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Chen L, Chen WD, Xu YX, Ren YY, Zheng C, Lin YY, Zhou JL. Strategies for enhancing non-small cell lung cancer treatment: Integrating Chinese herbal medicines with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 980:176871. [PMID: 39117263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) poses a global health threat, and epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) such as gefitinib, afatinib, and osimertinib have achieved significant success in clinical treatment. However, the emergence of resistance limits the long-term efficacy of these treatments, necessitating urgent exploration of novel EGFR-TKIs. This review provides an in-depth summary and exploration of the resistance mechanisms associated with EGFR-TKIs, with a specific focus on representative drugs like gefitinib, afatinib, and osimertinib. Additionally, the review introduces a therapeutic strategy involving the combination of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) and chemotherapy drugs, highlighting the potential role of CHMs in overcoming NSCLC resistance. Through systematic analysis, we elucidate the primary resistance mechanisms of EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC treatment, emphasizing CHMs as potential treatment medicines and providing a fresh perspective for the development of next-generation EGFR-TKIs. This comprehensive review aims to guide the application of CHMs in combination therapy for NSCLC management, fostering the development of more effective and comprehensive treatment modalities to ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Wen-Da Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Yu-Xin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Ying-Ying Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Cheng Zheng
- Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
| | - Yuan-Yuan Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China.
| | - Jian-Liang Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China.
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Mitra S, Halder AK, Koley A, Ghosh N, Panda P, Mandal SC, Cordeiro MNDS. Unveiling structural determinants for FXR antagonism in 1,3,4-trisubstituted-Pyrazol amide derivatives: A multi-scale in silico modelling approach. Comput Biol Med 2024; 180:108991. [PMID: 39126787 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing global health concern due to its potential to progress into severe liver diseases. Targeting the bile acid receptor FXR has emerged as a promising strategy for managing NAFLD. Building upon our previous research on FXR partial agonism, the present study investigates a series of 1,3,4-trisubstituted-pyrazol amide derivatives as FXR antagonists, aiming to delineate the structural features for antagonism. By means of 2D-QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationships) modelling techniques, we elucidated the key structural elements responsible for the antagonistic properties of these derivatives. We then employed QPhAR, an open-access software, to identify key molecular features within the compounds that enhance their antagonistic activity. Additionally, 3D-QSAR modelling allowed us to analyse the steric and electrostatic fields of aligned 3D structures, further refining our understanding of structure-activity relationships. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into the binding mode interactions between the compounds and FXR, with varying potencies, confirming and complementing the findings from 2D-QSAR, pharmacophore, and 3D-QSAR modelling. Particularly, our study highlighted the significance of hydrophobic interactions in conferring potent antagonism by the 1,3,4-trisubstituted-pyrazol amide derivatives against FXR. Overall, this work underscores the potential of 1,3,4-trisubstituted-pyrazol amides as FXR antagonists for NAFLD treatment. Notably, our reliance on open-access software fosters reproducibility and broadens the accessibility of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Mitra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India; Dr B C Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Durgapur, 713206, India
| | - Amit Kumar Halder
- Dr B C Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Durgapur, 713206, India; LAQV@REQUIMTE/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Arup Koley
- Dr B C Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Durgapur, 713206, India
| | - Nilanjan Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Parthasarathi Panda
- Dr B C Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Durgapur, 713206, India
| | - Subhash C Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Maria Natalia D S Cordeiro
- LAQV@REQUIMTE/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
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3
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Ferdous SE, Ferrell JM. Pathophysiological Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8731. [PMID: 39201418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), often featuring hyperglycemia or insulin resistance, is a global health concern that is increasing in prevalence in the United States and worldwide. A common complication is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome that is also rapidly increasing in prevalence. The majority of patients with T2DM will experience MASLD, and likewise, individuals with MASLD are at an increased risk for developing T2DM. These two disorders may act synergistically, in part due to increased lipotoxicity and inflammation within the liver, among other causes. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms by which this occurs are unclear, as is how the improvement of one disorder can ameliorate the other. This review aims to discuss the pathogenic interactions between T2D and MASLD, and will highlight novel therapeutic targets and ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifat-E Ferdous
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Jessica M Ferrell
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
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4
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Antar SA, Ashour NA, Hamouda AO, Noreddin AM, Al-Karmalawy AA. Recent advances in COVID-19-induced liver injury: causes, diagnosis, and management. Inflammopharmacology 2024:10.1007/s10787-024-01535-7. [PMID: 39126569 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01535-7] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Since the start of the pandemic, considerable advancements have been made in our understanding of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associated COVID-19 on the hepatic system. There is a broad range of clinical symptoms for COVID-19. It affects multiple systems and has a dominant lung illness depending on complications. The progression of COVID-19 in people with pre-existing chronic liver disease (CLD) has also been studied in large multinational groups. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a higher risk of hepatic decompensation and death in patients with cirrhosis. In this review, the source, composition, mechanisms, transmission characteristics, clinical characteristics, therapy, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 were clarified and discussed, as well as the evolution and variations of the virus. This review briefly discusses the causes and effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with CLD. As part of COVID-19, In addition, we assess the potential of liver biochemistry as a diagnostic tool examine the data on direct viral infection of liver cells, and investigate potential pathways driving SARS-CoV-2-related liver damage. Finally, we explore how the pandemic has had a significant impact on patient behaviors and hepatology services, which may increase the prevalence and severity of liver disease in the future. The topics encompassed in this review encompass the intricate relationships between SARS-CoV-2, liver health, and broader health management strategies, providing valuable insights for both current clinical practice and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar A Antar
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, 34518, Egypt
| | - Nada A Ashour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Amir O Hamouda
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, 34518, Egypt
| | - Ayman M Noreddin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, 6Th of October City, Giza, 12566, Egypt
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California -Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Ahmed A Al-Karmalawy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, New Damietta, 34518, Egypt.
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, 6Th of October City, Giza, 12566, Egypt.
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Du H, Cui L, Zhao X, Yu Z, He T, Zhang B, Fan X, Zhao M, Zhu R, Zhang Z, Li M, Li J, Oh Y, Gu N. Butylparaben induces glycolipid metabolic disorders in mice via disruption of gut microbiota and FXR signaling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134821. [PMID: 38850927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Butylparaben, a common preservative, is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Epidemiological studies have revealed the close relationship between butylparaben and diabetes; however the mechanisms of action remain unclear. In this study, we administered butylparaben orally to mice and observed that exposure to butylparaben induced glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia. RNA sequencing results demonstrated that the enrichment of differentially expressed genes was associated with lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, and inflammatory response. Western blot results further validated that butylparaben promoted hepatic lipogenesis, inflammation, gluconeogenesis, and insulin resistance through the inhibition of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) pathway. The FXR agonists alleviated the butylparaben-induced metabolic disorders. Moreover, 16 S rRNA sequencing showed that butylparaben reduced the abundance of Bacteroidetes, S24-7, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus, and elevated the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by butylparaben led to decreased bile acids (BAs) production and increased inflammatory response, which further induced hepatic glycolipid metabolic disorders. Our results also demonstrated that probiotics attenuated butylparaben-induced disturbances of the gut microbiota and hepatic metabolism. Taken collectively, the findings reveal that butylparaben induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and decreased BAs production, which further inhibited FXR signaling, ultimately contributing to glycolipid metabolic disorders in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Du
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China; School of Chinese Material Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lili Cui
- Key Laboratory of External Drug Delivery System and Preparation Technology, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 650500, China
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ziteng Yu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Tianyue He
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Boya Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xingpei Fan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Meimei Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ruijiao Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Mengcong Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yuri Oh
- Faculty of Education, Wakayama University, Wakayama 640-8441, Japan
| | - Ning Gu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China; School of Chinese Material Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China.
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6
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Hsiao YC, Yang Y, Liu CW, Peng J, Feng J, Zhao H, Teitelbaum T, Lu K. Multiomics to Characterize the Molecular Events Underlying Impaired Glucose Tolerance in FXR-Knockout Mice. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:3332-3341. [PMID: 38967328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00475] [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] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of different metabolic syndromes has grown globally, and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a metabolic homeostat for glucose, lipid, and bile acid metabolisms, may serve an important role in the progression of metabolic disorders. Glucose intolerance by FXR deficiency was previously reported and observed in our study, but the underlying biology remained unclear. To investigate the ambiguity, we collected the nontargeted profiles of the fecal metaproteome, serum metabolome, and liver proteome in Fxr-null (Fxr-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice with LC-HRMS. FXR deficiency showed a global impact on the different molecular levels we monitored, suggesting its serious disruption in the gut microbiota, hepatic metabolism, and circulating biomolecules. The network and enrichment analyses of the dysregulated metabolites and proteins suggested the perturbation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism by FXR deficiency. Fxr-/- mice presented lower levels of hepatic proteins involved in glycogenesis. The impairment of glycogenesis by an FXR deficiency may leave glucose to accumulate in the circulation, which may deteriorate glucose tolerance. Lipid metabolism was dysregulated by FXR deficiency in a structural-dependent manner. Fatty acid β-oxidations were alleviated, but cholesterol metabolism was promoted by an FXR deficiency. Together, we explored the molecular events associated with glucose intolerance by impaired FXR with integrated novel multiomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Chung Hsiao
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Yifei Yang
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Chih-Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jingya Peng
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jiahao Feng
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Haoduo Zhao
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Taylor Teitelbaum
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Kun Lu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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7
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Ding C, Wang Z, Dou X, Yang Q, Ning Y, Kao S, Sang X, Hao M, Wang K, Peng M, Zhang S, Han X, Cao G. Farnesoid X receptor: From Structure to Function and Its Pharmacology in Liver Fibrosis. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1508-1536. [PMID: 37815898 PMCID: PMC11272191 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, plays a crucial role in regulating bile acid metabolism within the enterohepatic circulation. Beyond its involvement in metabolic disorders and immune imbalances affecting various tissues, FXR is implicated in microbiota modulation, gut-to-brain communication, and liver disease. The liver, as a pivotal metabolic and detoxification organ, is susceptible to damage from factors such as alcohol, viruses, drugs, and high-fat diets. Chronic or recurrent liver injury can culminate in liver fibrosis, which, if left untreated, may progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, posing significant health risks. However, therapeutic options for liver fibrosis remain limited in terms of FDA-approved drugs. Recent insights into the structure of FXR, coupled with animal and clinical investigations, have shed light on its potential pharmacological role in hepatic fibrosis. Progress has been achieved in both fundamental research and clinical applications. This review critically examines recent advancements in FXR research, highlighting challenges and potential mechanisms underlying its role in liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China.
| | - Zeping Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xinyue Dou
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qiao Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yan Ning
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shi Kao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xianan Sang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Min Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Kuilong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Mengyun Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shuosheng Zhang
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.
| | - Xin Han
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China.
