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Schmithals C, Kakoschky B, Denk D, von Harten M, Klug JH, Hintermann E, Dropmann A, Hamza E, Jacomin AC, Marquardt JU, Zeuzem S, Schirmacher P, Herrmann E, Christen U, Vogl TJ, Waidmann O, Dooley S, Finkelmeier F, Piiper A. Tumour-specific activation of a tumour-blood transport improves the diagnostic accuracy of blood tumour markers in mice. EBioMedicine 2024; 105:105178. [PMID: 38889481 PMCID: PMC11237870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105178] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accuracy of blood-based early tumour recognition is compromised by signal production at non-tumoral sites, low amount of signal produced by small tumours, and variable tumour production. Here we examined whether tumour-specific enhancement of vascular permeability by the particular tumour homing peptide, iRGD, which carries dual function of binding to integrin receptors overexpressed in the tumour vasculature and is known to promote extravasation via neuropilin-1 receptor upon site-specific cleavage, might be useful to improve blood-based tumour detection by inducing a yet unrecognised vice versa tumour-to-blood transport. METHODS To detect an iRGD-induced tumour-to-blood transport, we examined the effect of intravenously injected iRGD on blood levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and autotaxin in several mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or in mice with chronic liver injury without HCC, and on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in mice with prostate cancer. FINDINGS Intravenously injected iRGD rapidly and robustly elevated the blood levels of AFP in several mouse models of HCC, but not in mice with chronic liver injury. The effect was primarily seen in mice with small tumours and normal basal blood AFP levels, was attenuated by an anti-neuropilin-1 antibody, and depended on the concentration gradient between tumour and blood. iRGD treatment was also able to increase blood levels of autotaxin in HCC mice, and of PSA in mice with prostate cancer. INTERPRETATION We conclude that iRGD induces a tumour-to-blood transport in a tumour-specific fashion that has potential of improving diagnosis of early stage cancer. FUNDING Deutsche Krebshilfe, DKTK, LOEWE-Frankfurt Cancer Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schmithals
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bianca Kakoschky
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dominic Denk
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maike von Harten
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jan Henrik Klug
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Edith Hintermann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt / ZAFES, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anne Dropmann
- Molecular Hepatology-Alcohol Associated Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eman Hamza
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Suez University, Faculty of Science, Zoology Department, Suez, Egypt
| | - Anne Claire Jacomin
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein - Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/M., a Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | | | - Eva Herrmann
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modelling, Germany
| | - Urs Christen
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt / ZAFES, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Germany
| | - Oliver Waidmann
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Centrum für Hämatologie und Onkologie Bethanien, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Steven Dooley
- Molecular Hepatology-Alcohol Associated Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Finkelmeier
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Albrecht Piiper
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/M., a Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital Frankfurt/M., Germany.
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Jain H, Kumar A, Almousa S, Mishra S, Langsten KL, Kim S, Sharma M, Su Y, Singh S, Kerr BA, Deep G. Characterisation of LPS+ bacterial extracellular vesicles along the gut-hepatic portal vein-liver axis. J Extracell Vesicles 2024; 13:e12474. [PMID: 39001704 PMCID: PMC11245684 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12474] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiome dysbiosis is a major contributing factor to several pathological conditions. However, the mechanistic understanding of the communication between gut microbiota and extra-intestinal organs remains largely elusive. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), secreted by almost every form of life, including bacteria, could play a critical role in this inter-kingdom crosstalk and are the focus of present study. Here, we present a novel approach for isolating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+ bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVLPS) from complex biological samples, including faeces, plasma and the liver from lean and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. bEVLPS were extensively characterised using nanoparticle tracking analyses, immunogold labelling coupled with transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, super-resolution microscopy and 16S sequencing. In liver tissues, the protein expressions of TLR4 and a few macrophage-specific biomarkers were assessed by immunohistochemistry, and the gene expressions of inflammation-related cytokines and their receptors (n = 89 genes) were measured using a PCR array. Faecal samples from DIO mice revealed a remarkably lower concentration of total EVs but a significantly higher percentage of LPS+ EVs. Interestingly, DIO faecal bEVLPS showed a higher abundance of Proteobacteria by 16S sequencing. Importantly, in DIO mice, a higher number of total EVs and bEVLPS consistently entered the hepatic portal vein and subsequently reached the liver, associated with increased expression of TLR4, macrophage markers (F4/80, CD86 and CD206), cytokines and receptors (Il1rn, Ccr1, Cxcl10, Il2rg and Ccr2). Furthermore, a portion of bEVLPS escaped liver and entered the peripheral circulation. In conclusion, bEV could be the key mediator orchestrating various well-established biological effects induced by gut bacteria on distant organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heetanshi Jain
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sameh Almousa
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Shalini Mishra
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Kendall L. Langsten
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Susy Kim
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Mitu Sharma
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Yixin Su
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sangeeta Singh
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Bethany A. Kerr
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer CenterWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Gagan Deep
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer CenterWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Internal Medicine‐Gerontology and Geriatric MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's PreventionWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
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Lim JJ, Goedken M, Jin Y, Gu H, Cui JY. Single-cell transcriptomics unveiled that early life BDE-99 exposure reprogrammed the gut-liver axis to promote a proinflammatory metabolic signature in male mice at late adulthood. Toxicol Sci 2024; 200:114-136. [PMID: 38648751 PMCID: PMC11199921 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae047] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are legacy flame retardants that bioaccumulate in the environment. The gut microbiome is an important regulator of liver functions including xenobiotic biotransformation and immune regulation. We recently showed that neonatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether-99 (BDE-99), a human breast milk-enriched PBDE congener, up-regulated proinflammation-related and down-regulated drug metabolism-related genes predominantly in males in young adulthood. However, the persistence of this dysregulation into late adulthood, differential impact among hepatic cell types, and the involvement of the gut microbiome from neonatal BDE-99 exposure remain unknown. To address these knowledge gaps, male C57BL/6 mouse pups were orally exposed to corn oil (10 ml/kg) or BDE-99 (57 mg/kg) once daily from postnatal days 2-4. At 15 months of age, neonatal BDE-99 exposure down-regulated xenobiotic and lipid-metabolizing enzymes and up-regulated genes involved in microbial influx in hepatocytes. Neonatal BDE-99 exposure also increased the hepatic proportion of neutrophils and led to a predicted increase of macrophage migration inhibitory factor signaling. This was associated with decreased intestinal tight junction protein (Tjp) transcripts, altered gut environment, and dysregulation of inflammation-related metabolites. ScRNA-seq using germ-free (GF) mice demonstrated the necessity of a normal gut microbiome in maintaining hepatic immune tolerance. Microbiota transplant to GF mice using large intestinal microbiome from adults neonatally exposed to BDE-99 down-regulated Tjp transcripts and up-regulated several cytokines in large intestine. In conclusion, neonatal BDE-99 exposure reprogrammed cell type-specific gene expression and cell-cell communication in liver towards proinflammation, and this may be partly due to the dysregulated gut environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Jongpyo Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
- Environmental Health and Microbiome Research Center (EHMBRACE), Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Michael Goedken
- Rutgers Research Pathology Services, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Yan Jin
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St Lucie, Florida 34987, USA
| | - Haiwei Gu
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St Lucie, Florida 34987, USA
| | - Julia Yue Cui
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
- Environmental Health and Microbiome Research Center (EHMBRACE), Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
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Trivedi PJ, Hirschfield GM, Adams DH, Vierling JM. Immunopathogenesis of Primary Biliary Cholangitis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Autoimmune Hepatitis: Themes and Concepts. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:995-1019. [PMID: 38342195 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases include primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis, a family of chronic immune-mediated disorders that target hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Treatments remain nonspecific, variably effective, and noncurative, and the need for liver transplantation is disproportionate to their rarity. Development of effective therapies requires better knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms, including the roles of genetic risk, and how the environment and gut dysbiosis cause immune cell dysfunction and aberrant bile acid signaling. This review summarizes key etiologic and pathogenic concepts and themes relevant for clinical practice and how such learning can guide the development of new therapies for people living with autoimmune liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak J Trivedi
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David H Adams
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - John M Vierling
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
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Radmanić L, Šimičić P, Bodulić K, Vince A, Zidovec-Lepej S. Antiviral treatment significantly reduces the levels of CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 in chronic hepatitis C. Cytokine 2024; 176:156529. [PMID: 38335772 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156529] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to elucidate the changes in the immune response during antiviral treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C, with an emphasis on the chemokine dynamics and their association with liver fibrosis. Serum concentrations of 12 chemokines. (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL11, CCL17, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11) were measured in 32 patients with chronic hepatitis C before direct-acting antiviral treatment and after sustained virological response using bead-based flow cytometry. Chemokine levels were also measured in 14 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. Concentrations of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11 and CCL20 were significantly higher in chronic hepatitis C patients before direct-acting antiviral treatment compared to healthy individuals. We also observed a significant reduction in CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 levels after sustained virological response. Furthermore, we demonstrated a strong positive correlation between CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 levels before antiviral treatment. When considering liver fibrosis, we found significantly higher levels of CXCL10 and lower levels of CCL17 and CXCL5 in pre-treatment patients with severe fibrosis. None of the analysed chemokines were able to predict METAVIR fibrosis score reduction after sustained virological response. The results of this study emphasize the importance of proinflammatory pathways in liver fibrosis immunopathology during chronic hepatitis C. Finally, our results also characterized CXCL10 as the chemokine which most accurately distinguished pre-treatment CHC patients and healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona Radmanić
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petra Šimičić
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristian Bodulić
- Research Department, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Adriana Vince
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Liu K, Wehling L, Wan S, Weiler SME, Tóth M, Ibberson D, Marhenke S, Ali A, Lam M, Guo T, Pinna F, Pedrini F, Damle-Vartak A, Dropmann A, Rose F, Colucci S, Cheng W, Bissinger M, Schmitt J, Birner P, Poth T, Angel P, Dooley S, Muckenthaler MU, Longerich T, Vogel A, Heikenwälder M, Schirmacher P, Breuhahn K. Dynamic YAP expression in the non-parenchymal liver cell compartment controls heterologous cell communication. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:115. [PMID: 38436764 PMCID: PMC10912141 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05126-1] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Hippo pathway and its transcriptional effectors yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are targets for cancer therapy. It is important to determine if the activation of one factor compensates for the inhibition of the other. Moreover, it is unknown if YAP/TAZ-directed perturbation affects cell-cell communication of non-malignant liver cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS To investigate liver-specific phenotypes caused by YAP and TAZ inactivation, we generated mice with hepatocyte (HC) and biliary epithelial cell (BEC)-specific deletions for both factors (YAPKO, TAZKO and double knock-out (DKO)). Immunohistochemistry, single-cell sequencing, and proteomics were used to analyze liver tissues and serum. RESULTS The loss of BECs, liver fibrosis, and necrosis characterized livers from YAPKO and DKO mice. This phenotype was weakened in DKO tissues compared to specimens from YAPKO animals. After depletion of YAP in HCs and BECs, YAP expression was induced in non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) in a cholestasis-independent manner. YAP positivity was detected in subgroups of Kupffer cells (KCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). The secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines such as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL11), fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) was increased in the serum of YAPKO animals. YAP activation in NPCs could contribute to inflammation via TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD)-dependent transcriptional regulation of secreted factors. CONCLUSION YAP inactivation in HCs and BECs causes liver damage, and concomitant TAZ deletion does not enhance but reduces this phenotype. Additionally, we present a new mechanism by which YAP contributes to cell-cell communication originating from NPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijing Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lilija Wehling
