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Meng Q, Zhu H, Li Y, Peng X, Wang T, Huang H, Zhou H, Liu Y, Ru S, Wu J, Ma Y. Quantitative proteomics reveals the protective effects of Yinchenzhufu decoction against cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the PDGFRβ/PI3K/AKT pathway. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1341020. [PMID: 38469403 PMCID: PMC10926276 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1341020] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Yinchenzhufu decoction (YCZFD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula with hepatoprotective effects. In this study, the protective effects of YCZFD against cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF) and its underlying mechanisms were evaluated. Methods: A 3, 5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydro-collidine (DDC)-induced cholestatic mouse model was used to investigate the amelioration of YCZFD on CLF. Data-independent acquisition-based mass spectrometry was performed to investigate proteomic changes in the livers of mice in three groups: control, model, and model treated with high-dose YCZFD. The effects of YCZFD on the expression of key proteins were confirmed in mice and cell models. Results: YCZFD significantly decreased the levels of serum biochemical, liver injury, and fibrosis indicators of cholestatic mice. The proteomics indicated that 460 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified among control, model, and model treated with high-dose YCZFD groups. Enrichment analyses of these DEPs revealed that YCZFD influenced multiple pathways, including PI3K-Akt, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, glutathione metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis pathways. The expression of platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ), a receptor associated with the PI3K/AKT and focal adhesion pathways, was upregulated in the livers of cholestatic mice but downregulated by YCZFD. The effects of YCZFD on the expression of key proteins in the PDGFRβ/PI3K/AKT pathway were further confirmed in mice and transforming growth factor-β-induced hepatic stellate cells. We uncovered seven plant metabolites (chlorogenic acid, scoparone, isoliquiritigenin, glycyrrhetinic acid, formononetin, atractylenolide I, and benzoylaconitine) of YCZFD that may regulate PDGFRβ expression. Conclusion: YCZFD substantially protects against DDC-induced CLF mainly through regulating the PDGFRβ/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaotian Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianming Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuejia Liu
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sujie Ru
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiasheng Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueming Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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2
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Skorup I, Valentino G, Aleandri S, Gelli R, Ganguin AA, Felli E, Selicean SE, Marxer RA, Teworte S, Lucić A, Gracia-Sancho J, Berzigotti A, Ridi F, Luciani P. Polyenylphosphatidylcholine as bioactive excipient in tablets for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Int J Pharm 2023; 646:123473. [PMID: 37788730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123473] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a condition characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) arising from the myofibroblastic transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) occurring as the natural response to liver damage. To date, no pharmacological treatments have been specifically approved for liver fibrosis. We recently reported a beneficial effect of polyenylphosphatidylcholines (PPCs)-rich formulations in reverting fibrogenic features of HSCs. However, unsaturated phospholipids' properties pose a constant challenge to the development of tablets as preferred patient-centric dosage form. Profiting from the advantageous physical properties of the PPCs-rich Soluthin® S 80 M, we developed a tablet formulation incorporating 70% w/w of this bioactive lipid. Tablets were characterized via X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetry, and Raman confocal imaging, and passed the major compendial requirements. To mimic physiological absorption after oral intake, phospholipids extracted from tablets were reconstituted as protein-free chylomicron (PFC)-like emulsions and tested on the fibrogenic human HSC line LX-2 and on primary cirrhotic rat hepatic stellate cells (PRHSC). Lipids extracted from tablets and reconstituted in buffer or as PFC-like emulsions exerted the same antifibrotic effect on both activated LX-2 and PRHSCs as observed with plain S 80 M liposomes, showing that the manufacturing process did not interfere with the bioactivity of PPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Skorup
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gina Valentino
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simone Aleandri
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rita Gelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Aymar Abel Ganguin
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eric Felli
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Emilia Selicean
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rosanne Angela Marxer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Teworte
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ana Lucić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Ridi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Luciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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3
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Moreno-Lanceta A, Medrano-Bosch M, Fundora Y, Perramón M, Aspas J, Parra-Robert M, Baena S, Fondevila C, Edelman ER, Jiménez W, Melgar-Lesmes P. RNF41 orchestrates macrophage-driven fibrosis resolution and hepatic regeneration. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq6225. [PMID: 37437019 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq6225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic inflammation is a common trigger of chronic liver disease. Macrophage activation is a predictive parameter for survival in patients with cirrhosis. Ring finger protein 41 (RNF41) negatively regulates proinflammatory cytokines and receptors; however, the precise involvement of macrophage RNF41 in liver cirrhosis remains unknown. Here, we sought to understand how RNF41 dictates macrophage fate in hepatic fibrosis and repair within the inflammatory milieu. We found that RNF41 expression is down-regulated in CD11b+ macrophages recruited to mouse fibrotic liver and to patient cirrhotic liver regardless of cirrhosis etiology. Prolonged inflammation with TNF-α progressively reduced macrophage RNF41 expression. We designed a macrophage-selective gene therapy with dendrimer-graphite nanoparticles (DGNPs) to explore the influence of macrophage RNF41 restoration and depletion in liver fibrosis and regeneration. RNF41 expression induced in CD11b+ macrophages by DGNP-conjugated plasmids ameliorated liver fibrosis, reduced liver injury, and stimulated hepatic regeneration in fibrotic mice with or without hepatectomy. This therapeutic effect was mainly mediated by the induction of insulin-like growth factor 1. Conversely, depletion of macrophage RNF41 worsened inflammation, fibrosis, hepatic damage, and survival. Our data reveal implications of macrophage RNF41 in the control of hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and regeneration and provide a rationale for therapeutic strategies in chronic liver disease and potentially other diseases characterized by inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alazne Moreno-Lanceta