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China.
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Akkız H, Gieseler RK, Canbay A. Liver Fibrosis: From Basic Science towards Clinical Progress, Focusing on the Central Role of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7873. [PMID: 39063116 PMCID: PMC11277292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147873] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The burden of chronic liver disease is globally increasing at an alarming rate. Chronic liver injury leads to liver inflammation and fibrosis (LF) as critical determinants of long-term outcomes such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and mortality. LF is a wound-healing process characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins due to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In the healthy liver, quiescent HSCs metabolize and store retinoids. Upon fibrogenic activation, quiescent HSCs transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts; lose their vitamin A; upregulate α-smooth muscle actin; and produce proinflammatory soluble mediators, collagens, and inhibitors of ECM degradation. Activated HSCs are the main effector cells during hepatic fibrogenesis. In addition, the accumulation and activation of profibrogenic macrophages in response to hepatocyte death play a critical role in the initiation of HSC activation and survival. The main source of myofibroblasts is resident HSCs. Activated HSCs migrate to the site of active fibrogenesis to initiate the formation of a fibrous scar. Single-cell technologies revealed that quiescent HSCs are highly homogenous, while activated HSCs/myofibroblasts are much more heterogeneous. The complex process of inflammation results from the response of various hepatic cells to hepatocellular death and inflammatory signals related to intrahepatic injury pathways or extrahepatic mediators. Inflammatory processes modulate fibrogenesis by activating HSCs and, in turn, drive immune mechanisms via cytokines and chemokines. Increasing evidence also suggests that cellular stress responses contribute to fibrogenesis. Recent data demonstrated that LF can revert even at advanced stages of cirrhosis if the underlying cause is eliminated, which inhibits the inflammatory and profibrogenic cells. However, despite numerous clinical studies on plausible drug candidates, an approved antifibrotic therapy still remains elusive. This state-of-the-art review presents cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in hepatic fibrogenesis and its resolution, as well as comprehensively discusses the drivers linking liver injury to chronic liver inflammation and LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikmet Akkız
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Bahçeşehir, Beşiktaş, Istanbul 34353, Turkey
| | - Robert K. Gieseler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, In der Schornau 23–25, 44892 Bochum, Germany; (R.K.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Ali Canbay
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, In der Schornau 23–25, 44892 Bochum, Germany; (R.K.G.); (A.C.)
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9
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Xu Y, Qian Y, Yu Y, Zhan X, Jin P, Hong J, Dong M. SLC10A5 deficiency causes hypercholanemia. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00952. [PMID: 38986003 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Solute Carrier Family 10 Member 5 (SLC10A5) is a member of SLC10, comprising transporters of bile acids, steroidal hormones, and other substrates, but its function remains unclear. The aim of the current investigation was to clarify its function in the metabolism of bile acid and hypercholanemia. APPROACH AND RESULTS Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to identify and confirm the variant in the subjects of hypercholanemia. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering was used to establish the knockout and point mutation mice. Primary mouse hepatocytes were isolated, and cell lines were cultured. SLC10A5 was silenced by siRNA and overexpressed by wild-type and mutant plasmids. The fluorescent bile acid derivative was used for the bile acid uptake assay. Bile acids were assessed with ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. A heterozygous variant SLC10A5 : c.994_995del (p.D332X) was identified in subjects with elevated total bile acid or altered bile acid profiles. Bile acids were increased in the serum and liver of knockout and point mutation mice. The expressions of FXR and SHP, regulators involved in the negative feedback of bile acid synthesis, were downregulated, while the bile acid synthesis genes CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 were upregulated in both gene-edited mice. Both the wild and mutant SLC10A5 proteins were localized on the plasma membrane. Knockdown, knockout, or targeted mutation of SLC10A5 led to the inhibition of bile acid uptake by cell lines and primary mouse hepatocytes. CONCLUSION SLC10A5 is involved in the uptake of bile acid, and its deficiency causes hypercholanemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Xu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang University), Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yeqing Qian
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang University), Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhan
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengzhen Jin
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang University), Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Hong
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang University), Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minyue Dong
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang University), Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
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Gioiello A, Rosatelli E, Cerra B. Patented Farnesoid X receptor modulators: a review (2019 - present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:547-564. [PMID: 38308658 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2314296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a key transcription factor that is involved in the bile acid signaling network. The modulation of the FXR activity influences glucose and lipid homeostasis, reduces obesity and insulin resistance, as well as it regulates the pathogenesis of inflammatory and metabolic disorders. FXR ligands have therefore emerged in drug discovery as promising therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, including cancer. AREAS COVERED Recent advances in the field of FXR modulators are reviewed, with a particular attention on patent applications filed in the past 5 years related to both the discovery and development of FXR targeting drugs. EXPERT OPINION FXR agonists have proven their efficacy and safety in humans and have shown a significant potential as clinical agents to treat metabolic and inflammatory associated conditions. However, several challenges, including adverse events such as pruritus, remain to be solved. Current studies aim to gain insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms by which FXR regulates metabolism and inflammation in terms of tissue/organ/isoform-specificity, post-translational modifications and coregulatory proteins, on the route of novel, improved FXR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antimo Gioiello
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Advanced Synthetic Chemistry (Lab MASC), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Cerra
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Advanced Synthetic Chemistry (Lab MASC), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Long J, Xu Y, Zhang X, Wu B, Wang C. Role of FXR in the development of NAFLD and intervention strategies of small molecules. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 757:110024. [PMID: 38703803 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110024] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains a prevailing etiological agent behind hepatocyte diseases like chronic liver disease. The spectrum of processes involved in NAFLD stages includes hepatic steatosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Without intervention, the progression of NASH can further deteriorate into cirrhosis and ultimately, hepatocellular carcinoma. The cardinal features that characterize NAFLD are insulin resistance, lipogenesis, oxidative stress and inflammation, extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis. Due to its complex pathogenesis, existing pharmaceutical agents fail to take a curative or ameliorative effect on NAFLD. Consequently, it is imperative to identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies for NAFLD, ideally to improve the aforementioned key features in patients. As an enterohepatic regulator of bile acid homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and inflammation, FarnesoidX receptor (FXR) is an important pharmacological target for the treatment of NAFLD. Manipulating FXR to regulate lipid metabolic signaling pathways is a potential mechanism to mitigate NAFLD. Therefore, elucidating the modulatory character of FXR in regulating lipid metabolism in NAFLD has the potential to yield groundbreaking perspectives for drug design. This review details recent advances in the regulation of lipid depletion in hepatocytes and investigates the pivotal function of FXR in the progress of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachan Long
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuanhang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xuerong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bingxing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Caiyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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12
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Lee B, Lee SM, Song JW, Choi JW. Gut Microbiota Metabolite Messengers in Brain Function and Pathology at a View of Cell Type-Based Receptor and Enzyme Reaction. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2024; 32:403-423. [PMID: 38898687 PMCID: PMC11214962 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2024.009] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract houses a diverse microbial community, known as the gut microbiome comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's equilibrium and has recently been discovered to influence the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). The communication between the nervous system and the GI tract occurs through a two-way network called the gut-brain axis. The nervous system and the GI tract can modulate each other through activated neuronal cells, the immune system, and metabolites produced by the gut microbiome. Extensive research both in preclinical and clinical realms, has highlighted the complex relationship between the gut and diseases associated with the CNS, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This review aims to delineate receptor and target enzymes linked with gut microbiota metabolites and explore their specific roles within the brain, particularly their impact on CNS-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bada Lee
- Department of Biomedicinal and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Min Lee
- Department of Biomedicinal and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Won Song
- Department of Regulatory Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Choi
- Department of Biomedicinal and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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13
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Fang H, Wang X, Wang Z, Ma X, Zhang L, Yang L. Modulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the ovine liver and duodenum during early pregnancy. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2024; 89:106870. [PMID: 38954983 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2024.106870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The liver and intestine play a critical role in nutrient absorption, storage, and metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression pattern of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway that included PI3K, AKT1, mTOR, FoxO1, SREBP-1, PPARα, PTEN and FXR in the maternal liver and duodenum. Ovine livers and duodenums were sampled at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation, and RT-qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to detect mRNA and protein expression. The results showed that expression of PI3K, AKT1, p-mTOR, FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PTEN upregulated in the maternal liver, and PPARα upregulated in the duodenum. However, expression of FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PTEN in the duodenum downregulated during early pregnancy. In addition, expression levels of SREBP-1, PTEN and PPARα in the maternal liver, and PI3K in the duodenum peaked at day 13 of pregnancy. In addition, expression levels of PI3K, p-mTOR and FoxO1 in the liver, and AKT1 and p-mTOR in the duodenum peaked at day 16 of pregnancy. Nevertheless, expression levels of FXR both in the maternal liver duodenum downregulated at days 13 and 16 of pregnancy. In conclusion, early pregnancy regulated expression pattern of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the ovine liver and duodenum in a pregnancy stage-specific and tissue-specific manner, which may be necessary for the adaptations in maternal hepatic nutrient metabolism and intestinal nutrient absorption early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxu Fang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China
| | - Zhongyue Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China
| | - Xiaoxin Ma
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China
| | - Leying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China.
