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Adel A, Abdul-Hamid M, Abdel-Kawi SH, A. Abdelaziz M, Sakr HI, Ahmed OM. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells reduce CCl 4-induced kidney injury and fibrosis in male Wistar rats. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2319330. [PMID: 39049729 PMCID: PMC11275530 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2319330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM This study explores the possible therapeutic role of rats and mice bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on renal damage and toxicity brought on by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in Wistar rats. METHODS Following an intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (0.5 mL/kg b.w. twice weekly) for eight weeks, male Wistar rats were intravenously treated with rats and mice BM-MSCs (1 × 106 cells in 0.2 mL Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM)/rat/week) a week for four weeks. Kidney functions were evaluated and kidney samples were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome (MT) staining techniques, and electron microscopy analysis. Kidney cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), protein 53 (p53), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by immunohistochemical staining techniques. Additionally, bioindicators of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense systems were identified in kidney tissue. RESULTS In CCl4-injected rats, serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels significantly increased, as did renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), while superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) transferase, and GSH levels significantly dropped in the kidneys. Histologically, the kidneys displayed a wide range of structural abnormalities, such as glomerular shrinkage, tubular dilations, inflammatory leukocytic infiltration, fibroblast proliferation, and elevated collagen content. Inflammatory cytokines like COX-2 and TNF-α as well as the pro-apoptotic mediator p53 were considerably upregulated. Treatment of BM-MSCs from mice and rats with CCl4-injected rats considerably reduced the previously noted abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS By boosting antioxidant defense and reducing apoptosis and inflammation, BM-MSCs from mice and rats were able to enhance kidney function and histological integrity in rats that had received CCl4 injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Adel
- Histology, Cell Biology and Genetic Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Manal Abdul-Hamid
- Histology, Cell Biology and Genetic Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Samraa H. Abdel-Kawi
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Abdelaziz
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hader I. Sakr
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Medical Physiology, General Medicine Practice Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama M. Ahmed
- Molecular Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Yang XY, Chen Z, Tan J, Xue YK, Zheng H. KLF4 Inhibits the Activation of Human Hepatic Stellate Cell In Vitro. Curr Med Sci 2024; 44:512-518. [PMID: 38789819 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-024-2860-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role in liver fibrosis. Early-stage liver fibrosis is reversible and intimately associated with the state of HSCs. Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) plays a pivotal role in a wide array of physiological and pathological processes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of KLF4 on the proliferation, apoptosis and phenotype of quiescent HSCs METHODS: We designed a KLF4 lentiviral vector and a KLF4 siRNA lentiviral vector, to upregulate and silence KLF4 expression in human HSC LX-2 cells via transfection. Cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of some quiescence and activation markers of HSCs RESULTS: Overexpression of KLF4 significantly increased the levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1, which are quiescent HSC markers, while significantly decreased the levels of N-cadherin and a-SMA, known activated HSC markers. In contrast, cell proliferation and apoptosis rates were elevated in LX-2 cells in which KLF4 expression was silenced CONCLUSION: KLF4 inhibits the proliferation and activation of human LX-2 HSCs. It might be a key regulatory protein in the maintenance of HSC quiescence and may serve as a target for the inhibition of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Yu Yang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yin-Kai Xue
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Hai Zheng
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Choi YJ, Kim WR, Kim DH, Kim JH, Yoo JH. Human umbilical cord/placenta mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium attenuates intestinal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:69. [PMID: 38454492 PMCID: PMC10921617 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03678-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant unmet need in inflammatory bowel disease is the lack of anti-fibrotic agents targeting intestinal fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic properties and mechanisms of the conditioned medium (CM) from human umbilical cord/placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC/PL-MSC-CM) in a murine intestinal fibrosis model and human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs). METHODS UC/PL-MSC-CM was concentrated 15-fold using a 3 kDa cut-off filter. C57BL/6 mice aged 7 weeks old were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) control, (2) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), (3) DSS + CM (late-phase treatment), and (4) DSS + CM (early-phase treatment). Chronic DSS colitis and intestinal fibrosis was induced by three cycles of DSS administration. One DSS cycle consisted of 7 days of oral DSS administration (1.75%, 2%, and 2.5% DSS), followed by 14 days of drinking water. UC/PL-MSC-CM was intraperitoneally administered in the late phase (from day 50, 10 times) or early phase (from day 29, 10 times) of DSS cycles. HIMFs were treated with TGF-β1 and co-treated with UC/PL-MSC-CM (10% of culture media) in the cellular model. RESULTS In the animal study, UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced submucosa/muscularis propria thickness and collagen deposition, which improved intestinal fibrosis in chronic DSS colitis. The UC/PL-MSC-CM significantly reduced the expressions of procollagen1A1 and α-smooth muscle actin, which DSS significantly elevated. The anti-fibrogenic effect was more apparent in the UC-MSC-CM or early-phase treatment model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced procollagen1A1, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin expression in HIMFs in the cellular model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM downregulated fibrogenesis by suppressing RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF expression. CONCLUSIONS Human UC/PL-MSC-CM inhibits TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HIMFs by blocking the Rho/MRTF/SRF pathway and chronic DSS colitis-induced intestinal fibrosis. Thus, it may be regarded as a novel candidate for stem cell-based therapy of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Jeong Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - Woo Ram Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06273, South Korea
| | - Duk Hwan Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
| | - Jun Hwan Yoo
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
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Chen W, Lin F, Feng X, Yao Q, Yu Y, Gao F, Zhou J, Pan Q, Wu J, Yang J, Yu J, Cao H, Li L. MSC-derived exosomes attenuate hepatic fibrosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis through inhibition of Th17 differentiation. Asian J Pharm Sci 2024; 19:100889. [PMID: 38419761 PMCID: PMC10900800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2024.100889] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an autoimmune cholangiopathy characterized by chronic inflammation of the biliary epithelium and periductal fibrosis, with no curative treatment available, and liver transplantation is inevitable for end-stage patients. Human placental mesenchymal stem cell (hpMSC)-derived exosomes have demonstrated the ability to prevent fibrosis, inhibit collagen production and possess immunomodulatory properties in autoimmune liver disease. Here, we prepared hpMSC-derived exosomes (ExoMSC) and further investigated the anti-fibrotic effects and detailed mechanism on PSC based on Mdr2-/- mice and multicellular organoids established from PSC patients. The results showed that ExoMSC ameliorated liver fibrosis in Mdr2-/- mice with significant collagen reduction in the preductal area where Th17 differentiation was inhibited as demonstrated by RNAseq analysis, and the percentage of CD4+IL-17A+T cells was reduced both in ExoMSC-treated Mdr2-/- mice (Mdr2-/--Exo) in vivo and ExoMSC-treated Th17 differentiation progressed in vitro. Furthermore, ExoMSC improved the hypersecretory phenotype and intercellular interactions in the hepatic Th17 microenvironment by regulating PERK/CHOP signaling as supported by multicellular organoids. Thus, our data demonstrate the anti-fibrosis effect of ExoMSC in PSC disease by inhibiting Th17 differentiation, and ameliorating the Th17-induced microenvironment, indicating the promising potential therapeutic role of ExoMSC in liver fibrosis of PSC or Th17-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Feiyan Lin
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xudong Feng
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Qigu Yao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yingduo Yu
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Feiqiong Gao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jiahang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Qiaoling Pan
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jian Wu
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jiong Yu
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Hongcui Cao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Aging and Physic-chemical Injury Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250117, China
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Sorour A, Aly RG, Ragab HM, Wahid A. Structure Modification Converts the Hepatotoxic Tacrine into Novel Hepatoprotective Analogs. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:2491-2503. [PMID: 38250371 PMCID: PMC10795119 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c07126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The liver is responsible for critical functions such as metabolism, secretion, storage, detoxification, and the excretion of various compounds. However, there is currently no approved drug treatment for liver fibrosis. Hence, this study aimed to explore the potential hepatoprotective effects of chlorinated and nonchlorinated 4-phenyl-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives. Originally developed as tacrine analogs with reduced hepatotoxicity, these compounds not only lacked hepatotoxicity but also displayed a remarkable hepatoprotective effect. Treatment with these derivatives notably prevented the chemically induced elevation of hepatic indicators associated with liver injury. Additionally, the compounds restored the activities of defense antioxidant enzymes as well as levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6), apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bcl2), and fibrogenic mediators (α-SMA and TGF-β) to normal levels. Histopathologic analysis confirmed the hepatoprotective activity of tetrahydroquinolines. Furthermore, computer-assisted simulation docking results were highly consistent with those of the observed in vivo activities. In conclusion, the designed tacrine analogs exhibited a hepatoprotective role in acute liver damage, possibly through their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani
A. Sorour
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
| | - Rania G. Aly
- Department
of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria
University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
| | - Hanan M. Ragab
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Wahid
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