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Mireia Medrano-Bosch
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Yilliam Fundora
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Meritxell Perramón
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Jessica Aspas
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Marina Parra-Robert
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Sheila Baena
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Constantino Fondevila
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Elazer R Edelman
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Pedro Melgar-Lesmes
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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4
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Perramón M, Carvajal S, Reichenbach V, Fernández‐Varo G, Boix L, Macias‐Muñoz L, Melgar‐Lesmes P, Bruix J, Melmed S, Lamas S, Jiménez W. The pituitary tumour-transforming gene 1/delta-like homologue 1 pathway plays a key role in liver fibrogenesis. Liver Int 2022; 42:651-662. [PMID: 35050550 PMCID: PMC9303549 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS PTTG1 is almost undetectable in adult livers but is highly expressed in hepatocarcinoma. While little is known about its involvement in liver fibrosis, PTTG1 expression is associated with DLK1. We assessed the role of the PTTG1/DLK1 pathway in fibrosis progression and the potential therapeutic effect of PTTG1 silencing in fibrosis. METHODS Pttg1 and Dlk1 were studied in liver and isolated cell populations of control and fibrotic rats and in human liver biopsies. The fibrotic molecular signature was analysed in Pttg1-/- and Pttg1+/+ fibrotic mice. Finally, Pttg1 silencing was evaluated in rats as a novel antifibrotic therapy. RESULTS Pttg1 and Dlk1 mRNA selectively increased in fibrotic rats paralleling fibrosis progression. Serum DLK1 concentrations correlated with hepatic collagen content and systemic and portal haemodynamics. Human cirrhotic livers showed greater PTTG1 and DLK1 transcript abundance than non-cirrhotic, and reduced collagen was observed in Pttg1 Pttg1-/- mice. The liver fibrotic molecular signature revealed lower expression of genes related to extracellular matrix remodelling including Mmp8 and 9 and Timp4 and greater eotaxin and Mmp13 than fibrotic Pttg1+/+ mice. Finally, interfering Pttg1 resulted in reduced liver fibrotic area, lower α-Sma and decreased portal pressure than fibrotic animals. Furthermore, Pttg1 silencing decreased the transcription of Dlk1, collagens I and III, Pdgfrβ, Tgfrβ, Timp1, Timp2 and Mmp2. CONCLUSIONS Pttg1/Dlk1 are selectively overexpressed in the cirrhotic liver and participate in ECM turnover regulation. Pttg1 disruption decreases Dlk1 transcription and attenuates collagen deposition. PTTG1/DLK1 signalling is a novel pathway for targeting the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Perramón
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics ServiceHospital Clínic UniversitariBarcelonaSpain,Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEReHD)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Silvia Carvajal
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics ServiceHospital Clínic UniversitariBarcelonaSpain,Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEReHD)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Vedrana Reichenbach
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics ServiceHospital Clínic UniversitariBarcelonaSpain,Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEReHD)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Guillermo Fernández‐Varo
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics ServiceHospital Clínic UniversitariBarcelonaSpain,Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEReHD)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Loreto Boix
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEReHD)BarcelonaSpain,Department of MedicineUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain,Barcelona‐Clínic Liver Cancer GroupHospital Clínic UniversitariBarcelonaSpain
| | - Laura Macias‐Muñoz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics ServiceHospital Clínic UniversitariBarcelonaSpain,Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEReHD)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Pedro Melgar‐Lesmes
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics ServiceHospital Clínic UniversitariBarcelonaSpain,Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEReHD)BarcelonaSpain,Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain,Institute for Medical Engineering and ScienceMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEReHD)BarcelonaSpain,Department of MedicineUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain,Barcelona‐Clínic Liver Cancer GroupHospital Clínic UniversitariBarcelonaSpain
| | - Shlomo Melmed
- Department of Medicine, Cedars‐Sinai Research InstituteUniversity of California School of MedicineLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Santiago Lamas
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC‐UAM)MadridSpain
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics ServiceHospital Clínic UniversitariBarcelonaSpain,Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEReHD)BarcelonaSpain,Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
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5
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Ribera J, Vilches C, Sanz V, de Miguel I, Portolés I, Córdoba-Jover B, Prat E, Nunes V, Jiménez W, Quidant R, Morales-Ruiz M. Treatment of Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice Based on Targeted Plasmonic Hyperthermia. ACS NANO 2021; 15:7547-7562. [PMID: 33720693 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c00988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major health problem with multiple associated complications, which, to date, has no effective treatment. Hepatic stellate cells are the main responsible cells for fibrosis formation; upon their activation, excess accumulation of extracellular matrix and collagen deposits occurs. The mitogen platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptor β (PDGFRβ) play a major role in hepatic stellate cells activation and are, therefore, promising targets for antifibrotic therapies. Gold nanorods hold great potential for diseased liver treatments, since their passive hepatic accumulation enhances active targeting strategies, hence increasing therapeutic efficiency. In addition, gold nanorods have photothermal properties that, combined with specific cell delivery, can be exploited to induce localized near-infrared light-mediated thermal ablation. Here, we demonstrate that gold nanorods coated with anti-PDGFRβ specifically target activated hepatic stellate cells in vivo. Additionally, gold nanorods-PDGFRβ-mediated photothermal therapy decreases fibrosis, hepatic inflammation, and hepatocyte injury in the experimental model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribera
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08008 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Vilches
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques (ICFO), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vanesa Sanz
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques (ICFO), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio de Miguel
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques (ICFO), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Portolés
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08008 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Córdoba-Jover
