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Ntambi JN, Kalyesubula M, Cootway D, Lewis SA, Phang YX, Liu Z, O'Neill LM, Lefers L, Huff H, Miller JR, Pegkou Christofi V, Anderson E, Aljohani A, Mutebi F, Dutta M, Patterson A, Ntambi JM. Hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 deficiency induces fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma-related gene activation under a high carbohydrate low fat diet. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2024; 1869:159538. [PMID: 39067685 PMCID: PMC11323073 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2024.159538] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) is a pivotal enzyme in lipogenesis, which catalyzes the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) from saturated fatty acids, whose ablation downregulates lipid synthesis, preventing steatosis and obesity. Yet deletion of SCD1 promotes hepatic inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress, raising the question of whether hepatic SCD1 deficiency promotes further liver damage, including fibrosis. To delineate whether SCD1 deficiency predisposes the liver to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we employed in vivo SCD1 deficient global and liver-specific mouse models fed a high carbohydrate low-fat diet and in vitro established AML12 mouse cells. The absence of liver SCD1 remarkably increased the saturation of liver lipid species, as indicated by lipidomic analysis, and led to hepatic fibrosis. Consistently, SCD1 deficiency promoted hepatic gene expression related to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Deletion of SCD1 increased the circulating levels of Osteopontin, known to be increased in fibrosis, and alpha-fetoprotein, often used as an early marker and a prognostic marker for patients with HCC. De novo lipogenesis or dietary supplementation of oleate, an SCD1-generated MUFA, restored the gene expression related to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Although SCD1 deficient mice are protected against obesity and fatty liver, our results show that MUFA deprivation results in liver injury, including fibrosis, thus providing novel insights between MUFA insufficiency and pathways leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC under lean non-steatotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne-Norah Ntambi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Tufts Medical Center, Radiation Oncology, 800 Washington St., Box 359, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Mugagga Kalyesubula
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Dylan Cootway
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sarah A Lewis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yar Xin Phang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Zhaojin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Lucas M O'Neill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Lucas Lefers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Hailey Huff
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jacqueline Rose Miller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Veronica Pegkou Christofi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ethan Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ahmed Aljohani
- College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Francis Mutebi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mainak Dutta
- Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Department of Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani Dubai Campus, Academic City, Dubai 345055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Andrew Patterson
- Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, University Park, PA 16802, United States; The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - James M Ntambi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Seleem AA, Hussein BH. Effects of silver nanoparticles prepared by aqueous extract of Ferula communis on the developing mouse embryo after maternal exposure. Toxicol Ind Health 2023; 39:712-734. [PMID: 37871157 DOI: 10.1177/07482337231209094] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous silver nitrate has been achieved using an extract of Ferula communis leaf as a capping, reducing, and stabilizing agent. The formation and stability of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles in the colloidal solution were monitored by absorption measurements. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by different analyses such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and FT-IR spectroscopy. The average particle size of silver nanoparticles was determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. In this experiment, pregnant female mice were divided into four groups (G); G1 was the control and received phosphate-buffered saline, G2 received orally aqueous extract of F. communis leaf, G3 received orally AgNPs chemically prepared by NaBH4, and G4 received orally AgNPs prepared by aqueous extract of F. communis leaf. The diameter of AgNPs was 20 nm. AgNPs exhibited good catalytic reduction ability toward methyl orange in the presence of sodium borohydride with a rate constant of 2.95 x 10-4 s-1. The results revealed the occurrence of resorbed embryos in G2, G3, and G4 with different percentages. The livers of mothers and embryos at E14.5 in G2, G3, and G4 showed different levels of histopathological alteration and increase in GFAP and CTGF expressions compared with the control group. The study concluded that the oral administration of small-sized AgNPs (20 nm) prepared by Ferula extract had less toxicity than those prepared by the chemical method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin A Seleem
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Arts, Al Ula, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Belal Hm Hussein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Arts, Al Ula, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Patricelli C, Lehmann P, Oxford JT, Pu X. Doxorubicin-induced modulation of TGF-β signaling cascade in mouse fibroblasts: insights into cardiotoxicity mechanisms. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18944. [PMID: 37919370 PMCID: PMC10622533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46216-7] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity has been widely observed, yet the specific impact on cardiac fibroblasts is not fully understood. Additionally, the modulation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway by DOX remains to be fully elucidated. This study investigated DOX's ability to modulate the expression of genes and proteins involved in the TGF-β signaling cascade in mouse fibroblasts from two sources by assessing the impact of DOX treatment on TGF-β inducible expression of pivotal genes and proteins within fibroblasts. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH3T3) and mouse primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were treated with DOX in the presence of TGF-β1 to assess changes in protein levels by western blot and changes in mRNA levels by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) protein levels upon DOX treatment in both NIH3T3 and CFs, suggesting an antifibrotic activity by DOX in these fibroblasts. However, DOX only inhibited the TGF-β1 induced expression of COL1 in NIH3T3 cells but not in CFs. In addition, we observed that DOX treatment reduced the expression of BMP1 in NIH3T3 but not primary cardiac fibroblasts. No significant changes in SMAD2 protein expression and phosphorylation in either cells were observed after DOX treatment. Finally, DOX inhibited the expression of Atf4 gene and increased the expression of Cdkn1a, Id1, Id2, Runx1, Tgfb1, Inhba, Thbs1, Bmp1, and Stat1 genes in NIH3T3 cells but not CFs, indicating the potential for cell-specific responses to DOX and its modulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conner Patricelli
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Programs, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1512, USA
| | - Parker Lehmann
- Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, Meridian, ID, 83642-8046, USA
| | - Julia Thom Oxford
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Programs, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1512, USA
- Biomolecular Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1511, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1515, USA
| | - Xinzhu Pu
- Biomolecular Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1511, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1515, USA.
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Situmorang JH, Chen MC, Kuo WW, Lin SZ, Shih CY, Lin PY, Loh CH, Huang CY. 9-POHSA prevents NF-kB activation and ameliorates LPS-induced inflammation in rat hepatocytes. Lipids 2023; 58:241-249. [PMID: 37604154 DOI: 10.1002/lipd.12380] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Liver inflammation has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, leading to the development of diseases like hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and fatty liver disease. One factor that has been linked to liver inflammation is increased levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which can be caused by poor diets and sedentary lifestyles that contribute to liver inflammation. There is promising research on a new class of lipids called fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), which have been shown to potentiate insulin release and exert an anti-inflammatory effect. Specifically, one type of FAHFA called 9-POHSA (palmitoleic acid ester of 9-hydroxy stearic acid) has been studied for its potential to attenuate inflammation-related indexes induced by LPS in hepatocytes, which play a critical role in the progression of liver inflammation. This study found that following LPS treatment, tumor necrosis factor- α, interleukin-6, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were upregulated and increased cell migration, but 9-POHSA pre-treatment attenuated the upregulation of these markers and prevented cell migration induced by LPS. Using flowcytometry analysis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was found to be responsible for CTGF upregulation. In addition, the effects of 9-POHSA were likely associated with its inhibition of the activation of the NF-kB. These results suggest that 9-POHSA has potential as a therapy for liver inflammation and fibrosis by attenuating inflammation-related indexes induced by LPS in hepatocytes. This study provides important insight into the mechanisms of liver inflammation and the potential for new treatments to address liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiro Hasegawa Situmorang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Center for Biomedical Research, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Ming-Cheng Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Kuo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Zong Lin
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | | | - Pi-Yu Lin
- Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hui Loh
- Department of Family Medicine and Medical Research, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Center for Aging and Health, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan
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Nam Y, Kim M, Erdenebileg S, Cha KH, Ryu DH, Kim HY, Lee SH, Jung JH, Nho CW. Sanguisorba officinalis L. Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Fatty Acid Oxidation, and Gut Microbiota in CDAHFD-Induced Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:3779. [PMID: 37686810 PMCID: PMC10490207 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver diseases and encompasses non-alcoholic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. Sanguisorba officinalis L. (SO) roots have traditionally been used for their antioxidant properties and have beneficial effects on metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. However, its effects on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of a 95% ethanolic SO extract (SOEE) on NAFLD and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. The SOEE was orally administered to C57BL/6J mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino-acid-defined, high-fat diet for 10 weeks. The SOEE inhibited hepatic steatosis by modulating hepatic malondialdehyde levels and the expression of oxidative stress-associated genes, regulating fatty-acid-oxidation-related genes, and inhibiting the expression of genes that are responsible for fibrosis. The SOEE suppressed the deposition of extracellular matrix hydroxyproline and mRNA expression of fibrosis-associated genes. The SOEE decreased the expression of fibrosis-related genes in vitro by inhibiting SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, the SOEE restored the gut microbial diversity and modulated specific bacterial genera associated with NAFLD and fibrosis. This study suggests that SOEE might be the potential candidate for inhibiting hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by modulating oxidative stress, fatty acid oxidation, and gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunseong Nam
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Myungsuk Kim
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Natural Product Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Saruul Erdenebileg
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Kwang Hyun Cha
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hye Ryu
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Ho Youn Kim
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Su Hyeon Lee
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Je Hyeong Jung
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Chu Won Nho
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
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Borkham-Kamphorst E, Meurer SK, Weiskirchen R. Expression and biological function of the cellular communication network factor 5 (CCN5) in primary liver cells. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00757-8. [PMID: 37166689 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00757-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular (centralized) communication network (CCN) factor protein family contains six small secreted cysteine-rich proteins sharing high structural similarity. These matricellular proteins have vital biological functions in cell adhesion, migration, cell cycle progression, and control of production and degradation of extracellular matrix. However, in liver the biological functions of CCN proteins become most visible during hepatic injury, disease, and remodeling. In particular, most of the hepatic functions of CCN proteins were derived from CCN2/CTGF, which becomes highly expressed in damaged hepatocytes and acts as a profibrogenic molecule. On the contrary, CCN1/CYR61 seems to have opposite effects, while the biological activity during hepatic fibrosis is somewhat controversially discussed for other CCN family members. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of CCN5/WISP2 in cultures of different types of primary liver cells and in an experimental model of hepatic fibrosis. We found that CCN5 is expressed in hepatic stellate cells, myofibroblasts and portal myofibroblasts, while CCN5 expression is virtually absent in hepatocytes. During hepatic fibrogenesis, CCN5 is significantly upregulated. Overexpression of CCN5 in portal myofibroblasts reduced expression of transforming growth factor-β receptor I (ALK5) and concomitant Smad2 activation, whereas JunB expression is upregulated. Moreover, elevated expression of CCN5 induces endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response and apoptosis in portal myofibroblasts. We suggest that upregulated expression of CCN5 might be an intrinsic control mechanism that counteracts overshooting fibrotic responses in profibrogenic liver cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Steffen K Meurer
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Łotowska JM, Sobaniec-Łotowska ME, Bobrus-Chociej A, Sobaniec P. The Ultrastructure of Hepatic Stellate Cell-Macrophage Intercellular Crosstalk as a New Morphological Insight into Phenomenon of Fibrogenesis in Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031024. [PMID: 36769672 PMCID: PMC9917971 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031024] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was the pioneering retrospective ultrastructural evaluation of respective forms of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and analysis of their crosstalk with other adjacent nonparenchymal cells (NPCs), especially Kupffer cells/macrophages (KCs/MPs), in pediatric autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). METHODS Ultrastructural assessment of the HSC population and NPCs was performed in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using pretreatment liver biopsies from 25 children (8 boys and 17 girls) aged 4-17 with clinic-pathologically diagnosed untreated AIH. RESULTS Submicroscopic evaluation allowed easy identification of numerous HSCs in the form of transitory cells, i.e., T-HSCs, accompanied by signs of fibrosis. T-HSCs included cells with features of activation initiation (iHSCs) and activation perpetuation (pHSCs), indicating high HSC activation plasticity. The pHSCs were markedly elongated and mainly showed a distinct loss of lipid cytoplasmic material, expanded and dilated channels of granular endoplasmic reticulum, and linear bundles of microfilaments beneath the cell membrane. They were surrounded by usually mature collagen fibers. Frequently activated KCs/MPs adhered directly to T-HSCs. Between them, tight intercellular junctions were formed by means of point desmosomes. CONCLUSIONS Our qualitative TEM observations indicate a key role of T-HSCs in liver fibrogenesis in pediatric AIH, with the essential involvement of activated KCs/MPs that directly adhere to them. Tight intercellular junctions, being the ultrastructural exponent of the specific cellular mechanisms of the crosstalk between NPCs, can play a vital role in hepatic collagen fibroplasia. A better understanding of HSC population morphology at the ultrastructural level in AIH seems important not only to improve the disease morphological diagnostics but to also provide new insights into therapeutic interventions for the phenomenon of liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Maria Łotowska
- Department of Medical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry and Division of Medical Education in English, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.M.Ł.); (P.S.)
