and production of TGF-β1 in human activated HSC Lieming Xu-2 cells, and knockdown of PRR inactivated Lieming Xu-2 cells with decreased production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) phosphorylation. Myofibroblast-specific PRR knockdown also attenuated liver fibrosis in TAA or MCD diet-injured mice. Mice with both myofibroblast-specific and whole-liver PRR knockdown showed down-regulation of the hepatic extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Myofibroblast-specific PRR overexpression worsened TAA-induced liver fibrosis by up-regulating the ERK/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS PRR contributes to liver fibrosis and HSC activation, and its down-regulation attenuates liver fibrosis through inactivation of the ERK/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Therefore, PRR is a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Cheng Hsieh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Chuan Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Kuei-Chuan Lee, MD, PhD, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan. fax: (886) 2-2873-9318.
| | - Hao-Jan Lei
- Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Hsin Lan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Teh-Ia Huo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tsung Lin
- Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Chang Chan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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29
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Gratte FD, Pasic S, Abu Bakar NDB, Gogoi-Tiwari J, Liu X, Carlessi R, Kisseleva T, Brenner DA, Ramm GA, Olynyk JK, Tirnitz-Parker JEE. Previous liver regeneration induces fibro-protective mechanisms during thioacetamide-induced chronic liver injury. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 134:105933. [PMID: 33540107 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.105933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury is characterised by continuous or repeated epithelial cell loss and inflammation. Hepatic wound healing involves matrix deposition through activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the expansion of closely associated Ductular Reactions and liver progenitor cells (LPCs), which are thought to give rise to new epithelial cells. In this study, we used the murine thioacetamide (TAA) model to reliably mimic these injury and regeneration dynamics and assess the impact of a recovery phase on subsequent liver injury and fibrosis. Age-matched naïve or 6-week TAA-treated/4-week recovered mice (C57BL/6 J, n = 5-9) were administered TAA for six weeks (C57BL/6 J, n = 5-9). Sera and liver tissues were harvested at key time points to assess liver injury biochemically, by real-time PCR for fibrotic mediators, Sirius Red staining and hydroxyproline assessment for collagen deposition as well as immunofluorescence for inflammatory, HSC and LPC markers. In addition, primary HSCs and the HSC cell line LX-2 were co-cultured with the well-characterised LPC line BMOL and analysed for potential changes in expression of fibrogenic mediators. Our data demonstrate that recovery from a previous TAA insult, with LPCs still present on day 0 of the second treatment, led to a reduced TAA-induced disease progression with less severe fibrosis than in naïve TAA-treated animals. Importantly, primary activated HSCs significantly reduced pro-fibrogenic gene expression when co-cultured with LPCs. Taken together, previous TAA injury established a fibro-protective molecular and cellular microenvironment. Our proof-of principle HSC/LPC co-culture data demonstrate that LPCs communicate with HSCs to regulate fibrogenesis, highlighting a key role for LPCs as regulatory cells during chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis D Gratte
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia; Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - Sara Pasic
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - N Dianah B Abu Bakar
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - Jully Gogoi-Tiwari
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia; Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Rodrigo Carlessi
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - David A Brenner
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Grant A Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - John K Olynyk
- Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospital Group, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Janina E E Tirnitz-Parker
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
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30
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Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Inactivation in NASH-Fibrosis-Roles as Putative Treatment Targets? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040365. [PMID: 33807461 PMCID: PMC8066583 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the primary predictor of mortality in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this process, the activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) constitute the principal cells responsible for the deposition of a fibrous extracellular matrix, thereby driving the hepatic scarring. HSC activation, migration, and proliferation are controlled by a complex signaling network involving growth factors, lipotoxicity, inflammation, and cellular stress. Conversely, the clearance of activated HSCs is a prerequisite for the resolution of the extracellular fibrosis. Hence, pathways regulating the fate of the HSCs may represent attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of NASH-associated hepatic fibrosis. However, the development of anti-fibrotic drugs for NASH patients has not yet resulted in clinically approved therapeutics, underscoring the complex biology and challenges involved when targeting the intricate cellular signaling mechanisms. This narrative review investigated the mechanisms of activation and inactivation of HSCs with a focus on NASH-associated hepatic fibrosis. Presenting an updated overview, this review highlights key cellular pathways with potential value for the development of future treatment modalities.