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08008 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Prat
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genes, Disease and Therapy Programme, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Health Science and Medicine Faculty, University of Barcelona (UB), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Nunes
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genes, Disease and Therapy Programme, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Health Science and Medicine Faculty, University of Barcelona (UB), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08008 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine-Biochemistry Unit, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona (UB), 08008 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Romain Quidant
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques (ICFO), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Morales-Ruiz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08008 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine-Biochemistry Unit, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona (UB), 08008 Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Li H. Angiogenesis in the progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocelluar carcinoma. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:217-233. [PMID: 33131349 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1842732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Persistent inflammation and hypoxia are strong stimulus for pathological angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, and are also the most important elements resulting in liver fibrosis. Sustained inflammatory process stimulates fibrosis to the end-point of cirrhosis and sinusoidal portal hypertension is an important feature of cirrhosis. Neovascularization plays a pivotal role in collateral circulation formation of portal vein, mesenteric congestion, and high perfusion. Imbalance of hepatic artery and portal vein blood flow leads to the increase of hepatic artery inflow, which is beneficial to the formation of nodules. Angiogenesis contributes to progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and anti-angiogenesis therapy can improve liver fibrosis, reduce portal pressure, and prolong overall survival of patients with HCC. Areas covers: This paper will try to address the difference of the morphological characteristics and mechanisms of neovascularization in the process from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and HCC and further compare the different efficacy of anti-angiogenesis therapy in these three stages. Expert opinion: More in-depth understanding of the role of angiogenesis factors and the relationship between angiogenesis and other aspects of the pathogenesis and transformation may be the key to enabling future progress in the treatment of patients with liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Central Laboratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Chengdu, Sichuan Province, P. R. China
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7
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Ryou M, Stylopoulos N, Baffy G. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and portal hypertension. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2020; 1:149-169. [PMID: 32685936 DOI: 10.37349/emed.2020.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a substantial and growing problem worldwide and has become the second most common indication for liver transplantation as it may progress to cirrhosis and develop complications from portal hypertension primarily caused by advanced fibrosis and erratic tissue remodeling. However, elevated portal venous pressure has also been detected in experimental models of fatty liver and in human NAFLD when fibrosis is far less advanced and cirrhosis is absent. Early increases in intrahepatic vascular resistance may contribute to the progression of liver disease. Specific pathophenotypes linked to the development of portal hypertension in NAFLD include hepatocellular lipid accumulation and ballooning injury, capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, enhanced contractility of hepatic stellate cells, activation of Kupffer cells and pro-inflammatory pathways, adhesion and entrapment of recruited leukocytes, microthrombosis, angiogenesis and perisinusoidal fibrosis. These pathological events are amplified in NAFLD by concomitant visceral obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and dysbiosis, promoting aberrant interactions with adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and gut microbiota. Measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient by retrograde insertion of a balloon-tipped central vein catheter is the current reference method for predicting outcomes of cirrhosis associated with clinically significant portal hypertension and guiding interventions. This invasive technique is rarely considered in the absence of cirrhosis where currently available clinical, imaging and laboratory correlates of portal hypertension may not reflect early changes in liver hemodynamics. Availability of less invasive but sufficiently sensitive methods for the assessment of portal venous pressure in NAFLD remains therefore an unmet need. Recent efforts to develop new biomarkers and endoscopy-based approaches such as endoscopic ultrasound-guided measurement of portal pressure gradient may help achieve this goal. In addition, cellular and molecular targets are being identified to guide emerging therapies in the prevention and management of portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Ryou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nicholas Stylopoulos
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge MA
| | - Gyorgy Baffy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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8
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Roles of the Hepatic Endocannabinoid and Apelin Systems in the Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111311. [PMID: 31653030 PMCID: PMC6912778 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the consequence of an unresolved wound healing process in response to chronic liver injury and involves multiple cell types and molecular mechanisms. The hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems are two signalling pathways with a substantial role in the liver fibrosis pathophysiology-both are upregulated in patients with advanced liver disease. Endogenous cannabinoids are lipid-signalling molecules derived from arachidonic acid involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular dysfunction, portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, and other processes associated with hepatic disease through their interactions with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Apelin is a peptide that participates in cardiovascular and renal functions, inflammation, angiogenesis, and hepatic fibrosis through its interaction with the APJ receptor. The endocannabinoid and apelin systems are two of the multiple cell-signalling pathways involved in the transformation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblast like cells, the main matrix-producing cells in liver fibrosis. The mechanisms underlying the control of hepatic stellate cell activity are coincident despite the marked dissimilarities between the endocannabinoid and apelin signalling pathways. This review discusses the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems play a significant role in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis.
