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Huang P, Wei G, Kirkpatrick JD, Lin Y, Tan L, Matta H, Nasser I, Huang M, Chen L, Petitjean M, Skelton-Badlani D, Gao W, Vaid K, Zhao S, Lugovskoy A, Alenzi M, Chen X, Gores GJ, Popov YV. Transposon-based oncogene integration in Abcb4(Mdr2) -/- mice recapitulates high susceptibility to cholangiocarcinoma in primary sclerosing cholangitis. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)02423-1. [PMID: 39089631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.07.016] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a dreaded complication of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) that is difficult to diagnose and associated with high mortality. Lack of animal models of CCA recapitulating the hepatic microenvironment of sclerosing cholangitis has hindered the development of novel treatments. Herein, we sought to develop a mouse model of PSC-associated CCA. METHODS Ten-week-old Mdr2-/- mice with congenital PSC-like disease, and healthy wild-type littermates were subjected to either modified retrograde biliary instillation or hydrodynamic tail vein injection of a sleeping beauty transposon-transposase plasmid system with activated AKT (myr-AKT) and Yap (YapS127A) proto-oncogenes (SB AKT/YAP1). The role of TGFβ was interrogated via ALK5 inhibitor (SB-525334) administration. Tumor phenotype, burden and desmoplastic reaction were analyzed histologically and via RNA sequencing. RESULTS While SB AKT/YAP1 plasmids administered via retrograde biliary injection caused tumors in Mdr2-/-, only 26.67% (4/15) of these tumors were CCA. Alternatively, hydrodynamic tail vein injection of SB AKT/YAP1 resulted in robust tumorigenesis in all fibrotic Mdr2-/- mice with high CCA burden compared to healthy mice. Tumors phenotypically resembled human CCA, expressed multiple CCA (but not hepatocellular carcinoma) markers, and exhibited a profound desmoplastic reaction. RNA sequencing analysis revealed profound transcriptional changes in CCA evolving in a PSC-like context, with specific alterations in multiple immune pathways. Pharmacological TGFβ inhibition led to enhanced immune cell tumor infiltration, reduced tumor burden and suppressed desmoplastic collagen accumulation compared to placebo. CONCLUSION We established a new high-fidelity cholangiocarcinoma model in mice, termed SB CCA.Mdr2-/-, which recapitulates the increased susceptibility to CCA in the setting of biliary injury and fibrosis observed in PSC. Through transcriptomics and pharmacological studies, we show dysregulation of multiple immune pathways and TGFβ signaling as potential drivers of CCA in a PSC-like microenvironment. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Animal models for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)-related cholangiocarcinoma (PSC-CCA) are lacking. Thus, we have developed and characterized a new mouse model of PSC-CCA, termed SB CCA.Mdr2-/-, which features reliable tumor induction on a PSC-like background of biliary injury and fibrosis. Global gene expression alterations were identified and standardized tools, including automated whole slide image analysis methodology for tumor burden and feature analysis, were established to enable systematic research into PSC-CCA biology and formal preclinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinzhu Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Colon and Rectum Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangyan Wei
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jesse D Kirkpatrick
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yi Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li Tan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heansika Matta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Imad Nasser
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mingzhe Huang
- Department of Colon and Rectum Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Disha Skelton-Badlani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen Gao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kahini Vaid
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shuangshuang Zhao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alicia Lugovskoy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maram Alenzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yury V Popov
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Hintermann E, Tondello C, Fuchs S, Bayer M, Pfeilschifter JM, Taubert R, Mollenhauer M, Elferink RPJO, Manns MP, Christen U. Blockade of neutrophil extracellular trap components ameliorates cholestatic liver disease in Mdr2 (Abcb4) knockout mice. J Autoimmun 2024; 146:103229. [PMID: 38653165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103229] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an (auto)immune-mediated cholestatic liver disease with a yet unclear etiology. Increasing evidence points to an involvement of neutrophils in chronic liver inflammation and cirrhosis but also liver repair. Here, we investigate the role of the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) component myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the therapeutic potential of DNase I and of neutrophil elastase (NE) inhibitor GW311616A on disease outcome in the multidrug resistance 2 knockout (Mdr2-/-) mouse, a PSC animal model. Initially, we observed the recruitment of MPO expressing cells and the formation of NETs in liver biopsies of PSC patients and in Mdr2-/- livers. Furthermore, sera of Mdr2-/- mice contained perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (p-ANCA)-like reactivity similar to PSC patient sera. Also, hepatic NE activity was significantly higher in Mdr2-/- mice than in wild type littermates. Flow cytometry analyses revealed that during disease development a highly active neutrophil subpopulation established specifically in the liver of Mdr2-/- mice. However, absence of their MPO activity, as in MPO-deficient Mdr2-/- mice, showed no effect on hepatobiliary disease severity. In contrast, clearance of extracellular DNA by DNase I reduced the frequency of liver-resident neutrophils, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and CD103+ conventional DCs and decreased cholangiocyte injury. Combination of DNase I with a pDC-depleting antibody was additionally hepatocyte-protective. Most importantly, GW311616A, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of human NE, attenuated hepatobiliary injury in a TNFα-dependent manner and damped hyperproliferation of biliary epithelial cells. Further, hepatic immigration and activity of CD11b+ DCs as well as the secretion of IFNγ by hepatic CD4 and CD8 T cells were reduced. Our findings delineate neutrophils as important participants in the immune cell crosstalk that drives cholestatic liver disease and identify NET components as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Hintermann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt / ZAFES, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Camilla Tondello
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt / ZAFES, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sina Fuchs
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt / ZAFES, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Monika Bayer
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt / ZAFES, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Josef M Pfeilschifter
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt / ZAFES, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Martin Mollenhauer
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roland P J Oude Elferink
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Urs Christen
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt / ZAFES, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Mavila N, Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah M, Kennedy J. Ductular Reactions in Liver Injury, Regeneration, and Disease Progression-An Overview. Cells 2024; 13:579. [PMID: 38607018 PMCID: PMC11011399 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070579] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Ductular reaction (DR) is a complex cellular response that occurs in the liver during chronic injuries. DR mainly consists of hyper-proliferative or reactive cholangiocytes and, to a lesser extent, de-differentiated hepatocytes and liver progenitors presenting a close spatial interaction with periportal mesenchyme and immune cells. The underlying pathology of DRs leads to extensive tissue remodeling in chronic liver diseases. DR initiates as a tissue-regeneration mechanism in the liver; however, its close association with progressive fibrosis and inflammation in many chronic liver diseases makes it a more complicated pathological response than a simple regenerative process. An in-depth understanding of the cellular physiology of DRs and their contribution to tissue repair, inflammation, and progressive fibrosis can help scientists develop cell-type specific targeted therapies to manage liver fibrosis and chronic liver diseases effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmala Mavila
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
- Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Mallikarjuna Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
| | - Jaquelene Kennedy
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
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Li M, Zhou Y, Zhu H, Xu LM, Ping J. Danhongqing formula alleviates cholestatic liver fibrosis by downregulating long non-coding RNA H19 derived from cholangiocytes and inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024; 22:188-198. [PMID: 38472011 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explores the mechanism of action of Danhongqing formula (DHQ), a compound-based Chinese medicine formula, in the treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis. METHODS In vivo experiments were conducted using 8-week-old multidrug resistance protein 2 knockout (Mdr2-/-) mice as an animal model of cholestatic liver fibrosis. DHQ was administered orally for 8 weeks, and its impact on cholestatic liver fibrosis was evaluated by assessing liver function, liver histopathology, and the expression of liver fibrosis-related proteins. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and other methods were used to observe the effects of DHQ on long non-coding RNA H19 (H19) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation in the liver tissue of Mdr2-/- mice. In addition, cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were cultured in vitro to measure the effects of bile acids on cholangiocyte injury and H19 expression. Cholangiocytes overexpressing H19 were constructed, and a conditioned medium containing H19 was collected to measure its effects on STAT3 protein expression and cell activation. The intervention effect of DHQ on these processes was also investigated. HSCs overexpressing H19 were constructed to measure the impact of H19 on cell activation and assess the intervention effect of DHQ. RESULTS DHQ alleviated liver injury, ductular reaction, and fibrosis in Mdr2-/- mice, and inhibited H19 expression, STAT3 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation. This formula also reduced hydrophobic bile acid-induced cholangiocyte injury and the upregulation of H19, inhibited the activation of HSCs induced by cholangiocyte-derived conditioned medium, and decreased the expression of activation markers in HSCs. The overexpression of H19 in a human HSC line confirmed that H19 promoted STAT3 phosphorylation and HSC activation, and DHQ was able to successfully inhibit these effects. CONCLUSION DHQ effectively alleviated spontaneous cholestatic liver fibrosis in Mdr2-/- mice by inhibiting H19 upregulation in cholangiocytes and preventing the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation in HSC, thereby suppressing cell activation. Please cite this article as: Li M, Zhou Y, Zhu H, Xu LM, Ping J. Danhongqing formula alleviates cholestatic liver fibrosis by downregulating long non-coding RNA H19 derived from cholangiocytes and inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(2): 188-198.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Preventive Treatment Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lie-Ming Xu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jian Ping
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai 201203, China.
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Dan L, Hao Y, Song H, Wang T, Li J, He X, Su Y. Efficacy and potential mechanisms of the main active ingredients of astragalus mongholicus in animal models of liver fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117198. [PMID: 37722514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragalus mongholicus (AM) is a Qi-tonifying and immune-regulating herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is increasingly regarded as a profound complementary medication in the treatment of fibrosis disease. Astragaloside (AS), astragaloside flavonoids (AF) and astragaloside polysaccharides (APS) are the main active ingredients of Astragalus Mongholicus (AM) that have a significant therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis. AIM OF THE STUDY This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects and possible mechanisms of the main active ingredients of AM including astragaloside (AS), astragalus flavone (AF) and astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in animal models of liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We systematically searched ten databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest database, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), VIP Information Chinese Periodical Service Platform (VIP), WangFang database and China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM) to identify relevant animal studies from inception to November 2022. The SYRCLE's risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality. The statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS Twenty-three studies involving 482 animals were included. Studies quality scores ranged from 4 to 5. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD, -3.87; 95% CI, -5.09 to -2.65; P < 0.00001) aminotransferase (AST) (SMD, -4.43; 95% CI, -5.77 to -3.08; P < 0.00001), hydroxyproline (HYP) (SMD, -2.94; 95% CI, -3.83 to -2.05; P < 0.00001) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (SMD, -2.82; 95% CI, -3.57 to -2.06; P < 0.00001) were the main outcome measures to be analyzed. The meta-analysis revealed that the main active ingredients of AM lowered the levels of known risk factors including liver index (SMD, -1.25; 95% CI, -1.63 to -0.87; P < 0.00001), degree of liver fibrosis (SMD, -1.93; 95% CI, -2.57 to -1.28; P < 0.00001), collagen α type I (Col)-1 (SMD, -3.71; 95% CI, -5.63 to -1.79; P = 0.0001), hyaluronic acid (HA) (SMD, -2.65; 95% CI, -3.69 to -1.61; P < 0.00001), laminin (LN) (SMD, -2.06; 95% CI, -2.51 to -1.61; P < 0.00001), type IV collagen (CIV) (SMD, -3.04; 95% CI, -4.34 to -1.74; P < 0.00001), procollagen typeIII (PCIII) (SMD, -2.60; 95% CI, -3.15 to -2.05; P < 0.00001), albumin (ALB) (SMD, -1.19; 95% CI, -1.63 to -0.75; P < 0.00001), total bilirubin (TBiL) (SMD, -3.63; 95% CI, -5.39 to -1.88; P < 0.0001), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (SMD, -5.27; 95% CI, -6.94 to -3.61; P < 0.00001) and Smad3 (SMD, -4.11; 95% CI, -7.17 to -1.05; P = 0.009) level. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis demonstrates the effective role of the main active ingredients of AM in preclinical studies of liver fibrosis. The underlying mechanisms may be related to attenuation of oxidative stress, modulation of inflammatory response and inhibition of collagen production. However, due to the significant heterogeneity and poor quality of included studies, positive findings should be treated cautiously. REGISTRATION PROSPERO ID CRD42023382282.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Dan
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanwei Hao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongfei Song
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- The Affiliated Chengdu 363 Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Su
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Wang Y, Zhao D, Su L, Tai YL, Way GW, Zeng J, Yan Q, Xu Y, Wang X, Gurley EC, Zhou XQ, Liu J, Liu J, Chen W, Hylemon PB, Zhou H. Therapeutic potential of berberine in attenuating cholestatic liver injury: insights from a PSC mouse model. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:14. [PMID: 38273376 PMCID: PMC10809567 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01195-8] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease characterized by progressive biliary inflammation and bile duct injury. Berberine (BBR) is a bioactive isoquinoline alkaloid found in various herbs and has multiple beneficial effects on metabolic and inflammatory diseases, including liver diseases. This study aimed to examine the therapeutic effect of BBR on cholestatic liver injury in a PSC mouse model (Mdr2-/- mice) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Mdr2-/-mice (12-14 weeks old, both sexes) received either BBR (50 mg/kg) or control solution daily for eight weeks via oral gavage. Histological and serum biochemical analyses were used to assess fibrotic liver injury severity. Total RNAseq and pathway analyses were used to identify the potential signaling pathways modulated by BBR in the liver. The expression levels of key genes involved in regulating hepatic fibrosis, bile duct proliferation, inflammation, and bile acid metabolism were validated by qRT-PCR or Western blot analysis. The bile acid composition and levels in the serum, liver, small intestine, and feces and tissue distribution of BBR were measured by LC-MS/MS. Intestinal inflammation and injury were assessed by gene expression profiling and histological analysis. The impact on the gut microbiome was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS BBR treatment significantly ameliorated cholestatic liver injury, evidenced by decreased serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP, and reduced bile duct proliferation and hepatic fibrosis, as shown by H&E, Picro-Sirius Red, and CK19 IHC staining. RNAseq and qRT-PCR analyses indicated a substantial inhibition of fibrotic and inflammatory gene expression. BBR also mitigated ER stress by downregulating Chop, Atf4 and Xbp-1 expression. In addition, BBR modulated bile acid metabolism by altering key gene expressions in the liver and small intestine, resulting in restored bile acid homeostasis characterized by reduced total bile acids in serum, liver, and small intestine and increased fecal excretion. Furthermore, BBR significantly improved intestinal barrier function and reduced bacterial translocation by modulating the gut microbiota. CONCLUSION BBR effectively attenuates cholestatic liver injury, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for PSC and other cholestatic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Derrick Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
| | - Lianyong Su
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
| | - Yun-Ling Tai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
| | - Grayson W Way
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
| | - Qianhua Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
| | - Emily C Gurley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
| | - Xi-Qiao Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinze Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Weidong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Phillip B Hylemon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA.