| | - Maria Elżbieta Sobaniec-Łotowska
- Department of Medical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry and Division of Medical Education in English, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna Bobrus-Chociej
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry and Division of Medical Education in English, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Sobaniec
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry and Division of Medical Education in English, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.M.Ł.); (P.S.)
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Sakai N, Kamimura K, Miyamoto H, Ko M, Nagoya T, Setsu T, Sakamaki A, Yokoo T, Kamimura H, Soki H, Tokunaga A, Inamine T, Nakashima M, Enomoto H, Kousaka K, Tachiki H, Ohyama K, Terai S. Letrozole ameliorates liver fibrosis through the inhibition of the CTGF pathway and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 expression. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:53-68. [PMID: 36301364 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-022-01929-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To establish a treatment option for liver fibrosis, the possibility of the drug repurposing theory was investigated, with a focus on the off-target effects of active pharmaceutical ingredients. METHODS First, several active pharmaceutical ingredients were screened for their effects on the gene expression in the hepatocytes using chimeric mice with humanized hepatocytes. As per the gene expression-based screening assay for 36 medications, we assessed the mechanism of the antifibrotic effect of letrozole, a third-generation aromatase inhibitor, in mouse models of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet. We assessed liver histology, serum biochemical markers, and fibrosis-related gene and protein expressions in the hepatocytes. RESULTS A gene expression-based screening assay revealed that letrozole had a modifying effect on fibrosis-related gene expression in the hepatocytes, including YAP, CTGF, TGF-β, and CYP26A1. Letrozole was administered to mouse models of CCl4- and MCD-induced liver fibrosis and it ameliorated the liver fibrosis. The mechanisms involved the inhibition of the Yap-Ctgf profibrotic pathway following a decrease in retinoic acid levels in the hepatocytes caused by suppression of the hepatic retinol dehydrogenase, Hsd17b13 and activation of the retinoic acid hydrogenase, Cyp26a1. CONCLUSIONS Letrozole slowed the progression of liver fibrosis by inhibiting the Yap-Ctgf pathway. The mechanisms involved the modification of the Hsd17b13 and Cyp26a1 expressions led to the suppression of retinoic acid in the hepatocytes, which contributed to the activation of Yap-Ctgf pathway. Because of its off-target effect, letrozole could be repurposed for the treatment of liver fibrosis. The third-generation aromatase inhibitor letrozole ameliorated liver fibrosis by suppressing the Yap-Ctgf pathway by partially modifying the Hsd17b13 and Cyp26a1 expressions, which reduced the retinoic acid level in the hepatocytes. The gene expression analysis using chimeric mice with humanized liver revealed that the mechanisms are letrozole specific and, therefore, may be repurposed for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norihiro Sakai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan. .,Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Hirotaka Miyamoto
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Ko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takuro Nagoya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Toru Setsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Akira Sakamaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroteru Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Soki
- Unit of Medical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Ayako Tokunaga
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Inamine
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.,Organization for Research Promotion, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara-Cho, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Mikiro Nakashima
- Unit of Medical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Hatsune Enomoto
- Scientific Research and Business Development Department, Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kadoma, Osaka, 571-8580, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kousaka
- Scientific Research and Business Development Department, Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kadoma, Osaka, 571-8580, Japan
| | - Hidehisa Tachiki
- Scientific Research and Business Development Department, Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kadoma, Osaka, 571-8580, Japan
| | - Kaname Ohyama
- Unit of Medical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.,Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
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9
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Fuchs L, Mausner-Fainberg K, Luban A, Asseyer SE, Golan M, Benhamou M, Volovitz I, Regev K, Vigiser I, Piura Y, Kolb H, Paul F, Karni A. CTGF/CCN2 has a possible detrimental role in the inflammation and the remyelination failure in the early stages of multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 371:577936. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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10
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Liver-fibrosis-activated transcriptional networks govern hepatocyte reprogramming and intra-hepatic communication. Cell Metab 2021; 33:1685-1700.e9. [PMID: 34237252 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a strong predictor of long-term mortality in individuals with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease; yet, the mechanisms underlying the progression from the comparatively benign fatty liver state to advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis are incompletely understood. Using cell-type-resolved genomics, we show that comprehensive alterations in hepatocyte genomic and transcriptional settings during NASH progression, led to a loss of hepatocyte identity. The hepatocyte reprogramming was under tight cooperative control of a network of fibrosis-activated transcription factors, as exemplified by the transcription factor Elf-3 (ELF3) and zinc finger protein GLIS2 (GLIS2). Indeed, ELF3- and GLIS2-controlled fibrosis-dependent hepatokine genes targeting disease-associated hepatic stellate cell gene programs. Thus, interconnected transcription factor networks not only promoted hepatocyte dysfunction but also directed the intra-hepatic crosstalk necessary for NASH and fibrosis progression, implying that molecular "hub-centered" targeting strategies are superior to existing mono-target approaches as currently used in NASH therapy.
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11
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Serum Amyloid Beta42 Is Not Eliminated by the Cirrhotic Liver: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122669. [PMID: 34204545 PMCID: PMC8235170 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition in the brain is the main pathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease. Peripheral clearance of Aβ may possibly also lower brain levels. Recent evidence suggested that hepatic clearance of Aβ42 is impaired in liver cirrhosis. To further test this hypothesis, serum Aβ42 was measured by ELISA in portal venous serum (PVS), systemic venous serum (SVS), and hepatic venous serum (HVS) of 20 patients with liver cirrhosis. Mean Aβ42 level was 24.7 ± 20.4 pg/mL in PVS, 21.2 ± 16.7 pg/mL in HVS, and 19.2 ± 11.7 pg/mL in SVS. Similar levels in the three blood compartments suggested that the cirrhotic liver does not clear Aβ42. Aβ42 was neither associated with the model of end-stage liver disease score nor the Child–Pugh score. Patients with abnormal creatinine or bilirubin levels or prolonged prothrombin time did not display higher Aβ42 levels. Patients with massive ascites and patients with large varices had serum Aβ42 levels similar to patients without these complications. Serum Aβ42 was negatively associated with connective tissue growth factor levels (r = −0.580, p = 0.007) and a protective role of Aβ42 in fibrogenesis was already described. Diabetic patients with liver cirrhosis had higher Aβ42 levels (p = 0.069 for PVS, p = 0.047 for HVS and p = 0.181 for SVS), which is in accordance with previous reports. Present analysis showed that the cirrhotic liver does not eliminate Aβ42. Further studies are needed to explore the association of liver cirrhosis, Aβ42 levels, and cognitive dysfunction.