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14
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Xiao Y, Jia YQ, Liu WJ, Niu C, Mai ZH, Dong JQ, Zhang XS, Yuan ZW, Ji P, Wei YM, Hua YL. Pulsatilla decoction alleviates DSS-induced UC by activating FXR-ASBT pathways to ameliorate disordered bile acids homeostasis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399829. [PMID: 38974033 PMCID: PMC11224520 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pulsatilla decoction (PD) is a classical prescription for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the therapeutic efficacy of PD is closely associated with the activation of Farnesoid X receptor (FXR). The activity of FXR is regulated by apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), and the FXR-ASBT cascade reaction, centered around bile acid receptor FXR, plays a pivotal role in maintaining bile acid metabolic homeostasis to prevent the occurrence and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Aim of the study: To elucidate the underlying mechanism by which PD exerts its proteactive effects against Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis, focusing on the modulation of FXR and ASBT. Materials and methods: To establish a model of acute ulcerative colitis, BALB/C mice were administered 3.5% DSS in their drinking water for consecutive 7 days. The disease activity index (DAI) was employed to evaluate the clinical symptoms exhibited by each group of mice. Goblet cell expression in colon tissue was assessed using glycogen schiff periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and alcian blue staining techniques. Inflammatory cytokine expression in serum and colonic tissues was examined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A PCR Array chip was utilized to screen 88 differential genes associated with the FXR-ASBT pathway in UC treatment with PD. Western blotting (WB) analysis was performed to detect protein expression levels of differentially expressed genes in mouse colon tissue. Results: The PD treatment effectively reduced the Disease Activity Index (DAI) score and mitigated colon histopathological damage, while also restoring weight and colon length. Furthermore, it significantly alleviated the severity of ulcerative colitis (UC), regulated inflammation, modulated goblet cell numbers, and restored bile acid balance. Additionally, a PCR Array analysis identified 21 differentially expressed genes involved in the FXR-ASBT pathway. Western blot results demonstrated significant restoration of FXR, GPBAR1, CYP7A1, and FGF15 protein expression levels following PD treatment; moreover, there was an observed tendency towards increased expression levels of ABCB11 and RXRα. Conclusion: The therapeutic efficacy of PD in UC mice is notable, potentially attributed to its modulation of bile acid homeostasis, enhancement of gut barrier function, and attenuation of intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yong-li Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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15
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Peng CY, Liao YC, Yang YC, Hung YW, Huang LR, Peng YC. Ursodeoxycholic Acid Modulates the Interaction of miR-21 and Farnesoid X Receptor and NF-κB Signaling. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1236. [PMID: 38927442 PMCID: PMC11200433 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061236] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This study investigates the effects of Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on NF-κB signaling, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) singling, and microRNA-21 in HepG2 cells. (2) Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate hepatic inflammation. The investigation focused on the expression of NF-κB activation, which was analyzed using Western blot, confocal microscopy, and Electrophoretic Mobility-shift Assays (EMSA). Additionally, NF-κB and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) singling expressions of micro-RNA-21, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, cyp7A1, and shp were assessed by RT-PCR. (3) Results: UDCA effectively downregulated LPS-induced expressions of NF-κB/65, p65 phosphorylation, and also downregulated FXR activity by Western blot. Confocal microscopy and EMSA results confirmed UDCA's role in modulating NF-κB signaling. UDCA reduced the expressions of LPS-induced COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6, which were related to NF-κB signaling. UDCA downregulated LPS-induced cyp7A1 gene expression and upregulated shp gene expression, demonstrating selective gene regulation via FXR. UDCA also significantly decreased micro-RNA 21 levels. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates UDCA's potent anti-inflammatory effects on NF-κB and FXR signaling pathways, and thus its potential to modulate hepatic inflammation and carcinogenesis through interactions with NF-κB and FXR. The decrease in micro-RNA 21 expression further underscores its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yi Peng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Chun Liao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Yang
- Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Wen Hung
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan;
| | - Lan-Ru Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 40601, Taiwan;
| | - Yen-Chun Peng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
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16
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Cao S, Liu M, Han Y, Li S, Zhu X, Li D, Shi Y, Liu B. Effects of Saponins on Lipid Metabolism: The Gut-Liver Axis Plays a Key Role. Nutrients 2024; 16:1514. [PMID: 38794751 PMCID: PMC11124185 DOI: 10.3390/nu16101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Unhealthy lifestyles (high-fat diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, too little exercise, etc.) in the current society are prone to cause lipid metabolism disorders affecting the health of the organism and inducing the occurrence of diseases. Saponins, as biologically active substances present in plants, have lipid-lowering, inflammation-reducing, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Saponins are thought to be involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism in the body; it suppresses the appetite and, thus, reduces energy intake by modulating pro-opiomelanocortin/Cocaine amphetamine regulated transcript (POMC/CART) neurons and neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide (NPY/AGRP) neurons in the hypothalamus, the appetite control center. Saponins directly activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and related transcriptional regulators such as peroxisome-proliferator-activated-receptors (PPAR), CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP), and sterol-regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP) increase fatty acid oxidation and inhibit lipid synthesis. It also modulates gut-liver interactions to improve lipid metabolism by regulating gut microbes and their metabolites and derivatives-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs), trimethylamine (TMA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), et al. This paper reviews the positive effects of different saponins on lipid metabolism disorders, suggesting that the gut-liver axis plays a crucial role in improving lipid metabolism processes and may be used as a therapeutic target to provide new strategies for treating lipid metabolism disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixi Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (S.C.); (M.L.); (Y.H.); (S.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Mengqi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (S.C.); (M.L.); (Y.H.); (S.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Yao Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (S.C.); (M.L.); (Y.H.); (S.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Shouren Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (S.C.); (M.L.); (Y.H.); (S.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (S.C.); (M.L.); (Y.H.); (S.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.)
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forage Resource Innovation and Utilization, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Defeng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (S.C.); (M.L.); (Y.H.); (S.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.)
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forage Resource Innovation and Utilization, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yinghua Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (S.C.); (M.L.); (Y.H.); (S.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.)
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forage Resource Innovation and Utilization, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Boshuai Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (S.C.); (M.L.); (Y.H.); (S.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.)
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forage Resource Innovation and Utilization, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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Morrison A, Elgendy B. Tailoring FXR Modulators for Intestinal Specificity: Recent Progress and Insights. Molecules 2024; 29:2022. [PMID: 38731514 PMCID: PMC11085346 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
While FXR has shown promise in regulating bile acid synthesis and maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis, undesired side effects have been observed in clinical trials. To address this issue, the development of intestinally restricted FXR modulators has gained attention as a new avenue for drug design with the potential for safer systematic effects. Our review examines all currently known intestinally restricted FXR ligands and provides insights into the steps taken to enhance intestinal selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Morrison
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Bahaa Elgendy
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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18
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Fleishman JS, Kumar S. Bile acid metabolism and signaling in health and disease: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:97. [PMID: 38664391 PMCID: PMC11045871 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01811-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bile acids, once considered mere dietary surfactants, now emerge as critical modulators of macronutrient (lipid, carbohydrate, protein) metabolism and the systemic pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance. Bile acid metabolism and signaling pathways play a crucial role in protecting against, or if aberrant, inducing cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions, strongly influencing health and disease. No curative treatment exists for any bile acid influenced disease, while the most promising and well-developed bile acid therapeutic was recently rejected by the FDA. Here, we provide a bottom-up approach on bile acids, mechanistically explaining their biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology at canonical and non-canonical receptors. Using this mechanistic model of bile acids, we explain how abnormal bile acid physiology drives disease pathogenesis, emphasizing how ceramide synthesis may serve as a unifying pathogenic feature for cardiometabolic diseases. We provide an in-depth summary on pre-existing bile acid receptor modulators, explain their shortcomings, and propose solutions for how they may be remedied. Lastly, we rationalize novel targets for further translational drug discovery and provide future perspectives. Rather than dismissing bile acid therapeutics due to recent setbacks, we believe that there is immense clinical potential and a high likelihood for the future success of bile acid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA.