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Modeling of Biological Processes, COS Heidelberg/BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shan Wan
- Department of Pathology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Sofia M E Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcell Tóth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Ibberson
- Deep Sequencing Core Facility, CellNetworks Excellence Cluster, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silke Marhenke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Adnan Ali
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Macrina Lam
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Te Guo
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Federico Pinna
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabiola Pedrini
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amruta Damle-Vartak
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Dropmann
- Department of Medicine II, Molecular Hepatology Section, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Fabian Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvia Colucci
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology & Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wenxiang Cheng
- Translational Medicine R&D Center, Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Michaela Bissinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schmitt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrizia Birner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Poth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Angel
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Molecular Hepatology Section, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martina U Muckenthaler
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology & Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwälder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Liu K, Han B. Role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of myocarditis. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:253-275. [PMID: 37949833 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad143] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis is an inflammatory heart disease that mostly affects young people. Myocarditis involves a complex immune network; however, its detailed pathogenesis is currently unclear. The diversity and plasticity of immune cells, either in the peripheral blood or in the heart, have been partially revealed in a number of previous studies involving patients and several kinds of animal models with myocarditis. It is the complexity of immune cells, rather than one cell type that is the culprit. Thus, recognizing the individual intricacies within immune cells in the context of myocarditis pathogenesis and finding the key intersection of the immune network may help in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. With the vast amount of cell data gained on myocarditis and the recent application of single-cell sequencing, we summarize the multiple functions of currently recognized key immune cells in the pathogenesis of myocarditis to provide an immune background for subsequent investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyu Liu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Cheeloo Colledge of Medicine, No. 324 Jingwu Road, 250021, Jinan, China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Cheeloo Colledge of Medicine, No. 324 Jingwu Road, 250021, Jinan, China
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, 250021, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children' s Health and Disease office, No. 324 Jingwu Road, 250021, Jinan, China
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Nagura Y, Suzuki T, Matsuura K, Ogawa S, Kawamura H, Kuno K, Fujiwara K, Nojiri S, Nagaoka K, Iio E, Watanabe T, Kataoka H, Tanaka Y. Serum inducible protein 10 kDa/C-X-C motif chemokine 10 levels predict regression of M2BPGi-based liver fibrosis after hepatitis C virus eradication by direct-acting antiviral agents. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:32-42. [PMID: 37638483 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM It is desirable to identify predictors of regression of liver fibrosis after achieving sustained virological response by anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) therapy. We retrospectively investigated the serum interferon-γ inducible protein 10 kDa (IP-10) level as a predictive indicator of regression of liver fibrosis after successful hepatitis C virus eradication by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy. METHODS The study participants were recruited from a historical cohort of 116 chronically hepatitis C virus-infected patients who had achieved sustained virological response by DAAs therapy and whose serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) levels at baseline (before DAAs therapy) were ≥2.0 cut-off index. We defined patients with M2BPGi levels <1.76 and ≥1.76 cut-off index at 2 years after the end of treatment (EOT) as the regression (n = 71) and non-regression (n = 45) groups, respectively. RESULTS Multivariate analyses revealed that the albumin-bilirubin score at baseline, and albumin-bilirubin score, Fibrosis-4 index at 24 weeks after the EOT, and serum IP-10 change from baseline to 24 weeks after the EOT (IP-10 change) were significantly associated with regression of M2BPGi-based liver fibrosis. In addition, IP-10 change was significantly associated with regression of M2BPGi-based liver fibrosis by a multivariate analysis, even when the serum M2BPGi levels were aligned by propensity score matching and in patients with advanced M2BPGi-based liver fibrosis: M2BPGi levels ≥3.3 cut-off index at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Serum IP-10 change from baseline to 24 weeks after the EOT is a feasible predictor of regression of M2BPGi-based liver fibrosis after achieving sustained virological response with DAA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Nagura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kasugai Municipal Hospital, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Takanori Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kentaro Matsuura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shintaro Ogawa
- Department of Virology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hayato Kawamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kayoko Kuno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Nojiri
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Etsuko Iio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takehisa Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiromi Kataoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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9
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Cao Z, Lu P, Li L, Geng Q, Lin L, Yan L, Zhang L, Shi C, Li L, Zhao N, He X, Tan Y, Lu C. Bioinformatics-led discovery of liver-specific genes and macrophage infiltration in acute liver injury. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1287136. [PMID: 38130716 PMCID: PMC10733525 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1287136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute liver injury (ALI) is an important global health concern, primarily caused by widespread hepatocyte cell death, coupled with a complex immune response and a lack of effective remedies. This study explores the underlying mechanisms, immune infiltration patterns, and potential targets for intervention and treatment ALI. Methods The datasets of acetaminophen (APAP), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were individually identified using the limma packages. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using KEGG, GO, and GSEA methods. The overlapping genes were extracted from the three datasets, and hub genes were identified using MCODE and CytoHubba algorithms. Additionally, PPI networks were constructed based on the String database. Immune cell infiltration analysis was conducted using ImmuCellAI, and the correlation between hub genes and immune cells was determined using the Spearman method. The relationship between hub genes, immune cells, and biochemical indicators of liver function (ALT, AST) was validated using APAP and triptolide (TP) -induced ALI mouse models. Results Functional enrichment analysis indicated that all three ALI models were enriched in pathways linked to fatty acid metabolism, drug metabolism, inflammatory response, and immune regulation. Immune analysis revealed a significant rise in macrophage infiltration. A total of 79 overlapping genes were obtained, and 10 hub genes were identified that were consistent with the results of the biological information analysis after screening and validation. Among them, Clec4n, Ms4a6d, and Lilrb4 exhibited strong associations with macrophage infiltration and ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Kaps L, Medina-Montano C, Bros M, Grabbe S, Gairing SJ, Schleicher EM, Gehring S, Schattenberg JM, Galle PR, Wörns MA, Nagel M, Labenz C. Comparison of Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Hepatic and Jugular Veins of Patients with Cirrhosis. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:9930902. [PMID: 38077228 PMCID: PMC10700970 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9930902] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic inflammation with elevated inflammatory cytokines is a hallmark in patients with cirrhosis and the main driver of decompensation. There is insufficient data on whether inflammatory cytokine levels differ between hepatic and jugular veins, which may have implications for further immunological studies. Methods Blood from the hepatic and jugular veins of 40 patients with cirrhosis was collected during hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurements. Serum levels of 13 inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, Int-α2, Int-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23, and IL-33) were quantified by cytometric bead array. Results Cytokine levels of IFN-α2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23, and IL-33 were significantly elevated in patients with decompensated cirrhosis compared to patients with compensated cirrhosis. When comparing patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH, HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg) to patients without CSPH, there were significantly enhanced serum levels of IL-6 and IL-18 in the former group. There was no significant difference between cytokine serum levels between blood obtained from the jugular versus hepatic veins. Even in subgroup analyses stratified for an early cirrhosis stage (Child-Pugh (CP) A) or more decompensated stages (CP B/C), cytokine levels were similar. Conclusion Cytokine levels increase with decompensation and increasing portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. There is no relevant difference in cytokine levels between hepatic and jugular blood in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Kaps
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Centre Mainz (CCM), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carolina Medina-Montano
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Simon Johannes Gairing
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Centre Mainz (CCM), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva M. Schleicher
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Centre Mainz (CCM), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Gehring
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörn M. Schattenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter R. Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus-Alexander Wörns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, Klinikum Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael Nagel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, Klinikum Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Centre Mainz (CCM), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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11
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Moragrega AB, Gruevska A, Fuster-Martínez I, Benedicto AM, Tosca J, Montón C, Victor VM, Esplugues JV, Blas-García A, Apostolova N. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects of rilpivirine: Relevance for the therapeutics of chronic liver disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115537. [PMID: 37738799 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115537] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease (CLD) worldwide and inflammation is key to its progression/resolution. As we have previously described that rilpivirine (RPV) is hepatoprotective in murine models of CLD, here we determine the molecular mechanisms involved, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. They were evaluated in vitro (human hepatic cell lines of the major hepatic cell types), in vivo (liver samples from a murine nutritional model of NAFLD) and ex vivo (peripheral blood mononuclear cells -PBMC- from patients with CLD). Transcriptomic analysis of liver samples from NAFLD mice showed RPV down-regulated biological processes associated with the inflammatory response (NF-κB/IκB signaling and mitogen-activated protein kinase -MAPK- activity) and leukocyte chemotaxis and migration. We observed a decrease in Adgre1 and Ccr2 expression and in the number of CCR2 + cells in the periportal areas of RPV-treated NAFLD mice. This RPV-induced effect on the CCL2/CCR2 axis was confirmed in vitro. A similar result was also obtained with CXCL10/IP10, one of the main chemokines in the liver. RPV also diminished activation of MAP kinases p38 and JNK. In addition, RPV inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in vitro, decreasing NLRP3 protein expression, caspase-1 activation and IL-1β gene expression. RPV was also proven anti-inflammatory in PBMC from patients with CLD treated ex vivo. In conclusion, beyond its well-described role in antiretroviral therapy, RPV manifests anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects, a finding that could be of great relevance for the search of novel targets or repositioning strategies for CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela B Moragrega
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; FISABIO-Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Aleksandra Gruevska
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; FISABIO-Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Fuster-Martínez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; FISABIO-Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana M Benedicto
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; FISABIO-Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joan Tosca
- Departmento de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Montón
- Departmento de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Victor M Victor
- FISABIO-Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Fundación para la Investigación del Hospital Clínico de la Comunidad Valenciana (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain; Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan V Esplugues
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; FISABIO-Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain
| | - Ana Blas-García
- FISABIO-Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Nadezda Apostolova
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; FISABIO-Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain.