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Ceci L, Gaudio E, Kennedy L. Cellular Interactions and Crosstalk Facilitating Biliary Fibrosis in Cholestasis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:553-565. [PMID: 38216052 PMCID: PMC10883986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Biliary fibrosis is seen in cholangiopathies, including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). In PBC and PSC, biliary fibrosis is associated with worse outcomes and histologic scores. Within the liver, both hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and portal fibroblasts (PFs) contribute to biliary fibrosis, but their roles can differ. PFs reside near the bile ducts and may be the first responders to biliary damage, whereas HSCs may be recruited later and initiate bridging fibrosis. Indeed, different models of biliary fibrosis can activate PFs and HSCs to varying degrees. The portal niche can be composed of cholangiocytes, HSCs, PFs, endothelial cells, and various immune cells, and interactions between these cell types drive biliary fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of biliary fibrosis and the roles of PFs and HSCs in this process. We will also evaluate cellular interactions and mechanisms that contribute to biliary fibrosis in different models and highlight future perspectives and potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Ceci
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Italy
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Wells RG. Liver fibrosis: Our evolving understanding. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0243. [PMID: 38961878 PMCID: PMC11221862 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
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8
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Hassanein EHM, Ibrahim IM, Abd El-Maksoud MS, Abd El-Aziz MK, Abd-Alhameed EK, Althagafy HS. Targeting necroptosis in fibrosis. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:10471-10484. [PMID: 37910384 PMCID: PMC10676318 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08857-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Necroptosis, a type of programmed cell death that resembles necrosis, is now known to depend on a different molecular mechanism from apoptosis, according to several recent studies. Many efforts have reported the possible influence of necroptosis in human disorders and concluded the crucial role in the pathophysiology of various diseases, including liver diseases, renal injuries, cancers, and others. Fibrosis is the most common end-stage pathological cascade of several chronic inflammatory disorders. In this review, we explain the impact of necroptosis and fibrosis, for which necroptosis has been demonstrated to be a contributing factor. We also go over the inhibitors of necroptosis and how they have been applied to fibrosis models. This review helps to clarify the role of necroptosis in fibrosis and will encourage clinical efforts to target this pathway of programmed cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Islam M Ibrahim
- Graduated Student, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Mostafa S Abd El-Maksoud
- Graduated Student, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Mostafa K Abd El-Aziz
- Graduated Student, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Esraa K Abd-Alhameed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Wang HC, Yin WX, Jiang M, Han JY, Kuai XW, Sun R, Sun YF, Ji JL. Function and biomedical implications of exosomal microRNAs delivered by parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:5435-5451. [PMID: 37900996 PMCID: PMC10600808 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i39.5435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (exosomes) are important components of the tumor microenvironment. They are small membrane-bound vesicles derived from almost all cell types and play an important role in intercellular communication. Exosomes transmit biological molecules obtained from parent cells, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and are involved in cancer development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), the most abundant contents in exosomes, are selectively packaged into exosomes to carry out their biological functions. Recent studies have revealed that exosome-delivered miRNAs play crucial roles in the tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, exosomes have great industrial prospects in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with HCC. This review summarized the composition and function of exosomal miRNAs of different cell origins in HCC and highlighted the association between exosomal miRNAs from stromal cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and the progression of HCC. Finally, we described the potential applicability of exosomal miRNAs derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Chen Wang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Xuan Yin
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meng Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Microenvironment and Translational Cancer Research, Science and Technology Bureau of Nantong City, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jia-Yi Han
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Microenvironment and Translational Cancer Research, Science and Technology Bureau of Nantong City, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xing-Wang Kuai
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Microenvironment and Translational Cancer Research, Science and Technology Bureau of Nantong City, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Microenvironment and Translational Cancer Research, Science and Technology Bureau of Nantong City, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Feng Sun
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Microenvironment and Translational Cancer Research, Science and Technology Bureau of Nantong City, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ju-Ling Ji
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Microenvironment and Translational Cancer Research, Science and Technology Bureau of Nantong City, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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Affo S, Filliol A, Gores GJ, Schwabe RF. Fibroblasts in liver cancer: functions and therapeutic translation. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:748-759. [PMID: 37385282 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of fibroblasts in the premalignant or malignant liver is a characteristic feature of liver cancer, but has not been therapeutically leveraged despite evidence for pathophysiologically relevant roles in tumour growth. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a largely non-desmoplastic tumour, in which fibroblasts accumulate predominantly in the pre-neoplastic fibrotic liver and regulate the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma development through a balance of tumour-suppressive and tumour-promoting mediators. By contrast, cholangiocarcinoma is desmoplastic, with cancer-associated fibroblasts contributing to tumour growth. Accordingly, restoring the balance from tumour-promoting to tumour-suppressive fibroblasts and mediators might represent a strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma prevention, whereas in cholangiocarcinoma, fibroblasts and their mediators could be leveraged for tumour treatment. Importantly, fibroblast mediators regulating hepatocellular carcinoma development might exert opposite effects on cholangiocarcinoma growth. This Review translates the improved understanding of tumour-specific, location-specific, and stage-specific roles of fibroblasts and their mediators in liver cancer into novel and rational therapeutic concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Affo
- Department of Liver, Digestive System, and Metabolism, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aveline Filliol
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Kuziel G, Moore BN, Haugstad GP, Arendt LM. Fibrocytes enhance mammary gland fibrosis in obesity. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23049. [PMID: 37342915 PMCID: PMC10316715 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300399rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Obesity rates continue to rise, and obese individuals are at higher risk for multiple types of cancer, including breast cancer. Obese mammary fat is a site of chronic, macrophage-driven inflammation, which enhances fibrosis within adipose tissue. Elevated fibrosis within the mammary gland may contribute to risk for obesity-associated breast cancer. To understand how inflammation due to obesity enhanced fibrosis within mammary tissue, we utilized a high-fat diet model of obesity and elimination of CCR2 signaling in mice to identify changes in immune cell populations and their impact on fibrosis. We observed that obesity increased a population of CD11b+ cells with the ability to form myofibroblast-like colonies in vitro. This population of CD11b+ cells is consistent with fibrocytes, which have been identified in wound healing and chronic inflammatory diseases but have not been examined in obesity. In CCR2-null mice, which have limited ability to recruit myeloid lineage cells into obese adipose tissue, we observed reduced mammary fibrosis and diminished fibrocyte colony formation in vitro. Transplantation of myeloid progenitor cells, which are the cells of origin for fibrocytes, into the mammary glands of obese CCR2-null mice resulted in significantly increased myofibroblast formation. Gene expression analyses of the myeloid progenitor cell population from obese mice demonstrated enrichment for genes associated with collagen biosynthesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. Together these results show that obesity enhances recruitment of fibrocytes to promote obesity-induced fibrosis in the mammary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevra Kuziel
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
Madison WI 53706, U.S.A
| | - Brittney N. Moore
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53706, U.S.A
| | - Grace P. Haugstad
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53706, U.S.A
| | - Lisa M. Arendt
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
Madison WI 53706, U.S.A
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53706, U.S.A
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12
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Kuziel G, Moore BN, Arendt LM. Obesity and Fibrosis: Setting the Stage for Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112929. [PMID: 37296891 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a rising health concern and is linked to a worsened breast cancer prognosis. Tumor desmoplasia, which is characterized by elevated numbers of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the deposition of fibrillar collagens within the stroma, may contribute to the aggressive clinical behavior of breast cancer in obesity. A major component of the breast is adipose tissue, and fibrotic changes in adipose tissue due to obesity may contribute to breast cancer development and the biology of the resulting tumors. Adipose tissue fibrosis is a consequence of obesity that has multiple sources. Adipocytes and adipose-derived stromal cells secrete extracellular matrix composed of collagen family members and matricellular proteins that are altered by obesity. Adipose tissue also becomes a site of chronic, macrophage-driven inflammation. Macrophages exist as a diverse population within obese adipose tissue and mediate the development of fibrosis through the secretion of growth factors and matricellular proteins and interactions with other stromal cells. While weight loss is recommended to resolve obesity, the long-term effects of weight loss on adipose tissue fibrosis and inflammation within breast tissue are less clear. Increased fibrosis within breast tissue may increase the risk for tumor development as well as promote characteristics associated with tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevra Kuziel
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Brittney N Moore
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Lisa M Arendt
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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13
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Pan L, Yu Z, Liang X, Yao J, Fu Y, He X, Ren X, Chen J, Li X, Lu M, Lan T. Sodium cholate ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by activation of FXR signaling. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0039. [PMID: 36706173 PMCID: PMC9988322 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a major cause of liver transplantation and liver-associated death. The gut-liver axis is a potential therapy for NASH. Sodium cholate (SC) is a choleretic drug whose main component is bile acids and has anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and hepatoprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate whether SC exerts anti-NASH effects by the gut-liver axis. Mice were fed with an high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet for 20 weeks to induce NASH. Mice were daily intragastric administrated with SC since the 11th week after initiation of HFHC feeding. The toxic effects of SC on normal hepatocytes were determined by CCK8 assay. The lipid accumulation in hepatocytes was virtualized by Oil Red O staining. The mRNA levels of genes were determined by real-time quantitative PCR assay. SC alleviated hepatic injury, abnormal cholesterol synthesis, and hepatic steatosis and improved serum lipid profile in NASH mice. In addition, SC decreased HFHC-induced hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition. The target protein-protein interaction network was established through Cytoscape software, and NR1H4 [farnesoid x receptor (FXR)] was identified as a potential target gene for SC treatment in NASH mice. SC-activated hepatic FXR and inhibited CYP7A1 expression to reduce the levels of bile acid. In addition, high-dose SC attenuated the abnormal expression of cancer markers in NASH mouse liver. Finally, SC significantly increased the expression of FXR and FGF15 in NASH mouse intestine. Taken together, SC ameliorates steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in NASH mice by activating hepatic and intestinal FXR signaling so as to suppress the levels of bile acid in NASH mouse liver and intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyu Pan