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12
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Growth Factors Assessed during Kasai Procedure in Liver and Serum Are Not Predictive for the Postoperative Liver Deterioration in Infants with Biliary Atresia. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091978. [PMID: 34062967 PMCID: PMC8124311 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Biliary atresia (BA) is a neonatal cholangiopathy characterized by progressive destruction of the biliary system resulting in liver cirrhosis. Residual bile drainage can temporarily be achieved through Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) and some children show long-term survival with their native liver. However, most children eventually require liver transplantation (LTX). As several growth factors (GF) and chemokines have been shown to promote fibrogenesis in the liver, we assessed whether GF are predictive for the course of disease. Material and Methods: Liver and sera samples were collected from 49 infants with BA during KPE. Levels of 13 different GF were measured by multiplex immunoassay. Patient outcomes were stratified into favorable (bilirubin < 20 µmol/L at 2-year follow-up) and unfavorable (LTX). GF levels were compared between groups by a t-test, correlation coefficients were calculated, and principal component analyses performed. Results: Twenty-two patients showed a favorable and 27 an unfavorable disease course. No relation of GF and outcome could be established. In both groups, high levels of SDF-1alpha/CXCL12 (1473.0 ± 497.5 pg/mL), FGF2 (301.2 ± 207.8 pg/mL), and VEGF-a (209.0 ± 146.4 pg/mL) levels were measured within the liver, followed (in descending order) by PDGF-bb, LIF, GM-CSF, BDNF, VEGF-d, beta-NGF, IL-7, SCF, PIGF-1, and EGF. Serum marker levels showed much higher mean variation compared to hepatic values and no correlation to the protein microenvironment in the liver. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates high amounts of GF in livers from infants with BA at KPE, but no correlation to the outcome or serum values could be established. Our data suggest that local or systemic GF levels are unsuitable for prediction of the disease course. Collectively, we conclude that in BA the degree of proliferative activity caused by GF is a dismissible factor for the further course of disease.
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13
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Aydin Y, Koksal AR, Reddy V, Lin D, Osman H, Heidari Z, Rhadhi SM, Wimley WC, Parsi MA, Dash S. Extracellular Vesicle Release Promotes Viral Replication during Persistent HCV Infection. Cells 2021; 10:cells10050984. [PMID: 33922397 PMCID: PMC8146326 DOI: 10.3390/cells10050984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection promotes autophagic degradation of viral replicative intermediates for sustaining replication and spread. The excessive activation of autophagy can induce cell death and terminate infection without proper regulation. A prior publication from this laboratory showed that an adaptive cellular response to HCV microbial stress inhibits autophagy through beclin 1 degradation. The mechanisms of how secretory and degradative autophagy are regulated during persistent HCV infection is unknown. This study was performed to understand the mechanisms of viral persistence in the absence of degradative autophagy, which is essential for virus survival. Using HCV infection of a CD63-green fluorescence protein (CD63-GFP), labeled stable transfected Huh-7.5 cell, we found that autophagy induction at the early stage of HCV infection increased the degradation of CD63-GFP that favored virus replication. However, the late-stage of persistent HCV infection showed impaired autophagic degradation, leading to the accumulation of CD63-GFP. We found that impaired autophagic degradation promoted the release of extracellular vesicles and exosomes. The impact of blocking the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) on virus survival was investigated in persistently infected cells and sub-genomic replicon cells. Our study illustrates that blocking EV and exosome release severely suppresses virus replication without effecting host cell viability. Furthermore, we found that blocking EV release triggers interferon lambda 1 secretion. These findings suggest that the release of EVs is an innate immune escape mechanism that promotes persistent HCV infection. We propose that inhibition of extracellular vesicle release can be explored as a potential antiviral strategy for the treatment of HCV and other emerging RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucel Aydin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (Y.A.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (H.O.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Ali Riza Koksal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.R.K.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Venu Reddy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (Y.A.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (H.O.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Dong Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (Y.A.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (H.O.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Hanadi Osman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (Y.A.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (H.O.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Zahra Heidari
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sadeq Mutlab Rhadhi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (Y.A.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (H.O.); (S.M.R.)
| | - William C Wimley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Mansour A Parsi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.R.K.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Srikanta Dash
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (Y.A.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (H.O.); (S.M.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.R.K.); (M.A.P.)
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-504-988-2519; Fax: +1-504-988-7389
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14
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Chiu YJ, Wu KC, Tsai JC, Kao CP, Chao J, Peng WH, Cheng HY. Hepatoprotective Effect of the Fruits of Polygonum orientale L. Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Nat Prod Commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20971501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of the fruits of Polygonum orientale L. (POE) against fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury. Bioactive components of POE were identified using liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS by comparison with standards. Treatment with either silymarin (200 mg/kg) or POE (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) caused significant decreases in the serum levels of enzymes and reduced the extent of liver lesions and fibrosis in histological analysis. POE (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) decreased the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, proinflammatory cytokines (ie, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6), an inflammatory cytokine (ie, cyclooxygenase-2), a profibrotic cytokine (ie, transforming growth factor-β), and fibrosis-related proteins (ie, connective tissue growth factor and α-smooth muscle actin) in the liver and enhanced the activities of the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase. Quantitative analysis of the active constituents in POE revealed an extract composition of 3.4 mg/g of protocatechuic acid, 20.8 mg/g of taxifolin, and 5.6 mg/g of quercetin. We have demonstrated that the hepatoprotective mechanisms of POE are likely to be associated with the decrease in inflammatory cytokines by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Our findings provide evidence that POE possesses a hepatoprotective activity to ameliorate chronic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Jia Chiu
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Chang Wu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Chieh Tsai
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, College of Biotechnology and Bio-Resources, Da-Yeh University, Chang-Hua, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Research Center, Da-Yeh University, Chang-Hua, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Pin Kao
- Hsin Sheng College of Medical Care and Management, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Jung Chao
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen Huang Peng
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Yuan Cheng
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan
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15
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Leslie J, Macia MG, Luli S, Worrell JC, Reilly WJ, Paish HL, Knox A, Barksby BS, Gee LM, Zaki MYW, Collins AL, Burgoyne RA, Cameron R, Bragg C, Xu X, Chung GW, Brown CDA, Blanchard AD, Nanthakumar CB, Karsdal M, Robinson SM, Manas DM, Sen G, French J, White SA, Murphy S, Trost M, Zakrzewski JL, Klein U, Schwabe RF, Mederacke I, Nixon C, Bird T, Teuwen LA, Schoonjans L, Carmeliet P, Mann J, Fisher AJ, Sheerin NS, Borthwick LA, Mann DA, Oakley F. c-Rel orchestrates energy-dependent epithelial and macrophage reprogramming in fibrosis. Nat Metab 2020; 2:1350-1367. [PMID: 33168981 PMCID: PMC7116435 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-020-00306-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common pathological feature of chronic disease. Deletion of the NF-κB subunit c-Rel limits fibrosis in multiple organs, although the mechanistic nature of this protection is unresolved. Using cell-specific gene-targeting manipulations in mice undergoing liver damage, we elucidate a critical role for c-Rel in controlling metabolic changes required for inflammatory and fibrogenic activities of hepatocytes and macrophages and identify Pfkfb3 as the key downstream metabolic mediator of this response. Independent deletions of Rel in hepatocytes or macrophages suppressed liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride, while combined deletion had an additive anti-fibrogenic effect. In transforming growth factor-β1-induced hepatocytes, c-Rel regulates expression of a pro-fibrogenic secretome comprising inflammatory molecules and connective tissue growth factor, the latter promoting collagen secretion from HMs. Macrophages lacking c-Rel fail to polarize to M1 or M2 states, explaining reduced fibrosis in RelΔLysM mice. Pharmacological inhibition of c-Rel attenuated multi-organ fibrosis in both murine and human fibrosis. In conclusion, activation of c-Rel/Pfkfb3 in damaged tissue instigates a paracrine signalling network among epithelial, myeloid and mesenchymal cells to stimulate fibrogenesis. Targeting the c-Rel-Pfkfb3 axis has potential for therapeutic applications in fibrotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Leslie
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Marina García Macia
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Saimir Luli
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Julie C Worrell
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - William J Reilly
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hannah L Paish
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amber Knox
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ben S Barksby
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lucy M Gee
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marco Y W Zaki
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Amy L Collins
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rachel A Burgoyne
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rainie Cameron
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Charlotte Bragg
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Xin Xu
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Git W Chung
- Newcells Biotech, The Biosphere, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Colin D A Brown
- Newcells Biotech, The Biosphere, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew D Blanchard
- Fibrosis Discovery Performance Unit, Respiratory Therapy Area, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Carmel B Nanthakumar
- Fibrosis Discovery Performance Unit, Respiratory Therapy Area, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Morten Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Biomarkers & Research, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Stuart M Robinson
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Derek M Manas
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gourab Sen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jeremy French
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven A White
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sandra Murphy
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matthias Trost
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Johannes L Zakrzewski
- Center for Discovery and Innovation and John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Ulf Klein
- Division of Haematology & Immunology, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Ingmar Mederacke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Colin Nixon
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tom Bird
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laure-Anne Teuwen
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Schoonjans
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jelena Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Fibrofind, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew J Fisher
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Transplantation, The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Neil S Sheerin
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lee A Borthwick
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Fibrofind, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Derek A Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Fibrofind, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Fibrofind, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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16
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Yin Y, Kong D, He K, Xia Q. Regeneration and activation of liver progenitor cells in liver cirrhosis. Genes Dis 2020; 8:623-628. [PMID: 34291133 PMCID: PMC8278536 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is characterized as the progress of regenerative nodules surrounded by fibrous bands in response to chronic hepatic injury and causes portal hypertension and end-stage hepatic disease. Following liver injury, liver progenitor cells (LPCs) can be activated and differentiate into hepatocytes in order to awaken liver regeneration and reach homeostasis. Recent research has uncovered some new sources of LPCs. Here, we update the mechanisms of LPCs-mediated liver regeneration in cirrhosis by introducing the origin of LPCs and LPCs’ niche with a discussion of the influence of LPC-related cells. This article analyzes the mechanism of regeneration and activation of LPCs in cirrhosis in recent years aiming to provide help for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanze Yin
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Defu Kong
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, 9713, the Netherlands
| | - Kang He
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
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17
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EX-527 Prevents the Progression of High-Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis by Upregulating SIRT4 in Zucker Rats. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051101. [PMID: 32365537 PMCID: PMC7290750 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sirtuin (SIRT) is known to prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the role of SIRT4 in the progression of hepatic fibrosis remains unknown. We hypothesize that EX-527, a selective SIRT1 inhibitor, can inhibit the progression of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic fibrosis. We found that SIRT4 expression in the liver of NAFLD patients is significantly lower than that in normal subjects. In this study, EX-527 (5 µg/kg), administered to HFD rats twice a week for ten weeks, reduced the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and attenuated hepatic fibrosis evidenced by Masson’s trichrome and hepatic fat by oil red-O staining. EX-527 upregulated SIRT2, SIRT3, and SIRT4 expression in the liver of HFD fed rats but downregulated transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. It decreased proinflammatory cytokine production and hydroxyproline levels in the serum and SMAD4 expression and restored apoptotic protein (Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3) expression. These data propose a critical role for the SIRT4/SMAD4 axis in hepatic fibrogenesis. SIRT4 upregulation has the potential to counter HFD-induced lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. We demonstrate that EX-527 is a promising candidate in inhibiting the progression of HFD-induced liver fibrosis.