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12
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Hirani DV, Thielen F, Mansouri S, Danopoulos S, Vohlen C, Haznedar-Karakaya P, Mohr J, Wilke R, Selle J, Grosch T, Mizik I, Odenthal M, Alvira CM, Kuiper-Makris C, Pryhuber GS, Pallasch C, van Koningsbruggen-Rietschel S, Al-Alam D, Seeger W, Savai R, Dötsch J, Alejandre Alcazar MA. CXCL10 deficiency limits macrophage infiltration, preserves lung matrix, and enables lung growth in bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Inflamm Regen 2023; 43:52. [PMID: 37876024 PMCID: PMC10594718 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-023-00301-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm infants with oxygen supplementation are at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a neonatal chronic lung disease. Inflammation with macrophage activation is central to the pathogenesis of BPD. CXCL10, a chemotactic and pro-inflammatory chemokine, is elevated in the lungs of infants evolving BPD and in hyperoxia-based BPD in mice. Here, we tested if CXCL10 deficiency preserves lung growth after neonatal hyperoxia by preventing macrophage activation. To this end, we exposed Cxcl10 knockout (Cxcl10-/-) and wild-type mice to an experimental model of hyperoxia (85% O2)-induced neonatal lung injury and subsequent regeneration. In addition, cultured primary human macrophages and murine macrophages (J744A.1) were treated with CXCL10 and/or CXCR3 antagonist. Our transcriptomic analysis identified CXCL10 as a central hub in the inflammatory network of neonatal mouse lungs after hyperoxia. Quantitative histomorphometric analysis revealed that Cxcl10-/- mice are in part protected from reduced alveolar. These findings were related to the preserved spatial distribution of elastic fibers, reduced collagen deposition, and protection from macrophage recruitment/infiltration to the lungs in Cxcl10-/- mice during acute injury and regeneration. Complimentary, studies with cultured human and murine macrophages showed that hyperoxia induces Cxcl10 expression that in turn triggers M1-like activation and migration of macrophages through CXCR3. Finally, we demonstrated a temporal increase of macrophage-related CXCL10 in the lungs of infants with BPD. In conclusion, our data demonstrate macrophage-derived CXCL10 in experimental and clinical BPD that drives macrophage chemotaxis through CXCR3, causing pro-fibrotic lung remodeling and arrest of alveolarization. Thus, targeting the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis could offer a new therapeutic avenue for BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmesh V Hirani
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Institute for Lung Health (ILH) and Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Gießen, Germany
| | - Florian Thielen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany
| | - Siavash Mansouri
- Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Soula Danopoulos
- Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Christina Vohlen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Institute for Lung Health (ILH) and Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Gießen, Germany
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, and University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Pinar Haznedar-Karakaya
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany
| | - Jasmine Mohr
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany
| | - Rebecca Wilke
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany
| | - Jaco Selle
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany
| | - Thomas Grosch
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany
| | - Ivana Mizik
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany
| | - Margarete Odenthal
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cristina M Alvira
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Celien Kuiper-Makris
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gloria S Pryhuber
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Christian Pallasch
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Köln-Bonn, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - S van Koningsbruggen-Rietschel
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, and University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Denise Al-Alam
- Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Werner Seeger
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Institute for Lung Health (ILH) and Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Gießen, Germany
- Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Institute for Lung Health (ILH) and Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Gießen, Germany
- Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, and University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Miguel A Alejandre Alcazar
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Translational Experimental Pediatrics, Experimental Pulmonology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany.
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Institute for Lung Health (ILH) and Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Gießen, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Cologne Excellence Cluster On Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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13
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Szczepanik K, Oczkowicz M, Dobrowolski P, Świątkiewicz M. The Protective Effects of Astaxanthin (AST) in the Liver of Weaned Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3268. [PMID: 37893992 PMCID: PMC10603637 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203268] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the weaning period, piglets are exposed to high levels of stress, which often causes problems with the digestive system. This stress also promotes the production of free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress. Astaxanthin (AST) stands out as one of the most potent antioxidants. Its resistance to light and heat makes it particularly valuable in compound feed production. This study was to determine the effect of AST impact on liver histology and gene expression in piglets. For our experiment, we used 16 weaned piglets of the PL breed, which we divided into two groups: Group I (control group with no AST supplementation) and Group II (supplemented with AST at 0.025 g/kg). Both feed mixtures were iso-proteins and iso-energetic, meeting the nutritional requirements of the piglets. The experiment lasted from day 35 to day 70 of the piglets' age, during which they had ad libitum access. The results indicate that the addition of AST prevents liver fibrosis due to reduced collagen deposition in the tissue. Analysis of gene expression supported these results. In the AST-supplemented group, we noted a decrease in NR1H3 expression, an increase in CYP7A1 expression, and reductions in the expression of NOTCH1 and CREB genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Szczepanik
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska St. 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland; (K.S.); (M.Ś.)
| | - Maria Oczkowicz
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska St. 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland
| | - Piotr Dobrowolski
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Świątkiewicz
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska St. 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland; (K.S.); (M.Ś.)
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14
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Puopolo T, Li H, Ma H, Schrader JM, Liu C, Seeram NP. Uncovering the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of phenolic-enriched maple syrup extract in lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis in mice: insights from data-independent acquisition proteomics analysis. Food Funct 2023; 14:6690-6706. [PMID: 37403713 PMCID: PMC10399132 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo01386c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Our group has previously reported on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of a phenolic-enriched maple syrup extract (MSX), which showed promising anti-inflammatory effects in several disease models including diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. However, the efficacious doses of MSX and its molecular targets involved in the anti-inflammatory effects are not fully elucidated. Herein, the efficacy of MSX in a peritonitis mouse model was evaluated in a dose-finding study and the underlying mechanisms were explored using data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics assay. MSX (at 15, 30 and 60 mg kg-1) alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the serum and major organs of the mice. Furthermore, DIA proteomics analyses identified a panel of proteins that were significantly altered (both up- and down-regulated) in the peritonitis group, which were counteracted by the MSX treatments. MSX treatment also modulated several inflammatory upstream regulators including interferon gamma and TNF. Ingenuity pathway analysis suggested that MSX may modulate several signaling pathways in the processes of initiation of cytokine storm, activation of liver regeneration, and suppression of hepatocyte apoptosis. Together, these proteomic and in vivo findings indicate that MSX could regulate inflammation signaling pathways and modulate inflammatory markers and proteins, providing critical insight to its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Puopolo
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
| | - Huifang Li
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
| | - Hang Ma
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
| | - Joseph M Schrader
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
| | - Navindra P Seeram
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
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15
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Basta MD, Petruk S, Mazo A, Walker JL. Fibrosis-the tale of H3K27 histone methyltransferases and demethylases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1193344. [PMID: 37476157 PMCID: PMC10354294 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1193344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, or excessive scarring, is characterized by the emergence of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-expressing myofibroblasts and the excessive accumulation of fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM). Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment options for fibrosis, highlighting an unmet need to identify new therapeutic targets. The acquisition of a fibrotic phenotype is associated with changes in chromatin structure, a key determinant of gene transcription activation and repression. The major repressive histone mark, H3K27me3, has been linked to dynamic changes in gene expression in fibrosis through alterations in chromatin structure. H3K27-specific homologous histone methylase (HMT) enzymes, Enhancer of zeste 1 and 2 (EZH1, EZH2), which are the alternative subunits of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) and demethylase (KDM) enzymes, Ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat, X chromosome (UTX), and Lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B), are responsible for regulating methylation status of H3K27me3. In this review, we explore how these key enzymes regulate chromatin structure to alter gene expression in fibrosis, highlighting them as attractive targets for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan D. Basta
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Svetlana Petruk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexander Mazo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Janice L. Walker
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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16
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Ouchi H, Mizutani Y, Yoshimura K, Sato Y, Kimura K, Haruyama Y, Harada K. Anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of CBP/β-catenin inhibitor for hepatocytes: small molecular inhibitor, OP-724 possibly improves liver function. Med Mol Morphol 2023; 56:94-105. [PMID: 36645521 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-022-00343-8] [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: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signals are associated with several functions, including organ fibrosis. A synthetic small molecule, OP-724 (prodrug of C-82), an inhibitor of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP)/β-catenin, has demonstrated antifibrotic activity in mouse models of hepatic fibrosis. OP-724 is mediated by profibrotic and antifibrotic cells, such as hepatic stellate cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In this study, the direct effects of C-82 on hepatocytes in hepatic inflammation were investigated. Immortalized human hepatocytes were pretreated with inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the alteration of mRNA and protein expressions of cytokines and chemokines associated with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and of mitochondria-related molecules after C-82 treatment were analyzed in this study. The mRNA expression of several proinflammatory and profibrotic chemokines was upregulated by the stimulation of these inflammatory cytokines. In addition, this increase was prevented by C-82. In particular, the protein secretion of CCL2, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL9, and CXCL10 was noticeably upregulated by TNFα and prevented by additional C-82. Moreover, C-82 increased the VEGF-A and FGF-2 proteins, categorized as anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic molecules, respectively. It also increased the expression of mitochondrial components and mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, C-82 inhibits hepatocyte-mediated proinflammation and fibrogenesis. It also directly activates the mitochondrial function, thus improving liver dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Ouchi
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yuki Mizutani
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kaori Yoshimura
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sato
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kiminori Kimura
- Division of Hepatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan.
