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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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2
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Palmiotti A, de Vries HD, Hovingh MV, Koehorst M, Mulder NL, Verkade E, Veentjer MK, van Dijk TH, Bloks VW, Havinga R, Verkade HJ, de Boer JF, Kuipers F. Bile Acid Sequestration via Colesevelam Reduces Bile Acid Hydrophobicity and Improves Liver Pathology in Cyp2c70-/- Mice with a Human-like Bile Acid Composition. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2495. [PMID: 37760936 PMCID: PMC10526181 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) and their signaling pathways have been identified as therapeutic targets for liver and metabolic diseases. We generated Cyp2c70-/- (KO) mice that were not able to convert chenodeoxycholic acid into rodent-specific muricholic acids (MCAs) and, hence, possessed a more hydrophobic, human-like BA pool. Recently, we have shown that KO mice display cholangiopathic features with the development of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether BA sequestration modulates liver pathology in Western type-diet (WTD)-fed KO mice. The BA sequestrant colesevelam was mixed into the WTD (2% w/w) of male Cyp2c70+/+ (WT) and KO mice and the effects were evaluated after 3 weeks of treatment. Colesevelam increased fecal BA excretion in WT and KO mice and reduced the hydrophobicity of biliary BAs in KO mice. Colesevelam ameliorated diet-induced hepatic steatosis in WT mice, whereas KO mice were resistant to diet-induced steatosis and BA sequestration had no additional effects on liver fat content. Total cholesterol concentrations in livers of colesevelam-treated WT and KO mice were significantly lower than those of untreated controls. Of particular note, colesevelam treatment normalized plasma levels of liver damage markers in KO mice and markedly decreased hepatic mRNA levels of fibrogenesis-related genes in KO mice. Lastly, colesevelam did not affect glucose excursions and insulin sensitivity in WT or KO mice. Our data show that BA sequestration ameliorates liver pathology in Cyp2c70-/- mice with a human-like bile acid composition without affecting insulin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Palmiotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (M.V.H.); (N.L.M.); (E.V.); (M.K.V.); (V.W.B.); (R.H.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Hilde D. de Vries
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (H.D.d.V.); (T.H.v.D.)
| | - Milaine V. Hovingh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (M.V.H.); (N.L.M.); (E.V.); (M.K.V.); (V.W.B.); (R.H.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Martijn Koehorst
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (H.D.d.V.); (T.H.v.D.)
| | - Niels L. Mulder
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (M.V.H.); (N.L.M.); (E.V.); (M.K.V.); (V.W.B.); (R.H.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Esther Verkade
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (M.V.H.); (N.L.M.); (E.V.); (M.K.V.); (V.W.B.); (R.H.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Melany K. Veentjer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (M.V.H.); (N.L.M.); (E.V.); (M.K.V.); (V.W.B.); (R.H.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Theo H. van Dijk
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (H.D.d.V.); (T.H.v.D.)
| | - Vincent W. Bloks
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (M.V.H.); (N.L.M.); (E.V.); (M.K.V.); (V.W.B.); (R.H.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Rick Havinga
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (M.V.H.); (N.L.M.); (E.V.); (M.K.V.); (V.W.B.); (R.H.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Henkjan J. Verkade
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (M.V.H.); (N.L.M.); (E.V.); (M.K.V.); (V.W.B.); (R.H.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Jan Freark de Boer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (M.V.H.); (N.L.M.); (E.V.); (M.K.V.); (V.W.B.); (R.H.); (H.J.V.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (H.D.d.V.); (T.H.v.D.)
| | - Folkert Kuipers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (M.V.H.); (N.L.M.); (E.V.); (M.K.V.); (V.W.B.); (R.H.); (H.J.V.)