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18
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Bandopadhyay M, Bharadwaj M. Exosomal miRNAs in hepatitis B virus related liver disease: a new hope for biomarker. Gut Pathog 2020; 12:23. [PMID: 32346400 PMCID: PMC7183117 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-020-00353-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organisation, in its 2019 progress report on HIV, viral hepatitis and STDs indicates that 257 million people are afflicted with chronic HBV infections, of which, 1 million patients lose their lives every year due to HBV related chronic liver diseases including serious complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The course of HBV infection and associated liver injury depend on several host factors, genetic variability of the virus, and the host viral interplay. The challenge of medical science is the early diagnosis/identification of the potential for development of fatal complications like liver cirrhosis and HCC so that timely medical intervention can improve the chances of survival. Currently, neither the vaccination regime nor the diagnostic methods are completely effective as reflected in the high number of annual deaths. It is evident from numerous publications that microRNAs (miRNAs) are the critical regulators of gene expression and various cellular processes like proliferation, development, differentiation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Expressions of these diminutive RNAs are significantly affected in cancerous tissues as a result of numerous genomic and epigenetic modifications. Exosomes are membrane-derived vesicles (30–100 nm) secreted by normal as well as malignant cells, and are present in all body fluids. They are recognized as critical molecules in intercellular communication between cells through horizontal transfer of information via their cargo, which includes selective proteins, mRNAs and miRNAs. Exosomal miRNAs are transferred to recipient cells where they can regulate target gene expression. This provides an insight into the elementary biology of cancer progression and therefore the development of therapeutic approaches. This concise review outlines various on-going research on miRNA mediated regulation of HBV pathogenesis with special emphasis on association of exosomal miRNA in advanced stage liver disease like hepatocellular carcinoma. This review also discusses the possible use of exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers in the early detection of HCC and liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manikankana Bandopadhyay
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301 India
| | - Mausumi Bharadwaj
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301 India
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Dessein H, Duflot N, Romano A, Opio C, Pereira V, Mola C, Kabaterene N, Coutinho A, Dessein A. Genetic algorithms identify individuals with high risk of severe liver disease caused by schistosomes. Hum Genet 2020; 139:821-831. [PMID: 32277285 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02160-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomes induce severe hepatic disease, which is fatal in 2-10% of cases, mortality being higher in cases of co-infection with HBV or HCV. Hepatic disease occurs as a consequence of the chronic inflammation caused by schistosome eggs trapped in liver sinusoids. In certain individuals, the repair process leads to a massive accumulation of fibrosis in the periportal spaces. We and others have shown that genetic variants play a crucial role in disease progression from mild to severe fibrosis and explain why hepatic fibrosis progresses rapidly in certain subjects only. We will review here published findings concerning the strategies that have been used in the analysis of hepatic fibrosis in schistosome-infected individuals, the genetic variants that have associated with fibrosis, and variants in new pathways crucial for fibrosis progression. Together, these studies show that the development of fibrosis is under the tight genetic control of various common variants with moderate effects. This polygenic control has made it possible to develop models that identify schistosome-infected individual at risk of severe hepatic disease. We discuss the performances and limitations of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélia Dessein
- BILHI Genetics, 60 Avenue André Roussin, 13016, Marseille, France
- UMR_S906-Génétique Et Immunologie Des Maladies Parasitaires, Aix Marseille Université-INSERM, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Duflot
- BILHI Genetics, 60 Avenue André Roussin, 13016, Marseille, France
- UMR_S906-Génétique Et Immunologie Des Maladies Parasitaires, Aix Marseille Université-INSERM, Marseille, France
| | - Audrey Romano
- BILHI Genetics, 60 Avenue André Roussin, 13016, Marseille, France
- UMR_S906-Génétique Et Immunologie Des Maladies Parasitaires, Aix Marseille Université-INSERM, Marseille, France
| | - Christopher Opio
- Department of Medicine, Mulago Hospital, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Valeria Pereira
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, Fundaçao Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Professor Moraes Rego, S/N Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50740-465, Brazil
| | - Carla Mola
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, Fundaçao Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Professor Moraes Rego, S/N Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50740-465, Brazil
| | - Narcis Kabaterene
- Vector Control Division Uganda, Ministry of Health, Queen's Ln, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ana Coutinho
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rio de Janeiro, Av. Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Alain Dessein
- BILHI Genetics, 60 Avenue André Roussin, 13016, Marseille, France.
- UMR_S906-Génétique Et Immunologie Des Maladies Parasitaires, Aix Marseille Université-INSERM, Marseille, France.
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20
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Hepatocarcinoma-intestine-pancreas/pancreatitis-associated protein (HIP/PAP) confers protection against hepatic fibrosis through downregulation of transforming growth factor β receptor II. J Transl Med 2020; 100:466-482. [PMID: 31641222 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-019-0314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocarcinoma-intestine-pancreas/pancreatitis-associated protein (HIP/PAP) has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mitogenic, and antiapoptotic effects and thus exerts important functions in the maintenance of integrity and homeostasis of several organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and liver. Although the potent hepatoprotective effect of HIP/PAP has been validated, its impact on liver fibrosis has not been reported. In this study, we evaluated the role of HIP/PAP on hepatic fibrosis and explored the possible underlying mechanisms. We found that the expression of HIP/PAP and its mouse counterpart, Reg3B, was markedly upregulated in fibrotic human or mouse livers. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, and TNF-α but not TGF-β1 significantly induced hepatic overexpression of Reg3B in mice. In both CCl4 and BDL liver fibrosis models, adenovirus-mediated ectopic expression of HIP/PAP markedly alleviated liver injury, inflammation, collagen deposition, hepatic stellate cell activation, and the overexpression of profibrotic cytokines, including transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A, B, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), in mice. In vitro experiments demonstrated that, in addition to suppressing hepatic stellate cell proliferation and accelerating hepatocyte proliferation, HIP/PAP mitigated TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cell activation, hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and upregulated expression of profibrotic cytokines in both hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes. Moreover, HIP/PAP attenuated the overexpression of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII) in fibrotic mouse livers and decreased the basal expression of TGF-βRII in nonfibrotic mouse livers as well as in cultured hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells, which is at least partly attributable to the TGF-β1-antagonizing function of HIP/PAP. This study indicates that increased expression of hepatic HIP/PAP serves as a countermeasure against liver injury and fibrosis. Exogenous supplementation of HIP/PAP might be a promising therapeutic agent for hepatic fibrosis as well as liver injury.
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21
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Chen W, Li Y, Hsu CT, Niu CS, Pen WH, Cheng KC, Niu HS. Connective tissue growth factor in hepatocytes is elevated by carbon tetrachloride via STAT3 activation. Mol Med Rep 2020; 21:1390-1398. [PMID: 31922209 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.10916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is widely used to induce hepatic fibrosis. Therapeutic agents alleviate hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. To understand the direct effects of CCl4 on STAT3 expression in the liver, the present study incubated cultured hepatocytes expressing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) with CCl4. Rats exposed to CCl4 for 8 weeks exhibited hepatic fibrosis, which was confirmed through the assessment of plasma biomarkers. Isolated liver samples were used to determine the protein levels of CTGF and STAT3 using western blotting. In addition, STAT3 expression was silenced in α mouse liver 12 (AML‑12) cells using small interfering RNA transfection. In addition, a pharmacological inhibitor, stattic, was used to inhibit STAT3 expression. The incubation of AML‑12 cells with CCl4 induced a dose‑dependent increase in CTGF expression and STAT3 activation. Notably, silymarin, an extract from milk thistle, inhibited these changes in AML‑12 cells and the antioxidant tiron produced similar effects. Silencing of STAT3 reduced the CTGF expression promoted by CCl4 in the hepatocytes. Additionally, similar to tiron, stattic inhibited CTGF expression induced by CCl4. In conclusion, CCl4 may activate STAT3 through oxidative stress to promote CTGF expression, which is one of the main factors contributing to the risk of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhsu Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, E‑Da Hospital, I‑Shou University, Kaohsiung 82401, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yingxiao Li
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Chao-Tien Hsu
- Department of Pathology, E‑Da Hospital, I‑Shou University, Kaohsiung 82401, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chiang-Shan Niu
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 97005, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Huang Pen
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kai-Chun Cheng
- Pharmacological Department of Herbal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Ho-Shan Niu
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 97005, Taiwan, R.O.C
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22
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Marcher AB, Bendixen SM, Terkelsen MK, Hohmann SS, Hansen MH, Larsen BD, Mandrup S, Dimke H, Detlefsen S, Ravnskjaer K. Transcriptional regulation of Hepatic Stellate Cell activation in NASH. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2324. [PMID: 30787418 PMCID: PMC6382845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39112-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) signified by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, hepatocellular injury, and fibrosis is a growing cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic fibrosis resulting from accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins secreted by hepatic myofibroblasts plays an important role in disease progression. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been identified as the primary source of myofibroblasts in animal models of hepatotoxic liver injury; however, so far HSC activation and plasticity have not been thoroughly investigated in the context of NASH-related fibrogenesis. Here we have determined the time-resolved changes in the HSC transcriptome during development of Western diet- and fructose-induced NASH in mice, a NASH model recapitulating human disease. Intriguingly, HSC transcriptional dynamics are highly similar across disease models pointing to HSC activation as a point of convergence in the development of fibrotic liver disease. Bioinformatic interrogation of the promoter sequences of activated genes combined with loss-of-function experiments indicates that the transcriptional regulators ETS1 and RUNX1 act as drivers of NASH-associated HSC plasticity. Taken together, our results implicate HSC activation and transcriptional plasticity as key aspects of NASH pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Britt Marcher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Sofie M Bendixen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Mike K Terkelsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Sonja S Hohmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Maria H Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Bjørk D Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Susanne Mandrup
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Henrik Dimke
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Sönke Detlefsen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Kim Ravnskjaer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.