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Sakai N, Kamimura K, Miyamoto H, Ko M, Nagoya T, Setsu T, Sakamaki A, Yokoo T, Kamimura H, Soki H, Tokunaga A, Inamine T, Nakashima M, Enomoto H, Kousaka K, Tachiki H, Ohyama K, Terai S. Letrozole ameliorates liver fibrosis through the inhibition of the CTGF pathway and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 expression. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:53-68. [PMID: 36301364 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-022-01929-w] [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: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To establish a treatment option for liver fibrosis, the possibility of the drug repurposing theory was investigated, with a focus on the off-target effects of active pharmaceutical ingredients. METHODS First, several active pharmaceutical ingredients were screened for their effects on the gene expression in the hepatocytes using chimeric mice with humanized hepatocytes. As per the gene expression-based screening assay for 36 medications, we assessed the mechanism of the antifibrotic effect of letrozole, a third-generation aromatase inhibitor, in mouse models of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet. We assessed liver histology, serum biochemical markers, and fibrosis-related gene and protein expressions in the hepatocytes. RESULTS A gene expression-based screening assay revealed that letrozole had a modifying effect on fibrosis-related gene expression in the hepatocytes, including YAP, CTGF, TGF-β, and CYP26A1. Letrozole was administered to mouse models of CCl4- and MCD-induced liver fibrosis and it ameliorated the liver fibrosis. The mechanisms involved the inhibition of the Yap-Ctgf profibrotic pathway following a decrease in retinoic acid levels in the hepatocytes caused by suppression of the hepatic retinol dehydrogenase, Hsd17b13 and activation of the retinoic acid hydrogenase, Cyp26a1. CONCLUSIONS Letrozole slowed the progression of liver fibrosis by inhibiting the Yap-Ctgf pathway. The mechanisms involved the modification of the Hsd17b13 and Cyp26a1 expressions led to the suppression of retinoic acid in the hepatocytes, which contributed to the activation of Yap-Ctgf pathway. Because of its off-target effect, letrozole could be repurposed for the treatment of liver fibrosis. The third-generation aromatase inhibitor letrozole ameliorated liver fibrosis by suppressing the Yap-Ctgf pathway by partially modifying the Hsd17b13 and Cyp26a1 expressions, which reduced the retinoic acid level in the hepatocytes. The gene expression analysis using chimeric mice with humanized liver revealed that the mechanisms are letrozole specific and, therefore, may be repurposed for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norihiro Sakai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan. .,Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Hirotaka Miyamoto
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Ko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takuro Nagoya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Toru Setsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Akira Sakamaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroteru Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Soki
- Unit of Medical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Ayako Tokunaga
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Inamine
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.,Organization for Research Promotion, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara-Cho, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Mikiro Nakashima
- Unit of Medical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Hatsune Enomoto
- Scientific Research and Business Development Department, Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kadoma, Osaka, 571-8580, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kousaka
- Scientific Research and Business Development Department, Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kadoma, Osaka, 571-8580, Japan
| | - Hidehisa Tachiki
- Scientific Research and Business Development Department, Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kadoma, Osaka, 571-8580, Japan
| | - Kaname Ohyama
- Unit of Medical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.,Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
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18
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Bai YM, Liang S, Zhou B. Revealing immune infiltrate characteristics and potential immune-related genes in hepatic fibrosis: based on bioinformatics, transcriptomics and q-PCR experiments. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133543. [PMID: 37122694 PMCID: PMC10140356 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The occurrence and progression of hepatic fibrosis (HF) is accompanied by inflammatory damage. Immune genes play a pivotal role in fibrogenesis and inflammatory damage in HF by regulating immune cell infiltration. However, the immune mechanisms of HF are inadequately studied. Therefore, this research aims to identify the immune genes and biological pathway which involved in fibrosis formation and inflammatory damage in HF and explore immune target-based therapeutics for HF. Methods The expression dataset GSE84044 of HF was downloaded from the GEO database. The crucial module genes for HF were screened according to weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The crucial module genes were mapped to immune-related genes obtained from the ImmPort database to obtain the hepatic fibrosis immune genes (HFIGs). In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were performed on HFIGs. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was conducted on HFIGs and hub genes were identified from the PPI network. Moreover, immune infiltration analysis was performed to identified correlation between hub gene and immune cell infiltration. To verify the reliability of the GSE84044 expression profile data analysis, a rat model of CCl4-induced HF was established, followed by transcriptome sequencing and immunofluorescence analysis and quantitative reverse transcription (q-PCR) experiments were performed in HF rats and normal rat liver tissues. Finally, CMAP platform was used to explore immune target-based therapeutics for HF. Results In the bioinformatics analysis of GSE84044 data, 98 HFIGs were screened. These genes were mainly involved in inflammation-related biological pathways such as NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. From the PPI network, 10 hub genes were identified, including CXCL8, IL18, CXCL10, CD8A, IL7, PTPRC, CCL5, IL7R, CXCL9 and CCL2. Immune infiltration analysis showed that immune cells like neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages M1 and macrophages M2 were significantly correlated with the hepatic fibrosis process and hub gene expression was significantly correlated with these immune cells. Notably, most of the biological pathways HFIGs riched and all the hub gene expression except CXCL8 were validated in subsequent transcriptome and qRCR experiments. Finally, 15 small molecule compounds with the potential to reverse the high expression of hub genes were screen out as potential therapeutic agents for HF. Conclusion The immune genes CXCL8, IL18, CXCL10, CD8A, IL7, PTPRC, CCL5, IL7R, CXCL9 and CCL2 may play an essential role in the fibrosis formation and inflammatory damage in HF. The outcomes of this research provide a basis for the study of the immune mechanisms of HF and contribute to the diagnosis and prevention and treatment of HF in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ming Bai
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Yinchuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Ningxia Regional Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Zhou,
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19
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Koda Y, Nakamoto N, Kanai T. Regulation of Progression and Resolution of Liver Fibrosis by Immune Cells. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:475-488. [PMID: 36208620 DOI: 10.1055/a-1957-6384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins results in fibrosis-a condition implicated in several diseased conditions, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, viral hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. Despite its prevalence, direct and effective treatments for fibrosis are lacking, warranting the development of better therapeutic strategies. Accumulating evidence has shown that liver fibrosis-a condition previously considered irreversible-is reversible in specific conditions. Immune cells residing in or infiltrating the liver (e.g., macrophages) are crucial in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Given this background, the roles and action mechanisms of various immune cells and their subsets in the progression and recovery of liver fibrosis, particularly concerning nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, are discussed in this review. Furthermore, the development of better therapeutic strategies based on stage-specific properties and using advanced techniques as well as the mechanisms underlying recovery are elaborated. In conclusion, we consider the review comprehensively provides the present achievements and future possibilities revolving around fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzo Koda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Brandt EF, Baues M, Wirtz TH, May JN, Fischer P, Beckers A, Schüre BC, Sahin H, Trautwein C, Lammers T, Berres ML. Chemokine CXCL10 Modulates the Tumor Microenvironment of Fibrosis-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158112. [PMID: 35897689 PMCID: PMC9329882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a devastating health burden. Recently, tumor microenvironment-directed interventions have profoundly changed the landscape of HCC therapy. In the present study, the function of the chemokine CXCL10 during fibrosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis was analyzed with specific focus on its impact in shaping the tumor microenvironment. C57BL/6J wild type (WT) and Cxcl10 knockout mice (Cxcl10−/−) were treated with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and tetrachloromethane (CCl4) to induce fibrosis-associated HCCs. Cxcl10 deficiency attenuated hepatocarcinogenesis by decreasing tumor cell proliferation as well as tumor vascularization and modulated tumor-associated extracellular matrix composition. Furthermore, the genetic inactivation of Cxcl10 mediated an alteration of the tumor-associated immune response and modified chemokine/chemokine receptor networks. The DEN/CCl4-treated Cxcl10−/− mice presented with a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment and an accumulation of anti-tumoral immune cells in the tissue. The most striking alteration in the Cxcl10−/− tumor immune microenvironment was a vast accumulation of anti-tumoral T cells in the invasive tumor margin. In summary, our results demonstrate that CXCL10 exerts a non-redundant impact on several hallmarks of the tumor microenvironment and especially modulates the infiltration of anti-tumorigenic immune cells in HCC. In the era of microenvironment-targeted HCC therapies, interfering with CXCL10 defines a novel asset for further improvement of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa F. Brandt
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Maike Baues
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.B.); (J.-N.M.); (B.-C.S.); (T.L.)
| | - Theresa H. Wirtz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Jan-Niklas May
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.B.); (J.-N.M.); (B.-C.S.); (T.L.)
| | - Petra Fischer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Anika Beckers
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Björn-Carsten Schüre
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.B.); (J.-N.M.); (B.-C.S.); (T.L.)
| | - Hacer Sahin
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.B.); (J.-N.M.); (B.-C.S.); (T.L.)
| | - Marie-Luise Berres
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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21
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do Nascimento WRC, Nóbrega CGDO, Fernandes EDS, Santos PDA, Melo FL, Albuquerque MCPDA, de Lorena VMB, Costa VMA, Barbosa CCGS, de Souza VMO. Schistosoma mansoni infection decreases IL-33-mRNA expression and increases CXCL9 and CXCL10 production by peripheral blood cells. Med Microbiol Immunol 2022; 211:211-218. [PMID: 35819523 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-022-00745-6] [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: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni infections, particularly egg antigens, induce Th2-dominant granulomatous responses accompanied by remarkable immunoregulatory mechanisms that avoid intense fibrosis. Interleukin (IL)-33 is a cytokine that stimulates the early activation of Th2 responses, and its soluble ST2 receptor (sST2) avoids granulomatous response, as well as CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokines that have antifibrotic activity. However, in schistosomiasis, these molecules have not been suitably studied. Therefore, this study aimed to measure IL-33 and sST2 RNA, cytokines, and chemokines in peripheral blood cultures from individuals living in schistosomiasis-endemic areas. Peripheral blood cells from individuals with S. mansoni (n = 34) and non-infected individuals (n = 31) were cultured under mitogen stimulation. Supernatant chemokines and cytokines were evaluated using a cytometric bead array, and IL-33 and sST2 mRNA expression was measured using qPCR. Infected individuals showed higher levels of CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10; there was a lower expression of IL-33 mRNA and similar expression of sST2mRNA in infected than non-infected individuals. In conclusion, for the first time, we demonstrated lower IL-33mRNA expression and high levels of the antifibrotic chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 in schistosomiasis mansoni, which could control exacerbations of the disease in individuals from endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cassia Giselle de Oliveira Nóbrega
- Setor de Imunologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Erica de Souza Fernandes
- Setor de Imunologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Patrícia d'Emery Alves Santos
- Setor de Imunologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Fábio Lopes Melo
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brazil
| | - Mônica Camelo Pessôa de Azevedo Albuquerque
- Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,Setor de Imunologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - Vláudia Maria Assis Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,Setor de Imunologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - Valdênia Maria Oliveira de Souza
- Setor de Imunologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil. .,Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil.
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22
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Wei Y, Bingyu W, Lei Y, Xingxing Y. The antifibrotic role of natural killer cells in liver fibrosis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:1235-1243. [PMID: 35475367 PMCID: PMC9379607 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221092672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common pathological change of chronic liver diseases characterized by increased deposition of extracellular matrix and reduced matrix degradation. In response to liver injury caused by a variety of pathogenic agents, such as virus and alcohol, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are differentiated into myofibroblast-like cells and produce excessive collagens, thus resulting in fibrogenesis. Natural killer (NK) cells are the essential innate immune cells in the liver and generally control fibrosis by killing activated HSCs. This review briefly describes the fibrogenesis process and the phenotypic features of hepatic NK cells. Besides, it focuses on the antifibrotic mechanisms of NK cells and explores the potential of activating NK cells as a therapeutic strategy for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wei
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Wang Bingyu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yang Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yuan Xingxing
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150001, China,Yuan Xingxing.