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Shi L, Zhao T, Huang L, Pan X, Wu T, Feng X, Chen T, Wu J, Niu J. Engineered FGF19 ΔKLB protects against intrahepatic cholestatic liver injury in ANIT-induced and Mdr2-/- mice model. BMC Biotechnol 2023; 23:43. [PMID: 37789318 PMCID: PMC10548598 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-023-00810-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major safety concern of the clinical application of wild type FGF19 (FGF19WT) emerges given that its extended treatment causes hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, we previously generated a safer FGF19 variant - FGF19ΔKLB, which have same effects on glycemic control and bile acid production but much less mitogenic activity. However, it remains unclear as to whether FGF19ΔKLB ameliorates intrahepatic cholestasis. RESULTS We found that, similar to that of FGF19WT, the chronic administration of FGF19ΔKLB protects mice from cholestatic liver injury in these two models. The therapeutic benefits of FGF19ΔKLB on cholestatic liver damage are attributable, according to the following mechanistic investigation, to the reduction of BA production, liver inflammation, and fibrosis. More importantly, FGF19ΔKLB did not induce any tumorigenesis effects during its prolonged treatment. CONCLUSIONS Together, our findings raise hope that FGF19ΔKLB may represent a useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaomin Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianzhen Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Taoli Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiamin Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianlou Niu
- Pingyang Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325499, Zhejiang, China.
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Thoeni C, Perciani CT, Nakib D, Camat D, McGilvray ID, MacParland SA, Fischer S. Analysis of various ATP-binding cassette transporters revealed quantification of ABCB4 as a potential diagnostic tool in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Histopathology 2023; 83:559-568. [PMID: 37488782 DOI: 10.1111/his.15006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS ATP-binding cassette transporters are important proteins in regulating bile constituent transport between hepatocytes and the bile canalicular system. Dysfunctional transporters lead to accumulation of toxic bile components within hepatocytes or the biliary system, known as cholestasis, resulting in liver damage. It has been previously reported that two particular ATP-binding cassette transporters, ABCB4 and ABCB11, have altered expression in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Interested in further analysis of expression patterns of ATP-binding cassette transporters in PSC patients, we investigated liver samples from 201 patients, including 43 patients with PSC and 51 patients with primary biliary cholangitis patients (PBC). In addition to ABCB4 and ABCB11, we also included other ATP-binding cassette transporters, to determine if upregulation of ABCB4 and ABCB11 is specifically found in the liver of patients with PSC. METHODS AND RESULTS Retrospectively, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded liver biopsies, resections, and explants were selected to investigate the expression of ABCB1, ABCB4, ABCB11, ABCG5/8, and FXR1 using nanoString nCounter and immunohistochemistry for validation of differently expressed transporters seen in PSC liver samples in comparison to non-PSC liver specimens. Strikingly, ABCB4 was the only ATP-binding cassette transporter showing increased gene and protein expression in hepatocytes of PSC livers when compared to non-PSC liver specimens. Furthermore, ABCB4 protein expression also correlated with disease stage in PSC. CONCLUSION Our study concluded that altered ABCB4 expression is specifically seen in liver specimens of PSC patients. Therefore, quantitative ABCB4 analysis may be an additional useful tool for the histopathological diagnosis of PSC to distinguish this entity from other cholangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Thoeni
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catia T Perciani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Diana Nakib
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Damra Camat
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ian D McGilvray
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sonya A MacParland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra Fischer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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9
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Kim HY, Sakane S, Eguileor A, Carvalho Gontijo Weber R, Lee W, Liu X, Lam K, Ishizuka K, Rosenthal SB, Diggle K, Brenner DA, Kisseleva T. The Origin and Fate of Liver Myofibroblasts. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:93-106. [PMID: 37743012 PMCID: PMC10665929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.09.008] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis of different etiologies is a serious health problem worldwide. There is no effective therapy available for liver fibrosis except the removal of the underlying cause of injury or liver transplantation. Development of liver fibrosis is caused by fibrogenic myofibroblasts that are not present in the normal liver, but rather activate from liver resident mesenchymal cells in response to chronic toxic or cholestatic injury. Many studies indicate that liver fibrosis is reversible when the causative agent is removed. Regression of liver fibrosis is associated with the disappearance of activated myofibroblasts and resorption of the fibrous scar. In this review, we discuss the results of genetic tracing and cell fate mapping of hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts, their specific characteristics, and potential phenotypes. We summarize research progress in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and reversibility of liver fibrosis, including activation, apoptosis, and inactivation of myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Young Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Sadatsugu Sakane
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Alvaro Eguileor
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Raquel Carvalho Gontijo Weber
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Wonseok Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Kevin Lam
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Kei Ishizuka
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Sara Brin Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Karin Diggle
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California.
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California.
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10
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Lee YS, Seki E. In Vivo and In Vitro Models to Study Liver Fibrosis: Mechanisms and Limitations. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:355-367. [PMID: 37270060 PMCID: PMC10444957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common result of liver injury owing to various kinds of chronic liver diseases. A deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and identifying potential therapeutic targets of liver fibrosis is important because liver fibrosis may progress to advanced liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite numerous studies, the underlying mechanisms of liver fibrosis remain unclear. Mechanisms of the development and progression of liver fibrosis differ according to etiologies. Therefore, appropriate liver fibrosis models should be selected according to the purpose of the study and the type of underlying disease. Many in vivo animal and in vitro models have been developed to study liver fibrosis. However, there are no perfect preclinical models for liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current in vivo and in vitro models for studying liver fibrosis and highlight emerging in vitro models, including organoids and liver-on-a-chip models. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms and limitations of each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sun Lee
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
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11
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Weber ND, Odriozola L, Ros-Gañán I, García-Porrero G, Salas D, Argemi J, Combal JP, Kishimoto TK, González-Aseguinolaza G. Rescue of infant progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 mice by repeated dosing of AAV gene therapy. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100713. [PMID: 37096142 PMCID: PMC10121466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Gene therapy using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector carrying multidrug resistance protein 3 (MDR3) coding sequence (AAV8-MDR3) represents a potential curative treatment for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3), which presents in early childhood. However, patients with the severest form of PFIC3 should receive treatment early after detection to prevent irreversible hepatic fibrosis leading ultimately to liver transplantation or death. This represents a challenge for rAAV-based gene therapy because therapeutic efficacy is expected to wane as rAAV genomes are lost owing to hepatocyte division, and the formation of AAV-specific neutralising antibodies precludes re-administration. Here, we tested a strategy of vector re-administration in infant PFIC3 mice with careful evaluation of its oncogenicity - a particular concern surrounding rAAV treatment. Methods AAV8-MDR3 was re-administered to infant Abcb4 -/- mice 2 weeks after a first dose co-administered with tolerogenic nanoparticles carrying rapamycin (ImmTOR) given at 2 weeks of age. Eight months later, long-term therapeutic efficacy and safety were assessed with special attention paid to the potential oncogenicity of rAAV treatment. Results Co-administration with ImmTOR mitigated the formation of rAAV-specific neutralising antibodies and enabled an efficacious second administration of AAV8-MDR3, resulting in stable correction of the disease phenotype, including a restoration of bile phospholipid content and healthy liver function, as well as the prevention of liver fibrosis, hepatosplenomegaly, and gallstones. Furthermore, efficacious repeat rAAV administration prevented the appearance of liver malignancies in an animal model highly prone to developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusions These outcomes provide strong evidence for rAAV redosing through co-administration with ImmTOR, as it resulted in a long-term therapeutic effect in a paediatric liver metabolic disorder, including the prevention of oncogenesis. Impact and implications Redosing of gene therapy for inborn hepatobiliary disorders may be essential as effect wanes during hepatocyte division and renewal, particularly in paediatric patients, but the approach may carry long-term risks of liver cancer. Viral vectors carrying a therapeutic gene exerted a durable cure of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 in infant mice and reduced the risk of liver cancer only following a second administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D. Weber
- Vivet Therapeutics S.L., Pamplona, Spain
- Corresponding authors. Address: Vivet Therapeutics S.L., Av. Pio XII, 33, 31008 Pamplona, Spain. Tel.: +34-948-194700 x816022.
| | - Leticia Odriozola
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | - David Salas
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Josepmaria Argemi
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Hepatology Program, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Division of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red (CIBER-Ehd), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Gloria González-Aseguinolaza
- Vivet Therapeutics S.L., Pamplona, Spain
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Corresponding authors. Address: Vivet Therapeutics S.L., Av. Pio XII, 33, 31008 Pamplona, Spain. Tel.: +34-948-194700 x816022.