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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3
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Meadows V, Yang Z, Basaly V, Guo GL. FXR Friend-ChIPs in the Enterohepatic System. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:267-278. [PMID: 37442156 PMCID: PMC10620036 DOI: 10.1055/a-2128-5538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases encompass a wide spectrum of hepatic maladies that often result in cholestasis or altered bile acid secretion and regulation. Incidence and cost of care for many chronic liver diseases are rising in the United States with few Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs available for patient treatment. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is the master regulator of bile acid homeostasis with an important role in lipid and glucose metabolism and inflammation. FXR has served as an attractive target for management of cholestasis and fibrosis; however, global FXR agonism results in adverse effects in liver disease patients, severely affecting quality of life. In this review, we highlight seminal studies and recent updates on the FXR proteome and identify gaps in knowledge that are essential for tissue-specific FXR modulation. In conclusion, one of the greatest unmet needs in the field is understanding the underlying mechanism of intestinal versus hepatic FXR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vik Meadows
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Zhenning Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Veronia Basaly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Grace L. Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, New Jersey
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4
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Zivko C, Witt F, Koeberle A, Fuhrmann G, Luciani P. Formulating elafibranor and obeticholic acid with phospholipids decreases drug-induced association of SPARC to extracellular vesicles from LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 182:32-40. [PMID: 36470521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.11.025] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatic diseases often compromise liver function and are directly responsible for up to two million yearly deaths world-wide. There are yet no treatment options to solve this global medical need. Experimental drugs elafibranor (Ela) and obeticholic acid (OA) appeared promising in numerous earlier studies, but they recently struggled to show significant benefits in patients. Little is known on the drugs' impact on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), key players in liver fibrogenesis. We recently reported a beneficial effect of polyenylphosphatidylcholines (PPCs)-rich formulations in reverting fibrogenic features of HSCs, including differences in their extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, we newly formulated Ela and OA in PPC liposomes and evaluated their performance on the LX-2 (human HSC) cell line through our rigorous methods of EV-analysis, now expanded to include lipidomics. We show that direct treatments with Ela and OA increase EV-associated secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich (SPARC), a matricellular protein overexpressed in fibrogenesis. However, our results suggest that this potentially damaging drugs' action to HSCs could be mitigated when delivering them with lipid-based formulations, most notably with a PPC-rich phospholipid inducing specific changes in the cellular and EV phospholipid composition. Thus, EV analysis substantially deepens evaluations of drug performances and delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zivko
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Finja Witt
- Michael Popp Institute, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor Fuhrmann
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Paola Luciani
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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5
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Li Y, He XL, Zhou LP, Huang XZ, Li S, Guan S, Li J, Zhang L. Asiatic acid alleviates liver fibrosis via multiple signaling pathways based on integrated network pharmacology and lipidomics. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 931:175193. [PMID: 35963324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by the abnormal deposition of the extracellular matrix with a severe inflammatory response and/or metabolic disorder. Asiatic acid (AA), a natural compound derived from Centella asiatica, exhibited potent anti-fibrosis effects. This investigation first confirmed the anti-fibrosis effects of AA in TGF-β-LX-2 cells and CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice, and then sought to elucidate a novel mechanism of action by integrating network pharmacology and lipidomics. Network pharmacology was used to find potential targets of AA, while lipidomics was used to identify differential metabolites between fibrosis and recovered cohorts. AA could suppress hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro and improve liver fibrosis in vivo. Network pharmacology unveiled the genes involved in pathways in cancer, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors signaling pathway, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. Furthermore, five key genes were found in the both human and mouse databases, indicating that arachidonic acid metabolism was important. Changes in lyso-phosphocholine (22:5), prostaglandin F2α, and other related lipid metabolites also suggested the involvement of arachidonic acid metabolism the anti-fibrotic effect. In summary, our integrated strategies demonstrated that AA targeted multiple targets and impeded the progression of liver fibrosis by ameliorating arachidonic acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Guangdong Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd, Dongguan, 523000, PR China
| | - Xu-Lin He
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Li-Ping Zhou
- Evaluation and Monitoring Center of Occupational Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Zhong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Guangdong Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd, Dongguan, 523000, PR China
| | - Shan Li
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Su Guan