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23
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Poulsen KL, Cajigas-Du Ross CK, Chaney JK, Nagy LE. Role of the chemokine system in liver fibrosis: a narrative review. DIGESTIVE MEDICINE RESEARCH 2022; 5:30. [PMID: 36339901 PMCID: PMC9632683 DOI: 10.21037/dmr-21-87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Liver fibrosis is a disease with characteristics of an aberrant wound healing response. Fibrosis is commonly the end-stage for chronic liver diseases like alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), metabolic-associated liver disease, viral hepatitis, and hepatic autoimmune disease. Innate immunity contributes to the progression of many diseases through multiple mechanisms including production of pro-inflammatory mediators, leukocyte infiltration and tissue injury. Chemokines and their receptors orchestrate accumulation and activation of immune cells in tissues and are associated with multiple liver diseases; however, much less is known about their potential roles in liver fibrosis. This is a narrative review of current knowledge of the relationship of chemokine biology to liver fibrosis with insights into potential future therapeutic opportunities that can be explored in the future. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was performed searching PubMed for relevant English studies and texts regarding chemokine biology, chronic liver disease and liver fibrosis published between 1993 and 2021. The review was written and constructed to detail the intriguing chemokine biology, the relation of chemokines to tissue injury and resolution, and identify areas of discovery for fibrosis treatment. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS Chemokines are implicated in many chronic liver diseases, regardless of etiology. Most of these diseases will progress to fibrosis without appropriate treatment. The contributions of chemokines to liver disease and fibrosis are diverse and include canonical roles of modulating hepatic inflammation as well as directly contributing to fibrosis via activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Limited clinical evidence suggests that targeting chemokines in certain liver diseases might provide a therapeutic benefit to patients with hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS The chemokine system of ligands and receptors is a complex network of inflammatory signals in nearly all diseases. The specific sources of chemokines and cellular targets lend unique pathophysiological consequences to chronic liver diseases and established fibrosis. Although most chemokines are pro-inflammatory and contribute to tissue injury, others likely aid in the resolution of established fibrosis. To date, very few targeted therapies exist for the chemokine system and liver disease and/or fibrosis, and further study could identify viable treatment options to improve outcomes in patients with end-stage liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle L. Poulsen
- Center for Liver Disease Research, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christina K. Cajigas-Du Ross
- Center for Liver Disease Research, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jarod K. Chaney
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura E. Nagy
- Center for Liver Disease Research, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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24
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Van Loy T, De Jonghe S, Castermans K, Dheedene W, Stoop R, Verschuren L, Versele M, Chaltin P, Luttun A, Schols D. Stimulation of the atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) by a small-molecule agonist attenuates fibrosis in a preclinical liver but not lung injury model. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:293. [PMID: 35562519 PMCID: PMC9106635 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04317-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3, formerly CXC chemokine receptor 7) is a G protein-coupled receptor that recruits β-arrestins, but is devoid of functional G protein signaling after receptor stimulation. In preclinical models of liver and lung fibrosis, ACKR3 was previously shown to be upregulated after acute injury in liver sinusoidal and pulmonary capillary endothelial cells, respectively. This upregulation was linked with a pro-regenerative and anti-fibrotic role for ACKR3. A recently described ACKR3-targeting small molecule agonist protected mice from isoproterenol-induced cardiac fibrosis. Here, we aimed to evaluate its protective role in preclinical models of liver and lung fibrosis. After confirming its in vitro pharmacological activity (i.e., ACKR3-mediated β-arrestin recruitment and receptor binding), in vivo administration of this ACKR3 agonist led to increased mouse CXCL12 plasma levels, indicating in vivo interaction of the agonist with ACKR3. Whereas twice daily in vivo administration of the ACKR3 agonist lacked inhibitory effect on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, it had a modest, but significant anti-fibrotic effect in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis model. In the latter model, ACKR3 stimulation affected the expression of several fibrosis-related genes and led to reduced collagen content as determined by picro-sirius red staining and hydroxyproline quantification. These data confirm that ACKR3 agonism, at least to some extent, attenuates fibrosis, although this effect is rather modest and heterogeneous across various tissue types. Stimulating ACKR3 alone without intervening in other signaling pathways involved in the multicellular crosstalk leading to fibrosis will, therefore, most likely not be sufficient to deliver a satisfactory clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Van Loy
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Wouter Dheedene
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Reinout Stoop
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Verschuren
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick Chaltin
- CISTIM, Gaston Geenslaan 2, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3), KU Leuven, Gaston Geenslaan 2, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aernout Luttun
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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MyD88 in hepatic stellate cells enhances liver fibrosis via promoting macrophage M1 polarization. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:411. [PMID: 35484116 PMCID: PMC9051099 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04802-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
During liver fibrosis, quiescent HSCs (qHSCs) are activated to become activated HSCs (aHSCs)/myofibroblasts. The signal adapter MyD88, an essential component of TLR signaling, plays an important role in liver fibrosis. However, far less is known about the specific effects of MyD88 signaling in both qHSCs and aHSCs in the progress of liver fibrosis. Here, we used a CCl4-induced mouse fibrosis model in which MyD88 was selectively depleted in qHSCs (GFAPMyD88−/− mice) or aHSCs (α-SMAMyD88−/− mice). MyD88 deficiency in qHSCs or aHSCs attenuated liver fibrosis in mice and inhibited α-SMA-positive cell activation. Inhibition of MyD88 in HSCs decreased α-SMA and collagen I levels, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Furthermore, MyD88 signaling in HSCs increased the secretion of CXCL10, which promoted macrophage M1 polarization through CXCR3, leading to activation of the JAK/STAT1 pathway. Inhibition of CXCL10 attenuated macrophage M1 polarization and reduced liver fibrosis. Thus, MyD88 signaling in HSCs crucially contributes to liver fibrosis and provides a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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26
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Zhou L, Shen M, Fan X, Liu Y, Yang L. Pathogenic and Potential Therapeutic Roles of Exosomes Derived From Immune Cells in Liver Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:810300. [PMID: 35185900 PMCID: PMC8854144 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.810300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma place a heavy burden on many patients worldwide. However, the treatment of many liver diseases is currently insufficient, and the treatment may be associated with strong side effects. Therapies for liver diseases targeting the molecular and cellular levels that minimize adverse reactions and maximize therapeutic effects are in high demand. Immune cells are intimately involved in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of liver diseases. The immune response in the liver can be suppressed, leading to tolerance in homeostasis. When infection or tissue damage occurs, immunity in the liver is activated rapidly. As small membrane vesicles derived from diverse cells, exosomes carry multiple cargoes to exert their regulatory effects on recipient cells under physiological or pathological conditions. Exosomes from different immune cells exert different effects on liver diseases. This review describes the biology of exosomes and focuses on the effects of exosomes from different immune cells on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis and their therapeutic potential in liver diseases.
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Yaghoubi A, Azarpira N, Karbalay-Doust S, Daneshi S, Vojdani Z, Talaei-Khozani T. Prednisolone and mesenchymal stem cell preloading protect liver cell migration and mitigate extracellular matrix modification in transplanted decellularized rat liver. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:36. [PMID: 35090559 PMCID: PMC8800282 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02711-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Regenerative medicine provides promising approaches for treating chronic liver diseases. Previous studies indicate that decellularized liver architecture is damaged by invading non-hepatic inflammatory cells. This study aimed to use anti-inflammatory and regenerative potency of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) and prednisolone for reducing fibrosis and balancing inflammatory cell migration into the decellularized liver scaffold. MATERIAL AND METHOD The liver was decellularized by perfusing Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES), and nuclei depletion and extracellular matrix (ECM) retention were confirmed by DNA quantification, histochemical, and immunohistochemical assessments. Scaffolds were loaded with BM-MSCs, prednisolone, or a combination of both, implanted at the anatomical place in the rat partial hepatectomized and followed up for 2 and 4 weeks. RESULTS Labeled-MSCs were traced in the transplanted scaffolds; however, they did not migrate into the intact liver. Immunohistochemistry showed that the hepatoblasts, cholangiocytes, stellate, and oval cells invaded into all the scaffolds. Bile ducts were more abundant in the border of the scaffolds and intact liver. Stereological assessments showed a significant reduction in the number of lymphocytes and neutrophils in prednisolone-loaded scaffolds. The regeneration process and angiogenesis were significantly higher in the group treated with cell/prednisolone-loaded bioscaffolds. Collagen fibers were significantly reduced in the scaffolds pre-treated with cell/prednisolone, prednisolone, or BM-MSCs, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Loading prednisolone into the scaffolds can be a worthy approach to restrict inflammation after transplantation. Although pre-loading of the scaffolds with a combination of cells/prednisolone could not alleviate inflammation, it played an important role in regeneration and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Yaghoubi
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Anatomy Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplantation Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saied Karbalay-Doust
- Stereology and Morphometry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Anatomy Department, Shiraz medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sajad Daneshi
- Stereology and Morphometry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Vojdani
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Anatomy Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Talaei-Khozani
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Anatomy Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Gao J, Wu L, Zhao Y, Hong Q, Feng Z, Chen X. Cxcl10 deficiency attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis through regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Exp Cell Res 2022; 410:112965. [PMID: 34896075 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10, CXCL10) has been widely demonstrated to be involved in multiple kidney pathological processes. However, the role of CXCL10 in renal fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, Cxcl10-deficient (Cxcl10-/-) mice were used to generate the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. The level of renal fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration was examined in vivo and the effects of CXCL10 on EMT process of HK-2 cells was investigated in vitro. We observed that the injury degree of renal tissue and the collagen deposition levels were lighter and the expression of α-SMA, collagen I and fibronectin was significantly reduced in Cxcl10-/- mice, while the expression of E-cadherin was increased. However, interstitial F4/80-positive macrophages and CD4-positive T lymphocytes were unaffected by knockout of Cxcl10. Furthermore, IFN-γ or CXCL10 stimulation could obviously promote the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin and reduce the expression of E-cadherin in HK-2 cells, which could be inhibited by transfection of Cxcl10-siRNA. Our findings suggested Cxcl10 knockout could reduce renal dysfunction and inhibit renal fibrosis through regulating EMT process of renal tubular epithelial cells in murine UUO model. These results may provide a novel insight into the mechanism and a potential therapy target of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Fuxing Road 28, Beijing, 100853, China; Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jingwu Road 324, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Fuxing Road 28, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yinghua Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Fuxing Road 28, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Quan Hong
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Fuxing Road 28, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Fuxing Road 28, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Fuxing Road 28, Beijing, 100853, China.