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Yang HY, Kim KS, Lee YH, Park JH, Kim JH, Lee SY, Kim YM, Kim IS, Kacew S, Lee BM, Kwak JH, Yoon K, Kim HS. Dendropanax morbifera Ameliorates Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis via TGF-β1/Smads Pathways. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:800-811. [PMID: 30906211 PMCID: PMC6429015 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.30356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, characterized by persistent deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, occurs in most types of chronic liver disease. The prevention of liver damage using extract of Dendropanax morbifera has been widely studied, but its molecular mechanism on the therapeutic efficacy of hepatic fibrosis is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether aquatic extract (DM) of D. morbifera ameliorates thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection (150 mg/kg, twice per week) of TAA for 6 weeks. DM (50 mg/kg/day) or silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) was administered daily for 6 weeks. DM markedly reduced serum AST, ALT, ALP, and r-GTP in TAA-treated rats. DM significantly ameliorated the total glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity in TAA-treated rats. In particular, DM significantly reduced expression of α-SMA, type I collagen, vimentin, TGF-β1 and p-Smad2/3 in hepatic fibrosis rats. The protective effects of DM on progression of hepatic fibrosis were clearly shown by detecting 4-hydroxyproline concentration and histopathological examination in the liver. Therefore, our data suggest that DM dramatically prevented hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hun Yong Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Seok Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hee Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyeon Park
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mi Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - In Su Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sam Kacew
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Byung Mu Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hwan Kwak
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsil Yoon
- Comparative Biomedicine Research Branch, Division of Translational Science, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Sik Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
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Zhang Q, Chen K, Wu T, Song H. Swertiamarin ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic apoptosis via blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway in rats. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 23:21-28. [PMID: 30627006 PMCID: PMC6315090 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2019.23.1.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Swertiamarin (STM) is an iridoid compound that is present in the Gentianaceae swertia genus. Here we investigated antiapoptotic effects of STM on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and its possible mechanisms. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, an STM 200 mg/kg group, a CCl4 group, a CCl4+STM 100 mg/kg group, and a CCl4+STM 200 mg/kg group. Rats in experimental groups were subcutaneously injected with 40% CCl4 twice weekly for 8 weeks. STM (100 and 200 mg/kg per day) was orally given to experimental rats by gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. Hepatocyte apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay and the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 proteins were evaluated by western blot analysis. The expression of TGF-β1, collagen I, collagen III, CTGF and fibronectin mRNA were estimated by qRT-PCR. The results showed that STM significantly reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells compared with the CCl4 group. The levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 proteins, and TGF-β1, collagen I, collagen III, CTGF, and fibronectin mRNA were significantly reduced by STM compared with the CCl4 group. In addition, STM markedly abrogated the repression of Bcl-2 by CCl4. STM also attenuated the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the liver. These results suggested that STM ameliorated CCl4-induced hepatocyte apoptosis in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianrui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of the Yangtze River Shipping, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huanggang 438000, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan NO.4 Hospital, Wuhan Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hongping Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan NO.4 Hospital, Wuhan Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Wang Y, Zhao L, Jiao FZ, Zhang WB, Chen Q, Gong ZJ. Histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid alleviates liver fibrosis by suppressing the transforming growth factor-β1 signal pathway. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2018; 17:423-429. [PMID: 30249543 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors are new anti-fibrotic drugs that inhibit the activity of hepatic stellate cells. The present study focused on the anti-fibrotic function of HDAC inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) by suppressing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to induce liver fibrosis with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and LX2 cell (human hepatic stellate cell line) was stimulated by TGF-β1. Both animals and cells were treated with SAHA. The Smad7 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Western blotting was used to examine the protein levels of CTGF, Histone H3 (H3), Smad7, Smad2/3, Acetyl-Histone H3 (AH3), HDAC2, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), HDAC6, p-Smad2/3 and HDAC8. In addition, the TGF-β1 and liver enzyme levels from rat serum were detected. Histopathological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Sirius red and Masson trichrome staining. The α-SMA expression was detected by immumohistochemical staining. RESULTS Compared with control group, the TGF-β1 and liver enzyme levels from rat serum, together with the mRNA levels of CTGF and protein levels of CTGF, HDAC2, α-SMA, HDAC6, p-Smad2/3 and HDAC8 were elevated in fibrotic rats (P < 0.01). But the Smad7 mRNA and AH3 protein levels were notably suppressed in the fibrotic rats (P < 0.01). Pathological examination showed the typical changes of liver fibrosis in the fibrotic rats. After the treatment with SAHA, the levels of liver enzymes, TGF-β1, CTGF, HDAC2, α-SMA, HDAC6, p-Smad2/3 and HDAC8 were reduced (P < 0.01) and Smad7 and AH3 protein contents were elevated in liver fibrotic rats (P < 0.01). Moreover, immumohistochemistry showed that SAHA significantly suppressed the α-SMA protein content in fibrotic liver (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The HDAC inhibitor SAHA alleviated liver fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Fang-Zhou Jiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zuo-Jiong Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
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Li H, Li Q, Zhang X, Zheng X, Zhang Q, Hao Z. Thymosin β4 suppresses CCl4
-induced murine hepatic fibrosis by down-regulating transforming growth factor β receptor-II. J Gene Med 2018; 20:e3043. [PMID: 29972714 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hanchao Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
| | - Xueting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
| | - Qiannan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
| | - Zhiming Hao
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
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27
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Wu Y, Wang W, Peng XM, He Y, Xiong YX, Liang HF, Chu L, Zhang BX, Ding ZY, Chen XP. Rapamycin Upregulates Connective Tissue Growth Factor Expression in Hepatic Progenitor Cells Through TGF-β-Smad2 Dependent Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:877. [PMID: 30135653 PMCID: PMC6092675 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapamycin (sirolimus) is a mTOR kinase inhibitor and is widely used as an immunosuppressive drug to prevent graft rejection in organ transplantation currently. However, some recent investigations have reported that it had profibrotic effect in the progression of organ fibrosis, and its precise role in the liver fibrosis is still poorly understood. Here we showed that rapamycin upregulated connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression at the transcriptional level in hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). Using lentivirus-mediated small hairpin RNA (shRNA) we demonstrated that knockdown of mTOR, Raptor, or Rictor mimicked the effect of rapamycin treatment. Mechanistically, inhibition of mTOR activity with rapamycin resulted in a hyperactive PI3K-Akt pathway, whereas this activation inhibited the expression of CTGF in HPCs. Besides, rapamycin activated the TGF-β-Smad signaling, and TGF-β receptor type I (TGFβRI) serine/threonine kinase inhibitors completely blocked the effects of rapamycin on HPCs. Moreover, Smad2 was involved in the induction of CTGF through rapamycin-activated TGF-β-Smad signaling as knockdown completely blocked CTGF induction, while knockdown of Smad4 expression partially inhibited induction, whereas Smad3 knockdown had no effect. Rapamycin also induced ROS generation and latent TGF-β activation which contributed to TGF-β-Smad signaling. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that rapamycin upregulates CTGF in HPCs and suggests that rapamycin has potential fibrotic effect in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang-Mei Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi He
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Xiong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Chu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bi-Xiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ze-Yang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Ramazani Y, Knops N, Elmonem MA, Nguyen TQ, Arcolino FO, van den Heuvel L, Levtchenko E, Kuypers D, Goldschmeding R. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) from basics to clinics. Matrix Biol 2018; 68-69:44-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Lotowska JM, Sobaniec-Lotowska ME, Lebensztejn DM. Ultrastructural characteristics of the respective forms of hepatic stellate cells in chronic hepatitis B as an example of high fibroblastic cell plasticity. The first assessment in children. Adv Med Sci 2018; 63:127-133. [PMID: 29120853 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), mainly responsible for extracellular matrix synthesis, is assumed to be central event in the process of liver fibrogenesis. The major objective of the research was to analyze the ultrastructural profile of activated HSCs in children with chronic hepatitis B (chB), with respect to fibrosis intensity. MATERIALS/METHODS Ultrastructural investigations of HSCs were conducted on liver bioptates from 70 children with clinicopathologically diagnosed chB before antiviral treatment. Biopsy material, fixed in paraformaldehyde and glutaraldehyde solution, was routinely processed for electron-microscopic analysis. RESULTS In children with intensive liver fibrosis (S-2 and S-3), the ultrastructural picture showed almost total replacement of quiescent HSCs (Q-HSCs) by activated, i.e. transitional HSCs (T-HSCs). Among T-HSCs, two types of cells were distinguished: cells exhibiting initiation of HSC activation (Ti-HSCs), never before described in chB, that were frequently accompanied by activated Kupffer cells, and cells with features of perpetuation of activation (Tp-HSCs). Tp-HSCs were elongated and characterized by substantial loss of cytoplasmic lipid material; they contained an increased number of cytoskeletal components, extremely dilated channels of granular endoplasmic reticulum and activated Golgi apparatus, which indicated their marked involvement in intensive synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins. Many collagen fibers were found to adhere directly to Tp-HSCs. CONCLUSIONS The current study showed T-HSCs to be an important link between Q-HSCs and myofibroblastic HSCs (Mf-HSCs). Transformation of HSCs into new morphological variations (Ti-HSCs; Tp-HSCs and Mf-HSCs), observed along with growing fibrosis, indicates their high plasticity and a key role in fibrogenesis in pediatric chB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Maria Lotowska
- Department of Medical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Waszyngtona Str. 13, Poland.