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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Lv XT, Wang RH, Liu XT, Ye YJ, Liu XY, Qiao JD, Wang GE. Theacrine ameliorates experimental liver fibrosis in rats by lowering cholesterol storage via activation of the Sirtuin 3-farnesoid X receptor signaling pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 364:110051. [PMID: 35872049 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Formulations against liver fibrosis (LF) mitigate the progression of hepatitis to cirrhosis. However, notable toxicity of the currently available anti-LF drugs limits their long-term use. In the study, we aimed to investigate the anti-LF effects of theacrine, a purine alkaloid without obvious toxicity, on high-fat diet-, alcohol-, and carbon tetrachloride-induced LF in rats. The results indicated that 10 and 20 mg/kg of theacrine ameliorated hepatic fibrosis, steatosis, and inflammation in LF rats. Mechanistically, theacrine reduced hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-related α-smooth muscle actin expression, and decreased cholesterol accumulation, followed by decreased expression of transforming growth factor-β1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In addition, theacrine upregulated the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, accompanied by decreased expression of β-catenin and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, and increased the expression of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3). Further investigation revealed that the theacrine-mediated decrease in cholesterol was independent of cholesterol synthesis or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake in hyperlipidemia mice. However, theacrine activated farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a β-catenin conjugated protein, accompanied with decreased expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and sterol 12α-hydroxylase. In conclusion, theacrine alleviated experimental LF in rats by lowering cholesterol storage and decreasing cholesterol-related HSC activation. A plausible mechanism of theacrine on cholesterol metabolism may involve activation of SIRT3-FXR signaling pathway followed by decreased intestinal cholesterol absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Ting Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ruo-Hong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yu-Jing Ye
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xin-Yu Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jing-Da Qiao
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Guo-En Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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7
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Investigating the Mechanisms of Jieduquyuziyin Prescription Improves Lupus Nephritis and Fibrosis via FXR in MRL/lpr Mice. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4301033. [PMID: 35855861 PMCID: PMC9288302 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4301033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and one of the leading causes of death. An alternative effective treatment to ameliorate and relieve LN and delay the process of renal tissue fibrosis is urgently needed in the clinical setting. Jieduquyuziyin prescription (JP) has been successfully used to treat SLE, but its potential mechanisms are not sufficiently understood. In this study, we treated MRL/lpr mice with JP for 8 weeks and treated human renal tubular epithelial cells (human kidney 2 (HK-2)) with drug-containing serum to observe the antagonistic effects of JP on inflammation and fibrosis, as well as to investigate the possible mechanisms. Results demonstrated that JP significantly reduced urinary protein and significantly improved pathological abnormalities. Metabolomics combined with ingenuity pathway analysis illustrated that the process of kidney injury in lupus mice may be closely related to farnesoid X receptor (FXR) pathway abnormalities. Microarray biomimetic analysis and LN patients indicated that FXR may play a protective role as an effective therapeutic target for LN and renal fibrosis. JP significantly increased the expression of FXR and inhibited the expression of its downstream targets, namely, nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), in the kidney of MRL/lpr mice and HK-2 cells, as confirmed by in vitro and in vivo experiments. In conclusion, JP may mediate the activation of renal FXR expression and inhibit NF-κB and α-SMA expression to exert anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects for LN prevention and treatment.
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8
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Zhang KK, Liu JL, Chen LJ, Li JH, Yang JZ, Xu LL, Chen YK, Zhang QY, Li XW, Liu Y, Zhao D, Xie XL, Wang Q. Gut microbiota mediates methamphetamine-induced hepatic inflammation via the impairment of bile acid homeostasis. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 166:113208. [PMID: 35688268 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (Meth), an addictive psychostimulant of abuse worldwide, has been a common cause of acute toxic hepatitis in adults. Gut microbiota has emerged as a modulator of host immunity via metabolic pathways. However, the microbial mechanism of Meth-induced hepatic inflammation and effective therapeutic strategies remain unknown. Here, mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with Meth to induce hepatotoxicity. Cecal microbiome and bile acids (BAs) composition were analyzed after Meth administration. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) technology was utilized to investigate the role of microbiota. Additionally, the protective effects of obeticholic acid (OCA), an agonist of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), were evaluated. Results indicated that Meth administration induced hepatic cholestasis, dysfunction and aroused hepatic inflammation by stimulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in mice. Meanwhile, Meth disturbed the cecal microbiome and impaired the homeostasis of BAs. Interestingly, FMT from Meth administered mice resulted in serum and hepatic BA accumulation and transferred similar phenotypic changes into the healthy recipient mice. Finally, OCA normalized Meth-induced BA accumulation in both serum and the liver, and effectively protected against Meth-induced hepatic dysfunction and inflammation by suppressing the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. This study established the importance of microbial mechanism and its inhibition as a potential therapeutic target to treat Meth-related hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Kai Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jia-Li Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Li-Jian Chen
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jia-Hao Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jian-Zheng Yang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Ling-Ling Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yu-Kui Chen