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Gracia-Sancho J, Marrone G, Fernández-Iglesias A. Hepatic microcirculation and mechanisms of portal hypertension. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:221-234. [PMID: 30568278 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-018-0097-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The liver microcirculatory milieu, mainly composed of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatic macrophages, has an essential role in liver homeostasis, including in preserving hepatocyte function, regulating the vascular tone and controlling inflammation. Liver microcirculatory dysfunction is one of the key mechanisms that promotes the progression of chronic liver disease (also termed cirrhosis) and the development of its major clinical complication, portal hypertension. In the present Review, we describe the current knowledge of liver microcirculatory dysfunction in cirrhotic portal hypertension and appraise the preclinical models used to study the liver circulation. We also provide a comprehensive summary of the promising therapeutic options to target the liver microvasculature in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain. .,Hepatology, Department of Biomedical Research, Inselspital, Bern University, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Giusi Marrone
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anabel Fernández-Iglesias
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Melgar-Lesmes P, Luquero A, Parra-Robert M, Mora A, Ribera J, Edelman ER, Jiménez W. Graphene-Dendrimer Nanostars for Targeted Macrophage Overexpression of Metalloproteinase 9 and Hepatic Fibrosis Precision Therapy. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:5839-5845. [PMID: 30096241 PMCID: PMC6377857 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis contributes to ∼45% of all deaths in industrialized nations, but no direct antifibrotic therapeutic interventions exist to date. Graphene-based nanomaterials exhibit excellent versatility in electronics, and emerging trends exploit their properties for biomedical applications, especially for drug and gene delivery. We designed constructs of graphene nanostars linked to PAMAM-G5 dendrimer for the selective targeting and delivery of a plasmid expressing the collagenase metalloproteinase 9 under the CD11b promoter into inflammatory macrophages in cirrhotic livers. Graphene nanostars preferentially accumulated in inflammatory macrophages M1 in less than 3 h in a manner unaffected by covalent linkage to dendrimers. Dendrimer-graphene nanostars efficiently delivered the plasmid encoding for metalloproteinase 9 into macrophages, allowing the synthesis and secretion of the metalloproteinase to digest adjacent collagen fibers. In turn, metalloproteinase 9 overexpression promoted the macrophage switch from inflammatory M1 to pro-regenerative M2 in 3 days. This targeted gene therapy reduced selectively and locally the presence of collagen fibers in fibrotic tracts where inflammatory macrophages accumulated in cirrhotic mice without affecting the activation state of hepatic stellate cells. Overall, this treatment significantly reduced hepatic injury and improved liver restoration in mice with liver cirrhosis treated for 10 days. Graphene-dendrimer nanostars targeted the macrophage overexpression of metalloproteinase 9, selectively reducing hepatic fibrosis, and might be a good treatment for diseases associated with fibrosis and inflammatory macrophage accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Melgar-Lesmes
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 143 Casanova, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Clínic Universitari, IDIBAPS, 149 Rosselló, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aureli Luquero
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 143 Casanova, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Parra-Robert
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, 170 Villarroel, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Mora
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 143 Casanova, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribera
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, 170 Villarroel, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elazer R. Edelman
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 143 Casanova, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, 170 Villarroel, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Origins of Portal Hypertension in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:563-576. [PMID: 29368124 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4903-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) advanced to cirrhosis is often complicated by clinically significant portal hypertension, which is primarily caused by increased intrahepatic vascular resistance. Liver fibrosis has been identified as a critical determinant of this process. However, there is evidence that portal venous pressure may begin to rise in the earliest stages of NAFLD when fibrosis is far less advanced or absent. The biological and clinical significance of these early changes in sinusoidal homeostasis remains unclear. Experimental and human observations indicate that sinusoidal space restriction due to hepatocellular lipid accumulation and ballooning may impair sinusoidal flow and generate shear stress, increasingly disrupting sinusoidal microcirculation. Sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, and Kupffer cells are key partners of hepatocytes affected by NAFLD in promoting endothelial dysfunction through enhanced contractility, capillarization, adhesion and entrapment of blood cells, extracellular matrix deposition, and neovascularization. These biomechanical and rheological changes are aggravated by a dysfunctional gut-liver axis and splanchnic vasoregulation, culminating in fibrosis and clinically significant portal hypertension. We may speculate that increased portal venous pressure is an essential element of the pathogenesis across the entire spectrum of NAFLD. Improved methods of noninvasive portal venous pressure monitoring will hopefully give new insights into the pathobiology of NAFLD and help efforts to identify patients at increased risk for adverse outcomes. In addition, novel drug candidates targeting reversible components of aberrant sinusoidal circulation may prevent progression in NAFLD.
