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Owen NE, Williams TL, Maguire JJ, Kuc RE, Davenport EE, Davenport AP. Microarray analysis demonstrates up-regulation of the endothelin-1 gene with compensatory down-regulation of the ETA receptor gene in human portal vein. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20240528. [PMID: 38860875 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20240528] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
High blood pressure in the portal vein, portal hypertension (PH), is the final common pathway in liver cirrhosis regardless of aetiology. Complications from PH are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Current drug therapy to reduce portal pressure is mainly limited to β-adrenergic receptor blockade but approximately 40% of patients do not respond. Our aim was to use microarray to measure the expression of ∼20,800 genes in portal vein from patients with PH undergoing transplantation for liver cirrhosis (PH, n=12) versus healthy vessels (control, n=9) to identify potential drug targets to improve therapy. Expression of 9,964 genes above background was detected in portal vein samples. Comparing PH veins versus control (adjusted P-value < 0.05, fold change > 1.5) identified 548 up-regulated genes and 1,996 down-regulated genes. The 2,544 differentially expressed genes were subjected to pathway analysis. We identified 49 significantly enriched pathways. The endothelin pathway was ranked the tenth most significant, the only vasoconstrictive pathway to be identified. ET-1 gene (EDN1) was significantly up-regulated, consistent with elevated levels of ET-1 peptide previously measured in PH and cirrhosis. ETA receptor gene (EDNRA) was significantly down-regulated, consistent with an adaptive response to increased peptide levels in the portal vein but there was no change in the ETB gene (EDNRB). The results provide further support for evaluating the efficacy of ETA receptor antagonists as a potential therapy in addition to β-blockers in patients with PH and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola E Owen
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, U.K
| | - Thomas L Williams
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, U.K
| | - Janet J Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, U.K
| | - Rhoda E Kuc
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, U.K
| | - Emma E Davenport
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, U.K
| | - Anthony P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, U.K
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Asada S, Kaji K, Nishimura N, Koizumi A, Matsuda T, Tanaka M, Yorioka N, Sato S, Kitagawa K, Namisaki T, Akahane T, Yoshiji H. Tofogliflozin Delays Portal Hypertension and Hepatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting Sinusoidal Capillarization in Cirrhotic Rats. Cells 2024; 13:538. [PMID: 38534382 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060538] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis leads to portal hypertension (PH) with capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), although drug treatment options for PH are currently limited. Sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors, which are antidiabetic agents, have been shown to improve endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to elucidate the effect of tofogliflozin on PH and liver fibrosis in a rat cirrhosis model. METHODS Male-F344/NSlc rats repeatedly received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneally to induce PH and liver cirrhosis alongside tofogliflozin (10 or 20 mg/kg). Portal hemodynamics and hepatic phenotypes were assessed after 14 weeks. An in vitro study investigated the effects of tofogliflozin on the crosstalk between LSEC and activated hepatic stellate cells (Ac-HSC), which are relevant to PH development. RESULTS Tofogliflozin prevented PH with attenuated intrahepatic vasoconstriction, sinusoidal capillarization, and remodeling independent of glycemic status in CCl4-treated rats. Hepatic macrophage infiltration, proinflammatory response, and fibrogenesis were suppressed by treatment with tofogliflozin. In vitro assays showed that tofogliflozin suppressed Ac-HSC-stimulated capillarization and vasoconstriction in LSECs by enhancing the antioxidant capacity, as well as inhibited the capilliarized LSEC-stimulated contractive, profibrogenic, and proliferative activities of Ac-HSCs. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides strong support for tofogliflozin in the prevention of liver cirrhosis-related PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Asada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kaji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Norihisa Nishimura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Aritoshi Koizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsuda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Misako Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Yorioka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Shinya Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Koh Kitagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Tadashi Namisaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan
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Ezhilarasan D. Endothelin-1 in portal hypertension: The intricate role of hepatic stellate cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1504-1512. [PMID: 32791849 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220949148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Portal hypertension is pathologically defined as increase of portal venous pressure, mainly due to chronic liver diseases such as fibrosis and cirrhosis. In fibrotic liver, activated hepatic stellate cells increase their contraction in response to endothelin-1 (ET-1) via autocrine and paracrine stimulation from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and injured hepatocytes. Clinical studies are limited with ET receptor antagonists in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. Hence, studies are needed to find molecules that block ET-1 synthesis. Accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the perisinusoidal space, tissue contraction, and alteration in blood flow are prominent during portal hypertension. Therefore, novel matrix modulators should be tested experimentally as well as in clinical studies. Specifically, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β1, Wnt, Notch, rho-associated protein kinase 1 signaling antagonists, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and γ, interferon-γ and sirtuin 1 agonists should be tested elaborately against cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College, 194347Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai 600 077, India