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12
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Aseem SO, Hylemon PB, Zhou H. Bile Acids and Biliary Fibrosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050792. [PMID: 36899928 PMCID: PMC10001305 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary fibrosis is the driving pathological process in cholangiopathies such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Cholangiopathies are also associated with cholestasis, which is the retention of biliary components, including bile acids, in the liver and blood. Cholestasis may worsen with biliary fibrosis. Furthermore, bile acid levels, composition and homeostasis are dysregulated in PBC and PSC. In fact, mounting data from animal models and human cholangiopathies suggest that bile acids play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of biliary fibrosis. The identification of bile acid receptors has advanced our understanding of various signaling pathways involved in regulating cholangiocyte functions and the potential impact on biliary fibrosis. We will also briefly review recent findings linking these receptors with epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Further detailed understanding of bile acid signaling in the pathogenesis of biliary fibrosis will uncover additional therapeutic avenues for cholangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Obaidullah Aseem
- Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease & Metabolic Health, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Phillip B. Hylemon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
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13
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Beyoğlu D, Huang P, Skelton-Badlani D, Zong C, Popov YV, Idle JR. Metabolic Hijacking of Hexose Metabolism to Ascorbate Synthesis Is the Unifying Biochemical Basis of Murine Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030485. [PMID: 36766828 PMCID: PMC9914390 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030485] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We wished to understand the metabolic reprogramming underlying liver fibrosis progression in mice. Administration to male C57BL/6J mice of the hepatotoxins carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), thioacetamide (TAA), or a 60% high-fat diet, choline-deficient, amino-acid-defined diet (HF-CDAA) was conducted using standard protocols. Livers collected at different times were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. RNA was extracted from liver and assayed by qRT-PCR for mRNA expression of 11 genes potentially involved in the synthesis of ascorbic acid from hexoses, Gck, Adpgk, Hk1, Hk2, Ugp2, Ugdh, Ugt1a1, Akr1a4, Akr1b3, Rgn and Gulo. All hepatotoxins resulted in similar metabolic changes during active fibrogenesis, despite different etiology and resultant scarring pattern. Diminished hepatic glucose, galactose, fructose, pentose phosphate pathway intermediates, glucuronic acid and long-chain fatty acids were compensated by elevated ascorbate and the product of collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase, succinate and its downstream metabolites fumarate and malate. Recovery from the HF-CDAA diet challenge (F2 stage fibrosis) after switching to normal chow was accompanied by increased glucose, galactose, fructose, ribulose 5-phosphate, glucuronic acid, the ascorbate metabolite threonate and diminished ascorbate. During the administration of CCl4, TAA and HF-CDAA, aldose reductase Akr1b3 transcription was induced six- to eightfold, indicating increased conversion of glucuronic acid to gulonic acid, a precursor of ascorbate synthesis. Triggering hepatic fibrosis by three independent mechanisms led to the hijacking of glucose and galactose metabolism towards ascorbate synthesis, to satisfy the increased demand for ascorbate as a cofactor for prolyl 4-hydroxylase for mature collagen production. This metabolic reprogramming and causal gene expression changes were reversible. The increased flux in this pathway was mediated predominantly by increased transcription of aldose reductase Akr1b3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diren Beyoğlu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, MA 01119, USA
- Arthur G. Zupko Institute for Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Pinzhu Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Disha Skelton-Badlani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christine Zong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yury V. Popov
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jeffrey R. Idle
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, MA 01119, USA
- Arthur G. Zupko Institute for Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-929-888-6534
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14
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Bowlus CL, Arrivé L, Bergquist A, Deneau M, Forman L, Ilyas SI, Lunsford KE, Martinez M, Sapisochin G, Shroff R, Tabibian JH, Assis DN. AASLD practice guidance on primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2023; 77:659-702. [PMID: 36083140 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology , University of California Davis Health , Sacramento , California , USA
| | | | - Annika Bergquist
- Karolinska Institutet , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Mark Deneau
- University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Lisa Forman
- University of Colorado , Aurora , Colorado , USA
| | - Sumera I Ilyas
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science , Rochester , Minnesota , USA
| | - Keri E Lunsford
- Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School , Newark , New Jersey , USA
| | - Mercedes Martinez
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons , Columbia University , New York , New York , USA
| | | | | | - James H Tabibian
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles , California , USA
| | - David N Assis
- Yale School of Medicine , New Haven , Connecticut , USA
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15
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Meadows V, Marakovits C, Ekser B, Kundu D, Zhou T, Kyritsi K, Pham L, Chen L, Kennedy L, Ceci L, Wu N, Carpino G, Zhang W, Isidan A, Meyer A, Owen T, Gaudio E, Onori P, Alpini G, Francis H. Loss of apical sodium bile acid transporter alters bile acid circulation and reduces biliary damage in cholangitis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 324:G60-G77. [PMID: 36410025 PMCID: PMC9799145 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00112.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterized by increased ductular reaction (DR), liver fibrosis, hepatic total bile acid (TBA) levels, and mast cell (MC) infiltration. Apical sodium BA transporter (ASBT) expression increases in cholestasis, and ileal inhibition reduces PSC phenotypes. FVB/NJ and multidrug-resistant 2 knockout (Mdr2-/-) mice were treated with control or ASBT Vivo-Morpholino (VM). We measured 1) ASBT expression and MC presence in liver/ileum; 2) liver damage/DR; 3) hepatic fibrosis/inflammation; 4) biliary inflammation/histamine serum content; and 5) gut barrier integrity/hepatic bacterial translocation. TBA/BA composition was measured in cholangiocyte/hepatocyte supernatants, intestine, liver, serum, and feces. Shotgun analysis was performed to ascertain microbiome changes. In vitro, cholangiocytes were treated with BAs ± ASBT VM, and histamine content and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling were determined. Treated cholangiocytes were cocultured with MCs, and FXR signaling, inflammation, and MC activation were measured. Human patients were evaluated for ASBT/MC expression and histamine/TBA content in bile. Control patient- and PSC patient-derived three-dimensional (3-D) organoids were generated; ASBT, chymase, histamine, and fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF19) were evaluated. ASBT VM in Mdr2-/- mice decreased 1) biliary ASBT expression, 2) PSC phenotypes, 3) hepatic TBA, and 4) gut barrier integrity compared with control. We found alterations between wild-type (WT) and Mdr2-/- mouse microbiome, and ASBT/MC and bile histamine content increased in cholestatic patients. BA-stimulated cholangiocytes increased MC activation/FXR signaling via ASBT, and human PSC-derived 3-D organoids secrete histamine/FGF19. Inhibition of hepatic ASBT ameliorates cholestatic phenotypes by reducing cholehepatic BA signaling, biliary inflammation, and histamine levels. ASBT regulation of hepatic BA signaling offers a therapeutic avenue for PSC.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We evaluated knockdown of the apical sodium bile acid transporter (ASBT) using Vivo-Morpholino in Mdr2KO mice. ASBT inhibition decreases primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) pathogenesis by reducing hepatic mast cell infiltration, altering bile acid species/cholehepatic shunt, and regulating gut inflammation/dysbiosis. Since a large cohort of PSC patients present with IBD, this study is clinically important. We validated findings in human PSC and PSC-IBD along with studies in novel human 3-D organoids formed from human PSC livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vik Meadows
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Corinn Marakovits
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Linh Pham
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Richard L. Roudebush Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico," Rome, Italy
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Abdulkadir Isidan
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Alison Meyer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Travis Owen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Richard L. Roudebush Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Richard L. Roudebush Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
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16
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Yang AT, Kim YO, Yan XZ, Abe H, Aslam M, Park KS, Zhao XY, Jia JD, Klein T, You H, Schuppan D. Fibroblast Activation Protein Activates Macrophages and Promotes Parenchymal Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:841-867. [PMID: 36521660 PMCID: PMC9972574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is expressed on activated fibroblast. Its role in fibrosis and desmoplasia is controversial, and data on pharmacological FAP inhibition are lacking. We aimed to better define the role of FAP in liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. METHODS FAP expression was analyzed in mice and patients with fibrotic liver diseases of various etiologies. Fibrotic mice received a specific FAP inhibitor (FAPi) at 2 doses orally for 2 weeks during parenchymal fibrosis progression (6 weeks of carbon tetrachloride) and regression (2 weeks off carbon tetrachloride), and with biliary fibrosis (Mdr2-/-). Recombinant FAP was added to (co-)cultures of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), fibroblasts, and macrophages. Fibrosis- and inflammation-related parameters were determined biochemically, by quantitative immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and transcriptomics. RESULTS FAP+ fibroblasts/HSCs were α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-negative and located at interfaces of fibrotic septa next to macrophages in murine and human livers. In parenchymal fibrosis, FAPi reduced collagen area, liver collagen content, α-SMA+ myofibroblasts, M2-type macrophages, serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase, key fibrogenesis-related transcripts, and increased hepatocyte proliferation 10-fold. During regression, FAP was suppressed, and FAPi was ineffective. FAPi less potently inhibited biliary fibrosis. In vitro, FAP small interfering RNA reduced HSC α-SMA expression and collagen production, and FAPi suppressed their activation and proliferation. Compared with untreated macrophages, FAPi regulated macrophage profibrogenic activation and transcriptome, and their conditioned medium attenuated HSC activation, which was increased with addition of recombinant FAP. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological FAP inhibition attenuates inflammation-predominant liver fibrosis. FAP is expressed on subsets of activated fibroblasts/HSC and promotes both macrophage and HSC profibrogenic activity in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ting Yang
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Experimental and Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Ook Kim
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xu-Zhen Yan
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Misbah Aslam
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kyoung-Sook Park
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xin-Yan Zhao
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Dong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Thomas Klein
- Boehringer-Ingelheim, Cardiometabolic Research, Biberach, Germany
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, Boston, Massachusetts.
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17
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Sun Q, Schwabe RF. Hepatic Stellate Cell Depletion and Genetic Manipulation. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2669:207-220. [PMID: 37247062 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3207-9_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) exert key roles in the development of liver disease. Cell-specific genetic labeling, gene knockout and depletion are important for the understanding of the HSC in homeostasis and a wide range of diseases ranging from acute liver injury and liver regeneration to nonalcoholic liver disease and cancer. Here, we will review and compare different Cre-dependent and Cre-independent methods for genetic labeling, gene knockout, HSC tracing and depletion, and their applications to different disease models. We provide detailed protocols for each method including methods to confirm successful and efficient targeting of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Sun
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Hu Y, He X, Zhou X, Liang Y, Fu Y, Zhang L, Fang J, Liu W, Chen G, Mu Y, Zhang H, Cai H, Liu C, Liu P, Chen J. Gypenosides ameliorate ductular reaction and liver fibrosis via inhibition of hedgehog signaling. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1033103. [PMID: 36483737 PMCID: PMC9722742 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1033103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgroud and aims: Ductular reaction (DR) is a common pathological change and thought to have a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of liver fibrosis. Our previous study reported Gypenosides (GPs) ameliorated liver fibrosis, however, the anti-fibrotic mechanisms of GPs are still unclear. Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by carbon tetrachloride combining with 2-acerylaminofluorene (CCl4/2-AAF), and Mdr2 knockout (Mdr2 -/-) mice to evaluate the anti-fibrotic role of GPs. In vitro, WB-F344 cells, a hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) line, with or without Gli1 overexpressing lentiviral vectors, were induced by sodium butyrate (SB) to validate the mechanism of GPs and NPLC0393, the main ingredient of GPs. Results: Both in CCl4/2-AAF-treated rats and Mdr2 -/- mice, GPs obviously reduced the deposition of collagen and hydroxyproline content, inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells and inflammatory cell infiltration. Notably, GPs reduced the expressions of Epcam, CK19, CK7, Dhh, Smo, Ptch2, Gli1 and Gli2. Furthermore, CK19+ cells co-expressed Gli1, while the number of CK19+/Gli1+ cells was decreased by GPs. In vitro, GPs and NPLC0393 inhibited the differentiation of WB-F344 cells toward a biliary phenotype. Mechanistically, GPs and NPLC0393 protected against DR by inhibiting hedgehog signaling, which was supported by the results that DR, triggered directly by Gli1 overexpressing lentiviral vector was blocked by administration with GPs or NPLC0393. Conclusion: GPs attenuated DR and liver fibrosis by inhibiting hedgehog signaling, which provided more evidences and a novel mechanism of anti-fibrotic effect of GPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Hu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoli He
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhou
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Liang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yadong Fu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linzhang Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Fang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongping Mu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Cai
- Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Chenghai Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
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19
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Automated whole slide image analysis for a translational quantification of liver fibrosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17935. [PMID: 36333365 PMCID: PMC9636208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22902-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Current literature highlights the need for precise histological quantitative assessment of fibrosis which cannot be achieved by conventional scoring systems, inherent to their discontinuous values and reader-dependent variability. Here we used an automated image analysis software to measure fibrosis deposition in two relevant preclinical models of liver fibrosis, and established correlation with other quantitative fibrosis descriptors. Longitudinal quantification of liver fibrosis was carried out during progression of post-necrotic (CCl4-induced) and metabolic (HF-CDAA feeding) models of chronic liver disease in mice. Whole slide images of picrosirius red-stained liver sections were analyzed using a fully automated, unsupervised software. Fibrosis was characterized by a significant increase of collagen proportionate area (CPA) at weeks 3 (CCl4) and 8 (HF-CDAA) with a progressive increase up to week 18 and 24, respectively. CPA was compared to collagen content assessed biochemically by hydroxyproline assay (HYP) and by standard histological staging systems. CPA showed a high correlation with HYP content for CCl4 (r = 0.8268) and HF-CDAA (r = 0.6799) models. High correlations were also found with Ishak score or its modified version (r = 0.9705) for CCl4 and HF-CDAA (r = 0.9062) as well as with NASH CRN for HF-CDAA (r = 0.7937). Such correlations support the use of automated digital analysis as a reliable tool to evaluate the dynamics of liver fibrosis and efficacy of antifibrotic drug candidates in preclinical models.