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Wang C, Sun Y. Induction of Collagen I by CXCL10 in Ovarian Theca-Stroma Cells via the JNK Pathway. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:823740. [PMID: 35432206 PMCID: PMC9010671 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.823740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) poses a great threat to reproductive-age women. Ovarian fibrogenesis is a basic histologic feature of POI. Ovarian theca-stroma cells are responsible for ovarian fibrosis, but few studies have focused on the ovarian microenvironment. The role and mechanism of chemokines in the development of POI remain unclear. Here, we evaluated C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in biochemical POI patients, POI patients, and a POI mouse model. CXCL10 levels in serum and follicular fluid were higher in both bPOI and POI patients than in controls. An increased level of CXCL10 was also observed in a POI mouse model. CXCL10 concentrations in serum and follicular fluid were positively associated with follicle-stimulating hormone and negatively associated with antral follicle count. Our study for the first time found that CXCL10 induced COL1A1 and COL1A2 production, two subunits of collagen I in mouse theca-stroma cells by activating the JNK/c-Jun pathway. Inhibition of JNK and c-Jun attenuated the increases of COL1A1 and COL1A2 caused by CXCL10. Moreover, CXCL10 had no effects on hormone synthesis, proliferation, and apoptosis in human luteinized granulosa (hGL) cells. Our findings revealed a potential diagnostic value of CXCL10 in the early stage of POI and shed new insights into the biological function of CXCL10 in ovarian fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojun Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Sun,
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Baghaei K, Mazhari S, Tokhanbigli S, Parsamanesh G, Alavifard H, Schaafsma D, Ghavami S. Therapeutic potential of targeting regulatory mechanisms of hepatic stellate cell activation in liver fibrosis. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1044-1061. [PMID: 34952225 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a manifestation of different etiologies of liver disease with the involvement of multiple mediators in complex network interactions. Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the central driver of hepatic fibrosis, given their potential to induce connective tissue formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein accumulation. Therefore, identifying the cellular and molecular pathways involved in the activation of HSCs is crucial in gaining mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives to more effectively target the disease. In addition to a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the role of HSCs in liver fibrosis, we also discuss here the proposed therapeutic strategies based on targeting HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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 1985717413, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Sogol Mazhari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Gilda Parsamanesh
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | | | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Akkoc Y, Gozuacik D. Autophagy and Hepatic Tumor Microenvironment Associated Dormancy. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 52:1277-1293. [PMID: 34921672 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00774-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The goal of successful cancer treatment is targeting the eradication of cancer cells. Although surgical removal of the primary tumors and several rounds of chemo- and radiotherapy reduce the disease burden, in some cases, asymptomatic dormant cancer cells may still exist in the body. Dormant cells arise from the disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) from the primary lesion. DTCs escape from immune system and cancer therapy and reside at the secondary organ without showing no sign of proliferation. However, under some conditions. dormant cells can be re-activated and enter a proliferative state even after decades. As a stress response mechanism, autophagy may help the adaptation of DTCs at this futile foreign microenvironment and may control the survival and re-activation of dormant cells. Studies indicate that hepatic microenvironment serves a favorable condition for cancer cell dormancy. Although, no direct study was pointing out the role of autophagy in liver-assisted dormancy, involvement of autophagy in both liver microenvironment, health, and disease conditions has been indicated. Therefore, in this review article, we will summarize cancer dormancy and discuss the role and importance of autophagy and hepatic microenvironment in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Akkoc
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, 34010, Turkey.
| | - Devrim Gozuacik
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, 34010, Turkey.,Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, 34010, Turkey
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32
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Cao S, Liu M, Sehrawat TS, Shah VH. Regulation and functional roles of chemokines in liver diseases. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:630-647. [PMID: 33976393 PMCID: PMC9036964 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00444-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of almost all liver diseases. Low-molecular-weight proteins called chemokines are the main drivers of liver infiltration by immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils and others during an inflammatory response. During the past 25 years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the regulation and functions of chemokines in the liver. This Review summarizes three main aspects of the latest advances in the study of chemokine function in liver diseases. First, we provide an overview of chemokine biology, with a particular focus on the genetic and epigenetic regulation of chemokine transcription as well as on the cell type-specific production of chemokines by liver cells and liver-associated immune cells. Second, we highlight the functional roles of chemokines in liver homeostasis and their involvement in progression to disease in both human and animal models. Third, we discuss the therapeutic opportunities targeting chemokine production and signalling in the treatment of liver diseases, such as alcohol-associated liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, including the relevant preclinical studies and ongoing clinical trials.
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33
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Clark AM, Heusey HL, Griffith LG, Lauffenburger DA, Wells A. IP-10 (CXCL10) Can Trigger Emergence of Dormant Breast Cancer Cells in a Metastatic Liver Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:676135. [PMID: 34123844 PMCID: PMC8190328 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.676135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer remains a largely incurable and fatal disease with liver involvement bearing the worst prognosis. The danger is compounded by a subset of disseminated tumor cells that may lie dormant for years to decades before re-emerging as clinically detectable metastases. Pathophysiological signals can drive these tumor cells to emerge. Prior studies indicated CXCR3 ligands as being the predominant signals synergistically and significantly unregulated during inflammation in the gut-liver axis. Of the CXCR3 ligands, IP-10 (CXCL10) was the most abundant, correlated significantly with shortened survival of human breast cancer patients with metastatic disease and was highest in those with triple negative (TNBC) disease. Using a complex ex vivo all-human liver microphysiological (MPS) model of dormant-emergent metastatic progression, CXCR3 ligands were found to be elevated in actively growing populations of metastatic TNBC breast cancer cells whereas they remained similar to the tumor-free hepatic niche in those with dormant breast cancer cells. Subsequent stimulation of dormant breast cancer cells in the ex vivo metastatic liver MPS model with IP-10 triggered their emergence in a dose-dependent manner. Emergence was indicated to occur indirectly possibly via activation of the resident liver cells in the surrounding metastatic microenvironment, as stimulation of breast cancer cells with exogenous IP-10 did not significantly change their migratory, invasive or proliferative behavior. The findings reveal that IP-10 is capable of triggering the emergence of dormant breast cancer cells within the liver metastatic niche and identifies the IP-10/CXCR3 as a candidate targetable pathway for rational approaches aimed at maintaining dormancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Clark
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Haley L. Heusey
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Linda G. Griffith
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Douglas. A. Lauffenburger
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Alan Wells
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Monocytic MDSC mobilization promotes tumor recurrence after liver transplantation via CXCL10/TLR4/MMP14 signaling. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:489. [PMID: 33990548 PMCID: PMC8121858 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03788-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tumor recurrence is the major obstacle for pushing the envelope of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The inflammatory cascades activated by acute liver graft injury promote tumor recurrence. We aimed to explore the role and mechanism of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) mobilization induced by liver graft injury on tumor recurrence. By analyzing 331 HCC patients who received liver transplantation, the patients with graft weight ratio (GWR, the weight of liver graft divided by the estimated standard liver weight of recipient) <60% had higher tumor recurrence than GWR ≥60% ones. MDSCs and CXCL10/TLR4 levels were significantly increased in patients with GWR <60% or tumor recurrence. These findings were further validated in our rat orthotopic liver transplantation model. In CXCL10−/− and TLR4−/− mice of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury plus major hepatectomy (IRH) model, monocytic MDSCs, instead of granulocytic MDSCs, were significantly decreased. Importantly, CXCL10 deficiency reduced the accumulation of TLR4+ monocytic MDSCs, and CXCL10 increased MDSC mobilization in the presence of TLR4. Moreover, MMP14 was identified as the key molecule bridging CXCL10/TLR4 signaling and MDSC mobilization. Knockout or inhibition of CXCL10/TLR4 signaling significantly reduced the tumor growth with decreased monocytic MDSCs and MMP14 in the mouse tumor recurrent model. Our data indicated that monocytic MDSCs were mobilized and recruited to liver graft during acute phase injury, and to promote HCC recurrence after transplantation. Targeting MDSC mobilization via CXCL10/TLR4/MMP14 signaling may represent the therapeutic potential in decreasing post-transplant liver tumor recurrence.
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Sepulveda-Crespo D, Resino S, Martinez I. Strategies Targeting the Innate Immune Response for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Liver Fibrosis. Drugs 2021; 81:419-443. [PMID: 33400242 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) in more than 95% of treated individuals and may abolish liver injury, arrest fibrogenesis, and reverse fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, liver regeneration is usually a slow process that is less effective in the late stages of fibrosis. What is more, fibrogenesis may prevail in patients with advanced cirrhosis, where it can progress to liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, the development of antifibrotic drugs that halt and reverse fibrosis progression is urgently needed. Fibrosis occurs due to the repair process of damaged hepatic tissue, which eventually leads to scarring. The innate immune response against HCV is essential in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. HCV-infected hepatocytes and liver macrophages secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines that promote the activation and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to myofibroblasts that produce extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Prolonged ECM production by myofibroblasts due to chronic inflammation is essential to the development of fibrosis. While no antifibrotic therapy is approved to date, several drugs are being tested in phase 2 and phase 3 trials with promising results. This review discusses current state-of-the-art knowledge on treatments targeting the innate immune system to revert chronic hepatitis C-associated liver fibrosis. Agents that cause liver damage may vary (alcohol, virus infection, etc.), but fibrosis progression shows common patterns among them, including chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation, hepatocyte injury, HSC activation, and excessive ECM deposition. Therefore, mechanisms underlying these processes are promising targets for general antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepulveda-Crespo
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Campus Majadahonda), Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km 2.2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Campus Majadahonda), Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km 2.2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isidoro Martinez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Campus Majadahonda), Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km 2.2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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Aghbash PS, Hemmat N, Nahand JS, Shamekh A, Memar MY, Babaei A, Baghi HB. The role of Th17 cells in viral infections. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 91:107331. [PMID: 33418239 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The present review provides an overview of recent advances regarding the function of Th17 cells and their produced cytokines in the progression of viral diseases. Viral infections alone do not lead to virus-induced malignancies, as both genetic and host safety factors are also involved in the occurrence of malignancies. Acquired immune responses, through the differentiation of Th17 cells, form the novel components of the Th17 cell pathway when reacting with viral infections all the way from the beginning to its final stages. As a result, instead of inducing the right immune responses, these events lead to the suppression of the immune system. In fact, the responses from Th17 cells during persistent viral infections causes chronic inflammation through the production of IL-17 and other cytokines which provide a favorable environment for tumor growth and its development. Additionally, during the past decade, these cells have been understood to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis. However, further research is required to understand Th17 cells' immune mechanisms in the vast variety of viral diseases. This review aims to determine the roles and effects of the immune system, especially Th17 cells, in the progression of viral diseases; which can be highly beneficial for the diagnosis and treatment of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Shiri Aghbash
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nima Hemmat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran; Drug Applied Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javid Sadri Nahand
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 14155 Tehran, Iran; Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 14155 Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Shamekh
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yousef Memar
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abouzar Babaei
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, ZIP Code 14155 Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran; Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran.