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Swidnicka-Siergiejko A, Wereszczynska-Siemiatkowska U, Siemiatkowski A, Wasielica-Berger J, Janica J, Mroczko B, Dabrowski A. The imbalance of peripheral interleukin-18 and transforming growth factor-β1 levels in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices. Cytokine 2018; 113:440-445. [PMID: 30392846 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis indicates clinically significant portal hypertension (PH), that results from structural and dynamic changes in the liver and systemic circulation including the activation of several fibrotic and inflammatory pathways. We assessed if interleukin-18 (IL-18) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) serum levels can be used as PH markers and reflect its severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS IL-18 and TGF-β1 peripheral blood levels were analyzed in 83 cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices compared to healthy individuals, in relation to MELD and Child-Pugh scores, laboratory and Doppler ultrasound parameters, and non-selective beta-blocker therapy (NSBB). RESULTS IL-18 concentration was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients, while TGF-β1 concentration was lower than in controls. MELD score correlated positively with IL-18 levels and negatively with TGF-β1 levels. IL-18 levels correlated positively with bilirubin, INR, ALT and AST levels, and negatively with albumin levels and erythrocyte count. TGF-β1 levels correlated positively with platelet count, leukocyte, and erythrocyte count, and negatively with bilirubin levels and prothrombin time. Moreover, significant correlations were found: between IL and 18 levels and portal, mesenteric superior, and splenic vein velocity, and between TGF-β1 levels and splenic vein diameter and spleen size. In a subgroup of patients, IL-18 levels significantly decreased after NSBB. CONCLUSION The observed imbalance of peripheral IL-18 and TGF-β1 levels indicates clinically significant PH associated with the presence of esophageal varices in cirrhosis. The correlation of IL-18 levels with liver failure indicators and decrease with NSBB suggest an important role of IL-18 in disease progression and its potential use as noninvasive test for PH assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrzej Siemiatkowski
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Jacek Janica
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostic, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Andrzej Dabrowski
- Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
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Effects of a Long-Acting Formulation of Octreotide on Patients with Portal Hypertension. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2017; 2017:3943210. [PMID: 28855918 PMCID: PMC5569631 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3943210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine whether the treatment of a long-acting formulation of octreotide (OCT-LAR) exerted a similar effect on improving the prognosis of patients with portal hypertension compared with placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPSs). Methods A total of 24 patients with portal hypertension who underwent TIPS placement or OCT-LAR treatment from January 2010 to January 2015 were reviewed. Hemodynamic studies, biological values, live functions, and treatment complications before and during the treatment were evaluated. Results Baseline clinical characteristics were similar between two groups. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was improved in OCT-LAR groups (15.9 ± 2.4 to 12.8 ± 1.6 mmHg). Both groups showed a slight decrease in endothelin-1 (ET-1) and urotensin II and a slight increase in oxide metabolite (NOx) concentrations with no significant difference. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase increased one week after TIPS placement when they improved in the OCT-LAR treatment group. The complications of OCT-LAR treatment were minor and transient. However, one patient who received TIPS placement presented procedure-related complications and required rehospitalization, and 2 patients had developed hepatic encephalopathy during the follow-up period. Conclusion Prolonged administration of OCT-LAR exerted a virtually similar effect on improving hemodynamic parameters and liver function in patients with portal hypertension compared with placement of TIPS, with no apparent serious adverse effects.
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Liu Y, Lu LL, Yuan DX, Geng N, Xuan SY, Xin YN. AGTR1 rs3772622 gene polymorphism increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients suffer coronary artery disease in Northern Chinese Han population. Lipids Health Dis 2016; 15:113. [PMID: 27342049 PMCID: PMC4919839 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0279-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease (CAD) responsible and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are both metabolic diseases, and they are mostly influenced by genetic factors. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AGTR1) gene rs3772622 polymorphisms and the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) in Chinese patients with NAFLD. Methods Genotype for AGTR1 rs3772622 in 574 NAFLD patients with CAD or 589 NAFLD patients without CAD, 332 CAD patients exclude NAFLD and 338 health control subjects were determined by sequencing and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Relevant statistical methods were employed to analyze the genotypes, alleles and the clinical date. Inter-group differences and associations were assessed statistically using t-tests and Chi square and logistic analyses. The relative risk of AGTR1 rs3772622 for NAFLD was estimated by logistic regression analysis. Results No significant difference in genotype and allele frequency of AGTR1 rs3772622 was found between the NAFLD without CAD population and the controls (P > 0.05). However, makeable difference was found when compared the CAD in patients with NAFLD and CAD free NAFLD patients (P < 0.001 OR = 2.09). Similarly, significant difference was found in AGTR1 rs3772622 genotype distribution between the groups of CAD patients and control (P = 0.046 OR = 1.71). Conclusions AGTR1 rs3772622 gene polymorphism was not associated with the risk of NAFLD, but could increase the risk of NAFLD patients suffering from CAD in the Chinese Han population. Deeply mechanisms underlying the association between AGTR1 rs3772622 gene polymorphism and the risk of CAD in NAFLD patients need more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 1 Jiaozhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Lin-Lin Lu
- Digestive Disease Key Laboratory of Qingdao, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.,Central Laboratories, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - De-Xi Yuan
- Department of Anorecta, Qilu Hospital, of Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Geng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 1 Jiaozhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Shi-Ying Xuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 1 Jiaozhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China.,Digestive Disease Key Laboratory of Qingdao, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yong-Ning Xin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China. .,Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 1 Jiaozhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China. .,Digestive Disease Key Laboratory of Qingdao, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
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Systemic and Splanchnic Lipopolysaccharide and Endothelin-1 Plasma Levels in Liver Cirrhosis before and after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2016; 2016:8341030. [PMID: 26941788 PMCID: PMC4753051 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8341030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and endothelin- (ET-) 1 may aggravate portal hypertension by increasing intrahepatic resistance and splanchnic blood flow. In the portal vein, after TIPS shunting, LPS and ET-1 were significantly decreased. Our study suggests that TIPS can benefit cirrhotic patients not only in high hemodynamics related variceal bleeding but also in intestinal bacterial translocation associated complications such as endotoxemia.
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