| | | | - Dariusz Marek Lebensztejn
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Allergology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Waszyngtona Str. 17, Poland
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Pan X, Zhu F, Li G, Cao H, Liu J. HBx induces expression of CTGF in the transfected hepatoma cell line HepG2. Future Virol 2018. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2017-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effect of HBx on CTGF expression by hepatocytes. Materials & methods: HepG2 cells were transfected with the full-length gene of HBV, HBV protein-expressing plasmids, rhTGFβ1, LY2109761 or Smad2 siRNA, respectively, using Lipofectamine 3000. CTGF expression was detected by real-time PCR, ELISA, respectively. Then the effect of IL-32 on CTGF promoter was assayed by the Dual Luciferase® Reporter Assay System. Results: We found that HBx could induce CTGF expression by HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. CTGF expression induced by HBx employed the activation of TGFβ1-Smad2 signal pathway. Inhibition of TGFβ1 or Smad2 decreased CTGF expression induced by HBx. Conclusion: HBV might be involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis through the HBx-induced CTGF expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfei Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Fengqin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining 272000, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Bowel Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
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Herrera B, Addante A, Sánchez A. BMP Signalling at the Crossroad of Liver Fibrosis and Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 19:ijms19010039. [PMID: 29295498 PMCID: PMC5795989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) belong to the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) family. Initially identified due to their ability to induce bone formation, they are now known to have multiple functions in a variety of tissues, being critical not only during development for tissue morphogenesis and organogenesis but also during adult tissue homeostasis. This review focus on the liver as a target tissue for BMPs actions, devoting most efforts to summarize our knowledge on their recently recognized and/or emerging roles on regulation of the liver regenerative response to various insults, either acute or chronic and their effects on development and progression of liver fibrosis in different pathological conditions. In an attempt to provide the basis for guiding research efforts in this field both the more solid and more controversial areas of research were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Herrera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Annalisa Addante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Cai Y, Huang G, Ma L, Dong L, Chen S, Shen X, Zhang S, Xue R, Sun D, Zhang S. Smurf2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, interacts with PDE4B and attenuates liver fibrosis through miR-132 mediated CTGF inhibition. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1865:297-308. [PMID: 29100790 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2) activity was decreased in human fibrotic livers. Here, we overexpressed Smurf2 in livers of transgenic mice and observed inhibited collagen deposition and hepatic stellate cell activation in fibrotic model induced by carbon tetrachloride treatment or bile duct ligation. Hepatic Smurf2 overexpression also inhibited the production of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a central mediator of liver fibrosis. Using miRNA array and bioinformatics analyses, we identified miR-132 as a mediator of this inhibitory effect. miR-132 directly targets the 3'-untranslated region of CTGF and was transcriptionally upregulated by cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling. In addition, Smurf2 activated cAMP-PKA-CREB pathway by interacting with phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) and facilitating its degradation. Thus, we have demonstrated a previously unrecognized anti-fibrotic pathway controlled by Smurf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanqun Huang
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lijie Ma
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - She Chen
- Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research Ministry of Public Health, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xizhong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuncai Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruyi Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Deqiang Sun
- Institute of Biosciences & Technology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Si Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research Ministry of Public Health, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Angiotensin II induces connective tissue growth factor expression in human hepatic stellate cells by a transforming growth factor β-independent mechanism. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7841. [PMID: 28798388 PMCID: PMC5552744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes hepatic fibrosis by increasing extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and emerges as downstream of the profibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We aimed to investigate the molecular events that lead from the Ang II receptor to CTGF upregulation in human hepatic stellate cells, a principal fibrogenic cell type. Ang II produced an early, AT1 receptor-dependent stimulation of CTGF expression and induced a rapid activation of PKC and its downstream p38 MAPK, thereby activating a nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Smad2/3 cross-talk pathway. Chemical blockade of NF-κB and Smad2/3 signaling synergistically diminished Ang II-mediated CTGF induction and exhibited an additive effect in abrogating the ECM accumulation caused by Ang II. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CTGF expression was essential for Ang II-mediated ECM synthesis. Interestingly, the ability of dephosphorylated, but not phosphorylated JNK to activate Smad2/3 signaling revealed a novel role of JNK in Ang II-mediated CTGF overexpression. These results suggest that Ang II induces CTGF expression and ECM accumulation through a special TGF-β-independent interaction between the NF-κB and Smad2/3 signals elicited by the AT1/PKCα/p38 MAPK pathway.
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Kongphat W, Pudgerd A, Sridurongrit S. Hepatocyte-specific expression of constitutively active Alk5 exacerbates thioacetamide-induced liver injury in mice. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00305. [PMID: 28560358 PMCID: PMC5440359 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While Transforming growth factor-βs (Tgf-βs) have been known to play an important role in liver fibrosis through an activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSC), their fibrotic role on hepatocytes in liver damage has not been addressed thoroughly. To shed more light on the hepatocyte-specific role of Tgf-β signaling during liver fibrosis, we generated transgenic mice expressing constitutively active Tgf-β type I receptor Alk5 under the control of albumin promoter. Uninjured mice with increased Tgf-β/Alk5 signaling in hepatocytes (caAlk5/Alb-Cre mice) did not show characteristics related to hepatocyte death, fibrosis and inflammation. When subjected to thioacetamide (TAA) treatment, caAlk5/Alb-Cre mice exhibited more severe liver injury, when compared to control littermates. After TAA administration for 12 weeks, an increase in pathological changes was evident in caAlk5/Alb-Cre livers, with higher number of infiltrating cells in the portal and periportal area. Immunohistochemistry for F4/80, myeloperoxidase and CD3 showed that there was an increased accumulation of macrophages, neutrophils and T-lymphocytes, respectively, in caAlk5/Alb-Cre livers. Coincidently, we observed an exacerbated liver damage as seen by increases in serum aminotransferase level and number of apoptotic hepatocytes in caAlk5/Alb-Cre mice. Sirius staining of collagen demonstrated that the fibrotic response was worsened in caAlk5/Alb-Cre mice. The enhanced fibrosis in mutant livers was associated with marked production of α-SMA-positive myofibroblast. Hepatic expression of genes indicative of HSC activation was greater in caAlk5/Alb-Cre mice. In conclusion, our data indicated that elevation of Tgf-β signaling via Alk5 in hepatocytes is not sufficient to induce liver pathology but plays an important role in amplifying TAA-induced liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanthita Kongphat
- Graduate Program of Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Arnon Pudgerd
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somyoth Sridurongrit
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Kiwanuka E, Junker JP, Eriksson E. Transforming growth factor β1 regulates the expression of CCN2 in human keratinocytes via Smad-ERK signalling. Int Wound J 2017; 14:1006-1018. [PMID: 28371159 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) are important regulators of skin wound healing, but controversy remains regarding their expression in epithelial cell lineages. Here, we investigate the expression of CCN2 in keratinocytes during reepithelialisation and its regulation by TGF-β1. CCN2 was detected in the epidermis of healing full-thickness porcine wounds. Human keratinocytes were incubated with or without 10 ng/ml TGF-β1, and signalling pathways were blocked with 10-μM SIS3 or 20-μM PD98059. Semi-quantitative real-time PCR was used to study CCN2 mRNA expression, and western blot was used to measure CCN2, phosphorylated-ERK1/2, ERK1/2, phosphorylated-Smad3 and Smad2/3 proteins. CCN2 was transiently expressed in neoepidermis at the leading edge of the wound in vivo. In vitro, CCN2 expression was induced by TGF-β1 at 2 hours (7·5 ± 1·9-fold mRNA increase and 3·0 ± 0·6-fold protein increase) and 12 hours (5·4 ± 1·9-fold mRNA increase and 3·3 ± 0·6-fold protein increase). Compared with inhibiting the SMAD pathway, inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was more effective in reducing TGF-β1-induced CCN2 mRNA and protein expression. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway had minimal impact on the activity of the SMAD pathway. CCN2 is expressed in keratinocytes in response to tissue injury or TGF-β1. In addition, TGF-β1 induces CCN2 expression in keratinocytes through the ras/MEK/ERK pathway. A complete understanding of CCN2 expression in keratinocytes is critical to developing novel therapies for wound healing and cutaneous malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kiwanuka
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Johan Pe Junker
- Center for Disaster Medicine and Traumatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elof Eriksson
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Enhanced Wnt Signalling in Hepatocytes is Associated with Schistosoma japonicum Infection and Contributes to Liver Fibrosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:230. [PMID: 28331224 PMCID: PMC5428310 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the most serious pathology caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection, which arises when schistosome eggs are deposited in the liver. Eosinophils, macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been identified as major cellular contributors to the development of granulomas and fibrosis, but little is known about the effects of hepatocytes on granuloma formation. Here, we found that the levels of Wnt signalling-related molecules, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in hepatocytes were markedly elevated after S. japonicum infection. Liver fibrosis was exacerbated when exogenous Wnt3a was introduced, but was alleviated when Wnt signalling was suppressed by DKK1, accompanied by the reduced expression of TGF-β and CTGF in hepatocytes. These results indicate that the hepatocytic expression of TGF-β and CTGF is mediated by Wnt signalling. Additionally, the hepatocytes isolated from infected mice promoted the activation of primary HSCs in vitro, however, this effect was not observed when hepatocytes from DKK1 treated S. japonicum-infected mice was employed in the co-culture system. Our findings identify a novel pro-fibrogenic role of hepatocytes in schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis that is dependent on Wnt signalling, which may serve as a potential target for ameliorating hepatic fibrosis caused by helminths.