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Adorini L, Rigbolt K, Feigh M, Roth J, Erickson M. Increased hepatoprotective effects of the novel farnesoid X receptor agonist INT-787 versus obeticholic acid in a mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300809. [PMID: 38662778 PMCID: PMC11045142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a master regulator of bile acid and metabolic homeostasis, is a key target for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study compared efficacy of FXR agonists obeticholic acid (OCA) and INT-787 by liver histopathology, plasma biomarkers of liver damage, and hepatic gene expression profiles in the Amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet-induced and biopsy-confirmed Lepob/ob mouse model of NASH. Lepob/ob mice were fed the AMLN diet for 12 weeks before liver biopsy and subsequent treatment with vehicle, OCA, or INT-787 for 8 weeks. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis (liver lipids, galectin-3, and collagen 1a1 [Col1a1], respectively), as well as plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, were assessed. Hepatic gene expression was assessed in Lepob/ob mice that were fed the AMLN diet for 14 weeks then treated with vehicle, OCA, or INT-787 for 2 weeks. INT-787, which is equipotent to OCA but more hydrophilic, significantly reduced liver lipids, galectin-3, and Col1a1 compared with vehicle, and to a greater extent than OCA. INT-787 significantly reduced plasma ALT and AST levels, whereas OCA did not. INT-787 modulated a substantially greater number of genes associated with FXR signaling, lipid metabolism, and stellate cell activation relative to OCA in hepatic tissue. These findings demonstrate greater efficacy of INT-787 treatment compared with OCA in improving liver histopathology, decreasing liver enzyme levels, and enhancing gene regulation, suggesting superior clinical potential of INT-787 for the treatment of NASH and other chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Adorini
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | | | | | - Jonathan Roth
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Mary Erickson
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
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20
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Li ZD, Li YC, Jing-Zhao, Wang JS, Xie XB. NR1H4 disease: rapidly progressing neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis and early death. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:171. [PMID: 38641832 PMCID: PMC11027519 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03166-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical studies on progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) type 5 caused by mutations in NR1H4 are limited. METHODS New patients with biallelic NR1H4 variants from our center and all patients from literature were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS Three new patients were identified to be carrying five new variants. Liver phenotypes of our patients manifests as low-γ-glutamyl transferase cholestasis, liver failure and related complications. One patient underwent liver transplantation (LT) and survived, and two other patients died without LT. Nine other patients were collected through literature review. Twelve out of 13 patients showed neonatal jaundice, with the median age of onset being 7 days after birth. Reported clinical manifestations included cholestasis (13/13, 100%), elevated AFP (11/11, 100%), coagulopathy (11/11, 100%), hypoglycemia (9/13, 69%), failure to thrive (8/13, 62%), splenomegaly (7/13, 54%), hyperammonemia (7/13, 54%), and hepatomegaly (6/13, 46%). Six of 13 patients received LT at a median age of 6.2 months, and only one patient died of acute infection at one year after LT. Other 7 patients had no LT and died with a median age of 5 months (range 1.2-8). There were 8 patients with homozygous genotype and 5 patients with compound heterozygous genotype. In total, 13 different variants were detected, and 5 out of 12 single or multiple nucleotides variants were located in exon 5. CONCLUSIONS We identified three newly-diagnosed patients and five novel mutations. NR1H4-related PFIC typically cause progressive disease and early death. LT may be the only lifesaving therapy leading to cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Die Li
- The Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, No. 399 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, 201102, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Chuan Li
- The Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, No. 399 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, 201102, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Zhao
- The Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, No. 399 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, 201102, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-She Wang
- The Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, No. 399 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, 201102, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Bao Xie
- The Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, No. 399 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, 201102, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Hazarika S, Yu T, Biswas A, Dube N, Villalona P, Okafor CD. Nuclear receptor interdomain communication is mediated by the hinge with ligand specificity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.10.579785. [PMID: 38405809 PMCID: PMC10888817 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.10.579785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are ligand-induced transcription factors that bind directly to target genes and regulate their expression. Ligand binding initiates conformational changes that propagate to other domains, allosterically regulating their activity. The nature of this interdomain communication in nuclear receptors is poorly understood, largely owing to the difficulty of experimentally characterizing full-length structures. We have applied computational modeling approaches to describe and study the structure of the full length farnesoid X receptor (FXR), approximated by the DNA binding domain (DBD) and ligand binding domain (LBD) connected by the flexible hinge region. Using extended molecular dynamics simulations (> 10 microseconds) and enhanced sampling simulations, we provide evidence that ligands selectively induce domain rearrangement, leading to interdomain contact. We use protein-protein interaction assays to provide experimental evidence of these interactions, identifying a critical role of the hinge in mediating interdomain contact. Our results illuminate previously unknown aspects of interdomain communication in FXR and provide a framework to enable characterization of other full length nuclear receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurov Hazarika
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Tracy Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Arumay Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Namita Dube
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Priscilla Villalona
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - C. Denise Okafor
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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22
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Huang J, Huang T, Li J. Regulation Mechanism and Potential Value of Active Substances in Spices in Alcohol-Liver-Intestine Axis Health. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3728. [PMID: 38612538 PMCID: PMC11011869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol intake will aggravate the health risk between the liver and intestine and affect the multi-directional information exchange of metabolites between host cells and microbial communities. Because of the side effects of clinical drugs, people tend to explore the intervention value of natural drugs on diseases. As a flavor substance, spices have been proven to have medicinal value, but they are still rare in treating hepatointestinal diseases caused by alcohol. This paper summarized the metabolic transformation of alcohol in the liver and intestine and summarized the potential value of various perfume active substances in improving liver and intestine diseases caused by alcohol. It is also found that bioactive substances in spices can exert antioxidant activity in the liver and intestine environment and reduce the oxidative stress caused by diseases. These substances can interfere with fatty acid synthesis, promote sugar and lipid metabolism, and reduce liver injury caused by steatosis. They can effectively regulate the balance of intestinal flora, promote the production of SCFAs, and restore the intestinal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China;
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Tao Huang
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jinjun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China;
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23
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Yu Y, Ji X, Song L, Cao Y, Feng J, Zhang R, Tao F, Zhang F, Xue P. Saponins from Chenopodium quinoa Willd. husks alleviated high-fat-diet-induced hyperlipidemia via modulating the gut microbiota and multiple metabolic pathways. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:2417-2428. [PMID: 37989713 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13127] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperlipidemia is characterized by abnormally elevated blood lipids. Quinoa saponins (QS) have multiple pharmacological activities, including antitumor, bactericidal and immune-enhancing effects. However, the lipid-lowering effect and mechanisms of QS in vivo have been scarcely reported. METHODS The effect of QS against hyperlipidemia induced by high-fat diet in rats was explored based on gut microbiota and serum non-targeted metabolomics. RESULTS The study demonstrated that the supplementation of QS could reduce serum lipids, body weight, liver injury and inflammation. 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that QS mildly increased alpha-diversity, altered the overall structure of intestinal flora, decreased the relative richness of Firmicutes, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05) and increased the relative richness of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacterium, Roseburia and Coprococcus (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, metabolomics analysis showed that QS altered serum functional metabolites with respect to bile acid biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, which were closely related to bile acid metabolism and fatty acid β-oxidation. Furthermore, QS increased protein levels of farnesoid X receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, which were related to the screened metabolic pathways. Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a correlation between gut microbiota and differential metabolites. CONCLUSION QS could prevent lipid metabolism disorders in hyperlipidemic rats, which may be closely associated with the regulation of the gut microbiota and multiple metabolic pathways. This study may provide new evidence for QS as natural active substances for the prevention of hyperlipidemia. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yu
- Clinical Nutrition Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical, University (Weifang People's Hospital), Weifang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueying Ji
- Clinical Nutrition Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical, University (Weifang People's Hospital), Weifang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People's Republic of China
| | - Linmeng Song
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Cao
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Feng
- School of Rehabilitation, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyan Tao
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengxiang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Xue
- Clinical Nutrition Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical, University (Weifang People's Hospital), Weifang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People's Republic of China
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24
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Wang K, Zhang Y, Wang G, Hao H, Wang H. FXR agonists for MASH therapy: Lessons and perspectives from obeticholic acid. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:568-586. [PMID: 37899676 DOI: 10.1002/med.21991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, is the most common liver disease worldwide and has no approved pharmacotherapy. Due to its beneficial effects on metabolic regulation, inflammation suppression, cell death prevention, and fibrogenesis inhibition, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is widely accepted as a promising therapeutic target for nonalcoholic steatosis (NASH) or called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Many FXR agonists have been developed for NASH/MASH therapy. Obeticholic acid (OCA) is the pioneering frontrunner FXR agonist and the first demonstrating success in clinical trials. Unfortunately, OCA did not receive regulatory approval as a NASH pharmacotherapy because its moderate benefits did not outweigh its safety risks, which may cast a shadow over FXR-based drug development for NASH/MASH. This review summarizes the milestones in the development of OCA for NASH/MASH and discuss its limitations, including moderate hepatoprotection and the undesirable side effects of dyslipidemia, pruritus, cholelithiasis, and liver toxicity risk, in depth. More importantly, we provide perspectives on FXR-based therapy for NASH/MASH, hoping to support a successful bench-to-clinic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuecan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangji Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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25
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Manickasamy MK, Jayaprakash S, Girisa S, Kumar A, Lam HY, Okina E, Eng H, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Sethi G, Kumar AP, Kunnumakkara AB. Delineating the role of nuclear receptors in colorectal cancer, a focused review. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:41. [PMID: 38372868 PMCID: PMC10876515 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00808-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as one of the most prevalent form of cancer globally, causing a significant number of deaths, surpassing 0.9 million in the year 2020. According to GLOBOCAN 2020, CRC ranks third in incidence and second in mortality in both males and females. Despite extensive studies over the years, there is still a need to establish novel therapeutic targets to enhance the patients' survival rate in CRC. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors (TFs) that regulate numerous essential biological processes such as differentiation, development, physiology, reproduction, and cellular metabolism. Dysregulation and anomalous expression of different NRs has led to multiple alterations, such as impaired signaling cascades, mutations, and epigenetic changes, leading to various diseases, including cancer. It has been observed that differential expression of various NRs might lead to the initiation and progression of CRC, and are correlated with poor survival outcomes in CRC patients. Despite numerous studies on the mechanism and role of NRs in this cancer, it remains of significant scientific interest primarily due to the diverse functions that various NRs exhibit in regulating key hallmarks of this cancer. Thus, modulating the expression of NRs with their agonists and antagonists, based on their expression levels, holds an immense prospect in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutical modalities of CRC. In this review, we primarily focus on the role and mechanism of NRs in the pathogenesis of CRC and emphasized the significance of targeting these NRs using a variety of agents, which may represent a novel and effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Kumar Manickasamy
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Sujitha Jayaprakash
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Sosmitha Girisa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Aviral Kumar
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Hiu Yan Lam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Elena Okina
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Huiyan Eng
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, 61421, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, Michael Atiyah Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, 61421, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore.