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Groover MK, Richmond JM. Potential therapeutic manipulations of the CXCR3 chemokine axis for the treatment of inflammatory fibrosing diseases. F1000Res 2020; 9:1197. [PMID: 33145014 PMCID: PMC7590900 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.26728.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines play important roles in homeostasis and inflammatory processes. While their roles in leukocyte recruitment are well-appreciated, chemokines play additional roles in the body, including mediating or regulating angiogenesis, tumor metastasis and wound healing. In this opinion article, we focus on the role of CXCR3 and its ligands in fibrotic processes. We emphasize differences of the effects of each ligand, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11, on fibroblasts in different tissues of the body. We include discussions of differences in signaling pathways that may account for protective or pro-fibrotic effects of each ligand in different experimental models and ex vivo analysis of human tissues. Our goal is to highlight potential reasons why there are disparate findings in different models, and to suggest ways in which this chemokine axis could be manipulated for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan K. Groover
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachussetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jillian M. Richmond
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachussetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
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Comparing the effects of whey and casein supplementation on nutritional status and immune parameters in patients with chronic liver disease: a randomised double-blind controlled trial. Br J Nutr 2020; 125:768-779. [PMID: 32807252 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114520003219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein supplementation may be beneficial for patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). This study compared the effects of whey protein isolate (WP) and casein (CA) supplementation on nutritional status and immune parameters of CLD patients who were randomly assigned to take 20 g of WP or CA twice per d as a supplement for 15 d. Body composition, muscle functionality and plasmatic immunomarkers were assessed before and after supplementation. Patients were also classified according to the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) into less (MELD < 15) and more (MELD ≥ 15) severe disease groups. Malnutrition, determined by the Subjective Global Assessment at baseline, was observed in 57·4 % and 54·2 % of patients in the WP and CA groups, respectively (P = 0·649). Protein intake was lower at baseline in the WP group than in the CA group (P = 0·035), with no difference after supplementation (P = 0·410). Both the WP and CA MELD < 15 groups increased protein intake after supplementation according to the intragroup analysis. No differences were observed in body composition, muscle functionality, most plasma cytokines (TNF, IL-6, IL-1β and interferon-γ), immunomodulatory proteins (sTNFR1, sTNFR2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) or immunomodulatory hormones (adiponectin, insulin and leptin) after supplementation in the WP groups at the two assessed moments. WP supplementation increased the levels of interferon-γ-induced protein-10/CXCL10 (P = 0·022), eotaxin-1/CCL11 (P = 0·031) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CCL2 (P = 0·018) and decreased IL-5 (P = 0·027), including among those in the MELD ≥ 15 group, for whom IL-10 was also increased (P = 0·008). Thus, WP consumption by patients with CLD impacted the immunomodulatory responses when compared with CA with no impact on nutritional status.
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Abstract
The human liver is an organ with a diverse array of immunologic functions. Its unique anatomic position that leads to it receiving all the mesenteric venous blood, combined with its unique micro anatomy, allows it to serve as a sentinel for the body's immune system. Hepatocytes, biliary epithelial cells, Kupffer cells, stellate cells, and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells express key molecules that recruit and activate innate and adaptive immunity. Additionally, a diverse array of lymphoid and myeloid immune cells resides within and traffics to the liver in specific circumstances. Derangement of these trafficking mechanisms underlies the pathophysiology of autoimmune liver diseases, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and liver transplantation. Here, we review these pathways and interactions along with potential targets that have been identified to be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
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Dai S, Liu F, Qin Z, Zhang J, Chen J, Ding WX, Feng D, Ji Y, Qin X. Kupffer cells promote T-cell hepatitis by producing CXCL10 and limiting liver sinusoidal endothelial cell permeability. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:7163-7177. [PMID: 32641985 PMCID: PMC7330839 DOI: 10.7150/thno.44960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Kupffer cells (KCs) play a crucial role in liver immune homeostasis through interacting with other immune cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). However, how KCs exactly interact with these cells for maintaining the homeostasis still require the further investigation. CXCL10 is a chemokine that has been implicated in chemoattraction of monocytes, T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells, and promotion of T cell adhesion to endothelial cells. Although CXCL10 is also known to participate in the pathogenesis of hepatic inflammation, the degree to which it is functionally involved in the crosstalk between immune cells and regulation of immune response is still unclear. Methods: To dynamically investigate the function of KCs, we used our recently developed rapid cell ablation model, intermedilysin (ILY)/human CD59 (hCD59)-mediated cell ablation tool, to selectively ablate KC pool under normal condition or concanavalin A (Con A)- induced hepatitis. At certain time points after KCs ablation, we performed flow cytometry to monitor the amount of hepatic infiltrating immune cells. mRNA array was used to detect the change of hepatic cytokines and chemokines levels. Cytokines and chemokines in the serum were further measured by LEGENDplexTM mouse proinflammatory chemokine panel and inflammation panel. Evans blue staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the interaction between KCs and LSECs in steady condition. CXCL10 neutralizing antibody and CXCL10 deficient mouse were used to study the role of CXCL10 in immune cell migration and pathogenesis of Con A-induced hepatitis. Results: At steady state, elimination of KCs results in a reduction of hepatic infiltrating monocytes, T, B, and NK cells and a list of cytokines and chemokines at transcriptional level. In the meantime, the depletion of KCs resulted in increased sinusoidal vascular permeability. In the pathological condition, the KCs elimination rescues Con A-induced acute hepatitis through suppressing proinflammatory immune responses by down-regulation of hepatitis-associated cytokines/chemokines in serum such as CXCL10, and recruitment of infiltrating immune cells (monocytes, T, B, and NK cells). We further documented that deficiency or blockade of CXCL10 attenuated the development of Con A-induced hepatitis associated with reduction of the infiltrating monocytes, especially inflammatory Ly6Chi monocytes. Conclusions: This study supports the notion that KCs actively interact with immune cells and LSECs for maintaining immune response and liver homeostasis. Our data indicate that the interplay between KCs and infiltrated monocytes via CXCL10 contribute to Con A-induced hepatitis.
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Abouelasrar Salama S, Gouwy M, De Zutter A, Pörtner N, Vanbrabant L, Berghmans N, De Buck M, Struyf S, Van Damme J. Induction of Chemokines by Hepatitis C Virus Proteins: Synergy of the Core Protein with Interleukin-1β and Interferon-γ in Liver Bystander Cells. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2020; 40:195-206. [PMID: 32031878 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2019.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection accounts for a large proportion of hepatic fibrosis and carcinoma cases observed worldwide. Mechanisms involved in HCV-induced hepatic injury have yet to be fully elucidated. Of particular interest is the capacity of HCV to regulate inflammatory responses. Here, we reveal modulation of cytokine activity by the HCV proteins non-structural protein 3 (NS3), glycoprotein E2, and core protein for their ability to induce chemokine expression in various liver bystander cells. Chemokines sustain chronic liver inflammation and relay multiple fibrogenic effects. CCL2, CCL3, CCL20, CXCL8, and CXCL10 were differentially expressed after treatment of monocytes, fibroblasts, or liver sinusoidal microvascular endothelial cells (LSECs) with HCV proteins. In comparison to NS3 and glycoprotein E2, core protein was a stronger inducer of chemokines in liver bystander cells. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) synergized with core protein to induce CCL2, CCL20, CXCL8, or CXCL10 in fibroblasts or LSECs. These findings reveal new mechanisms of hepatic injury caused by HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abouelasrar Salama
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Gouwy
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexandra De Zutter
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Noëmie Pörtner
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lotte Vanbrabant
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nele Berghmans
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke De Buck
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Struyf
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Damme
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Wang Z, Cao D, Li C, Min L, Wang G. Mediator MED23 regulates inflammatory responses and liver fibrosis. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000563. [PMID: 31805036 PMCID: PMC6917294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, often associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinomas, is characterized by hepatic damage, an inflammatory response, and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, although the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we show that the transcriptional Mediator complex subunit 23 (MED23) participates in the development of experimental liver fibrosis. Compared with their control littermates, mice with hepatic Med23 deletion exhibited aggravated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, with enhanced chemokine production and inflammatory infiltration as well as increased hepatocyte regeneration. Mechanistically, the orphan nuclear receptor RAR-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) activates the expression of the liver fibrosis-related chemokines C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), which is suppressed by the Mediator subunit MED23. We further found that the inhibition of Ccl5 and Cxcl10 expression by MED23 likely occurs because of G9a (also known as euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 [EHMT2])-mediated H3K9 dimethylation of the target promoters. Collectively, these findings reveal hepatic MED23 as a key modulator of chemokine production and inflammatory responses and define the MED23-CCL5/CXCL10 axis as a potential target for clinical intervention in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chonghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihua Min
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Klindt C, Reich M, Hellwig B, Stindt J, Rahnenführer J, Hengstler JG, Köhrer K, Schoonjans K, Häussinger D, Keitel V. The G Protein-Coupled Bile Acid Receptor TGR5 (Gpbar1) Modulates Endothelin-1 Signaling in Liver. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111467. [PMID: 31752395 PMCID: PMC6912679 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
TGR5 (Gpbar1) is a G protein-coupled receptor responsive to bile acids (BAs), which is expressed in different non-parenchymal cells of the liver, including biliary epithelial cells, liver-resident macrophages, sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Mice with targeted deletion of TGR5 are more susceptible towards cholestatic liver injury induced by cholic acid-feeding and bile duct ligation, resulting in a reduced proliferative response and increased liver injury. Conjugated lithocholic acid (LCA) represents the most potent TGR5 BA ligand and LCA-feeding has been used as a model to rapidly induce severe cholestatic liver injury in mice. Thus, TGR5 knockout (KO) mice and wildtype (WT) littermates were fed a diet supplemented with 1% LCA for 84 h. Liver injury and gene expression changes induced by the LCA diet revealed an enrichment of pathways associated with inflammation, proliferation, and matrix remodeling. Knockout of TGR5 in mice caused upregulation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression in the livers. Analysis of TGR5-dependent ET-1 signaling in isolated LSECs and HSCs demonstrated that TGR5 activation reduces ET-1 expression and secretion from LSECs and triggers internalization of the ET-1 receptor in HSCs, dampening ET-1 responsiveness. Thus, we identified two independent mechanisms by which TGR5 inhibits ET-1 signaling and modulates portal pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Klindt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.K.); (M.R.); (J.S.); (D.H.)
| | - Maria Reich
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.K.); (M.R.); (J.S.); (D.H.)
| | - Birte Hellwig
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, 44221 Dortmund, Germany; (B.H.); (J.R.)
| | - Jan Stindt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.K.); (M.R.); (J.S.); (D.H.)
| | - Jörg Rahnenführer
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, 44221 Dortmund, Germany; (B.H.); (J.R.)
| | - Jan G. Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, TU Dortmund, 44139 Dortmund, Germany;
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory, Biologisch-Medizinisches-Forschungszentrum (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Kristina Schoonjans
- Laboratory of Metabolic Signaling, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Dieter Häussinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.K.); (M.R.); (J.S.); (D.H.)