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37
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Shen J, Huang CK, Yu H, Shen B, Zhang Y, Liang Y, Li Z, Feng X, Zhao J, Duan L, Cai X. The role of exosomes in hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:986-992. [PMID: 28224705 PMCID: PMC5387156 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small vesicles that were initially thought to be a mechanism for discarding unneeded membrane proteins from reticulocytes. Their mediation of intercellular communication appears to be associated with several biological functions. Current studies have shown that most mammalian cells undergo the process of exosome formation and utilize exosome‐mediated cell communication. Exosomes contain various microRNAs, mRNAs and proteins. They have been reported to mediate multiple functions, such as antigen presentation, immune escape and tumour progression. This concise review highlights the findings regarding the roles of exosomes in liver diseases, particularly hepatitis B, hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, further elucidation of the contributions of exosomes to intercellular information transmission is needed. The potential medical applications of exosomes in liver diseases seem practical and will depend on the ingenuity of future investigators and their insights into exosome‐mediated biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiliang Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chiung-Kuei Huang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaping Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuelong Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zheyong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xu Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lian Duan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Antischistosomiasis Liver Fibrosis Effects of Chlorogenic Acid through IL-13/miR-21/Smad7 Signaling Interactions In Vivo and In Vitro. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.01347-16. [PMID: 27872076 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01347-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the antischistosomiasis liver fibrosis effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on interleukin 13 (IL-13)/microRNA-21 (miR-21)/Smad7 signaling interactions in the hepatic stellate LX2 cell line and schistosome-infected mice. The transfection was based on the ability of the GV273-miR-21-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and GV369-miR-21-EGFP lentiviral system to up- or downregulate the miR-21 gene in LX2 cells. The mRNA expression of miR-21, Smad7, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and the protein expression of Smad7, CTGF, Smad1, phosphor-Smad1 (p-Smad1), Smad2, p-Smad2, Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) receptor I, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was assayed. Pathological manifestation of hepatic tissue was assessed for the degree of liver fibrosis in animals. The results showed that CGA could inhibit the mRNA expression of miR-21, promote Smad7, and inhibit CTGF mRNA expression. Meanwhile, CGA could significantly lower the protein levels of CTGF, p-Smad1, p-Smad2, p-Smad2/3, TGF-β receptor I, and α-SMA and elevate the Smad7 protein level. In vivo, with treatment with CGA, the signaling molecules of IL-13/miR-21/Smad7 interactions were markedly regulated. CGA could also reduce the degree of liver fibrosis in pathological manifestations. In conclusion, CGA could inhibit schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis through IL-13/miR-21/Smad7 signaling interactions in LX2 cells and schistosome-infected mice and might serve as an antifibrosis agent for treating schistosomiasis liver fibrosis.
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Lee SB, Kim HG, Kim HS, Lee JS, Im HJ, Kim WY, Son CG. Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Amomum xanthioides Exerts Antihepatofibrotic Actions via the Regulation of Fibrogenic Cytokines in a Dimethylnitrosamine-Induced Rat Model. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2016; 2016:6014380. [PMID: 27594891 PMCID: PMC4995331 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6014380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Amomum xanthioides has been traditionally used to treat diverse digestive system disorders in the Asian countries. We investigated antihepatofibrotic effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Amomum xanthioides (EFAX). Liver fibrosis is induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) injection (intraperitoneally, 10 mg/kg of DMN for 4 weeks to Sprague-Dawley rats). EFAX (25 or 50 mg/kg), silymarin (50 mg/kg), or distilled water was orally administered every day. The DMN injection drastically altered body and organ mass, serum biochemistry, and platelet count, while EFAX treatment significantly attenuated this alteration. Severe liver fibrosis is determined by trichrome staining and measurement of hydroxyproline contents. EFAX treatment significantly attenuated these symptoms as well as the increase in oxidative by-products of lipid and protein metabolism in liver tissues. DMN induced a dramatic activation of hepatic stellate cells and increases in the levels of protein and gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), platelet derived growth factor-beta (PDGF-β), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Immunohistochemical analyses revealed increases in the levels of protein and gene expression of α-smooth muscle actin. These alterations were significantly normalized by EFAX treatment. Our findings demonstrate the potent antihepatofibrotic properties of EFAX via modulation of fibrogenic cytokines, especially TGF-β in the liver fibrosis rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Bae Lee
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Oriental Medical College of Daejeon University, 176-9 Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-724, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong-Geug Kim
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Oriental Medical College of Daejeon University, 176-9 Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-724, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Seon Kim
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Oriental Medical College of Daejeon University, 176-9 Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-724, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Lee
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Oriental Medical College of Daejeon University, 176-9 Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-724, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-Jin Im
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Oriental Medical College of Daejeon University, 176-9 Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-724, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Yong Kim
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Oriental Medical College of Daejeon University, 176-9 Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-724, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Oriental Medical College of Daejeon University, 176-9 Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-724, Republic of Korea
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Activin A-Smad Signaling Mediates Connective Tissue Growth Factor Synthesis in Liver Progenitor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:408. [PMID: 27011166 PMCID: PMC4813263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) are activated in chronic liver damage and may contribute to liver fibrosis. Our previous investigation reported that LPCs produced connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), an inducer of liver fibrosis, yet the regulatory mechanism of the production of CTGF/CCN2 in LPCs remains elusive. In this study, we report that Activin A is an inducer of CTGF/CCN2 in LPCs. Here we show that expression of both Activin A and CTGF/CCN2 were upregulated in the cirrhotic liver, and the expression of Activin A positively correlates with that of CTGF/CCN2 in liver tissues. We go on to show that Activin A induced de novo synthesis of CTGF/CCN2 in LPC cell lines LE/6 and WB-F344. Furthermore, Activin A contributed to autonomous production of CTGF/CCN2 in liver progenitor cells (LPCs) via activation of the Smad signaling pathway. Smad2, 3 and 4 were all required for this induction. Collectively, these results provide evidence for the fibrotic role of LPCs in the liver and suggest that the Activin A-Smad-CTGF/CCN2 signaling in LPCs may be a therapeutic target of liver fibrosis.
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Rosenbloom J, Ren S, Macarak E. New frontiers in fibrotic disease therapies: The focus of the Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Center for Fibrotic Diseases at Thomas Jefferson University. Matrix Biol 2016; 51:14-25. [PMID: 26807756 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases constitute a world-wide major health problem, but research support remains inadequate in comparison to the need. Although considerable understanding of the pathogenesis of fibrotic reactions has been attained, no completely effective therapies exist. Although fibrotic disorders are diverse, it is universally appreciated that a particular cell type with unique characteristics, the myofibroblast, is responsible for replacement of functioning tissue with non-functional scar tissue. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the creation of myofibroblasts and their activities is central to the development of therapies. Critical signaling cascades, initiated primarily by TGF-β, but also involving other cytokines which stimulate pro-fibrotic reactions in the myofibroblast, offer potential therapeutic targets. However, because of the multiplicity and complex interactions of these signaling pathways, it is very unlikely that any single drug will be successful in modifying a major fibrotic disease. Therefore, we have chosen to examine the effectiveness of administration of several drug combinations in a mouse pneumoconiosis model. Such treatment proved to be effective. Because fibrotic diseases that tend to be chronic, are difficult to monitor, and are patient variable, implementation of clinical trials is difficult and expensive. Therefore, we have made efforts to identify and validate non-invasive biomarkers found in urine and blood. We describe the potential utility of five such markers: (i) the EDA form of fibronectin (Fn(EDA)), (ii) lysyl oxidase (LOX), (iii) lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 (LoxL2), (iv) connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCNII), and (v) the N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Rosenbloom
- Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States; Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
| | - Shumei Ren
- Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States; Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Edward Macarak
- Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States; Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
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Weiskirchen R. Hepatoprotective and Anti-fibrotic Agents: It's Time to Take the Next Step. Front Pharmacol 2016; 6:303. [PMID: 26779021 PMCID: PMC4703795 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis cause strong human suffering and necessitate a monetary burden worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of therapies. Pre-clinical animal models are indispensable in the drug discovery and development of new anti-fibrotic compounds and are immensely valuable for understanding and proofing the mode of their proposed action. In fibrosis research, inbreed mice and rats are by far the most used species for testing drug efficacy. During the last decades, several hundred or even a thousand different drugs that reproducibly evolve beneficial effects on liver health in respective disease models were identified. However, there are only a few compounds (e.g., GR-MD-02, GM-CT-01) that were translated from bench to bedside. In contrast, the large number of drugs successfully tested in animal studies is repeatedly tested over and over engender findings with similar or identical outcome. This circumstance undermines the 3R (Replacement, Refinement, Reduction) principle of Russell and Burch that was introduced to minimize the suffering of laboratory animals. This ethical framework, however, represents the basis of the new animal welfare regulations in the member states of the European Union. Consequently, the legal authorities in the different countries are halted to foreclose testing of drugs in animals that were successfully tested before. This review provides a synopsis on anti-fibrotic compounds that were tested in classical rodent models. Their mode of action, potential sources and the observed beneficial effects on liver health are discussed. This review attempts to provide a reference compilation for all those involved in the testing of drugs or in the design of new clinical trials targeting hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy, and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
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43
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Lee JI, Wright JH, Johnson MM, Bauer RL, Sorg K, Yuen S, Hayes BJ, Nguyen L, Riehle KJ, Campbell JS. Role of Smad3 in platelet-derived growth factor-C-induced liver fibrosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2015; 310:C436-45. [PMID: 26632601 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00423.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury leads to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis, the end stage of chronic liver disease, is a leading cause of death worldwide and increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there is a lack of effective antifibrotic therapies to treat fibrosis and cirrhosis. Development of antifibrotic therapies requires an in-depth understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in inflammation and fibrosis after hepatic injury. Two growth factor signaling pathways that regulate liver fibrosis are transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). However, their specific contributions to fibrogenesis are not well understood. Using a genetic model of liver fibrosis, we investigated whether the canonical TGFβ signaling pathway was necessary for fibrogenesis. PDGF-C transgenic (PDGF-C Tg) mice were intercrossed with mice that lack Smad3, and molecular and histological fibrosis was analyzed. PDGF-C Tg mice that also lacked Smad3 had less fibrosis and improved liver lobule architecture. Loss of Smad3 also reduced expression of collagen genes, which were induced by PDGF-C, but not the expression of genes frequently associated with hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. In vitro HSCs isolated from Smad3-null mice proliferated more slowly than cells from wild-type mice. Taken together, these findings indicate that PDGF-C activates TGFβ/Smad3 signaling pathways to regulate HSC proliferation, collagen production and ultimately fibrosis. In summary, these results suggest that inhibition of both PDGF and TGFβ signaling pathways may be required to effectively attenuate fibrogenesis in patients with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Il Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jocelyn H Wright