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ze Yu
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolin Liang
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiyou Yao
- Department of HBP Surgery II, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanfang Fu
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu He
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoling Ren
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuejuan Li
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital of China Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Minqiang Lu
- Department of HBP Surgery II, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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14
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Megahed A, Gadalla H, Abdelhamid FM, Almehmadi SJ, Khan AA, Albukhari TA, Risha EF. Vitamin D Ameliorates the Hepatic Oxidative Damage and Fibrotic Effect Caused by Thioacetamide in Rats. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020424. [PMID: 36830960 PMCID: PMC9953330 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D3 (VD3) is a sunshine hormone that regulates cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis related to liver parenchyma. We used a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis rat model in our study to investigate the beneficial roles of VD3 to overcome extensive liver fibrosis. Randomly, four equal groups (eight rats per group) underwent therapy for eight successive weeks: a control group, a group treated with TAA 100 mg/kg BW IP every other day, a group treated with VD3 1000 IU/kg BW IM every day, and a TAA+VD group treated with both therapies. Treatment with VD3 after TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis was found to alleviate elevated liver function measures by decreasing ALT, AST, and ALP activity; decreasing total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels; and increasing glucose and 25[OH]D3. Rats treated with VD3 showed marked decreases in MDA and increased SOD, CAT, and GSH levels. In addition, CD34 and FGF23 gene expressions were reduced after dual therapy. Liver sections from the TAA+VD group showed markedly decreased hepatic lesions, and Masson's trichrome stain showed a marked decrease in dense bluish-stained fibrous tissue. The immunohistochemical expression of TGF-β and α-SMA showed markedly decreased positive brown cytoplasmic expression in a few hepatocytes, clarifying the antifibrotic effect of VD3 in hepatic fibrosis. In conclusion, VD3 alleviates hepatotoxicity and fibrosis caused by TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Megahed
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansour 35516, Egypt
| | - Hossam Gadalla
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansour 35516, Egypt
| | - Fatma M. Abdelhamid
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansour 35516, Egypt
| | - Samah J. Almehmadi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah P.O. Box 7607, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anmar A. Khan
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah P.O. Box 7607, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talat A. Albukhari
- Department of Immunology and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah P.O. Box 7607, Saudi Arabia
| | - Engy F. Risha
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansour 35516, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +20-120-534-8354
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Kimura Y, Koyama Y, Taura K, Kudoh A, Echizen K, Nakamura D, Li X, Nam NH, Uemoto Y, Nishio T, Yamamoto G, Seo S, Iwaisako K, Watanabe A, Hatano E. Characterization and role of collagen gene expressing hepatic cells following partial hepatectomy in mice. Hepatology 2023; 77:443-455. [PMID: 35603471 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The mechanism underlying liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy (PH) is not fully elucidated. We aimed to characterize collagen gene expressing hepatic cells following PH and examine their contribution to liver regeneration. APPROACH AND RESULTS Col-GFP mice, which express GFP under the control of the collagen gene promoter, were used to detect collagen gene expressing cells following PH. The GFP-expressing cells were analyzed via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Additionally, Col-ER Cre/RFP and Col-ER Cre/DTA mice were utilized to examine the cell fates and functional roles of collagen gene expressing cells in liver regeneration, respectively. The number of collagen gene expressing cells was found to be increased on day 3 and subsequently decreased on day 7 following PH. ScRNA-seq analysis of sorted collagen gene expressing cells showed that the regenerating liver was characterized by three distinct hepatic stellate cell (HSC) clusters, including one representing classic myofibroblasts. The other HSC clusters included an intermediately activated HSC cluster and a proliferating HSC cluster. Of these, the latter cluster was absent in the CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis model. Cell fate tracing analysis using Col-ER Cre/RFP mice demonstrated that the collagen gene expressing cells escaped death during regeneration and remained in an inactivated state in the liver. Further, depletion of these cells using Col-ER Cre/DTA mice resulted in impaired liver regeneration. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneous HSC clusters, one of which was a unique proliferating cluster, were found to appear in the liver following PH. Collagen gene expressing cells, including HSCs, were found to promote liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kimura
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Yukinori Koyama
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Kojiro Taura
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Aoi Kudoh
- Department of Medical Innovation Center , Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Kanae Echizen
- Department of Medical Innovation Center , Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Daichi Nakamura
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Nguyen Hai Nam
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Yusuke Uemoto
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Takahiro Nishio
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Gen Yamamoto
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Satoru Seo
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Keiko Iwaisako
- Department of Medical Life Systems , Doshisha University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Department of Medical Innovation Center , Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation , Department of Surgery , Graduate school of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
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16
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Kim J, Go H, Lim JS, Oh JS, Ahn SM, Kim YG, Lee CK, Yoo B, Hong S. Circulating and renal fibrocytes are associated with interstitial fibrosis in lupus nephritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:914-923. [PMID: 35703942 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac345] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fibrocytes, the extracellular matrix-producing cells derived from bone marrow progenitors, contribute to organ fibrosis. We investigated the presence and characteristics of fibrocytes in the peripheral blood and kidney of patients with lupus nephritis (LN), and the association of the abundance of fibrocytes with renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) in LN fibrogenesis. METHODS Fibrocytes were identified with type I collagen (colI), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD34 and CD45 using flow cytometry and confocal imaging. The associations between the levels of fibrocytes and pathological features of patients with LN were analysed. The contribution of RTECs to fibrocyte generation was determined using LN sera-treated HK-2 cells. RESULTS Spindle-shaped fibrocytes (colI+α-SMA+CD34+CD45+ cells) were present in the peripheral blood and their abundance was especially high in LN patients with interstitial fibrosis compared with healthy control. Renal fibrocytes (colI+α-SMA+CD45+ cells) were found in the tubulointerstitium in patients with LN, and their numbers were significantly associated with the degrees of chronicity indices including interstitial fibrosis and renal dysfunction. Stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with supernatants from LN serum-treated HK-2 cells led to a significant generation of fibrocytes, which was abrogated by the addition of IL-6 neutralizing antibody. CONCLUSION Fibrocytes were significantly increased in the blood and kidney tissue of patients with LN, especially those with interstitial fibrosis. Fibrocytes could be differentiated from blood cells, with an active contribution from RTECs. Our results show a possible link between fibrocytes and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, which may serve as a novel therapeutic target for LN fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine.,Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center
| | | | - Joon Seo Lim
- Clinical Research Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine
| | - Ji Seon Oh
- Department of Information Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Min Ahn
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine
| | - Yong-Gil Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine
| | - Chang-Keun Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine
| | - Bin Yoo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine
| | - Seokchan Hong
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine
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17
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Du TY, Gao YX, Zheng YS. Identification of key genes related to immune infiltration in cirrhosis via bioinformatics analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1876. [PMID: 36725885 PMCID: PMC9892033 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is the most common subclass of liver disease worldwide and correlated to immune infiltration. However, the immune-related molecular mechanism underlying cirrhosis remains obscure. Two gene expression profiles GSE89377 and GSE139602 were investigated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to cirrhosis. Enrichment analysis for DEGs was conducted. Next, the immune infiltration of DEGs was evaluated using CIBERSORT algorithm. The hub DEGs with tight connectivity were identified using the String and Cytoscape databases, and the expression difference of these hub genes between normal liver and cirrhosis samples was determined. Moreover, in order to evaluate the discriminatory ability of hub genes and obtained the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values in the GSE89377 and GSE139602 datasets. Finally, the association between hub DEGs and immune cell infiltration was explored by Spearman method. Among the 299 DEGs attained, 136 were up-regulated and 163 were down-regulated. Then the enrichment function analysis of DEGs and CIBERSORT algorithm showed significant enrichment in immune and inflammatory responses. And four hub DEGs (ACTB, TAGLN, VIM, SOX9) were identified, which also showed a diagnostic value in the GSE89377 and GSE 139,602 datasets. Finally, the immune infiltration analysis indicated that, these hub DEGs were highly related to immune cells. This study revealed key DEGs involved in inflammatory immune responses of cirrhosis, which could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis or therapeutic targets of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Yue Du
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.-1-1, Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Ya-Xian Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.-1-1, Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Yi-Shan Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.-1-1, Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China.