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31
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Huisman TM, Dieterich DT, Friedman SL. Experimental and Investigational Targeted Therapies for the Management of Fibrosis in NASH: An Update. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:329-338. [PMID: 33776490 PMCID: PMC7987269 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s265286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been major advances in the treatment of HBV and HCV with anti-viral treatments, which is reducing the prevalence of fibrosis due to these viruses and obviating the need for anti-fibrotic therapies in these diseases. At the same time, however, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing, of which a substantial fraction of patients have non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may progress to cirrhosis. Accordingly, NASH is emerging as the leading indication for liver transplantation in North America and Europe. Progress in uncovering pathogenic determinants of fibrosis in NASH include metabolic dysregulation in hepatocytes that induce inflammation and cytokine secretion leading to cell injury and apoptosis, among others. These pathogenic events converge upon hepatic stellate cells, which are the primary fibrogenic cell in liver, and represent a target of new therapeutic candidates that are currently being evaluated in animal models and clinical trials. This review highlights key experimental and investigational therapies for NASH fibrosis, whose evaluation will be accelerated as new non-invasive markers of fibrosis are established. While no drugs are approved yet for NASH fibrosis, there is growing optimism that new pharmacotherapies are likely to emerge within the next 3 years that will favorably alter the natural history of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsipora M Huisman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Douglas T Dieterich
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Rupcic Rubin V, Bojanic K, Smolic M, Rubin J, Tabll A, Smolic R. An Update on Efficacy and Safety of Emerging Hepatic Antifibrotic Agents. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021. [PMID: 33604256 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2020.00040.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis represents a response to chronic liver injury. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis are the most common chronic liver diseases, both with increasing incidence. Therefore, there is a great impetus for development of agents targeting these conditions. Accumulating data on possible treatment options for liver fibrosis are emerging in the literature. However, despite extensive research and much effort in the field, approved agents for liver fibrosis are still lacking. In this critical review, we have summarized the main data about specific treatment options for liver fibrosis gained from ongoing clinical trials, with an emphasis on efficacy and safety of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinka Rupcic Rubin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Osijek University Hospital Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Kristina Bojanic
- Department of Biophysics and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Biophysics and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Radiology, Health Center Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Martina Smolic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Jurica Rubin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ashraf Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt.,Department of immunology, Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative
| | - Robert Smolic
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Pathophysiology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
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Rupcic Rubin V, Bojanic K, Smolic M, Rubin J, Tabll A, Smolic R. An Update on Efficacy and Safety of Emerging Hepatic Antifibrotic Agents. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:60-70. [PMID: 33604256 PMCID: PMC7868700 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2020.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis represents a response to chronic liver injury. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis are the most common chronic liver diseases, both with increasing incidence. Therefore, there is a great impetus for development of agents targeting these conditions. Accumulating data on possible treatment options for liver fibrosis are emerging in the literature. However, despite extensive research and much effort in the field, approved agents for liver fibrosis are still lacking. In this critical review, we have summarized the main data about specific treatment options for liver fibrosis gained from ongoing clinical trials, with an emphasis on efficacy and safety of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinka Rupcic Rubin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Osijek University Hospital Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Kristina Bojanic
- Department of Biophysics and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Biophysics and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Radiology, Health Center Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Martina Smolic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Jurica Rubin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ashraf Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
- Department of immunology, Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative
| | - Robert Smolic