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Melissa M Johnson
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Renay L Bauer
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Kristina Sorg
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Sebastian Yuen
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Brian J Hayes
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Lananh Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Kimberly J Riehle
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jean S Campbell
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
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44
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Rauff B, Douglas MW. Role of fibrogenic and inflammatory cytokines in HCV-induced fibrosis. Future Virol 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
HCV is one of the main causative agents of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver inflammation resulting from HCV infection triggers fibrosis. In HCV-related fibrosis, differentiated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) known as myofibroblasts participate in the fibrogenic and inflammatory response. TGF-β1 and CTGF, released from these HSCs, have been implicated as master cytokines mediating HCV induced hepatic fibrosis. PDGF is another potent mitogen, which facilitates the progression of liver fibrosis by enhancing the proliferation and migration of HSCs. In addition to these major cytokines, the release of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1b and IL-10 by immune cells also promotes the effect of HCV induced fibrosis. Targeting these cytokines may offer the potential for treatments to prevent or cure fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisma Rauff
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases & Biosecurity, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
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Chen J, Liu DG, Wang H, Wu XN, Cong M, You H, Jia JD. NIM811 downregulates transforming growth factor‑β signal transduction in vivo and in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2015; 13:522-8. [PMID: 26573209 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common histological feature of a number of chronic liver diseases, and leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been demonstrated that N‑methyl‑4‑isoleucine cyclosporine (NIM811) attenuates CCl4‑induced liver fibrosis and inflammation in rats. The present study investigated whether NIM811 downregulated transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β signaling in rats with CCl4‑induced liver fibrosis and in HSC‑T6 cells. Liver tissues were obtained from rats with CCl4‑induced liver fibrosis, with or without NIM811 treatment. HSC‑T6 cells were cultured with or without NIM811 for 18 h under serum‑free conditions. Expression of collagen I, α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), TGF‑β1, TGF‑β receptor I (TβR‑I) and TGF‑β pathway downstream signaling molecules were measured by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and/or western blotting. Collagen I and TGF‑β1 content in the cell supernatant was measured by ELISA. NIM811 profoundly inhibited collagen I, α‑SMA, TGF‑β1 and TβR‑I expression in the liver of CCl4‑treated rats. Phosphorylation of Smad2, 3 and 1/5/8 was decreased in the liver of NIM811‑treated groups, accompanied by increased In addition, Smad7 expression compared with the CCl4‑treated rats. NIM811 inhibited collagen I, TGF‑β1 and TβR‑I expression in HSC‑T6 cells. Smad1 mRNA and phospho‑Smad1/5/8 protein levels decreased following NIM811 treatment, accompanied by increased Smad7 expression in HSC‑T6 cells compared with normal controls. Furthermore, NIM811 also inhibited collagen I mRNA expression in the liver of rats with CCl4‑induced liver fibrosis and in HSC‑T6 cells. The results suggest that the antifibrotic effect of NIM811 was due to the inhibition of TGF‑β1 and its downstream signaling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Dian-Gang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ning Wu
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Min Cong
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Dong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
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Lurie Y, Webb M, Cytter-Kuint R, Shteingart S, Lederkremer GZ. Non-invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:11567-11583. [PMID: 26556987 PMCID: PMC4631961 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i41.11567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The evaluation and follow up of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis have been traditionally performed by liver biopsy. However, during the last 20 years, it has become evident that this “gold-standard” is imperfect; even according to its proponents, it is only “the best” among available methods. Attempts at uncovering non-invasive diagnostic tools have yielded multiple scores, formulae, and imaging modalities. All are better tolerated, safer, more acceptable to the patient, and can be repeated essentially as often as required. Most are much less expensive than liver biopsy. Consequently, their use is growing, and in some countries the number of biopsies performed, at least for routine evaluation of hepatitis B and C, has declined sharply. However, the accuracy and diagnostic value of most, if not all, of these methods remains controversial. In this review for the practicing physician, we analyze established and novel biomarkers and physical techniques. We may be witnessing in recent years the beginning of the end of the first phase for the development of non-invasive markers. Early evidence suggests that they might be at least as good as liver biopsy. Novel experimental markers and imaging techniques could produce a dramatic change in diagnosis in the near future.
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Mannaerts I, Leite SB, Verhulst S, Claerhout S, Eysackers N, Thoen LFR, Hoorens A, Reynaert H, Halder G, van Grunsven LA. The Hippo pathway effector YAP controls mouse hepatic stellate cell activation. J Hepatol 2015; 63:679-88. [PMID: 25908270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatic stellate cell activation is a wound-healing response to liver injury. However, continued activation of stellate cells during chronic liver damage causes excessive matrix deposition and the formation of pathological scar tissue leading to fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis. The importance of sustained stellate cell activation for this pathological process is well recognized, and several signalling pathways that can promote stellate cell activation have been identified, such as the TGFβ-, PDGF-, and LPS-dependent pathways. However, the mechanisms that trigger and drive the early steps in activation are not well understood. METHODS AND RESULTS We identified the Hippo pathway and its effector YAP as a key pathway that controls stellate cell activation. YAP is a transcriptional co-activator and we found that it drives the earliest changes in gene expression during stellate cell activation. Activation of stellate cells in vivo by CCl4 administration to mice or activation in vitro caused rapid activation of YAP as revealed by its nuclear translocation and by the induction of YAP target genes. YAP was also activated in stellate cells of human fibrotic livers as evidenced by its nuclear localization. Importantly, knockdown of YAP expression or pharmacological inhibition of YAP prevented hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro and pharmacological inhibition of YAP impeded fibrogenesis in mice. CONCLUSIONS YAP activation is a critical driver of hepatic stellate cell activation and inhibition of YAP presents a novel approach for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Mannaerts
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussel, Belgium
| | | | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Sofie Claerhout
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, and KU Leuven Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Eysackers
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Lien F R Thoen
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Anne Hoorens
- Department of Pathology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Reynaert
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Georg Halder
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, and KU Leuven Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussel, Belgium.
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Williams AS, Kang L, Wasserman DH. The extracellular matrix and insulin resistance. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2015; 26:357-66. [PMID: 26059707 PMCID: PMC4490038 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly-dynamic compartment that undergoes remodeling as a result of injury and repair. Over the past decade, mounting evidence in humans and rodents suggests that ECM remodeling is associated with diet-induced insulin resistance in several metabolic tissues. In addition, integrin receptors for the ECM have also been implicated in the regulation of insulin action. This review addresses what is currently known about the ECM, integrins, and insulin action in the muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. Understanding how ECM remodeling and integrin signaling regulate insulin action may aid in the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S Williams
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Li Kang
- Division of Cardiovascular and Diabetes Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - David H Wasserman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Liang B, Guo XL, Jin J, Ma YC, Feng ZQ. Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits apoptosis and fibrosis in carbon-tetrachloride-induced rat liver injury. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:5271-5280. [PMID: 25954100 PMCID: PMC4419067 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i17.5271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate anti-apoptotic effects of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) against fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and its contributing factors.
METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced by administration of CCl4 for 8 wk. Pathological changes in the liver of rats were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Collagen fibers were detected by Sirius red staining. Hepatocyte apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay and the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, α-SMA, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP9 proteins were evaluated by western blot analysis, and α-SMA mRNA, collagen type I and III mRNA were estimated by real-time PCR.
RESULTS: Treatment with GA significantly improved the pathological changes in the liver and markedly decreased the positive area of Sirius red compared with rats in the CCl4-treated group. TUNEL assay showed that GA significantly reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells compared with the CCl4-treated group. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, α-SMA, CTGF, MMP2 and MMP9 proteins, and α-SMA mRNA, collagen type I and III mRNA were also significantly reduced by GA compared with the CCl4-treated group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: GA treatment can ameliorate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis and hepatic stellate cell activation.
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50
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Tu X, Zheng X, Li H, Cao Z, Chang H, Luan S, Zhu J, Chen J, Zang Y, Zhang J. MicroRNA-30 Protects Against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Liver Fibrosis by Attenuating Transforming Growth Factor Beta Signaling in Hepatic Stellate Cells. Toxicol Sci 2015; 146:157-69. [PMID: 25912033 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is crucial for transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the blunting of TGF-β signaling in HSCs can effectively prevent liver fibrosis. Krüppel-like factor 11 (KLF11) is an early response transcription factor that potentiates TGF-β/Smad signaling by suppressing the transcription of inhibitory Smad7. Using a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, we observed significant upregulation of KLF11 in the activated HSCs during liver fibrogenesis. Meanwhile, the downregulation of miR-30 was observed in the HSCs isolated from fibrotic liver. Adenovirus-mediated ectopic expression of miR-30 was under the control of smooth muscle α-actin promoter, showing that the increase in miR-30 in HSC greatly reduced CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Subsequent investigations showed that miR-30 suppressed KLF11 expression in HSC and led to a significant upregulation of Smad7 in vivo. Mechanistic studies further confirmed that KLF11 was the direct target of miR-30, and revealed that miR-30 blunted the profibrogenic TGF-β signaling in HSC by suppressing KLF11 expression and thus enhanced the negative feedback loop of TGF-β signaling imposed by Smad7. Finally, we demonstrated that miR-30 facilitated the reversal of activated HSC to a quiescent state as indicated by the inhibition of proliferation and migration, the loss of activation markers, and the gain of quiescent HSC markers. In conclusion, our results define miR-30 as a crucial suppressor of TGF-β signaling in HSCs activation and provide useful insights into the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Tu
- *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuxiu Zheng
- *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanan Li
- *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhipeng Cao
- *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanwen Chang
- *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoyuan Luan
- *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhu
- *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangning Chen
- *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhui Zang
- *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China *State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for microRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
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