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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26
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Da Dalt L, Moregola A, Svecla M, Pedretti S, Fantini F, Ronzio M, Uboldi P, Dolfini D, Donetti E, Baragetti A, Mitro N, Scorrano L, Norata GD. The inhibition of inner mitochondrial fusion in hepatocytes reduces non-alcoholic fatty liver and improves metabolic profile during obesity by modulating bile acid conjugation. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 119:2917-2929. [PMID: 37922889 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Mitochondria are plastic organelles that continuously undergo biogenesis, fusion, fission, and mitophagy to control cellular energy metabolism, calcium homeostasis, hormones, sterols, and bile acids (BAs) synthesis. Here, we evaluated how the impairment of mitochondrial fusion in hepatocytes affects diet-induced liver steatosis and obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS Male mice selectively lacking the key protein involved in inner mitochondrial fusion, optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) (OPA1ΔHep) were fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks. OPA1ΔHep mice were protected from the development of hepatic steatosis and obesity because of reduced lipid absorption; a profile which was accompanied by increased respiratory exchange ratio in vivo, suggesting a preference for carbohydrates in OPA1ΔHep compared to controls. At the molecular level, this phenotype emerged as a consequence of poor mitochondria-peroxisome- endoplasmic reticulum (ER) tethering in OPA1 deficient hepatocytes, which impaired BAs conjugation and release in the bile, thus impacting lipid absorption from the diet. Concordantly, the liver of subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presented an increased expression of OPA1 and of the network of proteins involved in mitochondrial function when compared with controls. CONCLUSION Patients with NAFLD present increased expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion in the liver. The selective deficency of OPA1 in hepatocytes protects mice from HFD-induced metabolic dysfunction by reducing BAs secretion and dietary lipids absorption as a consequence of reduced liver mitochondria-peroxisome-ER tethering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Da Dalt
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Moregola
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Monika Svecla
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Pedretti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Fantini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mirko Ronzio
- Dipartiment of Biosciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano,Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Uboldi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Diletta Dolfini
- Dipartiment of Biosciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano,Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Donetti
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Baragetti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Scorrano
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35121 Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Danilo Norata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis, E. Bassini Hospital, Via Massimo Gorki 50, Cinisello Balsamo, Italy
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27
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Lai J, Li F, Li H, Huang R, Ma F, Gu X, Cai Y, Huang D, Li S, Xiao S, Hao H. Melatonin alleviates necrotizing enterocolitis by reducing bile acid levels through the SIRT1/FXR signalling axis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111360. [PMID: 38176339 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) have increasingly been implicated in the onset and progression of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); multiple findings have demonstrated their ability to induce damage to the intestinal epithelium, thereby exacerbating disease severity. Although we previously showed that melatonin was able to treat NEC by correcting the Treg/Th17 imbalance, the modulatory effect of melatonin on BAs remains unclear. In this study, we conducted transcriptome analysis on intestinal tissues from patients with NEC and validated these findings. Subsequently, we treated mice with melatonin alone or in combination with an agonist/inhibitor of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) to assess faecal and serum BA levels, the expression levels of BA transporters and regulators, and the extent of intestinal injury. Our transcriptome results indicated dysregulation of BA metabolism and abnormal expression of BA transporters in patients with NEC, which were also observed in our NEC mouse model. Furthermore, exogenous BAs were found to aggravate NEC severity in mice. Notably, melatonin effectively restored the aberrant expression of BA transporters, such as apical membrane sodium-dependent bile acid transporters (ASBT), ileal bile acid-binding protein (IBABP), and organic solute transporter-alpha (OST-α), by upregulating SIRT1 expression while reducing farnesoid X receptor (FXR) acetylation, consequently leading to decreased serum and faecal BA levels and mitigated NEC severity. Thus, we propose a potential mechanism through which melatonin reduces BA levels via the SIRT1/FXR signalling axis in an NEC mouse model. Collectively, these results highlight that melatonin holds promise for reducing BA levels and represents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Inborn Errors of Metabolism Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongfu Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of neonatal surgery, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Zhuhai Women and Children's Hospital, Zhuhai 519001, China
| | - Xia Gu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Inborn Errors of Metabolism Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Inborn Errors of Metabolism Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dabin Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sitao Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Inborn Errors of Metabolism Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shangjie Xiao
- Department of neonatal surgery, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hu Hao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Inborn Errors of Metabolism Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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28
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Soto A, Spongberg C, Martinino A, Giovinazzo F. Exploring the Multifaceted Landscape of MASLD: A Comprehensive Synthesis of Recent Studies, from Pathophysiology to Organoids and Beyond. Biomedicines 2024; 12:397. [PMID: 38397999 PMCID: PMC10886580 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020397] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a widespread contributor to chronic liver disease globally. A recent consensus on renaming liver disease was established, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, MASLD, was chosen as the replacement for NAFLD. The disease's range extends from the less severe MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), to the more intense metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by inflammation and apoptosis. This research project endeavors to comprehensively synthesize the most recent studies on MASLD, encompassing a wide spectrum of topics such as pathophysiology, risk factors, dietary influences, lifestyle management, genetics, epigenetics, therapeutic approaches, and the prospective trajectory of MASLD, particularly exploring its connection with organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Soto
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
| | - Colby Spongberg
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Great Falls, MT 59405, USA
| | | | - Francesco Giovinazzo
- General Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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29
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Zhang W, Qin X, Zhang K, Ma J, Li M, Jin G, Liu X, Wang S, Wang B, Wu J, Liu T, Zhong W, Cao H. Microbial metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide induces intestinal carcinogenesis through inhibiting farnesoid X receptor signaling. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00920-2. [PMID: 38315283 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00920-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Microbial dysbiosis is considered as a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC). Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) as a gut microbiota-dependent metabolite has recently been implicated in CRC development. Nevertheless, evidence relating TMAO to intestinal carcinogenesis remains largely unexplored. Herein, we aimed to examine the crucial role of TMAO in CRC progression. METHODS Apcmin/+ mice were treated with TMAO or sterile PBS for 14 weeks. Intestinal tissues were isolated to evaluate the effects of TMAO on the malignant transformation of intestinal adenoma. The gut microbiota of mouse feces was detected by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. HCT-116 cells were used to provide further evidence of TMAO on the progression of CRC. RESULTS TMAO administration increased tumor cell and stem cell proliferation, and decreased apoptosis, accompanied by DNA damage and gut barrier impairment. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that TMAO induced changes in the intestinal microbial community structure, manifested as reduced beneficial bacteria. Mechanistically, TMAO bound to farnesoid X receptor (FXR), thereby inhibiting the FXR-fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) axis and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, whereas the FXR agonist GW4064 could blunt TMAO-induced Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. CONCLUSION The microbial metabolite TMAO can enhance intestinal carcinogenesis by inhibiting the FXR-FGF15 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanru Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xiali Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Mengfan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Ge Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Sinan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Bangmao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Hailong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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30
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Rahmani R, Eivazi N, Emamgholipour S, Aminian M, Jalilian A, Paknejad M. The obeticholic acid can positively regulate the cancerous behavior of MCF7 breast cancer cell line. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:250. [PMID: 38302816 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09106-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis and treatment processes of cancer are among the main challenges of medical science in recent decades. The use of different therapeutic agents is one of the most common methods frequently utilized for cancer treatment. Accumulating evidence points to a potential effect of Obeticholic acid (OCA), a specific ligand for farnesoid X receptor, on the regulation of cancer-associated pathways. In spite of tremendous efforts to introduce OCA into the clinical setting, there is a great deal of uncertainty about its impact on breast cancer treatment. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of OCA on breast cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS In this experiment, the MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) cell line was treated with 0.1 µM OCA, and cancerous characteristics of the MCF-7 cell line was evaluated by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2 H-tetrazolium bromide) assay, gelatin zymography, western blot, Real-time PCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA techniques. The results indicated that OCA increased the rate of apoptosis and the expression levels of PPARα (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha) and TIMP-1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1) genes in this cell line, while it reduced the mRNA levels of MMP7 (matrix metalloproteinase 7) and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) genes, as well as the protein levels of the active form of AKT (protein kinase B), Erk1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and STAT3 (Signal transducers and activators of transcription-3). Also, OCA decreased the activity of MMP9, while it increased the secretion of VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor-A). CONCLUSIONS It seems that OCA can exert anti-cancer effects on the MCF-7 cells by reducing growth, proliferation, migration, invasion, and regulation of the expression of genes involved in cancer-associated pathways. However, it should be noted that further studies are warranted to establish this concept, especially the increase of VEGF-A can be considered a challenge for the results of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Rahmani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Eivazi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Solaleh Emamgholipour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Aminian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Jalilian
- Department of plant secondary metabolites, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran-Isfahan Branch, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maliheh Paknejad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Su C, Wang J, Luo H, Chen J, Lin F, Mo J, Xiong F, Zha L. Gut Microbiota Plays Essential Roles in Soyasaponin's Preventive Bioactivities against Steatohepatitis in the Methionine and Choline Deficient (MCD) Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300561. [PMID: 38234006 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Gut microbiota (GM) is involved in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) development. Phytochemicals soyasaponins can prevent NASH possibly by modulating GM. This study aims to investigate the preventive bioactivities of soyasaponin monomers (SS-A1 and SS-Bb) against NASH and explores the mechanisms by targeting GM. METHODS AND RESULTS Male C57BL/6 mice are fed with methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet containing SS-A1 , SS-Bb, or not for 16 weeks. Antibiotics-treated pseudo germ-free (PGF) mice are fed with MCD diet containing SS-A1 , SS-Bb, or not for 8 weeks. GM is determined by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Bile acids (BAs) are measured by UPLC-MS/MS. In NASH mice, SS-A1 and SS-Bb alleviate steatohepatitis and fibrosis, reduce ALT, AST, and LPS in serum, decrease TNF-α, IL-6, α-SMA, triglycerides, and cholesterol in liver. SS-A1 and SS-Bb decrease Firmicutes, Erysipelotrichaceae, unidentified-Clostridiales, Eggerthellaceae, Atopobiaceae, Aerococcus, Jeotgalicoccus, Gemella, Rikenella, increase Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Akkermansiaceae, Romboutsia, and Roseburia. SS-A1 and SS-Bb alter BAs composition in liver, serum, and feces, activate farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in liver and ileum, increase occludin and ZO-1 in intestine. However, GM clearance abrogates the preventive bioactivities of SS-A1 and SS-Bb against NASH. CONCLUSION GM plays essential roles in soyasaponin's preventive bioactivities against steatohepatitis in MCD diet-induced NASH mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuhong Su
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jiexian Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Huiyu Luo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Junbin Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Fengjuan Lin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jiaqi Mo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510280, P. R. China
| | - Longying Zha
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, P. R. China
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Wen J, Sun H, Yang B, Song E, Song Y, Jiang G. Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Microplastic Exposure Cause Cholestasis and Bile Acid Metabolism Dysregulation through a Gut-Liver Loop in Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1832-1841. [PMID: 38230996 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07108] [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: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The massive production of plastics causes the ubiquitous existence of microplastics (MPs) in the biota, therefore, posing exposure risks and potential health concerns to human beings. However, the exact mechanisms of MPs-induced toxicities and abnormalities are largely unknown. In this study, we developed a mouse model of gavage polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) for 30 days. We found that PS MPs can damage the intestinal barrier, accumulate in the liver tissue, and cause injury. The liver and intestine are both highly associated with bile acid (BA) metabolism. Indeed, we found that PS MPs dysregulate BA synthesis and efflux-related gene expression in the liver, causing cholestasis. Tandemly, PS MPs alter the ratio of primary to secondary BA in the feces by affecting the composition of the intestinal flora. At last, PS MPs alter mice's fecal BA profile, which affects normal BA metabolism. Taken together, the present study provides robust data on the mechanism of toxicity of MPs causing the disturbance of BA metabolism via a 4-step gut-liver loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bingwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Erqun Song
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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Yang D, Lyu C, He K, Pang K, Guo Z, Wu D. Bile Acid Diarrhea: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment in the Era of Precision Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1544. [PMID: 38338820 PMCID: PMC10855108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bile acid diarrhea (BAD) is a multifaceted intestinal disorder involving intricate molecular mechanisms, including farnesoid X receptor (FXR), fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), and Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5). Current diagnostic methods encompass bile acid sequestrants (BAS), 48-h fecal bile acid tests, serum 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4), fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) testing, and 75Selenium HomotauroCholic acid test (75SeHCAT). Treatment primarily involves BAS and FXR agonists. However, due to the limited sensitivity and specificity of current diagnostic methods, as well as suboptimal treatment efficacy and the presence of side effects, there is an urgent need to establish new diagnostic and treatment methods. While prior literature has summarized various diagnostic and treatment methods and the pathogenesis of BAD, no previous work has linked the two. This review offers a molecular perspective on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of BAD, with a focus on FXR, FGFR4, and TGR5, emphasizing the potential for identifying additional molecular mechanisms as treatment targets and bridging the gap between diagnostic and treatment methods and molecular mechanisms for a novel approach to the clinical management of BAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiyu Yang
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (D.Y.); (K.P.); (Z.G.)