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20
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Nishio T, Koyama Y, Fuji H, Ishizuka K, Iwaisako K, Taura K, Hatano E, Brenner DA, Kisseleva T. The Role of Mesothelin in Activation of Portal Fibroblasts in Cholestatic Liver Injury. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1589. [PMID: 36358290 PMCID: PMC9687690 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common consequence of abnormal wound healing, which is characterized by infiltration of myofibroblasts and formation of fibrous scar. In liver fibrosis, activated Hepatic Stellate Cells (aHSCs) and activated Portal Fibroblasts (aPFs) are the major contributors to the origin of hepatic myofibroblasts. aPFs are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of cholestatic fibrosis, suggesting that aPFs may be a primary target for anti-fibrotic therapy in cholestatic injury. aPFs are distinguishable from aHSCs by specific markers including mesothelin (Msln), Mucin 16 (Muc16), and Thymus cell antigen 1 (Thy1, CD90) as well as fibulin 2, elastin, Gremlin 1, ecto-ATPase nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 2. Msln plays a critical role in activation of PFs, via formation of Msln-Muc16-Thy1 complex that regulates TGFβ1/TGFβRI-mediated fibrogenic signaling. The opposing pro- and anti-fibrogenic effects of Msln and Thy1 are key components of the TGFβ1-induced activation pathway in aPFs. In addition, aPFs and activated lung and kidney fibroblasts share similarities across different organs with expression of common markers and activation cascade including Msln-Thy1 interaction. Here, we summarize the potential function of Msln in activation of PFs and development of cholestatic fibrosis, offering a novel perspective for anti-fibrotic therapy targeting Msln.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0063, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0063, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawaharacho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yukinori Koyama
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0063, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawaharacho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Fuji
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0063, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0063, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kei Ishizuka
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0063, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0063, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Keiko Iwaisako
- Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tataramiyakodani, Kyotanabe 610-0394, Japan
| | - Kojiro Taura
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawaharacho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Oncology, Kitano Hospital Medical Research Institute, 2-4-20 Ogimachi, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8480, Japan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawaharacho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - David A. Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0063, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0063, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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21
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Guo X, Li Y, Wang W, Wang L, Hu S, Xiao X, Hu C, Dai Y, Zhang Y, Li Z, Li J, Ma X, Zeng J. The construction of preclinical evidence for the treatment of liver fibrosis with quercetin: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3774-3791. [PMID: 35918855 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone), a flavonoid, is widely found in fruits and vegetables and exerts broad-spectrum pharmacological effects in the liver. Many studies have explored the bioactivity of quercetin in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Hence, through a systematic review and biological mechanism evaluation, this study aimed to construct a body of preclinical evidence for the treatment of liver fibrosis using quercetin. The literature used in this study was mainly obtained from four databases, and the SYRCLE list (10 items) was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature. A meta-analysis of HA, LN, and other indicators was performed via STATA 15.0 software. Subgroup analyses based on animal species and model protocol were performed to further obtain detailed results. Moreover, the therapeutic mechanism of quercetin was summarized in a directed network form based on a comprehensive search of the literature. After screening, a total of 14 articles (comprising 15 studies) involving 254 animals were included. The results from the analysis showed that the corresponding liver function indexes, such as the levels of HA and LN, were significantly improved in the quercetin group compared with the model group, and liver function, such as the levels of AST and ALT, were also improved in the quercetin group. The species- and model-based subgroup analyses of AST and ALT revealed that quercetin exerts a significant effect. The therapeutic mechanism of quercetin was shown to be related to multiple pathways involving anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and lipid accumulation, including regulation of the TGF-β, α-SMA, ROS, and P-AMPK pathways. The results showed that quercetin exerts an obvious effect on liver fibrosis, and more prominent improvement effects on liver function and liver fibrosis indicators were obtained with a dose of 5-200 mg during a treatment course ranging from 4 to 8 weeks. Quercetin might be a promising therapeutic for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Guo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Weizheng Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Sihan Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Caiyu Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Dai
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiheng Zhang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziyu Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Junlin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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22
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O’Brien A, Zhou T, White T, Medford A, Chen L, Kyritsi K, Wu N, Childs J, Stiles D, Ceci L, Chakraborty S, Ekser B, Baiocchi L, Carpino G, Gaudio E, Wu C, Kennedy L, Francis H, Alpini G, Glaser S. FGF1 Signaling Modulates Biliary Injury and Liver Fibrosis in the Mdr2 -/- Mouse Model of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1574-1588. [PMID: 35271760 PMCID: PMC9234675 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) belongs to a family of growth factors involved in cellular growth and division. MicroRNA 16 (miR-16) is a regulator of gene expression, which is dysregulated during liver injury and insult. However, the role of FGF1 in the progression of biliary proliferation, senescence, fibrosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and its potential interaction with miR-16, are unknown. In vivo studies were performed in male bile duct-ligated (BDL, 12-week-old) mice, multidrug resistance 2 knockout (Mdr2-/-) mice (10-week-old), and their corresponding controls, treated with recombinant human FGF1 (rhFGF1), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) antagonist (AZD4547), or anti-FGF1 monoclonal antibody (mAb). In vitro, the human cholangiocyte cell line (H69) and human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were used to determine the expression of proliferation, fibrosis, angiogenesis, and inflammatory genes following rhFGF1 treatment. PSC patient and control livers were used to evaluate FGF1 and miR-16 expression. Intrahepatic bile duct mass (IBDM), along with hepatic fibrosis and inflammation, increased in BDL mice treated with rhFGF1, with a corresponding decrease in miR-16, while treatment with AZD4547 or anti-FGF1 mAb decreased hepatic fibrosis, IBDM, and inflammation in BDL and Mdr2-/- mice. In vitro, H69 and HSCs treated with rhFGF1 had increased expression of proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammatory markers. PSC samples also showed increased FGF1 and FGFRs with corresponding decreases in miR-16 compared with healthy controls. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that suppression of FGF1 and miR-16 signaling decreases the presence of hepatic fibrosis, biliary proliferation, inflammation, senescence, and angiogenesis. Targeting the FGF1 and miR-16 axis may provide therapeutic options in treating cholangiopathies such as PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- April O’Brien
- Department of Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M University College of MedicineBryanTXUSA
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Tori White
- Department of Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M University College of MedicineBryanTXUSA
| | - Abigail Medford
- Department of Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M University College of MedicineBryanTXUSA
| | - Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Jonathan Childs
- Department of Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M University College of MedicineBryanTXUSA
| | - Danaleigh Stiles
- Department of Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M University College of MedicineBryanTXUSA
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M University College of MedicineBryanTXUSA
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology UnitDept of MedicineUniversity of Tor Vergata RomeRomeItaly
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of MovementHuman and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”RomeItaly
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of AnatomicalHistologicalForensic Medicine and Orthopedics SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of NutritionTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- ResearchRichard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- ResearchRichard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- ResearchRichard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M University College of MedicineBryanTXUSA
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23
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Huang Y, Zhang S, Weng JF, Huang D, Gu WL. Recent discoveries in microbiota dysbiosis, cholangiocytic factors, and models for studying the pathogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:915-929. [PMID: 35647306 PMCID: PMC9106112 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholangiopathy caused by genetic and microenvironmental changes, such as bile homeostasis disorders and microbiota dysbiosis. Therapeutic options are limited, and proven surveillance strategies are currently lacking. Clinically, PSC presents as alternating strictures and dilatations of biliary ducts, resulting in the typical “beaded” appearance seen on cholangiography. The pathogenesis of PSC is still unclear, but cholangiocytes play an essential role in disease development, wherein a reactive phenotype is caused by the secretion of neuroendocrine factors. The liver–gut axis is implicated in the pathogenesis of PSC owing to the dysbiosis of microbiota, but the underlying mechanism is still poorly understood. Alterations in cholangiocyte responses and related signalling pathways during PSC progression were elucidated by recent research, providing novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarise the currently known underlying mechanisms of PSC pathogenesis caused by the dysbiosis of microbiota and newly reported information regarding cholangiocytes in PSC. We also summarise recently reported in vitro and in vivo models for studying the pathogenesis of PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, No. 1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Feng Weng
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Li Gu
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, No. 1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
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24
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Martínez-García J, Molina M, Odriozola L, Molina A, González-Aseguinolaza G, Weber ND, Smerdou C. A minimal bile salt excretory pump promoter allows bile acid-driven physiological regulation of transgene expression from a gene therapy vector. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:79. [PMID: 35641984 PMCID: PMC9158313 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00803-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bile acid (BA) homeostasis is mainly regulated by bile salt excretory pump (BSEP), a hepatocyte transporter that transfers BAs to the bile. BSEP expression is regulated by BA levels through activation of farnesoid X receptor transcription factor, which binds to the inverted repeat (IR-1) element in the BSEP promoter. Gene therapy of cholestatic diseases could benefit from using vectors carrying endogenous promoters physiologically regulated by BAs, however their large size limits this approach, especially when using adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) vectors. Results We evaluated the functionality and BA-mediated regulation of minimal versions of human and mouse BSEP promoters containing IR-1 using AAV vectors expressing luciferase. Unexpectedly, a minimal mouse BSEP promoter (imPr) showed higher BA-mediated expression and inducibility than a minimal human promoter (ihPr) or than full-length BSEP promoters in human hepatic cells. In addition, in mice receiving an AAV8 vector carrying imPr promoter-driven luciferase expression was efficiently regulated by administration of a BA-enriched diet. Interestingly, this vector also expressed significantly higher luciferase levels in Abcb4−/− mice, which have high levels of BAs, compared to wild type mice, or to mice receiving a vector containing the luciferase gene downstream of the constitutive alpha-1 antitrypsin promoter. In contrast, the AAV vector containing ihPr showed very low luciferase expression with no inducibility. Finally, we optimized imPr by adding three IR-1 repeats at its 5′ end. This new promoter provided higher levels of luciferase than imPr both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions The imPr could represent a useful tool for gene therapy approaches in which physiological BA regulation is desired.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00803-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martínez-García
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pio XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Manuela Molina
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pio XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leticia Odriozola
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pio XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Angie Molina
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pio XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gloria González-Aseguinolaza
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pio XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Vivet Therapeutics S.L., Calle Arcadio María Larraona, 1 - 2ª planta, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nicholas D Weber
- Vivet Therapeutics S.L., Calle Arcadio María Larraona, 1 - 2ª planta, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pio XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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25
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Cingolani F, Liu Y, Shen Y, Wen J, Farris AB, Czaja MJ. Redundant Functions of ERK1 and ERK2 Maintain Mouse Liver Homeostasis Through Down-Regulation of Bile Acid Synthesis. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:980-994. [PMID: 34936222 PMCID: PMC9035584 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 promotes hepatocyte proliferation in response to growth stimuli, but whether constitutive hepatocyte ERK1/2 signaling functions in liver physiology is unknown. To examine the role of ERK1/2 in hepatic homeostasis, the effects of a knockout of Erk1 and/or Erk2 in mouse liver were examined. The livers of mice with a global Erk1 knockout or a tamoxifen-inducible, hepatocyte-specific Erk2 knockout were normal. In contrast, Erk1/2 double-knockout mice developed hepatomegaly and hepatitis by serum transaminases, histology, terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling, and assays of hepatic inflammation. Liver injury was associated with biochemical evidence of cholestasis with increased serum and hepatic bile acids and led to hepatic fibrosis and mortality. RNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction analysis of double-knockout mouse livers revealed that the rate-limiting bile acid synthesis gene Cyp7a1 (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase) was up-regulated in concert with decreased expression of the transcriptional repressor short heterodimer partner. Elevated bile acids were the mechanism of liver injury, as bile acid reduction by SC-435, an inhibitor of the ileal apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter, prevented liver injury. Conclusion: Constitutive ERK1 and ERK2 signaling has a redundant but critical physiological function in the down-regulation of hepatic bile acid synthesis to maintain normal liver homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cingolani