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18
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Kim CW, Yoon Y, Kim MY, Baik SK, Ryu H, Park IH, Eom YW. 12- O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate Reduces Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells by Inhibiting the Hippo Pathway Transcriptional Coactivator YAP. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010091. [PMID: 36611885 PMCID: PMC9818550 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although protein kinase C (PKC) regulates various biological activities, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, tissue remodeling, gene expression, and cell death, the antifibrotic effect of PKC in myofibroblasts is not fully understood. We investigated whether 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a PKC activator, reduced the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and explored the involvement of the Hippo pathway transcriptional coactivator YAP. We analyzed the effect of TPA on the proliferation and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in the LX-2 HSC line. We also analyzed the phosphorylation of the Hippo pathway molecules YAP and LATS1 and investigated YAP nuclear translocation. We examined whether Gö 6983, a pan-PKC inhibitor, restored the TPA-inhibited activities of HSCs. Administration of TPA decreased the growth rate of LX-2 cells and inhibited the expression of α-SMA and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1). In addition, TPA induced phosphorylation of PKCδ, LATS1, and YAP and inhibited the nuclear translocation of YAP compared with the control. These TPA-induced phenomena were mostly ameliorated by Gö 6983. Our results indicate that PKCδ exerts an antifibrotic effect by inhibiting the Hippo pathway in HSCs. Therefore, PKCδ and YAP can be used as therapeutic targets for the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Wan Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongdae Yoon
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Young Kim
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Koo Baik
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Ryu
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Hwan Park
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (I.H.P.); (Y.W.E.); Tel.: +82-33-741-0260 (Y.W.E.)
| | - Young Woo Eom
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (I.H.P.); (Y.W.E.); Tel.: +82-33-741-0260 (Y.W.E.)
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Abstract
AIM Fibrosis is a common pathological feature of most types of chronic liver injuries. There is no specific treatment for liver fibrosis at present. The liver microenvironment, which fosters the survival and activity of liver cells, plays an important role in maintaining the normal structure and physiological function of the liver. The aim of this review is to deeply understand the role of the liver microenvironment in the dynamic and complicated development of liver fibrosis. METHODS After searching in Elsevier ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science databases using 'liver fibrosis' and 'microenvironment' as keywords, studies related to microenvironment in liver fibrosis was compiled and examined. RESULTS The homeostasis of the liver microenvironment is disrupted during the development of liver fibrosis, affecting liver cell function, causing various types of cell reactions, and changing the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, eventually affecting fibrosis formation. CONCLUSION Liver microenvironment may be important for identifying potential therapeutic targets, and restoring microenvironment homeostasis may be an important strategy for promoting the reversal of liver fibrosis.KEY MESSAGESThe homeostasis of the liver microenvironment is disrupted in liver fibrosis;A pro-fibrotic microenvironment is formed during the development of liver fibrosis;Restoring microenvironment homeostasis may be an important strategy for promoting the reversal of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Meng
- Department of General Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University First Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhang
- Department of General Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Dekui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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20
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Smilde BJ, Botman E, de Vries TJ, de Vries R, Micha D, Schoenmaker T, Janssen JJWM, Eekhoff EMW. A Systematic Review of the Evidence of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Differentiation to Fibroblasts. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123063. [PMID: 36551819 PMCID: PMC9775738 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts have an important role in the maintenance of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues by producing and remodelling extracellular matrix proteins. They are indispensable for physiological processes, and as such also associate with many pathological conditions. In recent years, a number of studies have identified donor-derived fibroblasts in various tissues of bone marrow transplant recipients, while others could not replicate these findings. In this systematic review, we provide an overview of the current literature regarding the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into fibroblasts in various tissues. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (Core Collection) were systematically searched for original articles concerning fibroblast origin after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in collaboration with a medical information specialist. Our search found 5421 studies, of which 151 were analysed for full-text analysis by two authors independently, resulting in the inclusion of 104 studies. Only studies in animals and humans, in which at least one marker was used for fibroblast identification, were included. The results were described per organ of fibroblast engraftment. We show that nearly all mouse and human organs show evidence of fibroblasts of hematopoietic stem cell transfer origin. Despite significant heterogeneity in the included studies, most demonstrate a significant presence of fibroblasts of hematopoietic lineage in non-hematopoietic tissues. This presence appears to increase after the occurrence of tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard J. Smilde
- Department of Internal Medicine Section Endocrinology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esmée Botman
- Department of Internal Medicine Section Endocrinology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Teun J. de Vries
- Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph de Vries
- Medical Library, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dimitra Micha
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ton Schoenmaker
- Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Elisabeth M. W. Eekhoff
- Department of Internal Medicine Section Endocrinology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-72-548-4444
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21
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Chua D, Low ZS, Cheam GX, Ng AS, Tan NS. Utility of Human Relevant Preclinical Animal Models in Navigating NAFLD to MAFLD Paradigm. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314762. [PMID: 36499091 PMCID: PMC9737809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty liver disease is an emerging contributor to disease burden worldwide. The past decades of work established the heterogeneous nature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) etiology and systemic contributions to the pathogenesis of the disease. This called for the proposal of a redefinition in 2020 to that of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) to better reflect the current understanding of the disease. To date, several clinical cohort studies comparing NAFLD and MAFLD hint at the relevancy of the new nomenclature in enriching for patients with more severe hepatic injury and extrahepatic comorbidities. However, the underlying systemic pathogenesis is still not fully understood. Preclinical animal models have been imperative in elucidating key biological mechanisms in various contexts, including intrahepatic disease progression, interorgan crosstalk and systemic dysregulation. Furthermore, they are integral in developing novel therapeutics against MAFLD. However, substantial contextual variabilities exist across different models due to the lack of standardization in several aspects. As such, it is crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of existing models to better align them to the human condition. In this review, we consolidate the implications arising from the change in nomenclature and summarize MAFLD pathogenesis. Subsequently, we provide an updated evaluation of existing MAFLD preclinical models in alignment with the new definitions and perspectives to improve their translational relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Chua
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- Correspondence: (D.C.); (N.S.T.); Tel.: +65-63162941 (N.S.T.); Fax: +65-67913856 (N.S.T.)
| | - Zun Siong Low
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Guo Xiang Cheam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Aik Seng Ng
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Nguan Soon Tan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Correspondence: (D.C.); (N.S.T.); Tel.: +65-63162941 (N.S.T.); Fax: +65-67913856 (N.S.T.)
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22
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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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23
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Fibrotic Scar in CNS Injuries: From the Cellular Origins of Fibroblasts to the Molecular Processes of Fibrotic Scar Formation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152371. [PMID: 35954214 PMCID: PMC9367779 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) trauma activates a persistent repair response that leads to fibrotic scar formation within the lesion. This scarring is similar to other organ fibrosis in many ways; however, the unique features of the CNS differentiate it from other organs. In this review, we discuss fibrotic scar formation in CNS trauma, including the cellular origins of fibroblasts, the mechanism of fibrotic scar formation following an injury, as well as the implication of the fibrotic scar in CNS tissue remodeling and regeneration. While discussing the shared features of CNS fibrotic scar and fibrosis outside the CNS, we highlight their differences and discuss therapeutic targets that may enhance regeneration in the CNS.
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24
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Hepatic Myofibroblasts: A Heterogeneous and Redox-Modulated Cell Population in Liver Fibrogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071278. [PMID: 35883770 PMCID: PMC9311931 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During chronic liver disease (CLD) progression, hepatic myofibroblasts (MFs) represent a unique cellular phenotype that plays a critical role in driving liver fibrogenesis and then fibrosis. Although they could originate from different cell types, MFs exhibit a rather common pattern of pro-fibrogenic phenotypic responses, which are mostly elicited or sustained both by oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and several mediators (including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and others) that often operate through the up-regulation of the intracellular generation of ROS. In the present review, we will offer an overview of the role of MFs in the fibrogenic progression of CLD from different etiologies by focusing our attention on the direct or indirect role of ROS and, more generally, oxidative stress in regulating MF-related phenotypic responses. Moreover, this review has the purpose of illustrating the real complexity of the ROS modulation during CLD progression. The reader will have to keep in mind that a number of issues are able to affect the behavior of the cells involved: a) the different concentrations of reactive species, b) the intrinsic state of the target cells, as well as c) the presence of different growth factors, cytokines, and other mediators in the extracellular microenvironment or of other cellular sources of ROS.