| | - Chengzhen Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (C.L.); (K.H.)
| | - Kun He
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (C.L.); (K.H.)
| | - Ke Pang
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (D.Y.); (K.P.); (Z.G.)
| | - Ziqi Guo
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (D.Y.); (K.P.); (Z.G.)
| | - Dong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (C.L.); (K.H.)
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Lu Q, Zhu Y, Wang C, Zhang R, Miao Y, Chai Y, Jiang Z, Yu Q. Obeticholic acid protects against lithocholic acid-induced exogenous cell apoptosis during cholestatic liver injury. Life Sci 2024; 337:122355. [PMID: 38104861 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122355] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced cholestasis was accompanied by the occurrence of apoptosis, which indicated that anti-apoptosis was a therapeutic strategy for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). As an agonist of (Farnesoid X receptor) FXR, we supposed that the hepatoprotection of Obeticholic acid (OCA) against cholestatic liver injury is related to anti-apoptosis beside of the bile acids (BAs) regulation. Herein, we explored the non-metabolic regulating mechanism of OCA for resisting LCA-induced cholestatic liver injury via anti-apoptosis. MAIN METHODS LCA-induced cholestatic liver injury mice were pretreated with OCA to evaluate its hepatoprotective effect and mechanism. Biochemical and pathological indicators were used to detect the protective effect of OCA on LCA-induced cholestatic liver injury. The bile acids (BAs) profile in serum was detected by LC-MS/MS. Hepatocyte BAs metabolism, apoptosis and inflammation related genes and proteins alteration were investigated by biochemical determination. KEY FINDINGS OCA improved LCA-induced cholestasis and hepatic apoptosis in mice. The BA profile in serum was changed by OCA mainly manifested as a reduction of taurine-conjugated bile acids, which was due to the upregulation of FXR-related bile acid efflux transporters bile salt export pump (BSEP), multi-drug resistant associated protein 2 (MRP2), MRP3 and multi-drug resistance 3 (MDR3). Apoptosis related proteins cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8 and cleaved PARP were obviously reduced after OCA treatment. SIGNIFICANCE OCA improved LCA-induced cholestatic liver injury via FXR-induced exogenous cell apoptosis, which will provide new evidence for the application of OCA to ameliorate PBC in clinical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Lu
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yangping Zhu
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Changling Wang
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Rongmi Zhang
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yingying Miao
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chai
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhenzhou Jiang
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qinwei Yu
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Chen C, Zhang B, Tu J, Peng Y, Zhou Y, Yang X, Yu Q, Tan X. Discovery of 4-aminophenylacetamide derivatives as intestine-specific farnesoid X receptor antagonists for the potential treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115992. [PMID: 38043493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115992] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays a key role in bile acid homeostasis, inflammation, fibrosis, lipid and glucose metabolism and is emerging as a promising therapeutic target for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Emerging evidence suggested that intestine-specific FXR antagonists exhibited remarkable metabolic improvements and slowed NASH progression. In this study, we discovered several potent FXR antagonists using a multistage ligand- and structure-based virtual screening approach. Notably, compound V023-9340, which possesses a 4-aminophenylacetamide scaffold, emerged as the most potent FXR antagonist with an IC50 value of 4.27 μM. In vivo, V023-9340 demonstrated selective accumulation in the intestine, substantially ameliorating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NASH in mice by mitigating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Mechanistic studies revealed that V023-9340 strongly inhibited intestinal FXR while concurrently feedback-activated hepatic FXR. Further structure-activity relationship optimization employing V023-9340 has resulted in the synthesis of a more efficacious compound V02-8 with an IC50 value of 0.89 μM, which exhibited a 4.8-fold increase in FXR antagonistic activity compared to V023-9340. In summary, 4-aminophenylacetamide derivative V023-9340 represented a novel intestine-specific FXR antagonist and showed improved effects against HFD-induced NASH in mice, which may serve as a promising lead in discovering potential therapeutic drugs for NASH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Jiaojiao Tu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Yanfen Peng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Yihuan Zhou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Xinping Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Qiming Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure Omics and Life Cycle Health, College of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China.
| | - Xiangduan Tan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China.
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Sun DQ, Yuan F, Fu MZ, Zhong MY, Zhang SL, Lu Y, Targher G, Byrne CD, Zheng MH, Yuan WJ. Farnesoid X receptor activation protects against renal fibrosis via modulation of β-catenin signaling. Mol Metab 2024; 79:101841. [PMID: 38036169 PMCID: PMC10755488 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a bile acid nuclear receptor, may be implicated in the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. We explored a possible role for FXR activation in preventing renal fibrosis in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. METHODS We investigated the effects of HFD on mouse kidney and renal tubular epithelial cells both in vivo and in vitro, and observed the changes of FXR and β-catenin pathway. FXR agonist was also used to alleviate this HFD-induced effect, and the interaction between FXR and β-catenin was further verified. RESULTS Mice were fed by a 60% kcal fat diet for 20 weeks developed the typical traits of metabolic syndrome with subsequent renal lipid accumulation and renal injury. Treatment with the FXR agonist CDCA or GW4064 decreased body weight, renal lipid accumulation, as well as renal injury. Moreover, renal β-catenin signaling was activated and improved with FXR-agonist treatment in HFD-fed mice. To examine whether FXR affected β-catenin signaling, and was involved in tubulo-interstitial fibrosis, we explored the FXR expression and function in ox-LDL induced-renal tubular injury. In rat proximal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) stimulated by ox-LDL, FXR protein was decreased compared to control group, and phosphorylated (Ser675) β-catenin was activated by ox-LDL in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Ox-LDL enhanced α-SMA and fibronectin expressions and reduced E-cadherin levels, whereas FXR agonism or FXR overexpression inhibited fibronectin and α-SMA expressions and restored E-cadherin. Moreover, FXR agonist treatment also decreased phosphorylated (Ser675) β-catenin, nuclear translocation and β-catenin-mediated transcription induced by ox-LDL in NRK-52E cells. We showed that FXR could bind with β-catenin via the AF1 domain, and disrupt the assembly of the core β-catenin/TCF4 complex. CONCLUSION These experimental data suggest that FXR activation, via modulating β-catenin signaling, may contribute to attenuating the development of lipid-mediated tubulo-interstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Qin Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuqiang Yuan
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Wuxi Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi Children's Hospital), Wuxi, China; Department of Pediatric Laboratory, The Affiliated Wuxi Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi Children's Hospital), Wuxi, China
| | - Meng-Zhu Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Meng-Yang Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Shi-Liang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuxi No. 5 People's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Institute of Metabolism and Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Christopher D Byrne
- Southampton National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Ming-Hua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Institute of Hepatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for The Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Wei-Jie Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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Zhu Z, Xu Y, Xia Y, Jia X, Chen Y, Liu Y, Zhang L, Chai H, Sun L. Review on chronic metabolic diseases surrounding bile acids and gut microbiota: What we have explored so far. Life Sci 2024; 336:122304. [PMID: 38016578 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122304] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Bile acid, the final product of cholesterol breakdown, functions as a complex regulator and signaling factor in human metabolism. Chronic metabolic diseases pose significant medical challenges. Growing research underscores bile acids' capacity to enhance metabolism via diverse pathways, regulating disorders and offering treatment potential. Numerous bile-acid-triggered pathways have become treatment targets. This review outlines bile acid synthesis, its role as a signal in chronic metabolic diseases, and highlights its interaction with gut microbiota in different metabolic conditions. Exploring host-bacteria-bile acid links emerges as a valuable future research direction with clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzheng Zhu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuemiao Xu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuwei Xia
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinru Jia
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yixin Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuyue Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leyin Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Chai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leitao Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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Narayanan AK, Surendran S, Balakrishnan D, Gopalakrishnan U, Malick S, Valsan A, Philips CA, Watson CJE. A Short Review on Obeticholic Acid: An Effective Modulator of Farnesoid X Receptor. Curr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol 2024; 19:225-233. [PMID: 38708917 DOI: 10.2174/0127724328239536230919070001] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was identified as an orphan nuclear receptor resembling the steroid receptor in the late '90s. Activation of FXR is a crucial step in many physiological functions of the liver. A vital role of FXR is impacting the amount of bile acids in the hepatocytes, which it performs by reducing bile acid synthesis, stimulating the bile salt export pump, and inhibiting its enterohepatic circulation, thus protecting the hepatocytes against the toxic accumulation of bile acids. Furthermore, FXR mediates bile acid biotransformation in the intestine, liver regeneration, glucose hemostasis, and lipid metabolism. In this review, we first discuss the mechanisms of the disparate pleiotropic actions of FXR agonists. We then delve into the pharmacokinetics of Obeticholic acid (OCA), the first-in-class selective, potent FXR agonist. We additionally discuss the clinical journey of OCA in humans, its current evidence in various human diseases, and its plausible roles in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anila Kutty Narayanan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Sudhindran Surendran
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Dinesh Balakrishnan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Unnikrishnan Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Shweta Malick
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Arun Valsan
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Cyriac Abby Philips
- Department of Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Christopher John Edward Watson
- University of Cambridge and Honorary Consultant Surgeon, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 OQQ, UK
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Xiang S, Wang Z, Tang R, Wang L, Wang Q, Yu Y, Deng Q, Hou T, Hao H, Sun H. Exhaustively Exploring the Prevalent Interaction Pathways of Ligands Targeting the Ligand-Binding Pocket of Farnesoid X Receptor via Combined Enhanced Sampling. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7529-7544. [PMID: 37983966 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