- Division of Digestive DiseasesDepartment of MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Yunshan Liu
- Division of Digestive DiseasesDepartment of MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Yang Shen
- Division of Digestive DiseasesDepartment of MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Jing Wen
- Division of Digestive DiseasesDepartment of MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Alton B. Farris
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Mark J. Czaja
- Division of Digestive DiseasesDepartment of MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
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26
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Luo J, Li L, Chang B, Zhu Z, Deng F, Hu M, Yu Y, Lu X, Chen Z, Zuo D, Zhou J. Mannan-Binding Lectin via Interaction With Cell Surface Calreticulin Promotes Senescence of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells to Limit Liver Fibrosis Progression. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:75-99. [PMID: 35381393 PMCID: PMC9117817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver fibrosis represents a hallmark of most chronic liver diseases (CLD) triggered by recurrent liver injury and subsequent myofibroblast transdifferentiations of resident hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is potentially involved in hepatic fibrosis in CLD through unclear mechanisms. Therefore, we investigated the crosstalk between MBL and HSCs, and the consequent effects on fibrosis progression. METHODS Samples from patients with liver cirrhosis were collected. MBL deficiency (MBL-/-) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice were used to construct a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model. Administration of MBL-expressing, liver-specific, adeno-associated virus was performed to restore hepatic MBL expression in MBL-/- mice. The human HSC line LX-2 was used for in vitro experiments. RESULTS MBL levels in patients with liver cirrhosis were correlated with disease severity. In the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model, MBL-/- mice showed severer liver fibrosis accompanied by reduced senescent activated HSCs in liver tissue compared with WT mice, which could be inhibited by administering MBL-expressing, liver-specific, adeno-associated virus. Moreover, depleting senescent cells with senolytic treatment could abrogate these differences owing to MBL absence. Furthermore, MBL could interact directly with calreticulin associated with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 on the cell surface of HSCs, which further promotes senescence in HSCs by up-regulating the mammalian target of rapamycin/p53/p21 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS MBL as a newfound senescence-promoting modulator and its crosstalk with HSCs in the liver microenvironment is essential for the control of hepatic fibrosis progression, suggesting its potential therapeutic use in treating CLD associated with liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialiang Luo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Chang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengyumeng Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fan Deng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengyao Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengliang Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Daming Zuo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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27
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Fagoonee S, Arigoni M, Manco M, Olivero M, Bizzaro F, Magagnotti C, Andolfo A, Miniscalco B, Forni M, Todeschi S, Tolosano E, Bocchietto E, Calogero R, Altruda F. Circulating Extracellular Vesicles Contain Liver-Derived RNA Species as Indicators of Severe Cholestasis-Induced Early Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:480-504. [PMID: 34779230 PMCID: PMC8978575 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Aims: Biliary diseases represent around 10% of all chronic liver diseases and affect both adults and children. Currently available biochemical tests detect cholestasis but not early liver fibrosis. Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) provide a noninvasive, real-time molecular snapshot of the injured organ. We thus aimed at searching for a panel of EV-based biomarkers for cholestasis-induced early liver fibrosis using mouse models. Results: Progressive and detectable histological evidence of collagen deposition and liver fibrosis was observed from day 8 after bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice. Whole transcriptome and small RNA sequencing analyses of circulating EVs revealed differentially enriched RNA species after BDL versus sham controls. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering identified a signature that allowed for discrimination between BDL and controls. In particular, 151 microRNAs (miRNAs) enriched in BDL-derived EVs were identified, of which 66 were conserved in humans. The liver was an important source of circulating EVs in BDL animals as evidenced by the enrichment of several hepatic mRNAs, such as Albumin and Haptoglobin. Interestingly, among experimentally validated miRNAs, miR192-5p, miR194-5p, miR22-3p, and miR29a-3p showed similar enrichment patterns also in EVs derived from 3,5-diethoxycarboncyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine-treated (drug-induced severe cholestasis) but not in mice with mild phenotype or non-cholestatic liver fibrosis. Innovation: A panel of mRNAs and miRNAs contained in circulating EVs, when combined, indicates hepatic damage and fibrosis in mice and represents promising biomarkers for human severe cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis. Conclusion: Analysis of EV-based miRNAs, in combination with hepatic injury RNA markers, can detect early cholestatic liver injury and fibrosis in mice. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 480-504.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmila Fagoonee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marta Manco
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Cinzia Magagnotti
- ProMeFa, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Annapaola Andolfo
- ProMeFa, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Forni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Calogero
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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28
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Zhou Z, Qian J, Kini A, Riederer B, Römermann D, Gros G, Seidler U. Loss of luminal carbonic anhydrase XIV results in decreased biliary bicarbonate output, liver fibrosis, and cholangiocyte proliferation in mice. Pflugers Arch 2022; 474:529-539. [PMID: 35119514 PMCID: PMC8993780 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02659-3] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Carbonic anhydrase XIV (Car14) is highly expressed in the hepatocyte, with predominance in the canalicular membrane and its active site in the extracellular milieu. The aim of this study is to determine the physiological relevance of Car14 for biliary fluid and acid/base output, as well as its role in the maintenance of hepatocellular and cholangiocyte integrity. The common bile duct of anesthetized car14-/- and car14+/+ mice was cannulated and hepatic HCO3- output was measured by microtitration and bile flow gravimetrically before and during stimulation with intravenously applied tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Morphological alterations and hepatic damage were assessed histologically and immunohistochemically in liver tissue from 3- to 52-week-old car14-/- and car14+/+ mice, and gene and/or protein expression was measured for pro-inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis, and cholangiocyte markers. Biliary basal and more so TUDCA-stimulated HCO3- output were significantly reduced in car14-/- mice of all age groups, whereas bile flow and hepatic and ductular morphology were normal at young age. Car14-/- mice developed fibrotic and proliferative changes in the small bile ducts at advanced age, which was accompanied by a reduction in bile flow, and an upregulation of hepatic cytokeratin 19 mRNA and protein expression. Membrane-bound Car14 is essential for biliary HCO3- output, and its loss results in gradual development of small bile duct disease and hepatic fibrosis. Bile flow is not compromised in young adulthood, suggesting that Car14-deficient mice may be a model to study the protective role of biliary canalicular HCO3- against luminal noxi to the cholangiocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajie Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Archana Kini
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Brigitte Riederer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dorothee Römermann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerolf Gros
- Department of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ursula Seidler
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Carl Neuberg Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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29
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Ayers M, Liu S, Singhi AD, Kosar K, Cornuet P, Nejak-Bowen K. Changes in beta-catenin expression and activation during progression of primary sclerosing cholangitis predict disease recurrence. Sci Rep 2022; 12:206. [PMID: 34997170 PMCID: PMC8741932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare, chronic, cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts. We have previously demonstrated the importance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mouse models of PSC. In this study, we wished to determine the clinical relevance of β-catenin localization in patient samples. In livers explanted from patients diagnosed with PSC, the majority (12/16; 75%) lacked β-catenin protein expression. Biopsies from patients post-transplant were classified as recurrent or non-recurrent based on pathology reports and then scored for β-catenin activation as a function of immunohistochemical localization. Despite lack of statistical significance, patients with recurrent primary disease (n = 11) had a greater percentage of samples with nuclear, transcriptionally active β-catenin (average 58.8%) than those with no recurrence (n = 10; 40.53%), while non-recurrence is correlated with β-catenin staining at the cell surface (average 52.63% for non-recurrent vs. 27.34% for recurrent), as determined by three different methods of analysis. β-catenin score and years-to-endpoint are both strongly associated with recurrence status (p = 0.017 and p = 0.00063, respectively). Finally, there was significant association between higher β-catenin score and increased alkaline phosphatase, a marker of biliary injury and disease progression. Thus, β-catenin expression and activation changes during the progression of PSC, and its localization may be a useful prognostic tool for predicting recurrence of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ayers
- grid.239553.b0000 0000 9753 0008Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Silvia Liu
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Aatur D. Singhi
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Karis Kosar
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Pamela Cornuet
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA. .,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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30
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Fuji H, Miller G, Nishio T, Koyama Y, Lam K, Zhang V, Loomba R, Brenner D, Kisseleva T. The role of Mesothelin signaling in Portal Fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:790032. [PMID: 34966784 PMCID: PMC8710774 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.790032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis develops in response to chronic toxic or cholestatic injury, and is characterized by apoptosis of damaged hepatocytes, development of inflammatory responses, and activation of Collagen Type I producing myofibroblasts that make liver fibrotic. Two major cell types, Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs) and Portal Fibroblasts (PFs) are the major source of hepatic myofibroblasts. Hepatotoxic liver injury activates Hepatic Stellate Cells (aHSCs) to become myofibroblasts, while cholestatic liver injury activates both aHSCs and Portal Fibroblasts (aPFs). aPFs comprise the major population of myofibroblasts at the onset of cholestatic injury, while aHSCs are increasingly activated with fibrosis progression. Here we summarize our current understanding of the role of aPFs in the pathogenesis of cholestatic fibrosis, their unique features, and outline the potential mechanism of targeting aPFs in fibrotic liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Fuji
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Grant Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukinori Koyama
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kevin Lam
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Vivian Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Rohit Loomba
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - David Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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31
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Yang T, Poenisch M, Khanal R, Hu Q, Dai Z, Li R, Song G, Yuan Q, Yao Q, Shen X, Taubert R, Engel B, Jaeckel E, Vogel A, Falk CS, Schambach A, Gerovska D, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Vondran FWR, Cantz T, Horscroft N, Balakrishnan A, Chevessier F, Ott M, Sharma AD. Therapeutic HNF4A mRNA attenuates liver fibrosis in a preclinical model. J Hepatol 2021; 75:1420-1433. [PMID: 34453962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Therapeutic targeting of injuries that require transient restoration of proteins by mRNA delivery is an attractive approach that, until recently, has remained poorly explored. In this study, we examined the therapeutic utility of mRNA delivery for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Specifically, we aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of human hepatocyte nuclear factor alpha (HNF4A) mRNA in mouse models of fibrosis and cirrhosis. METHODS We investigated restoration of hepatocyte functions by HNF4A mRNA transfection in vitro, and analyzed the attenuation of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in multiple mouse models, by delivering hepatocyte-targeted biodegradable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating HNF4A mRNA. To identify potential mechanisms of action, we performed microarray-based gene expression profiling, single-cell RNA sequencing, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. We used primary liver cells and human liver buds for additional functional validation. RESULTS Expression of HNF4A mRNA led to restoration of the metabolic activity of fibrotic primary murine and human hepatocytes in vitro. Repeated in vivo delivery of LNP-encapsulated HNF4A mRNA induced a robust inhibition of fibrogenesis in 4 independent mouse models of hepatotoxin- and cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, we discovered that paraoxonase 1 is a direct target of HNF4A and it contributes to HNF4A-mediated attenuation of liver fibrosis via modulation of liver macrophages and hepatic stellate cells. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings provide the first direct preclinical evidence of the applicability of HNF4A mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis in the liver. LAY SUMMARY Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis remain unmet medical needs and contribute to high mortality worldwide. Herein, we take advantage of a promising therapeutic approach to treat liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. We demonstrate that restoration of a key gene, HNF4A, via mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles decreased injury in multiple mouse models of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Our study provides proof-of-concept that mRNA therapy is a promising strategy for reversing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taihua Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Present address of TY, Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, , China
| | | | - Rajendra Khanal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Qingluan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Zhen Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ruomeng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Guangqi Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinggong Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Qunyan Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xizhong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bastian Engel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christine S Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Daniela Gerovska
- Group of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Marcos J Araúzo-Bravo