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25
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El-Tantawy WH, Temraz A. Anti-fibrotic activity of natural products, herbal extracts and nutritional components for prevention of liver fibrosis: review. Arch Physiol Biochem 2022; 128:382-393. [PMID: 31711319 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2019.1684952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a grave problem worldwide, and the development of this condition is the first step towards cirrhosis. In fact, when lesions of different aetiologies chronically affect the liver, it triggers fibrogenesis, the resulting damage and the progression of fibrosis cause serious clinical influences including severe complications, expensive treatments, and death in end-stage liver disease. Although impressive progress has been reported in understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, no effective agent has been developed to prevent or reverse the fibrotic process directly. This article reviews natural products, herbal medicines and nutritional components that exhibited an anti-fibrotic activity through different mechanisms of action, including suppressing of cytokine production, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells "HSCs" propagation, modulation of the molecular mechanisms leading to hepatic fibrosis, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abeer Temraz
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy For Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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26
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Chen XL, Yao X, Yang GD, Qin JP. Applications of vascular interventions in hypersplenism in liver cirrhosis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2022; 30:140-146. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v30.i3.140] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a common cause of secondary hypersplenism. Hypersplenism often leads to a decrease in peripheral blood cells, and when the numbers of leukocytes and platelets are severely reduced, patients are prone to spontaneous infections and bleeding, which can aggravate the disease and increase the risk of death. The mechanism of hypersplenism in cirrhosis is not well understood, and there is no standard indication or recommended method for the treatment of hypersplenism. Clinical treatment options for hypersplenism include splenectomy, vascular intervention, local thermal ablation, and splenic artery ligation. Vascular interventions mainly involve transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and partial splenic embolization (PSE). TIPS is an effective method to treat the complications of portal hypertension in cirrhosis, which can effectively reduce portal pressure, but whether it can relieve hypersplenism is still controversial. PSE can relieve hypersplenism to a certain extent. TIPS combined with PSE can effectively reduce portal hypertension and relieve hypersplenism to a certain extent. This article reviews the applications of vascular interventions in hypersplenism in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ling Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xin Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Western War Zone, Chinese People's Liberation Army, Chengdu 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Guo-Dong Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jian-Ping Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Western War Zone, Chinese People's Liberation Army, Chengdu 610083, Sichuan Province, China
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27
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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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28
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Reinhardt JW, Breuer CK. Fibrocytes: A Critical Review and Practical Guide. Front Immunol 2021; 12:784401. [PMID: 34975874 PMCID: PMC8718395 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.784401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrocytes are hematopoietic-derived cells that directly contribute to tissue fibrosis by producing collagen following injury, during disease, and with aging. The lack of a fibrocyte-specific marker has led to the use of multiple strategies for identifying these cells in vivo. This review will detail how past studies were performed, report their findings, and discuss their strengths and limitations. The motivation is to identify opportunities for further investigation and promote the adoption of best practices during future study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W. Reinhardt
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Christopher K. Breuer
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
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29
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Rudnik M, Hukara A, Kocherova I, Jordan S, Schniering J, Milleret V, Ehrbar M, Klingel K, Feghali-Bostwick C, Distler O, Błyszczuk P, Kania G. Elevated Fibronectin Levels in Profibrotic CD14 + Monocytes and CD14 + Macrophages in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:642891. [PMID: 34504485 PMCID: PMC8421541 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.642891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) and multiorgan fibrosis. Animal studies pointed to bone marrow-derived cells as a potential source of pathological ECM-producing cells in immunofibrotic disorders. So far, involvement of monocytes and macrophages in the fibrogenesis of SSc remains poorly understood. Methods and Results Immunohistochemistry analysis showed accumulation of CD14+ monocytes in the collagen-rich areas, as well as increased amount of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive fibroblasts, CD68+ and mannose-R+ macrophages in the heart and lungs of SSc patients. The full genome transcriptomics analyses of CD14+ blood monocytes revealed dysregulation in cytoskeleton rearrangement, ECM remodeling, including elevated FN1 (gene encoding fibronectin) expression and TGF-β signalling pathway in SSc patients. In addition, single cell RNA sequencing analysis of tissue-resident CD14+ pulmonary macrophages demonstrated activated profibrotic signature with the elevated FN1 expression in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease. Peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes obtained from either healthy subjects or SSc patients exposed to profibrotic treatment with profibrotic cytokines TGF-β, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 increased production of type I collagen, fibronectin, and αSMA. In addition, CD14+ monocytes co-cultured with dermal fibroblasts obtained from SSc patients or healthy individuals acquired a spindle shape and further enhanced production of profibrotic markers. Pharmacological blockade of the TGF-β signalling pathway with SD208 (TGF-β receptor type I inhibitor), SIS3 (Smad3 inhibitor) or (5Z)-7-oxozeaenol (TGF-β-activated kinase 1 inhibitor) ameliorated fibronectin levels and type I collagen secretion. Conclusions Our findings identified activated profibrotic signature with elevated production of profibrotic fibronectin in CD14+ monocytes and CD14+ pulmonary macrophages in SSc and highlighted the capability of CD14+ monocytes to acquire a profibrotic phenotype. Taking together, tissue-infiltrating CD14+ monocytes/macrophages can be considered as ECM producers in SSc pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Rudnik
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amela Hukara
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ievgeniia Kocherova
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suzana Jordan
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janine Schniering
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Milleret
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Ehrbar
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karin Klingel
- Department of Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Carol Feghali-Bostwick
- Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Przemysław Błyszczuk
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Gabriela Kania
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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30
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Wang SS, Tang XT, Lin M, Yuan J, Peng YJ, Yin X, Shang G, Ge G, Ren Z, Zhou BO. Perivenous Stellate Cells Are the Main Source of Myofibroblasts and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Formed After Chronic Liver Injuries. Hepatology 2021; 74:1578-1594. [PMID: 33817801 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Studies of the identity and pathophysiology of fibrogenic HSCs have been hampered by a lack of genetic tools that permit specific and inducible fate-mapping of these cells in vivo. Here, by single-cell RNA sequencing of nonparenchymal cells from mouse liver, we identified transcription factor 21 (Tcf21) as a unique marker that restricted its expression to quiescent HSCs. APPROACH AND RESULTS Tracing Tcf21+ cells by Tcf21-CreER (Cre-Estrogen Receptor fusion protein under the control of Tcf21 gene promoter) targeted ~10% of all HSCs, most of which were located at periportal and pericentral zones. These HSCs were quiescent under steady state but became activated on injuries, generating 62%-67% of all myofibroblasts in fibrotic livers and ~85% of all cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in liver tumors. Conditional deletion of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 2 (Tgfbr2) by Tcf21-CreER blocked HSC activation, compromised liver fibrosis, and inhibited liver tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, Tcf21-CreER-targeted perivenous stellate cells are the main source of myofibroblasts and CAFs in chronically injured livers. TGF-β signaling links HSC activation to liver fibrosis and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Wang
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Thomas Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Yuan
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Jacky Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiujuan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - GuoGuo Shang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaoxiang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo O Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
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31
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Yan Y, Zeng J, Xing L, Li C. Extra- and Intra-Cellular Mechanisms of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081014. [PMID: 34440218 PMCID: PMC8391653 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver resulting from the persistent liver injury and wound-healing reaction induced by various insults. Although hepatic fibrosis is considered reversible after eliminating the cause of injury, chronic injury left unchecked can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling the fibrotic response is needed to develop novel clinical strategies. It is well documented that activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the most principal cellular players promoting synthesis and deposition of ECM components. In the current review, we discuss pathways of HSC activation, emphasizing emerging extra- and intra-cellular signals that drive this important cellular response to hepatic fibrosis. A number of cell types and external stimuli converge upon HSCs to promote their activation, including hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, macrophages, cytokines, altered ECM, hepatitis viral infection, enteric dysbiosis, lipid metabolism disorder, exosomes, microRNAs, alcohol, drugs and parasites. We also discuss the emerging signaling pathways and intracellular events that individually or synergistically drive HSC activation, including TGFβ/Smad, Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog and Hippo signaling pathways. These findings will provide novel potential therapeutic targets to arrest or reverse fibrosis and cirrhosis.