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12
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Drinane MC, Yaqoob U, Yu H, Luo F, Greuter T, Arab JP, Kostallari E, Verma VK, Maiers J, De Assuncao TM, Simons M, Mukhopadhyay D, Kisseleva T, Brenner DA, Urrutia R, Lomberk G, Gao Y, Ligresti G, Tschumperlin DJ, Revzin A, Cao S, Shah VH. Synectin promotes fibrogenesis by regulating PDGFR isoforms through distinct mechanisms. JCI Insight 2017; 2:92821. [PMID: 29263300 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.92821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The scaffold protein synectin plays a critical role in the trafficking and regulation of membrane receptor pathways. As platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) is essential for hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis, we sought to determine the role of synectin on the PDGFR pathway and development of liver fibrosis. Mice with deletion of synectin from HSC were found to be protected from liver fibrosis. mRNA sequencing revealed that knockdown of synectin in HSC demonstrated reductions in the fibrosis pathway of genes, including PDGFR-β. Chromatin IP assay of the PDGFR-β promoter upon synectin knockdown revealed a pattern of histone marks associated with decreased transcription, dependent on p300 histone acetyltransferase. Synectin knockdown was found to downregulate PDGFR-α protein levels, as well, but through an alternative mechanism: protection from autophagic degradation. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that ubiquitination of specific PDGFR-α lysine residues was responsible for its autophagic degradation. Furthermore, functional studies showed decreased PDGF-dependent migration and proliferation of HSC after synectin knockdown. Finally, human cirrhotic livers demonstrated increased synectin protein levels. This work provides insight into differential transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms of synectin regulation of PDGFRs, which are critical to fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Drinane
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Usman Yaqoob
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Haibin Yu
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fanghong Luo
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Thomas Greuter
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Juan P Arab
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Enis Kostallari
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vikas K Verma
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jessica Maiers
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Thiago Milech De Assuncao
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael Simons
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Raul Urrutia
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yandong Gao
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alexander Revzin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sheng Cao
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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13
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Cannito S, Novo E, Parola M. Therapeutic pro-fibrogenic signaling pathways in fibroblasts. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 121:57-84. [PMID: 28578015 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.017] [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: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts (MFs) play a critical role in the progression of chronic inflammatory and fibroproliferative diseases in different tissues/organs, whatever the etiology. Fibrosis is preceded and sustained by persistent injury and inflammatory response in a profibrogenic scenario involving mutual interactions, operated by several mediators and pathways, of MFs and related precursor cells with innate immunity cells and virtually any cell type in a defined tissue. These interactions, mediators and related signaling pathways are critical in initiating and perpetuating the differentiation of precursor cells into MFs that in different tissues share peculiar traits and phenotypic responses, including the ability to proliferate, produce ECM components, migrate and contribute to the modulation of inflammatory response and tissue angiogenesis. Literature studies related to liver, lung and kidney fibrosis have outlined a number of MF-related core regulatory fibrogenic signaling pathways conserved across these different organs and potentially targetable in order to develop effective antifibrotic therapeutic strategies.