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Correspondence to: Robert Smolic, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Department of Pathophysiology J. Huttlera 4, Osijek 31000, Croatia. Tel: +385-31-512-800, Fax: +385-31-512-833, E-mail:
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Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are resident non-parenchymal liver pericytes whose plasticity enables them to regulate a remarkable range of physiologic and pathologic responses. To support their functions in health and disease, HSCs engage pathways regulating carbohydrate, mitochondrial, lipid, and retinoid homeostasis. In chronic liver injury, HSCs drive hepatic fibrosis and are implicated in inflammation and cancer. To do so, the cells activate, or transdifferentiate, from a quiescent state into proliferative, motile myofibroblasts that secrete extracellular matrix, which demands rapid adaptation to meet a heightened energy need. Adaptations include reprogramming of central carbon metabolism, enhanced mitochondrial number and activity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and liberation of free fatty acids through autophagy-dependent hydrolysis of retinyl esters that are stored in cytoplasmic droplets. As an archetype for pericytes in other tissues, recognition of the HSC's metabolic drivers and vulnerabilities offer the potential to target these pathways therapeutically to enhance parenchymal growth and modulate repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Trivedi
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Heyens LJM, Busschots D, Koek GH, Robaeys G, Francque S. Liver Fibrosis in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: From Liver Biopsy to Non-invasive Biomarkers in Diagnosis and Treatment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:615978. [PMID: 33937277 PMCID: PMC8079659 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.615978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing percentage of people have or are at risk to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) worldwide. NAFLD comprises different stadia going from isolated steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is a chronic state of liver inflammation that leads to the transformation of hepatic stellate cells to myofibroblasts. These cells produce extra-cellular matrix that results in liver fibrosis. In a normal situation, fibrogenesis is a wound healing process that preserves tissue integrity. However, sustained and progressive fibrosis can become pathogenic. This process takes many years and is often asymptomatic. Therefore, patients usually present themselves with end-stage liver disease e.g., liver cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Fibrosis has also been identified as the most important predictor of prognosis in patients with NAFLD. Currently, only a minority of patients with liver fibrosis are identified to be at risk and hence referred for treatment. This is not only because the disease is largely asymptomatic, but also due to the fact that currently liver biopsy is still the golden standard for accurate detection of liver fibrosis. However, performing a liver biopsy harbors some risks and requires resources and expertise, hence is not applicable in every clinical setting and is unsuitable for screening. Consequently, different non-invasive diagnostic tools, mainly based on analysis of blood or other specimens or based on imaging have been developed or are in development. In this review, we will first give an overview of the pathogenic mechanisms of the evolution from isolated steatosis to fibrosis. This serves as the basis for the subsequent discussion of the current and future diagnostic biomarkers and anti-fibrotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen J. M. Heyens
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, NUTRIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Dana Busschots
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, NUTRIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ger H. Koek
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, NUTRIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sven Francque
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Sven Francque
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Pilling D, Karhadkar TR, Gomer RH. A CD209 ligand and a sialidase inhibitor differentially modulate adipose tissue and liver macrophage populations and steatosis in mice on the Methionine and Choline-Deficient (MCD) diet. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244762. [PMID: 33378413 PMCID: PMC7773271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes and is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver (steatosis). NAFLD can transition into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with liver cell injury, inflammation, and an increased risk of fibrosis. We previously found that injections of either 1866, a synthetic ligand for the lectin receptor CD209, or DANA, a sialidase inhibitor, can inhibit inflammation and fibrosis in multiple animal models. The methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet is a model of NASH which results in the rapid induction of liver steatosis and inflammation. In this report, we show that for C57BL/6 mice on a MCD diet, injections of both 1866 and DANA reversed MCD diet-induced decreases in white fat, decreases in adipocyte size, and white fat inflammation. However, these effects were not observed in type 2 diabetic db/db mice on a MCD diet. In db/db mice on a MCD diet, 1866 decreased liver steatosis, but these effects were not observed in C57BL/6 mice. There was no correlation between the ability of 1866 or DANA to affect steatosis and the effects of these compounds on the density of liver macrophage cells expressing CLEC4F, CD64, F4/80, or Mac2. Together these results indicate that 1866 and DANA modulate adipocyte size and adipose tissue macrophage populations, that 1866 could be useful for modulating steatosis, and that changes in the local density of 4 different liver macrophages cell types do not correlate with effects on liver steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell Pilling