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32
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Li X, Hollingshead N, Lampert S, Truong CD, Li W, Niu J, Crispe IN, Soysa R. A conserved pathway of transdifferentiation in murine Kupffer cells. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:2452-2463. [PMID: 34324208 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202049124] [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: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abundant long-lived liver-resident macrophages, termed Kupffer cells, are activated during chronic liver injury. They secrete both pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines, which act on hepatic stellate cells causing their transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts that deposit collagen. In other tissues, wound-associated macrophages go further, and transdifferentiate into fibrocytes, secreting collagen themselves. We tested Kupffer cells for this property in two experimental models: mixed non-parenchymal cell culture, and precision-cut liver slice culture. Using the Emr1-Cre transgene as a driver and the RiboTag transgene as a reporter, we found that Kupffer cells undergo transdifferentiation under these circumstances. Over time, they lose the expression of both Kupffer cell-specific and macrophage-specific genes and the transcription factors that control their expression, and they begin to express multiple genes and proteins characteristic of either myofibroblasts or tissue fibroblasts. These effects were strongly conserved between non-parenchymal cell culture and liver tissue slice culture, arguing that such transdifferentiation is a conserved function of Kupffer cells. We conclude that in addition to supporting fibrosis through an action on stellate cells, Kupffer cells also participate in liver fibrosis through transdifferentiation into fibrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nicole Hollingshead
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sarah Lampert
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Camtu D Truong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Wanyu Li
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ian N Crispe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Radika Soysa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Ruan B, Duan JL, Xu H, Tao KS, Han H, Dou GR, Wang L. Capillarized Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Undergo Partial Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition to Actively Deposit Sinusoidal ECM in Liver Fibrosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:671081. [PMID: 34277612 PMCID: PMC8285099 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.671081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue-specific endothelial cells are more than simply a barrier lining capillaries and are proved to be capable of remarkable plasticity to become active collagen matrix-producing myofibroblasts (MFs) in solid organs with fibrosis. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) also participate in the development of hepatic fibrosis, but the exact roles and underlying mechanism have been poorly understood in addition to capillarization. In this study, we demonstrate, by using single-cell RNA sequencing, lineage tracing, and colocalization analysis, that fibrotic LSECs undergo partial endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) with a subset of LSECs acquiring an MF-like phenotype. These phenotypic changes make LSECs substantial producers of extracellular matrix (ECM) preferentially deposited in liver sinusoids but not septal/portal scars as demonstrated by immunofluorescence in animal models and patients with fibrosis/cirrhosis, likely due to their limited migration. Bioinformatic analysis verifies that LSECs undergo successive phenotypic transitions from capillarization to mesenchymal-like cells in liver fibrosis. Furthermore, blockade of LSEC capillarization by using YC-1, a selective eNOS-sGC activator, effectively attenuates liver damage and fibrogenesis as well as mesenchymal features of LSECs, suggesting that capillarization of LSECs might be upstream to their mesenchymal transition during fibrosis. In conclusion, we report that capillarized LSECs undergo a partial EndMT characterized by increased ECM production without activating cell mobility, leading to perisinusoidal ECM deposition that aggravate liver function and fibrogenesis. Targeting this transitional process may be of great value for antifibrotic treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Ruan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Aviation Medicine, Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juan-Li Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai-Shan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hua Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guo-Rui Dou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Wang Z, Liu J, Huang H, Ye M, Li X, Wu R, Liu H, Song Y. Metastasis-associated fibroblasts: an emerging target for metastatic cancer. Biomark Res 2021; 9:47. [PMID: 34112258 PMCID: PMC8194104 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00305-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis suggests a poor prognosis for cancer patients, and treatment strategies for metastatic cancer are still very limited. Numerous studies have shown that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a large component of the tumor microenvironment, contribute to tumor metastasis. Stromal fibroblasts at metastatic sites are different from CAFs within primary tumors and can be termed metastasis-associated fibroblasts (MAFs), and they also make great contributions to the establishment of metastatic lesions and the therapeutic resistance of metastatic tumors. MAFs are capable of remodeling the extracellular matrix of metastatic tumors, modulating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, promoting angiogenesis and enhancing malignant tumor phenotypes. Thus, MAFs can help establish premetastatic niches and mediate resistance to therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy. The results of preclinical studies suggest that targeting MAFs can alleviate the progression of metastatic cancer and mitigate therapeutic resistance, indicating that MAFs are a promising target for metastatic cancer. Here, we comprehensively summarize the existing evidence on MAFs and discuss their origins, generation, functions and related therapeutic strategies in an effort to provide a better understanding of MAFs and offer treatment perspectives for metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zimu Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, #305, East Zhongshan Road, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, #305, East Zhongshan Road, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hairong Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, 210002, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxiang Ye
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, #305, East Zhongshan Road, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinying Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 210008, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ranpu Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Southeast University of Medicine, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongbing Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, #305, East Zhongshan Road, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, #305, East Zhongshan Road, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Moriya K, Nishimura N, Namisaki T, Takaya H, Sawada Y, Kawaratani H, Kaji K, Shimozato N, Sato S, Furukawa M, Douhara A, Akahane T, Mitoro A, Yamao J, Yoshiji H. Zinc Administration and Improved Serum Markers of Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2465. [PMID: 34199421 PMCID: PMC8199625 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of long-term zinc supplementation, which is important for the activation of various enzymes that contribute to antioxidant and antifibrotic activities, on the improvement of serum fibrotic markers in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). METHODS A total of 38 patients with AIH under regular treatment at our hospital who provided their consent for being treated with polaprezinc (75 mg twice daily) were included and classified into 2 groups: the patients with zinc elevation (n = 27) and the patients without zinc elevation (n = 11). Serum biomarker of fibrosis, protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and their inhibitors (TIMPs) were evaluated. RESULTS A significant difference was found between the variability of serum procollagen type Ⅲ and collagen type Ⅳ-7S between the 2 groups before and after zinc administration for more than 24 months (p = 0.043 and p = 0.049). In the patients with zinc elevation, no significant changes were found in collagenase (MMP-1 and MMP-13) before and after zinc administration, whereas a significant increase in the expression of gelatinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) was found after administration (p = 0.021 and p = 0.005). As for the relative ratio of MMPs to TIMPs, only MMP-9 to TIMP-1 showed a significant increase (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Long-term treatment with polaprezinc has been demonstrated to safely improve serum fibrosis indices through increases in MMP-2/-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 and is expected to be well combined with direct antifibrotic therapies such as molecularly targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Moriya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Norihisa Nishimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Tadashi Namisaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hiroaki Takaya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Yasuhiko Sawada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hideto Kawaratani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Kosuke Kaji
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Naotaka Shimozato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Shinya Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Masanori Furukawa
- Department of Endoscopy, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (M.F.); (J.Y.)
| | - Akitoshi Douhara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Akira Mitoro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
| | - Junichi Yamao
- Department of Endoscopy, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (M.F.); (J.Y.)
| | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan; (N.N.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (H.K.); (K.K.); (N.S.); (S.S.); (A.D.); (T.A.); (A.M.); (H.Y.)
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Sun YL, Bai T, Zhou L, Zhu RT, Wang WJ, Liang RP, Li J, Zhang CX, Gou JJ. SOD3 deficiency induces liver fibrosis by promoting hepatic stellate cell activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:4313-4329. [PMID: 33230845 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is suggested to potentially promote HSC activation. Superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) is an extracellular antioxidant defense against oxidative damage. Here, we found downregulation of SOD3 in a mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ). SOD3 deficiency induced spontaneous liver injury and fibrosis with increased collagen deposition, and further aggravated CCl4 -induced liver injury in mice. Depletion of SOD3 enhanced HSC activation marked by increased α-smooth muscle actin and subsequent collagen synthesis primarily collagen type I in vivo, and promoted transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced HSC activation in vitro. SOD3 deficiency accelerated EMT process in the liver and TGF-β1-induced EMT of AML12 hepatocytes, as evidenced by loss of E-cadherin and gain of N-cadherin and vimentin. Notably, SOD3 expression and its pro-fibrogenic effect were positively associated with sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression. SOD3 deficiency inhibited adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling to downregulate SIRT1 expression and thus involving in liver fibrosis. Enforced expression of SIRT1 inhibited SOD3 deficiency-induced HSC activation and EMT, whereas depletion of SIRT1 counteracted the inhibitory effect of SOD3 in vitro. These findings demonstrate that SOD3 deficiency contributes to liver fibrogenesis by promoting HSC activation and EMT process, and suggest a possibility that SOD3 may function through modulating SIRT1 via the AMPK pathway in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Lab of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Lab of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Lab of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Digestive, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rong-Tao Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Lab of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei-Jie Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Lab of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruo-Peng Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Lab of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Lab of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chi-Xian Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Lab of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jian-Jun Gou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Lab of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