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14
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Ying HZ, Chen Q, Zhang WY, Zhang HH, Ma Y, Zhang SZ, Fang J, Yu CH. PDGF signaling pathway in hepatic fibrosis pathogenesis and therapeutics (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:7879-7889. [PMID: 28983598 PMCID: PMC5779870 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The platelet‑derived growth factor (PDFG) signaling pathway exerts persistent activation in response to a variety of stimuli and facilitates the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Since this pathway modulates a broad spectrum of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, inflammation and carcinogenesis, it has emerged as a therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis and liver‑associated disorders. The present review exhibits the current knowledge of the role of the PDGF signaling pathway and its pathological profiles in hepatic fibrosis, and assesses the potential of inhibitors which have been investigated in the experimental hepatic fibrosis model, in addition to the clinical challenges associated with these inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Zhong Ying
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Wen-You Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Huan-Huan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Yue Ma
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Song-Zhao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Jie Fang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Chen-Huan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
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15
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Schwabl P, Laleman W. Novel treatment options for portal hypertension. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2017; 5:90-103. [PMID: 28533907 PMCID: PMC5421460 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/gox011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is most frequently associated with cirrhosis and is a major driver for associated complications, such as variceal bleeding, ascites or hepatic encephalopathy. As such, clinically significant portal hypertension forms the prelude to decompensation and impacts significantly on the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis. At present, non-selective β-blockers, vasopressin analogues and somatostatin analogues are the mainstay of treatment but these strategies are far from satisfactory and only target splanchnic hyperemia. In contrast, safe and reliable strategies to reduce the increased intrahepatic resistance in cirrhotic patients still represent a pending issue. In recent years, several preclinical and clinical trials have focused on this latter component and other therapeutic avenues. In this review, we highlight novel data in this context and address potentially interesting therapeutic options for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wim Laleman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Abstract
In patients with advanced liver disease with portal hypertension, portal-systemic collaterals contribute to circulatory disturbance, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension. Angiogenesis has a pivotal role in the formation of portal-systemic shunts. Recent research has defined many of the mediators and mechanisms involved in this angiogenic process, linking the central roles of hepatic stellate cells and endothelial cells. Studies of animal models have demonstrated the potential therapeutic impact of drugs to inhibit angiogenesis in cirrhosis. For example, inhibition of VEGF reduces portal pressure, hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation, portosystemic collateralization and liver fibrosis. An improved understanding of the role of other angiogenic factors provides hope for a novel targeted therapy for portal hypertension with a tolerable adverse effect profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cristóbal Gana
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, Division of Pediatrics, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Chile
| | - Carolina A Serrano
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, Division of Pediatrics, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Chile
| | - Simon C Ling
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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Marfà S, Morales-Ruiz M, Oró D, Ribera J, Fernández-Varo G, Jiménez W. Sipa1l1 is an early biomarker of liver fibrosis in CCl4-treated rats. Biol Open 2016; 5:858-65. [PMID: 27230648 PMCID: PMC4920198 DOI: 10.1242/bio.018887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, several procedures are used for staging liver fibrosis. However, these methods may involve clinical complications and/or present diagnostic uncertainty mainly in the early stages of the disease. Thus, this study was designed to unveil new non-invasive biomarkers of liver fibrosis in an in vivo model of fibrosis/cirrhosis induction by CCl4 inhalation by using a label-free quantitative LC-MS/MS approach. We analyzed 94 serum samples from adult Wistar rats with different degrees of liver fibrosis and 36 control rats. Firstly, serum samples from 18 CCl4-treated rats were clustered into three different groups according to the severity of hepatic and the serum proteome was characterized by label-free LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, three different pooled serum samples obtained from 16 control Wistar rats were also analyzed. Based on the proteomic data obtained, we performed a multivariate analysis which displayed three main cell signaling pathways altered in fibrosis. In cirrhosis, more biological imbalances were detected as well as multi-organ alterations. In addition, hemopexin and signal-induced proliferation-associated 1 like 1 (SIPA1L1) were selected as potential serum markers of liver fibrogenesis among all the analyzed proteins. The results were validated by ELISA in an independent group of 76 fibrotic/cirrhotic rats and 20 controls which confirmed SIPA1L1 as a potential non-invasive biomarker of liver fibrosis. In particular, SIPA1L1 showed a clear diminution in serum samples from fibrotic/cirrhotic rats and a great accuracy at identifying early fibrotic stages. In conclusion, the proteomic analysis of serum samples from CCl4-treated rats has enabled the identification of SIPA1L1 as a non-invasive marker of early liver fibrosis. Summary: Proteomic analysis of serum samples from fibrotic and cirrhotic rats revealed a reduction in SIPA1L1 concentration with potential use as a marker for early liver fibrosis diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Marfà
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Morales-Ruiz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain Departament de Biomedicina, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Denise Oró
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribera
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Fernández-Varo
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain Departament de Biomedicina, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain Departament de Biomedicina, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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Wang X, Wu X, Zhang A, Wang S, Hu C, Chen W, Shen Y, Tan R, Sun Y, Xu Q. Targeting the PDGF-B/PDGFR-β Interface with Destruxin A5 to Selectively Block PDGF-BB/PDGFR-ββ Signaling and Attenuate Liver Fibrosis. EBioMedicine 2016; 7:146-56. [PMID: 27322468 PMCID: PMC4909612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PDGF-BB/PDGFR-ββ signaling plays very crucial roles in the process of many diseases such as liver fibrosis. However, drug candidates with selective affinities for PDGF-B/PDGFR-β remain deficient. Here, we identified a natural cyclopeptide termed destruxin A5 that effectively inhibits PDGF-BB-induced PDGFR-β signaling. Interestingly and importantly, the inhibitory mechanism is distinct from the mechanism of tyrosine kinase inhibitors because destruxin A5 does not have the ability to bind to the ATP-binding pocket of PDGFR-β. Using Biacore T200 technology, thermal shift technology, microscale thermophoresis technology and computational analysis, we confirmed that destruxin A5 selectively targets the PDGF-B/PDGFR-β interaction interface to block this signaling. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of destruxin A5 on PDGF-BB/PDGFR-ββ signaling was verified using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models, in which the extent of liver fibrosis was effectively alleviated by destruxin A5. In summary, destruxin A5 may represent an efficacious and more selective inhibitor of PDGF-BB/PDGFR-ββ signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China; Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Xuefeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chunhui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Renxiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China.