- Group of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Florian W R Vondran
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery Regenerative Medicine and Experimental Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Cantz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nigel Horscroft
- CureVac AG, Tübingen, Germany; Present address of NH, MRM Health NV Technologie park-Zwijnaarde 94, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Asha Balakrishnan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Michael Ott
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amar Deep Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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32
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Meadows V, Kennedy L, Ekser B, Kyritsi K, Kundu D, Zhou T, Chen L, Pham L, Wu N, Demieville J, Hargrove L, Glaser S, Alpini G, Francis H. Mast Cells Regulate Ductular Reaction and Intestinal Inflammation in Cholestasis Through Farnesoid X Receptor Signaling. Hepatology 2021; 74:2684-2698. [PMID: 34164827 PMCID: PMC9337218 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cholestasis is characterized by increased total bile acid (TBA) levels, which are regulated by farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/FGF15. Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) typically present with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mast cells (MCs) (i) express FXR and (ii) infiltrate the liver during cholestasis promoting liver fibrosis. In bile-duct-ligated (BDL) MC-deficient mice (B6.Cg-KitW-sh /HNihrJaeBsmJ [KitW-sh ]), ductular reaction (DR) and liver fibrosis decrease compared with BDL wild type, and MC injection exacerbates liver damage in normal mice. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that MC-FXR regulates biliary FXR/FGF15, DR, and hepatic fibrosis and alters intestinal FXR/FGF15. We found increased MC number and biliary FXR expression in patients with liver injury compared with control. Histamine and FGF19 serum levels and small heterodimer partner expression increase in patients PSC and PSC-IBD compared with healthy controls. MC injection increased liver damage, DR, inflammation, biliary senescence/senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), fibrosis, and histamine in KitW-sh mice. Inhibition of MC-FXR before injection reduced these parameters. BDL and KitW-sh mice injected with MCs displayed increased TBA content, biliary FXR/FGF15, and intestinal inflammation, which decreased in BDL KitW-sh and KitW-sh mice injected with MC-FXR. MCs increased ileal FXR/FGF15 expression in KitW-sh mice that was reduced following FXR inhibition. BDL and multidrug resistance 2/ATP-binding cassette family 2 member 4 knockout (Mdr2-/- ) mice, models of PSC, displayed increased intestinal MC infiltration and FXR/FGF15 expression. These were reduced following MC stabilization with cromolyn sodium in Mdr2-/- mice. In vitro, MC-FXR inhibition decreased biliary proliferation/SASP/FGF and hepatic stellate cell activation. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate that MC-FXR plays a key role in liver damage and DR, including TBA regulation through alteration of intestinal and biliary FXR/FGF15 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vik Meadows
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Linh Pham
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Jennifer Demieville
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Laura Hargrove
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Heather Francis
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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Yang A, Yan X, Xu H, Fan X, Zhang M, Huang T, Li W, Chen W, Jia J, You H. Selective depletion of hepatic stellate cells-specific LOXL1 alleviates liver fibrosis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21918. [PMID: 34569648 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100374r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of LOXL1 in fibrosis via mediating ECM crosslinking and stabilization is well established; however, the role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)-specific LOXL1 in the development of fibrosis remains unknown. We generated HSCs-specific Loxl1-depleted mice (Loxl1Gfap-cre mice) to investigate the HSCs-specific contribution of LOXL1 in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Loxl1fl/fl mice were used as the control. Furthermore, we used RNA sequencing to explore the underlying changes in the transcriptome. Results of the sirius red staining, type I collagen immunolabeling, and hydroxyproline content analysis, coupled with the reduced expression of profibrogenic genes revealed that Loxl1Gfap-cre mice with CCl4 -induced fibrosis exhibited decreased hepatic fibrosis. In addition, Loxl1Gfap-cre mice exhibited reduced macrophage tissue infiltration by CD68-positive cells and decreased expression of inflammatory genes compared with the controls. RNA sequencing identified integrin α8 (ITGA8) as a key modulator of LOXL1-mediated liver fibrosis. Functional analyses showed that siRNA silencing of Itga8 in cultured fibroblasts led to a decline in the LOXL1 expression and inhibition of fibroblast activation. Mechanistic analyses indicated that LOXL1 activated the FAK/PI3K/AKT/HIF1a signaling pathway, and the addition of inhibitors of FAK or PI3K reversed these results via downregulation of LOXL1. Furthermore, HIF1a directly interacted with LOXL1 and upregulated its expression, indicating that LOXL1 can positively self-regulate by forming a positive feedback loop with the FAK/PI3K/AKT/HIF1a pathway. We demonstrated that HSCs-specific Loxl1 deficiency prevented fibrosis, inflammation and that ITGA8/FAK/PI3K/AKT/HIF1a was essential for the function and expression of LOXL1. Knowledge of this approach can provide novel mechanisms and targets to treat fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiting Yang
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xuzhen Yan
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hufeng Xu
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xu Fan
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Mengyang Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tao Huang
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Weiyu Li
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hong You
- Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
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Wei G, Cao J, Huang P, An P, Badlani D, Vaid KA, Zhao S, Wang DQH, Zhuo J, Yin L, Frassetto A, Markel A, Presnyak V, Gandham S, Hua S, Lukacs C, Finn PF, Giangrande PH, Martini PGV, Popov YV. Synthetic human ABCB4 mRNA therapy rescues severe liver disease phenotype in a BALB/c.Abcb4 -/- mouse model of PFIC3. J Hepatol 2021; 74:1416-1428. [PMID: 33340584 PMCID: PMC8188846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) is a rare lethal autosomal recessive liver disorder caused by loss-of-function variations of the ABCB4 gene, encoding a phosphatidylcholine transporter (ABCB4/MDR3). Currently, no effective treatment exists for PFIC3 outside of liver transplantation. METHODS We have produced and screened chemically and genetically modified mRNA variants encoding human ABCB4 (hABCB4 mRNA) encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). We examined their pharmacological effects in a cell-based model and in a new in vivo mouse model resembling human PFIC3 as a result of homozygous disruption of the Abcb4 gene in fibrosis-susceptible BALB/c.Abcb4-/- mice. RESULTS We show that treatment with liver-targeted hABCB4 mRNA resulted in de novo expression of functional hABCB4 protein and restored phospholipid transport in cultured cells and in PFIC3 mouse livers. Importantly, repeated injections of the hABCB4 mRNA effectively rescued the severe disease phenotype in young Abcb4-/- mice, with rapid and dramatic normalisation of all clinically relevant parameters such as inflammation, ductular reaction, and liver fibrosis. Synthetic mRNA therapy also promoted favourable hepatocyte-driven liver regeneration to restore normal homeostasis, including liver weight, body weight, liver enzymes, and portal vein blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide strong preclinical proof-of-concept for hABCB4 mRNA therapy as a potential treatment option for patients with PFIC3. LAY SUMMARY This report describes the development of an innovative mRNA therapy as a potential treatment for PFIC3, a devastating rare paediatric liver disease with no treatment options except liver transplantation. We show that administration of our mRNA construct completely rescues severe liver disease in a genetic model of PFIC3 in mice.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/administration & dosage
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/deficiency
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/genetics
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/metabolism
- Animals
- Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/drug therapy
- Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/genetics
- Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Deletion
- HEK293 Cells
- Homozygote
- Humans
- Liposomes/chemistry
- Liver/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Knockout
- Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System/chemistry
- Nanoparticles/chemistry
- Phenotype
- RNA, Messenger/administration & dosage
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Transfection
- Treatment Outcome
- ATP-Binding Cassette Sub-Family B Member 4
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyan Wei
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Pinzhu Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ping An
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Disha Badlani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kahini A Vaid
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shuangshuang Zhao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Q-H Wang
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jenny Zhuo
- Rare Diseases, Moderna Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ling Yin
- Rare Diseases, Moderna Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Arianna Markel
- Rare Diseases, Moderna Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA; Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Serenus Hua
- Analytical Development, Moderna Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Yury V Popov
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Gonzalez-Sanchez E, El Mourabit H, Jager M, Clavel M, Moog S, Vaquero J, Ledent T, Cadoret A, Gautheron J, Fouassier L, Wendum D, Chignard N, Housset C. Cholangiopathy aggravation is caused by VDR ablation and alleviated by VDR-independent vitamin D signaling in ABCB4 knockout mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166067. [PMID: 33418034 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cholangiopathies are chronic liver diseases in which damaged cholangiocytes trigger a proinflammatory and profibrotic reaction. The nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) is highly expressed in cholangiocytes and exerts immune-regulatory functions in these cells. In the present study, we examined the protective function of VDR and other vitamin D signaling pathways in chronic cholangiopathy and cholangiocytes. METHODS Vdr was invalidated in Abcb4 knockout mice, a widely used animal model of chronic cholangiopathy. The impact of vitamin D signaling on cholangiopathy features was examined in vivo and in cholangiocytes (primary and cell lines). RESULTS Cholangiopathy features (i.e, cholestasis, ductular reaction and fibrosis) were aggravated in Vdr;Abcb4 double knockout mice compared to the Abcb4 simple knockout, and associated with an overexpression of proinflammatory factors. The proinflammatory phenotype of cholangiocytes was also exacerbated following VDR silencing in vitro. The expression of proinflammatory factors and the severity of cholangiopathy were reduced in the double knockout mice treated with the vitamin D analog calcipotriol or with vitamin D. In vitro, the inflammatory response to TNFα was significantly reduced by calcipotriol in biliary cells silenced for VDR, and this effect was abolished by co-silencing the plasma membrane receptor of vitamin D, protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (PDIA3). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate an anti-inflammatory role of VDR signaling in cholangiocytes and cholangiopathy. They also provide evidence for PDIA3-mediated anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D and vitamin D analog in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Gonzalez-Sanchez
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France; Inovarion, Paris, France; Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Haquima El Mourabit
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.
| | - Marion Jager
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
| | - Marie Clavel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France; Inovarion, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Moog
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France; Inovarion, Paris, France.
| | - Javier Vaquero
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France; Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; LPP (Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas, UMR 7648), Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Ecole Polytechnique, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Tatiana Ledent
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.
| | - Axelle Cadoret
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.
| | - Jérémie Gautheron
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.
| | - Laura Fouassier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.
| | - Dominique Wendum
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Hôpital St Antoine, Paris, France.
| | | | - Chantal Housset
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France; AP-HP, Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis (CRMR, MIVB-H), Department of Hepatology, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France.
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Tardelli M, Bruschi FV, Fuchs CD, Claudel T, Auer N, Kunczer V, Ronda OAHO, Verkade HJ, Stojakovic T, Scharnagl H, Trauner M. Absence of Adiponutrin (PNPLA3) and Monoacylglycerol Lipase Synergistically Increases Weight Gain and Aggravates Steatohepatitis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2126. [PMID: 33672787 PMCID: PMC7924608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered lipid metabolic pathways including hydrolysis of triglycerides are key players in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Whether adiponutrin (patatin-like phospholipase domain containing protein-3-PNPLA3) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) synergistically contribute to disease progression remains unclear. We generated double knockout (DKO) mice lacking both Mgl and Pnpla3; DKO mice were compared to Mgl-/- after a challenge by high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce steatosis. Serum biochemistry, liver transaminases as well as histology were analyzed. Fatty acid (FA) profiling was assessed in liver and adipose tissue by gas chromatography. Markers of inflammation and lipid metabolism were analyzed. Bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated and treated with oleic acid. Combined deficiency of Mgl and Pnpla3 resulted in weight gain on a chow diet; when challenged by HFD, DKO mice showed increased hepatic FA synthesis and diminished beta-oxidation compared to Mgl-/-.DKO mice exhibited more pronounced hepatic steatosis with inflammation and recruitment of immune cells to the liver associated with accumulation of saturated FAs. Primary BMDMs isolated from the DKO mice showed increased inflammatory activities, which could be reversed by oleic acid supplementation. Pnpla3 deficiency aggravates the effects of Mgl deletion on steatosis and inflammation in the liver under HFD challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Tardelli
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.T.); (F.V.B.); (C.D.F.); (T.C.); (N.A.); (V.K.)
| | - Francesca V. Bruschi
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.T.); (F.V.B.); (C.D.F.); (T.C.); (N.A.); (V.K.)
| | - Claudia D. Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.T.); (F.V.B.); (C.D.F.); (T.C.); (N.A.); (V.K.)
| | - Thierry Claudel
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.T.); (F.V.B.); (C.D.F.); (T.C.); (N.A.); (V.K.)
| | - Nicole Auer
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.T.); (F.V.B.); (C.D.F.); (T.C.); (N.A.); (V.K.)
| | - Victoria Kunczer
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.T.); (F.V.B.); (C.D.F.); (T.C.); (N.A.); (V.K.)
| | - Onne A. H. O. Ronda
- Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, 9712 Groningen, The Netherlands; (O.A.H.O.R.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Henkjan J. Verkade
- Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, 9712 Groningen, The Netherlands; (O.A.H.O.R.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Hubert Scharnagl
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.T.); (F.V.B.); (C.D.F.); (T.C.); (N.A.); (V.K.)