| | - Verena Keitel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.K.); (M.R.); (J.S.); (D.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Zang J, Ye J, Zhang C, Sha M, Gao J. Senescent hepatocytes enhance natural killer cell activity via the CXCL-10/CXCR3 axis. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:3845-3852. [PMID: 31616512 PMCID: PMC6781833 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence and natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in liver diseases. Chemokines, a component of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, can recruit NK cells and are involved in the development of various liver diseases. The effect of the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)-9, −10, −11/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor (CXCR)3 axis in senescent hepatocytes remains unknown. The chemokines secreted by senescent hepatocytes, the contribution of the CXCL-9, −10, −11/CXCR3 axis to the migration of NK cells, and the effect of senescent hepatocytes on the function of NK cells were investigated in the present study. The results demonstrated significantly increased levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 and CXCL-1, −2 and −10 in the supernatant of senescent AML12 cells. Despite increased mRNA expression of CXCL-9, −10, and −11 in these cells, western blotting revealed significantly enhanced expression of only CXCL-10. The expression of CXCR3 on the surface of NK cells stimulated by senescent AML12 cells was upregulated (fold change, >3). Following incubation with the supernatant of senescent hepatocytes, both CD107a and interferon γ expression in NK cells increased by >2.5-fold. The cytotoxic effect of NK cells was notably higher stimulated by senescent AML12 cells. Chemotaxis and blocking assays demonstrated that the senescent hepatocytes enhanced the migration of NK cells via the CXCL-10/CXCR3 axis. The present study suggests that senescent hepatocytes secrete various chemokines, including CXCL-10, resulting in the upregulation and activation of CXCR3 in NK cells and the enhancement of NK cell migration via the CXCL-10/CXCR3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou People's Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Medical School, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
| | - Jun Ye
- Central Laboratory, Taizhou People's Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Medical School, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou People's Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Medical School, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
| | - Min Sha
- Central Laboratory, Taizhou People's Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Medical School, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
| | - Junye Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou People's Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Medical School, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
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Zhangdi HJ, Su SB, Wang F, Liang ZY, Yan YD, Qin SY, Jiang HX. Crosstalk network among multiple inflammatory mediators in liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:4835-4849. [PMID: 31543677 PMCID: PMC6737310 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i33.4835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common pathological basis of all chronic liver diseases, and is the necessary stage for the progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis. As one of pathogenic factors, inflammation plays a predominant role in liver fibrosis via communication and interaction between inflammatory cells, cytokines, and the related signaling pathways. Damaged hepatocytes induce an increase in pro-inflammatory factors, thereby inducing the development of inflammation. In addition, it has been reported that inflammatory response related signaling pathway is the main signal transduction pathway for the development of liver fibrosis. The crosstalk regulatory network leads to hepatic stellate cell activation and proinflammatory cytokine production, which in turn initiate the fibrotic response. Compared with the past, the research on the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has been greatly developed. However, the liver fibrosis mechanism is complex and many pathways involved need to be further studied. This review mainly focuses on the crosstalk regulatory network among inflammatory cells, cytokines, and the related signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory liver diseases. Moreover, we also summarize the recent studies on the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis and clinical efforts on the targeted therapies against the fibrotic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Jing Zhangdi
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Si-Biao Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zi-Yu Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yu-Dong Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shan-Yu Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hai-Xing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Tsai CF, Chen JH, Yeh WL. Pulmonary fibroblasts-secreted CXCL10 polarizes alveolar macrophages under pro-inflammatory stimuli. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 380:114698. [PMID: 31394157 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During acute lung injury, lung fibroblasts produce chemokines that assist the activation and migration of resident macrophages. The interactions between pulmonary fibroblasts and alveolar macrophages demonstrate the early event in the recruitment of immune cells, and the production of chemokines appear to be central mediators of the initiation and progression of inflammatory responses. In this study, the aim was to investigate the signaling pathway leading to CXCL10 secretion and the effects of CXCL10 released by activated fibroblasts on regulating macrophage polarization in a pro-inflammatory microenvironment. METHODS The expression of chemokines CCL2, CCL5, CXCL10, and CXCL12, and the phosphorylation of signaling molecules STAT3, FAK, GSK3αβ and PKCδ were investigated by real time-PCR, ELISA, or Western blot on TNFα- or IL-1β-activated MRC-5 pulmonary fibroblasts. By collecting conditioned medium from TNFα-activated fibroblasts, the expression of iNOS and arginase I on MH-S alveolar macrophages were examined by real-time PCR. Surface markers CD86 and CD206 expressions on alveolar macrophages were also evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS We found that CXCL10 production was significantly elevated on MRC-5 fibroblasts under TNFα- or IL-1β treatment. In addition, we revealed that TNFα and IL-1β initiated phosphorylation of STAT3, FAK, GSK3αβ and PKCδ signaling cascade, leading to the elevation of CXCL10 expression. Moreover, conditioned medium collected from TNFα-activated MRC-5 fibroblasts increased iNOS and CD86 expressions and decreased arginase I and CD206 expressions on MH-S alveolar macrophages, and neutralization of CXCL10 abolished these observed phenomena. CONCLUSION These results suggest that CXCL10 is crucial in activated fibroblasts-promoted M1 phenotype polarization of alveolar macrophages. In this regard, targeting fibroblasts-released CXCL10 may be promising as anti-inflammatory therapy against acute lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Fang Tsai
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, No.500 Lioufeng Road, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Hong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung 42743, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lan Yeh
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, No.91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
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Bowlus CL, Yang GX, Liu CH, Johnson CR, Dhaliwal SS, Frank D, Levy C, Peters MG, Vierling JM, Gershwin ME. Therapeutic trials of biologics in primary biliary cholangitis: An open label study of abatacept and review of the literature. J Autoimmun 2019; 101:26-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Enguita M, Razquin N, Pamplona R, Quiroga J, Prieto J, Fortes P. The cirrhotic liver is depleted of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a key modulator of NF-κB and TGFβ pathways in hepatic stellate cells. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:14. [PMID: 30622239 PMCID: PMC6325107 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1243-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis results from chronic hepatic damage and is characterized by derangement of the organ architecture with increased liver fibrogenesis and defective hepatocellular function. It frequently evolves into progressive hepatic insufficiency associated with high mortality unless liver transplantation is performed. We have hypothesized that the deficiency of critical nutrients such as essential omega-3 fatty acids might play a role in the progression of liver cirrhosis. Here we evaluated by LC-MS/MS the liver content of omega-3 docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) in cirrhotic patients and investigated the effect of DHA in a murine model of liver injury and in the response of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) (the main producers of collagen in the liver) to pro-fibrogenic stimuli. We found that cirrhotic livers exhibit a marked depletion of DHA and that this alteration correlates with the progression of the disease. Administration of DHA exerts potent anti-fibrogenic effects in an acute model of liver damage. Studies with HSCs show that DHA inhibits fibrogenesis more intensely than other omega-3 fatty acids. Data from expression arrays revealed that DHA blocks TGFβ and NF-κB pathways. Mechanistically, DHA decreases late, but not early, SMAD3 nuclear accumulation and inhibits p65/RelA-S536 phosphorylation, which is required for HSC survival. Notably, DHA increases ADRP expression, leading to the formation of typical quiescence-associated perinuclear lipid droplets. In conclusion, a marked depletion of DHA is present in the liver of patients with advanced cirrhosis. DHA displays anti-fibrogenic activities on HSCs targeting NF-κB and TGFβ pathways and inducing ADPR expression and quiescence in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Enguita
- Department of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nerea Razquin
- Department of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Reinald Pamplona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Lleida (IRB), Lleida, Spain
| | - Jorge Quiroga
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Liver Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Puri Fortes
- Department of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona, Spain. .,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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Strowitzki MJ, Kirchberg J, Tuffs C, Schiedeck M, Ritter AS, Biller M, Harnoss JM, Lasitschka F, Schmidt T, Radhakrishnan P, Ulrich A, Schneider M. Loss of Prolyl-Hydroxylase 1 Protects against Biliary Fibrosis via Attenuated Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:2826-2838. [PMID: 30248340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, eventually progressing to cirrhosis necessitating liver transplantation, poses a significant clinical problem. Oxygen shortage (hypoxia) and hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) have been acknowledged as important drivers of liver fibrosis. The significance of oxygen-sensing HIF prolyl-hydroxylase (PHD) enzymes in this context has, however, remained elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that loss of PHD1 (PHD1-/-) attenuates the development of liver fibrosis in mice subjected to chronic bile duct injury, induced by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine. This effect was accompanied with reduced recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes and attenuated occurrence of profibrotic myofibroblasts in PHD1-/- livers. Further analyses focused on the significance of PHD1 in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which represent the driving force in liver fibrosis. Primary HSCs isolated from PHD1-/- mice displayed significantly attenuated myofibroblast differentiation and profibrogenic properties compared with HSCs isolated from wild-type mice. Consistently, the expression of various profibrogenic and promitogenic factors was reduced in PHD1-/- HSCs, without alterations in HIF-1α protein levels. Of importance, PHD1 protein was expressed in HSCs within human livers, and PHD1 transcript expression was significantly increased with disease severity in hepatic tissue from patients with liver fibrosis. Collectively, these findings indicate that PHD1 deficiency protects against liver fibrosis and that these effects are partly due to attenuated activation of HSCs. PHD1 may represent a therapeutic target to alleviate liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz J Strowitzki
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johanna Kirchberg
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Tuffs
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Schiedeck
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alina S Ritter
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marvin Biller
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonathan M Harnoss
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Lasitschka
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Praveen Radhakrishnan
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexis Ulrich
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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CXCL10-induced IL-9 promotes liver fibrosis via Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 105:282-289. [PMID: 29860220 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a typical complication of chronic liver diseases resulting in cirrhosis that remains a major public health problem. The aim of the present study was to identify the role of interleukin-9 (IL-9), an important regulator of inflammation and autoimmune diseases, in hepatic fibrosis progression. It was found that the expression of IL-9 was significantly increased in liver tissues of liver cirrhosis patients compared with that in healthy controls. Moreover, CXCL10, not CXCL9 or CXCL11, induced IL-9 expression in the liver tissue. Overexpression of IL-9 enhanced the severity of liver fibrosis in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis model. Western Blotting analysis revealed that this pro-fibrosis bioactivity of IL-9 was attributed to its selective activation of Raf/MEK/ERK signaling. Finally, administration of neutralizing anti-IL-9 antibody ameliorated liver fibrosis and attenuated the activation of hepatic stellate cells in mice. All these findings indicate that IL-9 plays a deleterious role in the development and progression of liver fibrosis, and IL-9 based immunotherapy may prove to be a promising strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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