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Tejas R Karhadkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Richard H Gomer
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
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Dual Pharmacological Targeting of HDACs and PDE5 Inhibits Liver Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of Biliary Inflammation and Fibrosis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123748. [PMID: 33322158 PMCID: PMC7763137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic liver injury and inflammation leads to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, known as liver fibrosis, and the distortion of the hepatic parenchyma. Liver fibrosis may progress to cirrhosis, a condition in which hepatic function is impaired and most cases of liver tumors occur. Currently, there are no effective therapies to inhibit and reverse the progression of liver fibrosis, and therefore, chronic liver disease remains a global health problem. In this study we have tested the efficacy of a new class of molecules that simultaneously target two molecular pathways known to be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. In a clinically relevant mouse model of liver injury and inflammation we show that the combined inhibition of histones deacetylases and the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) results in potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Our findings open new avenues for the treatment of liver fibrosis and therefore, the prevention of hepatic carcinogenesis. Abstract Liver fibrosis, a common hallmark of chronic liver disease (CLD), is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix secreted by activated hepatic fibroblasts and stellate cells (HSC). Fibrogenesis involves multiple cellular and molecular processes and is intimately linked to chronic hepatic inflammation. Importantly, it has been shown to promote the loss of liver function and liver carcinogenesis. No effective therapies for liver fibrosis are currently available. We examined the anti-fibrogenic potential of a new drug (CM414) that simultaneously inhibits histone deacetylases (HDACs), more precisely HDAC1, 2, and 3 (Class I) and HDAC6 (Class II) and stimulates the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-protein kinase G (PKG) pathway activity through phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibition, two mechanisms independently involved in liver fibrosis. To this end, we treated Mdr2-KO mice, a clinically relevant model of liver inflammation and fibrosis, with our dual HDAC/PDE5 inhibitor CM414. We observed a decrease in the expression of fibrogenic markers and collagen deposition, together with a marked reduction in inflammation. No signs of hepatic or systemic toxicity were recorded. Mechanistic studies in cultured human HSC and cholangiocytes (LX2 and H69 cell lines, respectively) demonstrated that CM414 inhibited pro-fibrogenic and inflammatory responses, including those triggered by transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Our study supports the notion that simultaneous targeting of pro-inflammatory and fibrogenic mechanisms controlled by HDACs and PDE5 with a single molecule, such as CM414, can be a new disease-modifying strategy.
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Methionine metabolism in chronic liver diseases: an update on molecular mechanism and therapeutic implication. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:280. [PMID: 33273451 PMCID: PMC7714782 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the bicyclic metabolic pathways of one-carbon metabolism, methionine metabolism is the pivot linking the folate cycle to the transsulfuration pathway. In addition to being a precursor for glutathione synthesis, and the principal methyl donor for nucleic acid, phospholipid, histone, biogenic amine, and protein methylation, methionine metabolites can participate in polyamine synthesis. Methionine metabolism disorder can aggravate the damage in the pathological state of a disease. In the occurrence and development of chronic liver diseases (CLDs), changes in various components involved in methionine metabolism can affect the pathological state through various mechanisms. A methionine-deficient diet is commonly used for building CLD models. The conversion of key enzymes of methionine metabolism methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) 1 A and MAT2A/MAT2B is closely related to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that by intervening related enzymes or downstream metabolites to interfere with methionine metabolism, the liver injuries could be reduced. Recently, methionine supplementation has gradually attracted the attention of many clinical researchers. Most researchers agree that adequate methionine supplementation can help reduce liver damage. Retrospective analysis of recently conducted relevant studies is of profound significance. This paper reviews the latest achievements related to methionine metabolism and CLD, from molecular mechanisms to clinical research, and provides some insights into the future direction of basic and clinical research.