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Fernández-Varo G, Oró D, Cable EE, Reichenbach V, Carvajal S, de la Presa BG, Wiśniewski K, Ginés P, Harris G, Jiménez W. Vasopressin 1a receptor partial agonism increases sodium excretion and reduces portal hypertension and ascites in cirrhotic rats. Hepatology 2016; 63:207-16. [PMID: 26403564 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Patients and rats with cirrhosis and ascites have portal hypertension and circulatory dysfunction. Synthetic arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor agonists able to induce systemic and mesenteric vasoconstriction have shown their usefulness in reducing portal pressure (PP) in this condition. We assessed the potential therapeutic value of a new V1 a -AVP receptor partial agonist with a preferential splanchnic vasoconstrictor effect (FE 204038) in rats with cirrhosis and ascites. The hemodynamic effects of cumulative intravenous doses of FE 204038, terlipressin, or vehicle were investigated. Mean arterial pressure and PP were continuously recorded and cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) assessed at 30-minute intervals for 90 minutes. Urine volume, urine osmolality, and urinary excretion of sodium and creatinine were measured in basal conditions and following twice-daily subcutaneous doses of FE 204038 or vehicle. PP, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, SVR, and ascites volume were also measured after 6 days. The expression of an array of vasoactive genes was assessed in the thoracic aorta and the mesenteric circulation of control rats and rats with cirrhosis and ascites. FE 204038 dose-dependently decreased PP, did not modify mean arterial pressure, and increased SVR. The effect of the V1a -AVP receptor partial agonist on PP was associated with an improvement in urine volume and urinary excretion of sodium during the first day of treatment. SVR was higher and cardiac output and ascites volume were lower in rats with cirrhosis and ascites treated with FE 204038. V1a -AVP receptor expression in rats with cirrhosis and ascites was markedly enhanced in the mesenteric circulation compared to the thoracic aorta. CONCLUSION FE 204038 increases sodium excretion and reduces portal hypertension and ascites in experimental cirrhosis. V1a -AVP receptor partial agonism could be a useful pharmacological treatment in decompensated patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Fernández-Varo
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department Ciencies Fisiologiques I, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Denise Oró
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Vedrana Reichenbach
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Carvajal
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernardino González de la Presa
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Pere Ginés
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department Ciencies Fisiologiques I, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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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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Borkham-Kamphorst E, Weiskirchen R. The PDGF system and its antagonists in liver fibrosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 28:53-61. [PMID: 26547628 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling plays an important role in activated hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblast proliferation, chemotaxis, migration and cell survival. PDGF receptors and ligands are upregulated in experimental liver fibrotic models as well as in human liver fibrotic diseases. Blocking of PDGF signaling ameliorates experimental liver fibrogenesis. The plurality of molecular and cellular activities of PDGF and its involvement in initiation, progression and resolution of hepatic fibrogenesis offers an infinite number of therapeutic possibilities. These include the application of therapeutic antibodies (e.g. AbyD3263, MOR8457) which specifically sequester individual PDGF isoforms or the inhibition of PDGF isoforms by synthetic aptamers. In particular, the isolation of innovative slow off-rate modified aptamers (e.g., SOMAmer SL1 and SL5) that carry functional groups absent in natural nucleic acids by the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential (SELEX) enrichment technique offers the possibility to design high affinity aptamers that target PDGF isoforms for clinical purposes. Dominant-negative soluble PDGF receptors are also effective in attenuation of hepatic stellate cell proliferation and hepatic fibrogenesis. Moreover, some multikinase inhibitors targeting PDGF signaling have been intensively tested during the last decade and are on the way into advanced preclinical studies and clinical trials. This narrative review aims to gauge the recent progression of research into PDGF systems and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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Kocabayoglu P, Lade A, Lee YA, Dragomir AC, Sun X, Fiel MI, Thung S, Aloman C, Soriano P, Hoshida Y, Friedman SL. β-PDGF receptor expressed by hepatic stellate cells regulates fibrosis in murine liver injury, but not carcinogenesis. J Hepatol 2015; 63:141-7. [PMID: 25678385 PMCID: PMC4475471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Rapid induction of β-PDGF receptor (β-PDGFR) is a core feature of hepatic stellate cell activation, but its cellular impact in vivo is not well characterized. We explored the contribution of β-PDGFR-mediated pathway activation to hepatic stellate cell responses in liver injury, fibrogenesis, and carcinogenesis in vivo using genetic models with divergent β-PDGFR activity, and assessed its prognostic implications in human cirrhosis. METHODS The impact of either loss or constitutive