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Ferreira-Gonzalez S, Rodrigo-Torres D, Gadd VL, Forbes SJ. Cellular Senescence in Liver Disease and Regeneration. Semin Liver Dis 2021; 41:50-66. [PMID: 33764485 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is an irreversible cell cycle arrest implemented by the cell as a result of stressful insults. Characterized by phenotypic alterations, including secretome changes and genomic instability, senescence is capable of exerting both detrimental and beneficial processes. Accumulating evidence has shown that cellular senescence plays a relevant role in the occurrence and development of liver disease, as a mechanism to contain damage and promote regeneration, but also characterizing the onset and correlating with the extent of damage. The evidence of senescent mechanisms acting on the cell populations of the liver will be described including the role of markers to detect cellular senescence. Overall, this review intends to summarize the role of senescence in liver homeostasis, injury, disease, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Rodrigo-Torres
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria L Gadd
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart J Forbes
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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38
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Amirneni S, Haep N, Gad MA, Soto-Gutierrez A, Squires JE, Florentino RM. Molecular overview of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:7470-7484. [PMID: 33384548 PMCID: PMC7754551 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i47.7470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholestasis is a clinical condition resulting from the imapairment of bile flow. This condition could be caused by defects of the hepatocytes, which are responsible for the complex process of bile formation and secretion, and/or caused by defects in the secretory machinery of cholangiocytes. Several mutations and pathways that lead to cholestasis have been described. Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a group of rare diseases caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the genes that encode proteins expressed mainly in the apical membrane of the hepatocytes. PFIC 1, also known as Byler’s disease, is caused by mutations of the ATP8B1 gene, which encodes the familial intrahepatic cholestasis 1 protein. PFIC 2 is characterized by the downregulation or absence of functional bile salt export pump (BSEP) expression via variations in the ABCB11 gene. Mutations of the ABCB4 gene result in lower expression of the multidrug resistance class 3 glycoprotein, leading to the third type of PFIC. Newer variations of this disease have been described. Loss of function of the tight junction protein 2 protein results in PFIC 4, while mutations of the NR1H4 gene, which encodes farnesoid X receptor, an important transcription factor for bile formation, cause PFIC 5. A recently described type of PFIC is associated with a mutation in the MYO5B gene, important for the trafficking of BSEP and hepatocyte membrane polarization. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the molecular mechanisms and clinical features associated with each type of PFIC based on peer reviewed journals published between 1993 and 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Amirneni
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Nils Haep
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Mohammad A Gad
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Alejandro Soto-Gutierrez
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - James E Squires
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States
| | - Rodrigo M Florentino
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
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Dual Pharmacological Targeting of HDACs and PDE5 Inhibits Liver Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of Biliary Inflammation and Fibrosis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123748. [PMID: 33322158 PMCID: PMC7763137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic liver injury and inflammation leads to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, known as liver fibrosis, and the distortion of the hepatic parenchyma. Liver fibrosis may progress to cirrhosis, a condition in which hepatic function is impaired and most cases of liver tumors occur. Currently, there are no effective therapies to inhibit and reverse the progression of liver fibrosis, and therefore, chronic liver disease remains a global health problem. In this study we have tested the efficacy of a new class of molecules that simultaneously target two molecular pathways known to be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. In a clinically relevant mouse model of liver injury and inflammation we show that the combined inhibition of histones deacetylases and the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) results in potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Our findings open new avenues for the treatment of liver fibrosis and therefore, the prevention of hepatic carcinogenesis. Abstract Liver fibrosis, a common hallmark of chronic liver disease (CLD), is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix secreted by activated hepatic fibroblasts and stellate cells (HSC). Fibrogenesis involves multiple cellular and molecular processes and is intimately linked to chronic hepatic inflammation. Importantly, it has been shown to promote the loss of liver function and liver carcinogenesis. No effective therapies for liver fibrosis are currently available. We examined the anti-fibrogenic potential of a new drug (CM414) that simultaneously inhibits histone deacetylases (HDACs), more precisely HDAC1, 2, and 3 (Class I) and HDAC6 (Class II) and stimulates the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-protein kinase G (PKG) pathway activity through phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibition, two mechanisms independently involved in liver fibrosis. To this end, we treated Mdr2-KO mice, a clinically relevant model of liver inflammation and fibrosis, with our dual HDAC/PDE5 inhibitor CM414. We observed a decrease in the expression of fibrogenic markers and collagen deposition, together with a marked reduction in inflammation. No signs of hepatic or systemic toxicity were recorded. Mechanistic studies in cultured human HSC and cholangiocytes (LX2 and H69 cell lines, respectively) demonstrated that CM414 inhibited pro-fibrogenic and inflammatory responses, including those triggered by transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Our study supports the notion that simultaneous targeting of pro-inflammatory and fibrogenic mechanisms controlled by HDACs and PDE5 with a single molecule, such as CM414, can be a new disease-modifying strategy.
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Angioni R, Calì B, Vigneswara V, Crescenzi M, Merino A, Sánchez-Rodríguez R, Liboni C, Hoogduijn MJ, Newsome PN, Muraca M, Russo FP, Viola A. Administration of Human MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for the Treatment of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Preclinical Data in MDR2 Knockout Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8874. [PMID: 33238629 PMCID: PMC7700340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive liver disease for which there is no effective medical therapy. PSC belongs to the family of immune-mediated biliary disorders and it is characterized by persistent biliary inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we explored the possibility of using extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to target liver inflammation and reduce fibrosis in a mouse model of PSC. Five-week-old male FVB.129P2-Abcb4tm1Bor mice were intraperitoneally injected with either 100 µL of EVs (± 9.1 × 109 particles/mL) or PBS, once a week, for three consecutive weeks. One week after the last injection, mice were sacrificed and liver and blood collected for flow cytometry analysis and transaminase quantification. In FVB.129P2-Abcb4tm1Bor mice, EV administration resulted in reduced serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bile acid (BA), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as in decreased liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, we observed that EVs reduce liver accumulation of both granulocytes and T cells and dampen VCAM-1 expression. Further analysis revealed that the therapeutic effect of EVs is accompanied by the inhibition of NFkB activation in proximity of the portal triad. Our pre-clinical experiments suggest that EVs isolated from MSCs may represent an effective therapeutic strategy to treat patients suffering from PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Angioni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova and Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica—Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy; (R.A.); (B.C.); (R.S.-R.); (C.L.)
| | - Bianca Calì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova and Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica—Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy; (R.A.); (B.C.); (R.S.-R.); (C.L.)
| | - Vasanthy Vigneswara
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Birmingham; Centre for Liver and GI Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham; Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK; (V.V.); (P.N.N.)
| | - Marika Crescenzi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology—DiSCOG, Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Ana Merino
- Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.M.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Ricardo Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova and Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica—Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy; (R.A.); (B.C.); (R.S.-R.); (C.L.)
| | - Cristina Liboni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova and Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica—Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy; (R.A.); (B.C.); (R.S.-R.); (C.L.)
| | - Martin J. Hoogduijn
- Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.M.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Philip Noel Newsome
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Birmingham; Centre for Liver and GI Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham; Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK; (V.V.); (P.N.N.)
| | - Maurizio Muraca
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Padova, and Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology—DiSCOG, Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.C.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Antonella Viola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova and Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica—Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy; (R.A.); (B.C.); (R.S.-R.); (C.L.)
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Ceci L, Francis H, Zhou T, Giang T, Yang Z, Meng F, Wu N, Kennedy L, Kyritsi K, Meadows V, Wu C, Liangpunsakul S, Franchitto A, Sybenga A, Ekser B, Mancinelli R, Onori P, Gaudio E, Glaser S, Alpini G. Knockout of the Tachykinin Receptor 1 in the Mdr2 -/- (Abcb4 -/-) Mouse Model of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Reduces Biliary Damage and Liver Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:2251-2266. [PMID: 32712019 PMCID: PMC7592721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the substance P (SP)/neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) axis triggers biliary damage/senescence and liver fibrosis in bile duct ligated and Mdr2-/- (alias Abcb4-/-) mice through enhanced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) biliary secretion. Recent evidence indicates a role for miR-31 (MIR31) in TGF-β1-induced liver fibrosis. We aimed to define the role of the SP/NK1R/TGF-β1/miR-31 axis in regulating biliary proliferation and liver fibrosis during cholestasis. Thus, we generated a novel model with double knockout of Mdr2-/- and NK1R-/ (alias Tacr1-/-) to further address the role of the SP/NK1R axis during chronic cholestasis. In vivo studies were performed in the following 12-week-old male mice: (i) NK1R-/-; (ii) Mdr2-/-; and (iii) NK1R-/-/Mdr2-/- (Tacr1-/-/Abcb4-/-) and their corresponding wild-type controls. Liver tissues and cholangiocytes were collected, and liver damage, changes in biliary mass/senescence, and inflammation as well as liver fibrosis were evaluated by both immunohistochemistry in liver sections and real-time PCR. miR-31 expression was measured by real-time PCR in isolated cholangiocytes. Decreased ductular reaction, liver fibrosis, biliary senescence, and biliary inflammation were observed in NK1R-/-/Mdr2-/- mice compared with Mdr2-/- mice. Elevated expression of miR-31 was observed in Mdr2-/- mice, which was reduced in NK1R-/-/Mdr2-/- mice. Targeting the SP/NK1R and/or miR-31 may be a potential approach in treating human cholangiopathies, including primary sclerosing cholangitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas
| | - Thao Giang
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas
| | - Zhihong Yang
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Vik Meadows
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Amelia Sybenga
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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42
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Liu SP, Bian ZH, Zhao ZB, Wang J, Zhang W, Leung PSC, Li L, Lian ZX. Animal Models of Autoimmune Liver Diseases: a Comprehensive Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2020; 58:252-271. [PMID: 32076943 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-020-08778-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are potentially life-threatening chronic liver diseases which include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and recently characterized IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis. They are caused by immune attack on hepatocytes or bile ducts, with different mechanisms and clinical manifestations. The etiologies of AILDs include a susceptible genetic background, environment insults, infections, and changes of commensal microbiota, but remain complicated. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms of AILDs is mandatory for early diagnosis and intervention, which is of great importance for better prognosis. Thus, animal models are developed to mimic the pathogenesis, find biomarkers for early diagnosis, and for therapeutic attempts of AILDs. However, no animal models can fully recapitulate features of certain AILD, especially the late stages of diseases. Certain limitations include different living condition, cell composition, and time frame of disease development and resolution. Moreover, there is no IgG4 in rodents which exists in human. Nevertheless, the understanding and therapy of AILDs have been greatly advanced by the development and mechanistic investigation of animal models. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of traditional and new animal models that recapitulate different features and etiologies of distinct AILDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Pei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China.,Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Bian
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China.,Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.,School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China.,Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jinjun Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225127, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology/Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology/Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China. .,Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Zhe-Xiong Lian
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China. .,Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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43
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Stofan M, Guo GL. Bile Acids and FXR: Novel Targets for Liver Diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:544. [PMID: 33015098 PMCID: PMC7516013 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) are evolutionally conserved molecules synthesized in the liver from cholesterol and have been shown to be essential for lipid homeostasis. BAs regulate a variety of metabolic functions via modulating nuclear and membrane receptors. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is the most important nuclear receptor for maintaining BA homeostasis. FXR plays a tissue-specific role in suppressing BA synthesis and promoting BA enterohepatic circulation. Disruption of FXR in mice have been implicated in liver diseases commonly occurring in humans, including cholestasis, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Strategically targeting FXR activity has been rapidly used to develop novel therapies for the prevention and/or treatment of cholestasis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. This review provides an updated literature review on BA homeostasis and FXR modulator development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Stofan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Grace L Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States.,Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States.,VA New Jersey Health Care System, Veterans Administration Medical Center, East Orange, NJ, United States