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39
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Mojtahed A, Gee MS, Yokoo T. Pearls and Pitfalls of Metabolic Liver Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Pediatric Population. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2020; 41:451-461. [DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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40
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McVicker BL, Hamel FG, Simpson RL, Bennett RG. A Selective PPARγ Modulator Reduces Hepatic Fibrosis. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9070151. [PMID: 32630819 PMCID: PMC7407562 DOI: 10.3390/biology9070151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the accumulation of excess collagen as a result of chronic liver injury. If left unabated, hepatic fibrosis can lead to the disruption of the liver architecture, portal hypertension, and increased risk of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The thiazolidinedione class of antidiabetic drugs, through their target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), have protective effects against liver fibrosis, and can inhibit the profibrotic activity of hepatic stellate cells, the major collagen-producing liver cells. However, these drugs have been ineffective in the treatment of established fibrosis, possibly due to side effects such as increased weight and adiposity. Recently, selective PPARγ modulators that lack these side effects have been identified, but their role in treating fibrosis has not been studied. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of one of these selective modulators, SR1664, in the mouse carbon tetrachloride model of established hepatic fibrosis. Treatment with SR1664 reduced the total and type 1 collagen content without increasing body weight. The abundance of activated hepatic stellate cells was also significantly decreased. Finally, SR1664 inhibited the profibrotic phenotype of hepatic stellate cells. In summary, a selective PPARγ modulator was effective in the reduction of established hepatic fibrosis and the activated phenotype of hepatic stellate cells. This may represent a new treatment approach for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benita L. McVicker
- Research Service, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (B.L.M.); (F.G.H.); (R.L.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Frederick G. Hamel
- Research Service, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (B.L.M.); (F.G.H.); (R.L.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ronda L. Simpson
- Research Service, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (B.L.M.); (F.G.H.); (R.L.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Robert G. Bennett
- Research Service, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (B.L.M.); (F.G.H.); (R.L.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Correspondence:
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41
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An P, Wei G, Huang P, Li W, Qi X, Lin Y, Vaid KA, Wang J, Zhang S, Li Y, Or YS, Jiang L, Popov YV. A novel non-bile acid FXR agonist EDP-305 potently suppresses liver injury and fibrosis without worsening of ductular reaction. Liver Int 2020; 40:1655-1669. [PMID: 32329946 PMCID: PMC7384094 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND EDP-305 is a novel and potent farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, with no/minimal cross-reactivity to TGR5 or other nuclear receptors. Herein we report therapeutic efficacy of EDP-305, in direct comparison with the first-in-class FXR agonist obeticholic acid (OCA), in mouse models of liver disease. METHODS EDP-305 (10 and 30 mg/kg/day) or OCA (30mg/kg/day) was tested in mouse models of pre-established biliary fibrosis (BALBc.Mdr2-/-, n = 9-12/group) and steatohepatitis induced by methionine/choline-deficient diet (MCD, n = 7-12/group). Effects on biliary epithelium were evaluated in vivo and in primary EpCAM + hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) cultures. RESULTS In a BALBc.Mdr2-/- model, EDP-305 reduced serum transaminases by up to 53% and decreased portal pressure, compared to untreated controls. Periportal bridging fibrosis was suppressed by EDP-305 at both doses, with up to a 39% decrease in collagen deposition in high-dose EDP-305. In MCD-fed mice, EDP-305 treatment reduced serum ALT by 62% compared to controls, and profoundly inhibited perisinusoidal 'chicken wire' fibrosis, with over 80% reduction in collagen deposition. In both models, treatment with 30mg/kg OCA reduced serum transaminases up to 30%, but did not improve fibrosis. The limited impact on fibrosis was mediated by cholestasis-independent worsening of ductular reaction by OCA in both disease models; OCA but not EDP-305 at therapeutic doses promoted ductular proliferation in healthy mice and favoured differentiation of primary HPC towards cholangiocyte lineage in vitro. CONCLUSIONS EDP-305 potently improved pre-established liver injury and hepatic fibrosis in murine biliary and metabolic models of liver disease, supporting the clinical evaluation of EDP-305 in fibrotic liver diseases including cholangiopathies and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping An
- Divison of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA,Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyRenmin HospitalWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Guangyan Wei
- Divison of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA,Department of Radiation OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Pinzhu Huang
- Divison of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA,Department of Colon and Rectum SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wenda Li