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Acharya P, Chouhan K, Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Cellular Mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671640. [PMID: 34025430 PMCID: PMC8134740 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a central organ in the human body, coordinating several key metabolic roles. The structure of the liver which consists of the distinctive arrangement of hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoids, the hepatic artery, portal vein and the central vein, is critical for its function. Due to its unique position in the human body, the liver interacts with components of circulation targeted for the rest of the body and in the process, it is exposed to a vast array of external agents such as dietary metabolites and compounds absorbed through the intestine, including alcohol and drugs, as well as pathogens. Some of these agents may result in injury to the cellular components of liver leading to the activation of the natural wound healing response of the body or fibrogenesis. Long-term injury to liver cells and consistent activation of the fibrogenic response can lead to liver fibrosis such as that seen in chronic alcoholics or clinically obese individuals. Unidentified fibrosis can evolve into more severe consequences over a period of time such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is well recognized now that in addition to external agents, genetic predisposition also plays a role in the development of liver fibrosis. An improved understanding of the cellular pathways of fibrosis can illuminate our understanding of this process, and uncover potential therapeutic targets. Here we summarized recent aspects in the understanding of relevant pathways, cellular and molecular drivers of hepatic fibrosis and discuss how this knowledge impact the therapy of respective disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Komal Chouhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Guillot A, Guerri L, Feng D, Kim SJ, Ahmed YA, Paloczi J, He Y, Schuebel K, Dai S, Liu F, Pacher P, Kisseleva T, Qin X, Goldman D, Tacke F, Gao B. Bile acid-activated macrophages promote biliary epithelial cell proliferation through integrin αvβ6 upregulation following liver injury. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:132305. [PMID: 33724957 DOI: 10.1172/jci132305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiopathies caused by biliary epithelial cell (BEC) injury represent a leading cause of liver failure. No effective pharmacologic therapies exist, and the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. We aimed to explore the mechanisms of bile duct repair after targeted BEC injury. Injection of intermedilysin into BEC-specific human CD59 (hCD59) transgenic mice induced acute and specific BEC death, representing a model to study the early signals that drive bile duct repair. Acute BEC injury induced cholestasis followed by CCR2+ monocyte recruitment and BEC proliferation. Using microdissection and next-generation RNA-Seq, we identified 5 genes, including Mapk8ip2, Cdkn1a, Itgb6, Rgs4, and Ccl2, that were most upregulated in proliferating BECs after acute injury. Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed robust upregulation of integrin αvβ6 (ITGβ6) expression in this BEC injury model, after bile duct ligation, and in patients with chronic cholangiopathies. Deletion of the Itgb6 gene attenuated BEC proliferation after acute bile duct injury. Macrophage depletion or Ccr2 deficiency impaired ITGβ6 expression and BEC proliferation. In vitro experiments revealed that bile acid-activated monocytes promoted BEC proliferation through ITGβ6. Our data suggest that BEC injury induces cholestasis, monocyte recruitment, and induction of ITGβ6, which work together to promote BEC proliferation and therefore represent potential therapeutic targets for cholangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Guillot
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Dechun Feng
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Seung-Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yeni Ait Ahmed
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Janos Paloczi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, NIAAA, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yong He
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Shen Dai
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Fengming Liu
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Pal Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, NIAAA, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Xuebin Qin
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Harasymowicz NS, Rashidi N, Savadipour A, Wu CL, Tang R, Bramley J, Buchser W, Guilak F. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the induction of novel myeloid and myeloid-associated cell populations in visceral fat with long-term obesity. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21417. [PMID: 33566380 PMCID: PMC8743141 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001970r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages and other immune cells are important contributors to obesity-associated inflammation; however, the cellular identities of these specific populations remain unknown. In this study, we identified individual populations of myeloid cells found in mouse epididymal/visceral adipose tissue by single-cell RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Multiple canonical correlation analysis identified 11 unique myeloid and myeloid-associate cell populations. In obese mice, we detected an increased percentage of monocyte-derived pro-inflammatory cells expressing Cd9 and Trem2, as well as significantly decreased percentages of multiple cell populations, including tissue-resident cells expressing Lyve1, Mafb, and Mrc1. We have identified and validated a novel myeloid/macrophage population defined by Ly6a expression, exhibiting both myeloid and mesenchymal characteristics, which increased with obesity and showed high pro-fibrotic characteristics in vitro. Our mouse adipose tissue myeloid cell atlas provides an important resource to investigate obesity-associated inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia S. Harasymowicz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Neda Rashidi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alireza Savadipour
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chia-Lung Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ruhang Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - John Bramley
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - William Buchser
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Farshid Guilak
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Kisseleva T, Brenner D. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and its regression. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:151-166. [PMID: 33128017 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-00372-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 766] [Impact Index Per Article: 255.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury leads to liver inflammation and fibrosis, through which activated myofibroblasts in the liver secrete extracellular matrix proteins that generate the fibrous scar. The primary source of these myofibroblasts are the resident hepatic stellate cells. Clinical and experimental liver fibrosis regresses when the causative agent is removed, which is associated with the elimination of these activated myofibroblasts and resorption of the fibrous scar. Understanding the mechanisms of liver fibrosis regression could identify new therapeutic targets to treat liver fibrosis. This Review summarizes studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying the reversibility of liver fibrosis, including apoptosis and the inactivation of hepatic stellate cells, the crosstalk between the liver and the systems that orchestrate the recruitment of bone marrow-derived macrophages (and other inflammatory cells) driving fibrosis resolution, and the interactions between various cell types that lead to the intracellular signalling that induces fibrosis or its regression. We also discuss strategies to target hepatic myofibroblasts (for example, via apoptosis or inactivation) and the myeloid cells that degrade the matrix (for example, via their recruitment to fibrotic liver) to facilitate fibrosis resolution and liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - David Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Cell therapy for advanced liver diseases: Repair or rebuild. J Hepatol 2021; 74:185-199. [PMID: 32976865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Advanced liver disease presents a significant worldwide health and economic burden and accounts for 3.5% of global mortality. When liver disease progresses to organ failure the only effective treatment is liver transplantation, which necessitates lifelong immunosuppression and carries associated risks. Furthermore, the shortage of suitable donor organs means patients may die waiting for a suitable transplant organ. Cell therapies have made their way from animal studies to a small number of early clinical trials. Herein, we review the current state of cell therapies for liver disease and the mechanisms underpinning their actions (to repair liver tissue or rebuild functional parenchyma). We also discuss cellular therapies that are on the clinical horizon and challenges that must be overcome before routine clinical use is a possibility.
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Golbabapour S, Bagheri-Lankarani K, Ghavami S, Geramizadeh B. Autoimmune Hepatitis and Stellate Cells: An Insight into the Role of Autophagy. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:6073-6095. [PMID: 30947648 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190402120231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is a necroinflammatory process of liver, featuring interface hepatitis
by T cells, macrophages and plasma cells that invade to periportal parenchyma. In this process, a
variety of cytokines are secreted and liver tissues undergo fibrogenesis, resulting in the apoptosis of
hepatocytes. Autophagy is a complementary mechanism for restraining intracellular pathogens to
which the innate immune system does not provide efficient endocytosis. Hepatocytes with their
particular regenerative features are normally in a quiescent state, and, autophagy controls the accumulation
of excess products, therefore the liver serves as a basic model for the study of autophagy.
Impairment of autophagy in the liver causes the accumulation of damaged organelles, misfolded
proteins and exceeded lipids in hepatocytes as seen in metabolic diseases. In this review, we introduce
autoimmune hepatitis in association with autophagy signaling. We also discuss some genes and
proteins of autophagy, their regulatory roles in the activation of hepatic stellate cells and the importance
of lipophagy and tyrosine kinase in hepatic fibrogenesis. In order to provide a comprehensive
overview of the regulatory role of autophagy in autoimmune hepatitis, the pathway analysis of autophagy
in autoimmune hepatitis is also included in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Golbabapour
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, United Kingdom
| | - Kamran Bagheri-Lankarani
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bita Geramizadeh
- Department of Pathology, Medical school of Shiraz University, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
In this brief review, we will highlight important observational and experimental data in the literature that address the origin of scar-forming cells in lung fibrosis.
Recent Findings
Several cellular sources of activated scar-forming cells (myofibroblasts) have been postulated including alveolar epithelial cells; circulating fibrocytes; and lung stromal cell subpopulations including resident fibroblasts, pericytes, and resident mesenchymal stem cells. Recent advances in lineage-tracing models, however, fail to provide experimental evidence for epithelial and fibrocyte origins of lung myofibroblasts. Resident mesenchymal cells of the lung, which include various cell types including resident fibroblasts, pericytes, and resident mesenchymal stem cells, appear to be important sources of myofibroblasts in murine models of lung injury and fibrosis.
Summary
Lung myofibroblasts likely originate from multiple sources of lung-resident mesenchymal cells. Their relative contributions may vary depending on the type of injury. Although lineage-tracing experiments have failed to show significant contribution from epithelial cells or fibrocytes, they may play important functional roles in myofibroblast activation through paracrine signaling.