It is well-known that the potency of a drug is heavily associated with its kinetic and thermodynamic properties with the target. Nuclear receptors (NRs), as an important target family, play important roles in regulating a variety of physiological processes in vivo. However, it is hard to understand the drug-NR interaction process because of the closed structure of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the NR proteins, which apparently hinders the rational design of drugs with controllable kinetic properties. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanism of the ligand-NR interaction process seems necessary to help NR drug design. However, it is usually difficult for experimental approaches to interpret the kinetic process of drug-target interactions. Therefore, in silico methods were utilized to explore the optimal binding/dissociation pathways of the NR ligands. Specifically, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is considered here as the target system since it has been an important target for the treatment of bile acid metabolism-associated diseases, and a series of structures cocrystallized with diverse scaffold ligands were resolved. By using random acceleration molecular dynamics (RAMD) simulation and umbrella sampling (US), 5 main dissociation pathways (pathways I-V) were identified in 11 representative FXR ligands, with most of them (9/11) preferring to go through Pathway III and the remaining two favoring escaping from Pathway I and IV. Furthermore, key residues functioning in the three main dissociation pathways were revealed by the kinetic residue energy analysis (KREA) based on the US trajectories, which may serve as road-marker residues for rapid identification of the (un)binding pathways of FXR ligands. Moreover, the preferred pathways explored by RAMD simulations are in good agreement with the minimum free energy path identified by the US simulations with the Pearson R = 0.76 between the predicted binding affinity and the experimental data, suggesting that RAMD is suitable for applying in large-scale (un)binding-pathway exploration in the case of ligands with obscure binding tunnels to the target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutong Xiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Rongfan Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Qinghua Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Qirui Deng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Lab of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Huiyong Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
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Azizsoltani A, Hatami B, Zali MR, Mahdavi V, Baghaei K, Alizadeh E. Obeticholic acid-loaded exosomes attenuate liver fibrosis through dual targeting of the FXR signaling pathway and ECM remodeling. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115777. [PMID: 37913732 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115777] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
End-stage of liver fibrosis as a precancerous state could lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma which liver transplantation is the only effective treatment. Previous studies have indicated that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, such as obeticholic acid (OCA) protect against hepatic injuries. However, free OCA administration results in side effects in clinical trials that could be alleviated by applying bio carriers such as MSC-derived exosomes (Exo) with the potential to mimic the biological regenerative effect of their parent cells, as proposed in this study. Loading OCA into the Exo was conducted via water bath sonication. Ex vivo bio distribution studies validated the Exo-loaded OCA more permanently accumulated in the liver. Using CCL4-induced liver fibrosis, we proposed whether Exo isolated from human Warton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells loaded with a minimal dosage of OCA can facilitate liver recovery. Notably, Exo-loaded OCA exerted additive anti-fibrotic efficacy on histopathological features in CCL4-induced fibrotic mice. Compared to baseline, Exo-mediated delivery OCA results in marked improvements in the fibrotic-related indicators as well as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations. Accordingly, the synergistic impact of Exo-loaded OCA as a promising approach is associated with the inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and Fxr-Cyp7a1 cascade on CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mice. In conclusion, our data confirmed the additive protective effects of Exo-loaded OCA in fibrotic mice, which suggests a valuable therapeutic strategy to combat liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the use of Exo for accurate drug delivery to the liver tissue can be inspiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezou Azizsoltani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Mahdavi
- Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Aljarboa AS, Alhusaini AM, Sarawi WS, Mohammed R, Ali RA, Hasan IH. The implication of LPS/TLR4 and FXR receptors in hepatoprotective efficacy of indole-3-acetic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. Life Sci 2023; 334:122182. [PMID: 37863258 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122182] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
AIM Valproic acid (VPA) belongs to the first-generation antiepileptic drugs, yet its prolonged use can cause life-threatening liver damage. The importance of our study is to investigate the protective effect of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and their combination on VPA-induced liver injury focusing on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). METHODS Thirty rats were randomly assigned into five groups, normal control group, VPA group received 500 mg/kg of VPA intraperitoneally. The remaining groups were orally treated with either 40 mg/kg of IAA, 90 mg/kg of CDCA, or a combination of both, along with VPA. All treatments were administered one hour after the administration of VPA for three weeks. KEY FINDINGS VPA group showed significant elevations in the liver weight/body weight ratio, serum aminotransferases, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels. Hepatic glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were significantly decreased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) level, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and caspase 3 were significantly increased. Likewise, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that TLR4 expression was elevated, whereas FXR expression was downregulated in hepatocytes. IAA substantially ameliorated all previously altered parameters, whereas CDCA treatment showed a partial improvement compared to IAA. Surprisingly, combination therapy of IAA with CDCA showed an additive effect only in the hepatic expression of TLR4 and FXR proteins. SIGNIFICANCE IAA could be a promising protective agent against VPA-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad S Aljarboa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahlam M Alhusaini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Wedad S Sarawi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Raeesa Mohammed
- Department of Histology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rehab A Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Iman H Hasan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia.
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Xiang D, Yang J, Liu L, Yu H, Gong X, Liu D. The regulation of tissue-specific farnesoid X receptor on genes and diseases involved in bile acid homeostasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115606. [PMID: 37812893 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) facilitate the absorption of dietary lipids and vitamins and have also been identified as signaling molecules involved in regulating their own metabolism, glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as immunity. Disturbances in BA homeostasis are associated with various enterohepatic and metabolic diseases, such as cholestasis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity. As a key regulator, the nuclear orphan receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) precisely regulates BA homeostasis by transcriptional regulation of genes involved in BA synthesis, metabolism, and enterohepatic circulation. FXR is widely regarded as the most potential therapeutic target. Obeticholic acid is the only FXR agonist approved to treat patients with primary biliary cholangitis, but its non-specific activation of systemic FXR also causes high-frequency side effects. In recent years, developing tissue-specific FXR-targeting drugs has become a research highlight. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the role of tissue-specific intestine/liver FXR in regulating genes involved in BA homeostasis and briefly discusses tissue-specific FXR as a therapeutic target for treating diseases. These findings provide the basis for the development of tissue-specific FXR modulators for the treatment of enterohepatic and metabolic diseases associated with BA dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Jinyu Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hengyi Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xuepeng Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Shi M, Wei J, Yuan H, Li Y, Guo Z. The role of the gut microbiota and bile acids in heart failure: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35795. [PMID: 37960774 PMCID: PMC10637566 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is the terminal manifestation of various cardiovascular diseases. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that gut microbiota are involved in the development of various cardiovascular diseases. Gut microbiota and their metabolites might play a pivotal role in the development of HF. However, previous studies have rarely described the complex role of gut microbiota and their metabolites in HF. In this review, we mainly discussed bile acids (BAs), the metabolites of gut microbiota. We explained the mechanisms by which BAs are involved in the pathogenesis of HF. We also discussed the use of gut microbiota and BAs for treating HF in Chinese medicine, highlighting the advantages of Chinese medicine in treating HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Shi
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities of Intelligent Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Preventive Treatment of Chronic Diseases of Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaming Wei
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities of Intelligent Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Preventive Treatment of Chronic Diseases of Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Ya Li
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Zhihua Guo
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities of Intelligent Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Preventive Treatment of Chronic Diseases of Hunan, Changsha, China
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Adorini L, Trauner M. FXR agonists in NASH treatment. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1317-1331. [PMID: 37562746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a bile acid (BA)-activated nuclear receptor highly expressed in the liver and intestine, regulates the expression of genes involved in cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis, hepatic gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, inflammation and fibrosis, in addition to controlling intestinal barrier integrity, preventing bacterial translocation and maintaining gut microbiota eubiosis. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is characterized by hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte damage (ballooning) and inflammation, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NASH represents a major unmet medical need, but no pharmacological treatments have yet been approved. The pleiotropic mechanisms involved in NASH development offer a range of therapeutic opportunities and among them FXR activation has emerged as an established pharmacological target. Various FXR agonists with different physicochemical properties, which can be broadly classified as BA derivatives, non-BA-derived steroidal FXR agonists, non-steroidal FXR agonists, and partial FXR agonists, are in advanced clinical development. In this review we will summarize key preclinical and clinical features of the most advanced FXR agonists and critically evaluate their potential in NASH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Adorini
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc., 305 Madison Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960, USA.