- Divison of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA,Department of Hepatobiliary SurgerSun Yat-sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- Divison of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA,Institute of Portal HypertensionThe First Hospital of Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Yi Lin
- Divison of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Kahini A. Vaid
- Divison of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Jun Wang
- Division of NeurosurgeryRenmin HospitalWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | | | - Yang Li
- Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.WatertownMAUSA
| | - Yat Sun Or
- Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.WatertownMAUSA
| | | | - Yury V. Popov
- Divison of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
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42
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Gupta B, Liu Y, Chopyk DM, Rai RP, Desai C, Kumar P, Farris AB, Nusrat A, Parkos CA, Anania FA, Raeman R. Western diet-induced increase in colonic bile acids compromises epithelial barrier in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. FASEB J 2020; 34:7089-7102. [PMID: 32275114 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902687r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is compelling evidence implicating intestinal permeability in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we examined the role of bile acids (BA) in western diet (WD)-induced loss of colonic epithelial barrier (CEB) function in mice with a genetic impairment in intestinal epithelial barrier function, junctional adhesion molecule A knockout mice, F11r-/- . WD-fed knockout mice developed severe NASH, which was associated with increased BA concentration in the cecum and loss of CEB function. Analysis of cecal BA composition revealed selective increases in primary unconjugated BAs in the WD-fed mice, which correlated with increased abundance of microbial taxa linked to BA metabolism. In vitro permeability assays revealed that chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), which was elevated in the cecum of WD-fed mice, increased paracellular permeability, while the BA-binding resin sevelamer hydrochloride protected against CDCA-induced loss of barrier function. Sequestration of intestinal BAs by in vivo delivery of sevelamer to WD-fed knockout mice attenuated colonic mucosal inflammation and improved CEB. Sevelamer also reduced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and improved metabolic derangements associated with NASH. Collectively, these findings highlight a hitherto unappreciated role for BAs in WD-induced impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biki Gupta
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yunshan Liu
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Daniel M Chopyk
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ravi P Rai
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chirayu Desai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, P. D. Patel Institute of Applied Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Gujarat, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Asma Nusrat
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Charles A Parkos
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Frank A Anania
- Division of Gastroenterology and Inborn Error Products, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Reben Raeman
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Liu XJ, Liu C, Zhu LY, Fan CL, Niu C, Liu XP, Liu HL, Wu J. Hepalatide ameliorated progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 126:110053. [PMID: 32200254 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No FDA-approved medications are available for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The present study aimed to assess the effects of Hepalatide, a sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) receptor-binding agent, on metabolic and histopathologic changes of a mouse model of NASH caused by high fat/calorie diet plus high fructose/glucose in drinking water (HFCD-HF/G) for 16 weeks. METHODS Male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: controls (normal diet), HFCD-HF/G group, HFCD-HF/G plus low or high dose of Hepalatide (20 or 60 mg/kg, LH or HH, s.c. from 9 to 16 weeks). RESULTS Compared to HFCD-HF/G-fed mice, serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in mice fed HFCD-HF/G plus LH or HH were decreased. The treatment with Hepalatide decreased serum alanine aminotransferase levels significantly. Liver histology and TUNEL staining showed that Hepalatide remarkably attenuated inflammation, hepatocellular steatosis and apoptosis. Hepalatide treatment decreased fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and HOMA insulin resistance index in the HH group. Moreover, Masson's staining, semi-quantitative score of fibrosis, and hydroxyproline content demonstrated that Hepalatide mitigated fibrotic progression in this murine NASH model. Additionally, most components of liver and few serum bile acids were increased in mice treated with HH. CONCLUSION Hepalatide effectively alleviated the pathological process, metabolic profile, hepatocellular steatosis and injury, insulin resistance, halted hepatic fibrotic progression in a mouse model of NASH, most likely through the increase of serum bile acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Jing Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Liu-Yan Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cui-Li Fan
- Shanghai Hep Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chen Niu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hong-Li Liu