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44
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Kunst RF, Niemeijer M, van der Laan LJW, Spee B, van de Graaf SFJ. From fatty hepatocytes to impaired bile flow: Matching model systems for liver biology and disease. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114173. [PMID: 32717228 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A large variety of model systems are used in hepatobiliary research. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of established and emerging models for specific research questions. We specifically discuss the value and limitations of these models for research on metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), (previously named non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH)) and cholestasis-related diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The entire range of models is discussed varying from immortalized cell lines, mature or pluripotent stem cell-based models including organoids/spheroids, to animal models and human ex vivo models such as normothermic machine perfusion of livers and living liver slices. Finally, the pros and cons of each model are discussed as well as the need in the scientific community for continuous innovation in model development to better mimic the human (patho)physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni F Kunst
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marije Niemeijer
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Spee
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stan F J van de Graaf
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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45
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Tardelli M. Monoacylglycerol lipase reprograms lipid precursors signaling in liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:3577-3585. [PMID: 32742127 PMCID: PMC7366061 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i25.3577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary oversupply of triglycerides represent the hallmark of obesity and connected complications in the liver such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which eventually progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Monoacylglycerol lipase is the last enzymatic step in the hydrolysis of triglycerides, generating glycerol and fatty acids (FAs), which are signaling precursors in physiology and disease. Notably, monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) also hydrolyzes 2-arachidonoylglycerol, which is a potent ligand within the endocannabinoid system, into arachidonic acid - a precursor for prostaglandin synthesis; thus representing a pivotal substrates provider in multiple organs for several intersecting biological pathways ranging from FA metabolism to inflammation, pain and appetite. MGL inhibition has been shown protective in limiting several liver diseases as FAs may drive hepatocyte injury, fibrogenesis and de- activate immune cells, however the complexity of MGL network system still needs further and deeper understanding. The present review will focus on MGL function and FA partitioning in the horizons of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Tardelli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Joan and Sanford I Weill Cornell Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, United States
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1040, Austria
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46
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Krishnan A, Katsumi T, Guicciardi ME, Azad AI, Ozturk NB, Trussoni CE, Gores GJ. Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Receptor Deficiency Promotes the Ductular Reaction, Macrophage Accumulation, and Hepatic Fibrosis in the Abcb4 -/- Mouse. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:1284-1297. [PMID: 32240619 PMCID: PMC7280758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL; TNFSF10) receptor (TR) is a pro-apoptotic receptor whose contribution to chronic cholestatic liver disease is unclear. Herein, we examined TRAIL receptor signaling in a mouse model of cholestatic liver injury. TRAIL receptor-deficient (Tnsf10 or Tr-/-) mice were crossbred with ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 4-deficient (Abcb4-/-, alias Mdr2-/-) mice. Male and female wild-type, Tr-/-, Mdr2-/-, and Tr-/-Mdr2-/- mice were assessed for liver injury, fibrosis, and ductular reactive (DR) cells. Macrophage subsets were examined by high-dimensional mass cytometry (time-of-flight mass cytometry). Mdr2-/- and Tr-/-Mdr2-/- mice had elevated liver weights and serum alanine transferase values. However, fibrosis was primarily periductular in Mdr2-/- mice, compared with extensive bridging fibrosis in Tr-/-Mdr2-/- mice. DR cell population was greatly expanded in the Tr-/-Mdr2-/- versus Mdr2-/- mice. The expanded DR cell population in Tr-/-Mdr2-/- mice was due to decreased cell loss by apoptosis and not enhanced proliferation. As assessed by time-of-flight mass cytometry, total macrophages were more abundant in Tr-/-Mdr2-/- versus Mdr2-/- mice, suggesting the DR cell population promotes macrophage-associated hepatic inflammation. Inhibition of monocyte-derived recruited macrophages using the CCR2/CCR5 antagonist cenicriviroc in the Mdr2-/- mice resulted in further expansion of the DR cell population. In conclusion, genetic deletion of TRAIL receptor increased the DR cell population, macrophage accumulation, and hepatic fibrosis in the Mdr2-/- model of cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Krishnan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Tomohiro Katsumi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Maria E Guicciardi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Adiba I Azad
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Nazli B Ozturk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Christy E Trussoni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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Biliary damage and liver fibrosis are ameliorated in a novel mouse model lacking l-histidine decarboxylase/histamine signaling. J Transl Med 2020; 100:837-848. [PMID: 32054995 PMCID: PMC7286781 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-0405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterized by biliary damage and fibrosis. Multidrug resistance-2 gene knockout (Mdr2-/-) mice and PSC patients have increased histamine (HA) levels (synthesized by l-histidine decarboxylase, HDC) and HA receptor (HR) expression. Cholestatic HDC-/- mice display ameliorated biliary damage and hepatic fibrosis. The current study evaluated the effects of knockout of HDC-/- in Mdr2-/- mice (DKO) on biliary damage and hepatic fibrosis. WT, Mdr2-/- mice, and homozygous DKO mice were used. Selected DKO mice were treated with HA. We evaluated liver damage along with HDC expression and HA serum levels. Changes in ductular reaction were evaluated along with liver fibrosis, inflammation and bile acid signaling pathways. The expression of H1HR/PKC-α/TGF-β1 and H2HR/pERK/VEGF-C was determined. In vitro, cholangiocyte lines were treated with HA with/without H1/H2 inhibitors before measuring: H1/H2HR, TGF-β1, and VEGF-C expression. Knockout of HDC ameliorates hepatic damage, ductular reaction, fibrosis, inflammation, bile acid signaling and H1HR/PKC-α/TGF-β1 and H2HR/pERK/VEGF-C signaling. Reactivation of the HDC/HA axis increased these parameters. In vitro, stimulation with HA increased HR expression and PKC-α, TGF-β1, and VEGF-C expression, which was reduced with HR inhibitors. Our data demonstrate the key role for the HDC/HA axis in the management of PSC progression.
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48
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An P, Wei LL, Zhao S, Sverdlov DY, Vaid KA, Miyamoto M, Kuramitsu K, Lai M, Popov YV. Hepatocyte mitochondria-derived danger signals directly activate hepatic stellate cells and drive progression of liver fibrosis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2362. [PMID: 32398673 PMCID: PMC7217909 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their bacterial ancestry, many components of mitochondria share structural similarities with bacteria. Release of molecular danger signals from injured cell mitochondria (mitochondria-derived damage-associated molecular patterns, mito-DAMPs) triggers a potent inflammatory response, but their role in fibrosis is unknown. Using liver fibrosis resistant/susceptible mouse strain system, we demonstrate that mito-DAMPs released from injured hepatocyte mitochondria (with mtDNA as major active component) directly activate hepatic stellate cells, the fibrogenic cell in the liver, and drive liver scarring. The release of mito-DAMPs is controlled by efferocytosis of dying hepatocytes by phagocytic resident liver macrophages and infiltrating Gr-1(+) myeloid cells. Circulating mito-DAMPs are markedly increased in human patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and significant liver fibrosis. Our study identifies specific pathway driving liver fibrosis, with important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Targeting mito-DAMP release from hepatocytes and/or modulating the phagocytic function of macrophages represents a promising antifibrotic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping An
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Lin-Lin Wei
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8, Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Shuangshuang Zhao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,The Joint Program in Infection and Immunity, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, China.,Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Science, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Deanna Y Sverdlov
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kahini A Vaid
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Makoto Miyamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kaori Kuramitsu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Michelle Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Yury V Popov
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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49
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Pradhan-Sundd T, Kosar K, Saggi H, Zhang R, Vats R, Cornuet P, Green S, Singh S, Zeng G, Sundd P, Nejak-Bowen K. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Plays a Protective Role in the Mdr2 Knockout Murine Model of Cholestatic Liver Disease. Hepatology 2020; 71:1732-1749. [PMID: 31489648 PMCID: PMC7058521 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has a well-described role in liver pathobiology. Its suppression was recently shown to decrease bile acid (BA) synthesis, thus preventing the development of cholestatic liver injury and fibrosis after bile duct ligation (BDL). APPROACH AND RESULTS To generalize these observations, we suppressed β-catenin in Mdr2 knockout (KO) mice, which develop sclerosing cholangitis due to regurgitation of BA from leaky ducts. When β-catenin was knocked down (KD) in KO for 2 weeks, hepatic and biliary injury were exacerbated in comparison to KO given placebo, as shown by serum biochemistry, ductular reaction, inflammation, and fibrosis. Simultaneously, KO/KD livers displayed increased oxidative stress and senescence and an impaired regenerative response. Although the total liver BA levels were similar between KO/KD and KO, there was significant dysregulation of BA transporters and BA detoxification/synthesis enzymes in KO/KD compared with KO alone. Multiphoton intravital microscopy revealed a mixing of blood and bile in the sinusoids, and validated the presence of increased serum BA in KO/KD mice. Although hepatocyte junctions were intact, KO/KD livers had significant canalicular defects, which resulted from loss of hepatocyte polarity. Thus, in contrast to the protective effect of β-catenin KD in BDL model, β-catenin KD in Mdr2 KO aggravated rather than alleviated injury by interfering with expression of BA transporters, hepatocyte polarity, canalicular structure, and the regenerative response. CONCLUSIONS The resulting imbalance between ongoing injury and restitution led to worsening of the Mdr2 KO phenotype, suggesting caution in targeting β-catenin globally for all cholestatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karis Kosar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Harvinder Saggi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ravi Vats
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Pamela Cornuet
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Gang Zeng
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Prithu Sundd
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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50
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Kennedy L, Meadows V, Kyritsi K, Pham L, Kundu D, Kulkarni R, Cerritos K, Demieville J, Hargrove L, Glaser S, Zhou T, Jaeger V, Alpini G, Francis H. Amelioration of Large Bile Duct Damage by Histamine-2 Receptor Vivo-Morpholino Treatment. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:1018-1029. [PMID: 32142732 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Histamine binds to one of the four G-protein-coupled receptors expressed by large cholangiocytes and increases large cholangiocyte proliferation via histamine-2 receptor (H2HR), which is increased in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Ranitidine decreases liver damage in Mdr2-/- (ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 4 null) mice. We targeted hepatic H2HR in Mdr2-/- mice using vivo-morpholino. Wild-type and Mdr2-/- mice were treated with mismatch or H2HR vivo-morpholino by tail vein injection for 1 week. Liver damage, mast cell (MC) activation, biliary H2HR, and histamine serum levels were studied. MC markers were determined by quantitative real-time PCR for chymase and c-kit. Intrahepatic biliary mass was detected by cytokeratin-19 and F4/80 to evaluate inflammation. Biliary senescence was determined by immunofluorescence and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining. Hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by staining for desmin, Sirius Red/Fast Green, and vimentin. Immunofluorescence for transforming growth factor-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor-A/C, and cAMP/ERK expression was performed. Transforming growth factor-β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A secretion was measured in serum and/or cholangiocyte supernatant. Treatment with H2HR vivo-morpholino in Mdr2-/--mice decreased hepatic damage; H2HR protein expression and MC presence or activation; large intrahepatic bile duct mass, inflammation and senescence; and fibrosis, angiogenesis, and cAMP/phospho-ERK expression. Inhibition of H2HR signaling ameliorates large ductal PSC-induced damage. The H2HR axis may be targeted in treating PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Kennedy
- Office of Research, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Vik Meadows
- Office of Research, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Office of Research, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Linh Pham
- Office of Research, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Medical Science & Mathematics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Office of Research, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Rewa Kulkarni
- Office of Research, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Karla Cerritos
- Office of Research, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jennifer Demieville
- Research Department, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas
| | - Laura Hargrove
- Department of Physiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Physiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Victoria Jaeger
- Department of Physiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Office of Research, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Heather Francis
- Office of Research, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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