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Kadasah SF, Radwan MO. Overview of Ursolic Acid Potential for the Treatment of Metabolic Disorders, Autoimmune Diseases, and Cancers via Nuclear Receptor Pathways. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2845. [PMID: 37893218 PMCID: PMC10604592 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102845] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) form a family of druggable transcription factors that are regulated by ligand binding to orchestrate multifaceted physiological functions, including reproduction, immunity, metabolism, and growth. NRs represent attractive and valid targets for the management and treatment of a vast array of ailments. Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) are ubiquitously distributed natural products in medicinal and aromatic plants, of which ursolic acid (UA) is an extensively studied member, due to its diverse bio-pertinent activities against different cancers, inflammation, aging, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and liver injury. In fact, PTs share a common lipophilic structure that resembles NRs' endogenous ligands. Herein, we present a review of the literature on UA's effect on NRs, showcasing the resulting health benefits and potential therapeutic outcomes. De facto, UA exhibited numerous pharmacodynamic effects on PPAR, LXR, FXR, and PXR, resulting in remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective properties, by lowering lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and mitigating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and its subsequent liver fibrosis. Furthermore, UA reversed valproate and rifampicin-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Additionally, UA showed great promise for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis and autoimmune arthritis by antagonizing RORγ. UA exhibited antiproliferative effects against skin, prostate, and breast cancers, partially via PPARα and RORγ pathways. Herein, for the first time, we explore and provide insights into UA bioactivity with respect to NR modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan F. Kadasah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed O. Radwan
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
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Kou B, Jiang Y, Chen Y, Yang J, Sun J, Yan Y, Weng L, Xiao C. A Study of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma Class Differences Based on Chemical Composition and Core Efficacy. Molecules 2023; 28:7132. [PMID: 37894611 PMCID: PMC10609378 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Establishment of a method for evaluating Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma (GRR) classes based on chemical composition and core efficacy; (2) Methods: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to determine the chemical constituents of GRR-first class (GF) and GRR-second class (GS). The cell viability, liver function, oxidative stress enzyme activity, and inflammatory factor levels of GF and GS on H2O2-induced HepG2 cells were determined with CCK-8, ELISA, and biochemical methods, and the antioxidant activity of the two was evaluated using bioefficacy; ELISA, biochemical methods, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method, and Western blot (WB) were used to determine the liver function, oxidative stress enzyme activity, inflammatory factor levels, and expression of related genes and proteins in mice with acute liver injury (ALI) model induced with 0.3% CCl4 olive oil solution after gavage administration; (3) Results: GF and GS had the same types of components, but the cyclic enol ether terpenes such as morinlon goside c, loganin, gentiopicroside, and swertiamarin differed significantly between the two; the effect of GF on CCl4-induced acute hepatic injury in C57BL/6 mice was stronger compared to GS. It helped alleviate weight loss, increase hepatic and splenic indices, improve hepatic lobular structure and hepatocyte status, inhibit collagen deposition, enhance oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory-related genes and protein expression, and decrease apoptotic genes and proteins more significantly than GS; (4) Conclusions: In this study, we established a GRR class evaluation method combining chemical composition and core medicinal effects, which can rapidly determine the differential composition of GF and GS, detect the quality of GRR through antioxidant bioefficacy, and validate it with in vivo experiments, which provides references for the evaluation of the class of GRR and the rational use of medication in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lili Weng
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (B.K.); (Y.J.); (Y.C.); (J.Y.); (J.S.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Chunping Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (B.K.); (Y.J.); (Y.C.); (J.Y.); (J.S.); (Y.Y.)
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Yang Y, Hsiao YC, Liu CW, Lu K. The Role of the Nuclear Receptor FXR in Arsenic-Induced Glucose Intolerance in Mice. TOXICS 2023; 11:833. [PMID: 37888683 PMCID: PMC10611046 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic in drinking water is prioritized as a top environmental contaminant by the World Health Organization, with over 230 million people potentially being exposed. Arsenic toxicity has been well documented and is associated with a plethora of human diseases, including diabetes, as established in numerous animal and epidemiological studies. Our previous study revealed that arsenic exposure leads to the inhibition of nuclear receptors, including LXR/RXR. To this end, FXR is a nuclear receptor central to glucose and lipid metabolism. However, limited studies are available for understanding arsenic exposure-FXR interactions. Herein, we report that FXR knockout mice developed more profound glucose intolerance than wild-type mice upon arsenic exposure, supporting the regulatory role of FXR in arsenic-induced glucose intolerance. We further exposed mice to arsenic and tested if GW4064, a FXR agonist, could improve glucose intolerance and dysregulation of hepatic proteins and serum metabolites. Our data showed arsenic-induced glucose intolerance was remarkably diminished by GW4064, accompanied by a significant ratio of alleviation of dysregulation in hepatic proteins (83%) and annotated serum metabolites (58%). In particular, hepatic proteins "rescued" from arsenic toxicity by GW4064 featured members of glucose and lipid utilization. For instance, the expression of PCK1, a candidate gene for diabetes and obesity that facilitates gluconeogenesis, was repressed under arsenic exposure in the liver, but revived with the GW4064 supplement. Together, our comprehensive dataset indicates FXR plays a key role and may serve as a potential therapeutic for arsenic-induced metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kun Lu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Andrade LJDO, Oliveira GCMD, Oliveira LMD. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN BILE ACIDS AND TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS - A REVIEW. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2023; 60:536-542. [PMID: 38018556 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.230402023-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bile acids (BAs) are steroid molecules synthesized exclusively in the liver, being end products of cholesterol catabolism. BAs are known to be involved in several metabolic alterations, including metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). DM2 is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by insulin resistance, insulin deficiency due to insufficient production of pancreatic ß-cells, and elevated serum glucose levels leading to multiple complications. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to investigate the role of BAs in the pathophysiology of DM2, highlighting the possibilities in the development of therapeutic procedures targeting BAs as an optional pathway in the treatment of DM2. METHODS The research was carried out through narrative review and publications on the relationship between BAs and DM2. The databases used for the search include PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The keywords used for the search include bile acids, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and metabolic disorders. RESULTS The studies have reported the involvement of BAs in the pathophysiology of DM2. BAs act as a ligand for the nuclear farnesoid X receptor, regulating glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and cellular energy production. Additionally, BAs modulate the production, elimination, and mobilization of BAs through the farnesoid X receptor. BAs also act as a signaling pathway through Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5, further contributing to metabolic regulation. These findings suggest that targeting BAs may offer a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of DM2. CONCLUSION This study highlights the important role of BAs in DM2, specifically through their interactions with key metabolic pathways. Targeting BAs may represent an innovative and effective approach to the treatment of DM2.
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Radwan MO, Kadasah SF, Aljubiri SM, Alrefaei AF, El-Maghrabey MH, El Hamd MA, Tateishi H, Otsuka M, Fujita M. Harnessing Oleanolic Acid and Its Derivatives as Modulators of Metabolic Nuclear Receptors. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1465. [PMID: 37892147 PMCID: PMC10604226 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101465] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) constitute a superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors with a paramount role in ubiquitous physiological functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Owing to their physiological role and druggability, NRs are deemed attractive and valid targets for medicinal chemists. Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) represent one of the most important phytochemical classes present in higher plants, where oleanolic acid (OA) is the most studied PTs representative owing to its multitude of biological activities against cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and liver injury. PTs possess a lipophilic skeleton that imitates the NRs endogenous ligands. Herein, we report a literature overview on the modulation of metabolic NRs by OA and its semi-synthetic derivatives, highlighting their health benefits and potential therapeutic applications. Indeed, OA exhibited varying pharmacological effects on FXR, PPAR, LXR, RXR, PXR, and ROR in a tissue-specific manner. Owing to these NRs modulation, OA showed prominent hepatoprotective properties comparable to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in a bile duct ligation mice model and antiatherosclerosis effect as simvastatin in a model of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. It also demonstrated a great promise in alleviating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis, attenuated alpha-naphthol isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury, and controlled blood glucose levels, making it a key player in the therapy of metabolic diseases. We also compiled OA semi-synthetic derivatives and explored their synthetic pathways and pharmacological effects on NRs, showcasing their structure-activity relationship (SAR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review article to highlight OA activity in terms of NRs modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed O. Radwan
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.T.); (M.O.); (M.F.)
| | - Sultan F. Kadasah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Salha M. Aljubiri
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Mahmoud H. El-Maghrabey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed A. El Hamd
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Hiroshi Tateishi
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.T.); (M.O.); (M.F.)
| | - Masami Otsuka
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.T.); (M.O.); (M.F.)
- Department of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
| | - Mikako Fujita
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.T.); (M.O.); (M.F.)
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Comito R, Porru E, Interino N, Conti M, Terragni R, Gotti R, Candela M, Simoni P, Roda A, Fiori J. Metabolic Bile Acid Profile Impairments in Dogs Affected by Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy. Metabolites 2023; 13:980. [PMID: 37755260 PMCID: PMC10535270 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13090980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs), endogenous acidic steroids synthetized from cholesterol in the liver, play a key role in the gut-liver axis physiopathology, including in hepatotoxicity, intestinal inflammatory processes, and cholesterol homeostasis. Faecal Oxo-BAs, relatively stable intermediates of oxidation/epimerization reactions of the BA hydroxyls, could be relevant to investigating the crosstalk in the liver-gut axis and the relationship between diseases and alterations in microbiota composition. A paucity of information currently exists on faecal BA profiles in dogs with and without chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE). Comprehensive assessment of 31 molecules among faecal BAs and related microbiota metabolites was conducted with high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Odds ratios (ORs) for associations of BAs with CIE were estimated using logistic regression. Principal component analysis was performed to find differences between the control and pathological dogs. Higher levels of primary BAs and muricholic acids, and lower levels of secondary BAs were found in pathological dogs. Higher concentrations in faecal oxo-metabolites were associated with the absence of CIE (OR < 1). This study shows a marked difference in faecal BA profiles between dogs with and without CIE. Further research will be needed to better understand the role of oxo-BAs and muricholic acids in CIE dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Comito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (R.C.); (E.P.); (P.S.)
- Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Porru
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (R.C.); (E.P.); (P.S.)
- Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicolò Interino
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Matteo Conti
- Department of Public Health, Local Unit of Imola, Health Service of the Emilia-Romagna Region, 40026 Imola, Italy;
| | - Rossella Terragni
- Veterinary Clinic dell’Orologio/Veterinary Oncology Center, 40100 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gotti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Candela
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Patrizia Simoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (R.C.); (E.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Aldo Roda
- Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Jessica Fiori
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
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