- Shanghai Hep Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China; Laboratory of Fatty Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China; Dept. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Selby LV, Ejaz A, Brethauer SA, Pawlik TM. Fatty liver disease and primary liver cancer: disease mechanisms, emerging therapies and the role of bariatric surgery. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:107-110. [PMID: 31986920 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1721457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke V Selby
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Surgical Oncology and GI/General Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Aslam Ejaz
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Surgical Oncology and GI/General Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stacy A Brethauer
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Surgical Oncology and GI/General Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Surgical Oncology and GI/General Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Li X, Chen R, Kemper S, Brigstock DR. Dynamic Changes in Function and Proteomic Composition of Extracellular Vesicles from Hepatic Stellate Cells during Cellular Activation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020290. [PMID: 31991791 PMCID: PMC7072607 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) undergo activation and are the principal cellular source of collagenous scar. In this study, we found that activation of mouse HSC (mHSC) was associated with a 4.5-fold increase in extracellular vesicle (EV) production and that fibrogenic gene expression (CCN2, Col1a1) was suppressed in Passage 1 (P1; activated) mHSC exposed to EVs from Day 4 (D4; relatively quiescent) mHSC but not to EVs from P1 mHSC. Conversely, gene expression (CCN2, Col1a1, αSMA) in D4 mHSC was stimulated by EVs from P1 mHSC but not by EVs from D4 mHSC. EVs from Day 4 mHSC contained only 46 proteins in which histones and keratins predominated, while EVs from P1 mHSC contained 337 proteins and these were principally associated with extracellular spaces or matrix, proteasome, collagens, vesicular transport, metabolic enzymes, ribosomes and chaperones. EVs from the activated LX-2 human HSC (hHSC) line also promoted fibrogenic gene expression in D4 mHSC in vitro and contained 524 proteins, many of which shared identity or had functional overlap with those in P1 mHSC EVs. The activation-associated changes in production, function and protein content of EVs from HSC likely contribute to the regulation of HSC function in vivo and to the fine-tuning of fibrogenic pathways in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Li
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (X.L.); (R.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Ruju Chen
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (X.L.); (R.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Sherri Kemper
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (X.L.); (R.C.); (S.K.)
| | - David R Brigstock
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (X.L.); (R.C.); (S.K.)
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-614-355-2824; Fax: +1-614-722-5892
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Challenges and opportunities in drug development for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 870:172913. [PMID: 31926994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are considered major global medical burdens with high prevalence and steeply rising incidence. Despite the characterization of numerous pathophysiologic pathways leading to metabolic disorder, lipid accumulation, inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately end-stage liver disease or liver cancer formation, so far no causal pharmacological therapy is available. Drug development for NAFLD and NASH is limited by long disease duration and slow progression and the need for sequential biopsies to monitor the disease stage. Additional non-invasive biomarkers could therefore improve design and feasibility of such. Here, the current concepts on preclinical models, biomarkers and clinical endpoints and trial designs are briefly reviewed.
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Khomich O, Ivanov AV, Bartosch B. Metabolic Hallmarks of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 9:E24. [PMID: 31861818 PMCID: PMC7016711 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a regenerative process that occurs after injury. It is characterized by the deposition of connective tissue by specialized fibroblasts and concomitant proliferative responses. Chronic damage that stimulates fibrogenic processes in the long-term may result in the deposition of excess matrix tissue and impairment of liver functions. End-stage fibrosis is referred to as cirrhosis and predisposes strongly to the loss of liver functions (decompensation) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver fibrosis is a pathology common to a number of different chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis. The predominant cell type responsible for fibrogenesis is hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In response to inflammatory stimuli or hepatocyte death, HSCs undergo trans-differentiation to myofibroblast-like cells. Recent evidence shows that metabolic alterations in HSCs are important for the trans-differentiation process and thus offer new possibilities for therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the metabolic changes that occur during HSC activation with a particular focus on the retinol and lipid metabolism, the central carbon metabolism, and associated redox or stress-related signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khomich
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 03, 69424 Lyon, France;
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Ivanov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Birke Bartosch
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 03, 69424 Lyon, France;
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