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Qin-Yao Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Xiu-Wen Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Li Xie
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University (Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification), Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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9
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Li R, Hovingh MV, Koehorst M, de Blaauw P, Verkade HJ, de Boer JF, Kuipers F. Short-term obeticholic acid treatment does not impact cholangiopathy in Cyp2c70-deficient mice with a human-like bile acid composition. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2022; 1867:159163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2022.159163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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10
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Ma Z, Sheng L, Li J, Qian J, Wu G, Wang Z, Zhang Y. Resveratrol Alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis in Associated with Decreased Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and Inflammation. Inflammation 2022; 45:812-823. [PMID: 35080697 PMCID: PMC8956545 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-021-01586-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is the typical response to chronic liver disease and is characterized by deposition of abundant extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol (RSV) in a CCl4-induced rat model of HF. We demonstrate that the administration of RSV effectively improves liver function and ameliorates liver fibrosis by reducing collagen deposition and reversing the expression of COL1A1 and PPAR-γ. Treatment efficacy of RSV could be attributed to reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition progress with upregulated expression of E-cadherin and downregulated N-cadherin, vimentin, and α-SMA. Moreover, RSV significantly decreased the levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins CHOP; Bip; cleaved caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-12; Bax; and Bak while promotes the expression of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl2. The important role of ERS in HF was confirmed by using 4-PBA, an ERS inhibitor, which markedly ameliorated CCl4-induced HF. Further, mechanistic studies demonstrated that RSV significantly decreased CCl4-induced transforming growth factor-β synthesis and inflammatory factor (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) expression and reduced the inflammation of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the results suggested that RSV ameliorated HF in associated with decreased ERS-induced apoptosis and inflammation in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Lulu Sheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Nursing Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jianmin Qian
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zhengxin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Zhang J, Wang H, Yao L, Zhao P, Wu X. MiR-34a promotes fibrosis of hepatic stellate cells via the TGF-β pathway. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1520. [PMID: 34790726 PMCID: PMC8576652 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-5005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Previous studies have confirmed that MicroRNA (miRNA) is a key regulator exhibiting different effects in human liver fibrosis. However, the function of miR-34a in liver fibrosis has not been reported. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of miR-34a in liver fibrosis. Methods The expression of miR-34a was measured in fibrosis tissues via the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. Subsequently, 30 male C57BL/6J mice were divided into control and treatment groups and used to establish animal models of liver fibrosis to explore the expression level of miR-34a. Moreover, Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) and transwell assays were preformed to identify the regulatory mechanism of miR-34a in cells. The effect of miR-34a on the activity of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway was observed by western blot. Results Up-regulation of miR-34a was detected in fibrosis cells. Moreover, the cellular phenotype was suppressed by miR-34a down-regulation in a primary culture of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Besides, it was found that increased miR-34a could significantly promote the invasion and migration of HSCs. Moreover, miR-34a activates HSCs through transforming TGF-β, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which further affects liver fibrosis. Conclusions MiR-34a promotes the fibrosis of HSCs as well as cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Nutrition, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Healthcare Department, The Third Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Linlin Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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12
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Tan Z, Sun H, Xue T, Gan C, Liu H, Xie Y, Yao Y, Ye T. Liver Fibrosis: Therapeutic Targets and Advances in Drug Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:730176. [PMID: 34621747 PMCID: PMC8490799 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an abnormal wound repair response caused by a variety of chronic liver injuries, which is characterized by over-deposition of diffuse extracellular matrix (ECM) and anomalous hyperplasia of connective tissue, and it may further develop into liver cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. To date, chronic liver diseases accompanied with liver fibrosis have caused significant morbidity and mortality in the world with increasing tendency. Although early liver fibrosis has been reported to be reversible, the detailed mechanism of reversing liver fibrosis is still unclear and there is lack of an effective treatment for liver fibrosis. Thus, it is still a top priority for the research and development of anti-fibrosis drugs. In recent years, many strategies have emerged as crucial means to inhibit the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis including anti-inflammation and liver protection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and proliferation, reduction of ECM overproduction and acceleration of ECM degradation. Moreover, gene therapy has been proved to be a promising anti-fibrosis method. Here, we provide an overview of the relevant targets and drugs under development. We aim to classify and summarize their potential roles in treatment of liver fibrosis, and discuss the challenges and development of anti-fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zui Tan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongbao Sun