activation of β-PDGFR in stellate cells on fibrosis was assessed following carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or bile duct ligation. Hepatocarcinogenesis in fibrotic liver was tracked after a single dose of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) followed by repeated injections of CCl4. Genome-wide expression profiling was performed from isolated stellate cells that expressed or lacked β-PDGFR to determine deregulated pathways and evaluate their association with prognostic gene signatures in human cirrhosis. RESULTS Depletion of β-PDGFR in hepatic stellate cells decreased injury and fibrosis in vivo, while its auto-activation accelerated fibrosis. However, there was no difference in development of DEN-induced pre-neoplastic foci. Genomic profiling revealed ERK, AKT, and NF-κB pathways and a subset of a previously identified 186-gene prognostic signature in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis as downstream of β-PDGFR in stellate cells. In the human cohort, the β-PDGFR signature was not associated with HCC development, but was significantly associated with a poorer outcome in HCV cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS β-PDGFR is a key mediator of hepatic injury and fibrogenesis in vivo and contributes to the poor prognosis of human cirrhosis, but not by increasing HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peri Kocabayoglu
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Germany
| | - Abigale Lade
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Youngmin A. Lee
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ana-Cristina Dragomir
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaochen Sun
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - M. Isabel Fiel
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Swan Thung
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Costica Aloman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philippe Soriano
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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23
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Fernandez M. Molecular pathophysiology of portal hypertension. Hepatology 2015; 61:1406-15. [PMID: 25092403 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades the advances in molecular cell biology have led to significant discoveries about the pathophysiology of portal hypertension (PHT). In particular, great progress has been made in the study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate the increased intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR) in cirrhosis. We now know that the increased IHVR is not irreversible, but that both the structural component caused by fibrosis and the active component caused by hepatic sinusoidal constriction can be, at least partially, reversed. Indeed, it is now apparent that the activation of perisinusoidal hepatic stellate cells, which is a key event mediating the augmented IHVR, is regulated by multiple signal transduction pathways that could be potential therapeutic targets for PHT treatment. Furthermore, the complexity of the molecular physiology of PHT can also be appreciated when one considers the complex signals capable of inducing vasodilatation and hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictors in the splanchnic vascular bed, with several vasoactive molecules, controlled at multiple levels, working together to mediate these circulatory abnormalities. Added to the complexity is the occurrence of pathological angiogenesis during the course of disease progression, with recent emphasis given to understanding its molecular machinery and regulation. Although much remains to be learned, with the current availability of reagents and new technologies and the exchange of concepts and data among investigators, our knowledge of the molecular basis of PHT will doubtless continue to grow, accelerating the transfer of knowledge generated by basic research to clinical practice. This will hopefully permit a better future for patients with PHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Fernandez
- Angiogenesis in Liver Disease Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Regulator of G-protein signaling-5 is a marker of hepatic stellate cells and expression mediates response to liver injury. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108505. [PMID: 25290689 PMCID: PMC4188519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is mediated by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which respond to a variety of cytokine and growth factors to moderate the response to injury and create extracellular matrix at the site of injury. G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated signaling, via endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (AngII), increases HSC contraction, migration and fibrogenesis. Regulator of G-protein signaling-5 (RGS5), an inhibitor of vasoactive GPCR agonists, functions to control GPCR-mediated contraction and hypertrophy in pericytes and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Therefore we hypothesized that RGS5 controls GPCR signaling in activated HSCs in the context of liver injury. In this study, we localize RGS5 to the HSCs and demonstrate that Rgs5 expression is regulated during carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute and chronic liver injury in Rgs5LacZ/LacZ reporter mice. Furthermore, CCl4 treated RGS5-null mice develop increased hepatocyte damage and fibrosis in response to CCl4 and have increased expression of markers of HSC activation. Knockdown of Rgs5 enhances ET-1-mediated signaling in HSCs in vitro. Taken together, we demonstrate that RGS5 is a critical regulator of GPCR signaling in HSCs and regulates HSC activation and fibrogenesis in liver injury.
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