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Kong H, He J, Guo S, Song Q, Xiang D, Tao R, Yu H, Chen G, Huang Z, Ning Q, Huang J. Endothelin receptors promote schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis via splenic B cells. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008947. [PMID: 33075079 PMCID: PMC7595619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin receptors (ETRs) are activated by vasoactive peptide endothelins and involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. However, less is known about the role of ETRs in Schistosoma (S.) japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis. Here, we show that the expression of ETRs is markedly enhanced in the liver and spleen tissues of patients with schistosome-induced fibrosis, as well as in murine models. Additional analyses have indicated that the expression levels of ETRs in schistosomiasis patients are highly correlated with the portal vein and spleen thickness diameter, both of which represent the severity of fibrosis. Splenomegaly is a characteristic symptom of schistosome infection, and splenic abnormality may promote the progression of hepatic fibrosis. We further demonstrate that elevated levels of ETRs are predominantly expressed on splenic B cells in spleen tissues during infection. Importantly, using a well-studied model of human schistosomiasis, we demonstrate that endothelin receptor antagonists can partially reverse schistosome-induced hepatic fibrosis by suppressing the activation of splenic B cells characterized by interleukin-10 (IL-10) secretion and regulatory T (Treg) cell-inducing capacity. Our study provides insights into the mechanisms by which ETRs regulate schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis and highlights the potential of endothelin receptor antagonist as a therapeutic intervention for fibrotic diseases. Schistosomiasis is a serious but neglected tropical infectious disease. which can lead to hepatic fibrosis and death. To date, there are still no approved antifibrotic therapies. Hepatic fibrosis results in portal hypertension and variceal bleeding, and it is the primary cause of mortality from schistosomiasis. Splenomegaly and hypersplenism can manifest following the development of portal hypertension. Accumulating evidence suggests that the spleen plays a critical role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. In this study, using Schistosoma (S.) japonicum in both humans and mice, we show that progressive hepatic schistosomiasis caused elevation of endothelin receptors (ETRs) both in liver and spleen tissues, and the endothelin receptor-producing cells are mainly located in splenic B cells. More importantly, we demonstrate that endothelin receptor antagonists can partially reverse schistosome-induced hepatic fibrosis by suppressing the activation of splenic B cells during infection. Thus, our study highlights the potential of endothelin receptor antagonist as a therapeutic intervention for schistosomiasis and other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Kong
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinan He
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shusen Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiqin Song
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dandan Xiang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Tao
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haijing Yu
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyong Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin Ning
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaquan Huang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail:
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Versatile Players in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092652. [PMID: 32957515 PMCID: PMC7564346 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key players in the tumor microenvironment. They are responsible for potentiating growth and metastasis through versatile functions, including maintenance of the extracellular matrix, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, suppression of antitumor immunity, and promotion of chemotherapy resistance. As such, CAFs are associated with poor prognosis and have emerged as a focus of anticancer research. In this review, we discuss the origins of CAFs, their heterogenous subtypes and their properties. We then detail the current state of preclinical and clinical research targeting CAF activities. We believe the limited efficacy of current cancer therapeutic approaches is driven by an incomplete understanding of CAF functions and by a nonstandardized CAF classification system. Therefore, we suggest a unified CAF classification based on specific functions to develop a new class of therapies that will focus on targeting the pro-tumorigenic properties of CAFs during tumor progression. Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are indispensable architects of the tumor microenvironment. They perform the essential functions of extracellular matrix deposition, stromal remodeling, tumor vasculature modulation, modification of tumor metabolism, and participation in crosstalk between cancer and immune cells. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the principal differences between normal fibroblasts and CAFs, the origin of CAFs, their functions, and ultimately, highlight the intimate connection of CAFs to virtually all of the hallmarks of cancer. We address the remarkable degree of functional diversity and phenotypic plasticity displayed by CAFs and strive to stratify CAF biology among different tumor types into practical functional groups. Finally, we summarize the status of recent and ongoing trials of CAF-directed therapies and contend that the paucity of trials resulting in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals thus far is a consequence of the failure to identify targets exclusive of pro-tumorigenic CAF phenotypes that are mechanistically linked to specific CAF functions. We believe that the development of a unified CAF nomenclature, the standardization of functional assays to assess the loss-of-function of CAF properties, and the establishment of rigorous definitions of CAF subpopulations and their mechanistic functions in cancer progression will be crucial to fully realize the promise of CAF-targeted therapies.
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Liang H, Li Z, Ren Z, Jia Q, Guo L, Li S, Zhang H, Hu S, Zhu D, Shen D, Yu Z, Cheng K. Light-triggered NO-releasing nanoparticles for treating mice with liver fibrosis. NANO RESEARCH 2020; 13:2197-2202. [DOI: 10.1007/s12274-020-2833-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
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Berumen J, Baglieri J, Kisseleva T, Mekeel K. Liver fibrosis: Pathophysiology and clinical implications. WIREs Mech Dis 2020; 13:e1499. [PMID: 32713091 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a clinically significant finding that has major impacts on patient morbidity and mortality. The mechanism of fibrosis involves many different cellular pathways, but the major cell type involved appears to be hepatic stellate cells. Many liver diseases, including Hepatitis B, C, and fatty liver disease cause ongoing hepatocellular damage leading to liver fibrosis. No matter the cause of liver disease, liver-related mortality increases exponentially with increasing fibrosis. The progression to cirrhosis brings more dramatic mortality and higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Fibrosis can also affect outcomes following liver transplantation in adult and pediatric patients and require retransplantation. Drugs exist to treat Hepatitis B and C that reverse fibrosis in patients with those viral diseases, but there are currently no therapies to directly treat liver fibrosis. Several mouse models of chronic liver diseases have been successfully reversed using novel drug targets with current therapies focusing mostly on prevention of myofibroblast activation. Further research in these areas could lead to development of drugs to treat fibrosis, which will have invaluable impact on patient survival. This article is categorized under: Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Berumen
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kristin Mekeel
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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Matsuda M, Seki E. The liver fibrosis niche: Novel insights into the interplay between fibrosis-composing mesenchymal cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 143:111556. [PMID: 32640349 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a hepatic wound-healing response caused by chronic liver diseases that include viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and cholestatic liver disease. Liver fibrosis eventually progresses to cirrhosis that is histologically characterized by an abnormal liver architecture that includes distortion of liver parenchyma, formation of regenerative nodules, and a massive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite intensive investigations into the underlying mechanisms of liver fibrosis, developments of anti-fibrotic therapies for liver fibrosis are still unsatisfactory. Recent novel experimental approaches, such as single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics, have revealed the heterogeneity of ECM-producing cells (mesenchymal cells) and ECM-regulating cells (immune cells and endothelial cells). These approaches have accelerated the identification of fibrosis-specific subpopulations among these cell types. The ECM also consists of heterogenous components. Their production, degradation, deposition, and remodeling are dynamically regulated in liver fibrosis, further affecting the functions of cells responsible for fibrosis. These cellular and ECM elements cooperatively form a unique microenvironment: a fibrotic niche. Understanding the complex interplay between these elements could lead to a better understanding of underlying fibrosis mechanisms and to the development of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michitaka Matsuda
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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49
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Li M, Jiang M, Meng J, Tao L. Exosomes: Carriers of Pro-Fibrotic Signals and Therapeutic Targets in Fibrosis. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4496-4509. [PMID: 31814552 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191209161443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles that are released by a variety of cells. Exosomes contain cargo from cells they derived, including lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. The bilayer lipid membrane structure of exosomes protects these contents from degradation, allowing them for intercellular communication. The role of exosomes in fibrotic diseases is increasingly being valued. Exosomes, as carriers of profibrotic signals, are involved in the development of fibrotic diseases, and also regulate fibrosis by transmitting signals that inhibit fibrosis or inflammation. Exosomes mobilize and activate a range of effector cells by targeted delivery of bioactive information. Exosomes can also reflect the condition of cells, tissues and organisms, and thus become potential biomarkers of fibrotic diseases. Exosomes from bone marrow stem cells support biological signaling that regulates and inhibits fibrosis and thus initially used in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. This article briefly summarizes the role of exosomes in the pathogenesis and treatment of fibrotic diseases and raises some issues that remain to be resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 932 Lushans Rd, Yuela, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Organ Fibrosis Research Center, Central South University, 932 Lushans Rd, Yuela, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mao Jiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 932 Lushans Rd, Yuela, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Organ Fibrosis Research Center, Central South University, 932 Lushans Rd, Yuela, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 932 Lushans Rd, Yuela, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Organ Fibrosis Research Center, Central South University, 932 Lushans Rd, Yuela, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lijian Tao
- Organ Fibrosis Research Center, Central South University, 932 Lushans Rd, Yuela, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 932 Lushans Rd, Yuela, Changsha, Hunan, China
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The Vascular Involvement in Soft Tissue Fibrosis-Lessons Learned from Pathological Scarring. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072542. [PMID: 32268503 PMCID: PMC7177855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue fibrosis in important organs such as the heart, liver, lung, and kidney is a serious pathological process that is characterized by excessive connective tissue deposition. It is the result of chronic but progressive accumulation of fibroblasts and their production of extracellular matrix components such as collagens. Research on pathological scars, namely, hypertrophic scars and keloids, may provide important clues about the mechanisms that drive soft tissue fibrosis, in particular the vascular involvement. This is because these dermal fibrotic lesions bear all of the fibrotic characteristics seen in soft tissue fibrosis. Moreover, their location on the skin surface means they are readily observable and directly treatable and therefore more accessible to research. We will focus here on the roles that blood vessel-associated cells play in cutaneous scar pathology and assess from the literature whether these cells also contribute to other soft tissue fibroses. These cells include endothelial cells, which not only exhibit aberrant functions but also differentiate into mesenchymal cells in pathological scars. They also include pericytes, hepatic stellate cells, fibrocytes, and myofibroblasts. This article will review with broad strokes the roles that these cells play in the pathophysiology of different soft tissue fibroses. We hope that this brief but wide-ranging overview of the vascular involvement in fibrosis pathophysiology will aid research into the mechanisms underlying fibrosis and that this will eventually lead to the development of interventions that can prevent, reduce, or even reverse fibrosis formation and/or progression.
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