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqin Yao
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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13
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Peng W, Dai MY, Bao LJ, Zhu WF, Li F. FXR activation prevents liver injury induced by Tripterygium wilfordii preparations. Xenobiotica 2021; 51:716-727. [PMID: 33704005 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2021.1900626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tripterygium glycosides tablets (TGT) and Tripterygium wilfordii tablets (TWT) are the preparations of Tripterygium wilfordii used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the clinic, but the hepatotoxicity was reported frequently. This study aimed to determine the potential toxicity mechanism of liver injury induced by the preparations of Tripterygium wilfordii in mice.Here, we performed metabolomic analysis, pathological analysis and biochemical analysis of samples from mice with liver injury induced by TGT and TWT, which revealed that liver injury was associated with bile acid metabolism disorder. Quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) and western blot indicated that the above changes were accompanied by inhibition of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signalling.Liver injury from TWT could be alleviated by treatment of the FXR agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) via activation of the FXR to inhibit the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and improve bile acid metabolism disorder by activating bile salt export pump (BSEP) and organic solute-transporter-β (OSTB). The data demonstrate that FXR signalling pathway plays a key role in T. wilfordii-induced liver injury, which could be alleviated by activated FXR.These results indicate that FXR activation by OCA may offer a promising therapeutic opportunity against hepatotoxicity from the preparations of T. wilfordii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Man-Yun Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li-Juan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wei-Feng Zhu
- Academician Workstation, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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14
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION NAFLD has grown to become the most prevalent liver disease in the world, with a quarter of the general population estimated to have the disease. NASH, characterized as NAFLD with inflammation, is associated with worsening fibrosis along with increased incidence of HCC. Despite high prevalence of this disease, no pharmacologic treatments approved by regulatory agencies are available. AREAS COVERED This review briefly discusses present understanding of NASH pathology and currently available treatments. We also discuss data on the role of OCA as an FXR agonist in modulating disease in NASH. A comprehensive literature search of review articles, original research articles, and prospective clinical trials from 1998 to the present was performed. EXPERT OPINION Based on 18-month interim findings of the REGENERATE trial, OCA likely improves fibrosis in NASH and therefore may have a beneficial effect in delaying or even preventing cirrhosis. The side effect of an atherogenic lipoprotein profile may adversely affect long-term outcomes, though studies have shown that co-administration of statins is able to mitigate this effect. OCA is likely to become an option for treatment, but the specific context within which it may be prescribed still needs to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj A Shah
- Liver Institute Northwest , Seattle, WA, USA
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15
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Zhang C, Gan Y, Lv JW, Qin MQ, Hu WR, Liu ZB, Ma L, Song BD, Li J, Jiang WY, Wang JQ, Wang H, Xu DX. The protective effect of obeticholic acid on lipopolysaccharide-induced disorder of maternal bile acid metabolism in pregnant mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 83:106442. [PMID: 32248018 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The disorder of bile acid metabolism is a common feature during pregnancy, which leads to adverse birth outcomes and maternal damage effects. However, the cause and therapy about the disorder of bile acid metabolism are still poor. Microbial infection often occurs in pregnant women, which can induce the disorder of bile acid metabolism in adult mice. Here, this study observed the acute effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on maternal bile acid of pregnant mice at gestational day 17 and the protective effect of obeticholic acid (OCA) pretreatment, a potent agonist of bile acid receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR). The results showed LPS significantly increased the level of maternal serum and disordered bile acids components of maternal serum and liver, which were ameliorated by OCA pretreatment with obviously reducing the contents of CA, TCA, DCA, TCDCA, CDCA, GCA and TDCA in maternal serum and DCA, TCA, TDCA, TUDCA, CDCA and TCDCA in maternal liver. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of OCA on LPS-disrupted bile acid metabolism in maternal liver. LPS disrupted maternal bile acid profile by decreasing transport and metabolism with hepatic tight junctions of bile acid in pregnant mice. OCA obviously increased the protein level of nuclear FXR and regulated its target genes involving in the metabolism of bile acid, which was characterized by the lower expression of bile acid synthase CYP7A1, the higher expression of CYP3A and the higher mRNA level of transporter Mdr1a/b. This study provided the evidences that LPS disrupted bile acid metabolism in the late stage of pregnant mice and OCA pretreatment played the protective role on it by activating FXR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jin-Wei Lv
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ming-Qiang Qin
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Wei-Rong Hu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhi-Bing Liu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Bing-Dong Song
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wei-Ying Jiang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Jian-Qing Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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