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Shiozaki M, Kanno K, Yonezawa S, Otani Y, Shigenobu Y, Haratake D, Murakami E, Oka S, Ito M. Integrator complex subunit 6 promotes hepatocellular steatosis via β-catenin-PPARγ axis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2024:159532. [PMID: 38981571 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2024.159532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic adipogenesis has common mechanisms with adipocyte differentiation such as PPARγ involvement and the induction of adipose tissue-specific molecules. A previous report demonstrated that integrator complex subunit 6 (INTS6) is required for adipocyte differentiation. This study aimed to investigate INTS6 expression and its role in hepatic steatosis progression. The expression of INTS6 and PPARγ was examined in the liver of a mouse model of steatohepatitis and in paired liver biopsy samples from 11 patients with severe obesity and histologically proven metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) before and one year after bariatric surgery. To induce hepatocellular steatosis in vitro, an immortalized human hepatocyte cell line Hc3716 was treated with free fatty acids. In the steatohepatitis mouse model, we observed hepatic induction of INTS6, PPARγ, and adipocyte-specific genes. In contrast, β-catenin which negatively regulates PPARγ was reduced. Biopsied human livers demonstrated a strong positive correlation (r2 = 0.8755) between INTS6 and PPARγ mRNA levels. After bariatric surgery, gene expressions of PPARγ, FABP4, and CD36 were mostly downregulated. In our in vitro experiments, we observed a concentration-dependent increase in Oil Red O staining in Hc3716 cells after treatment with the free fatty acids. Alongside this change, the expression of INTS6, PPARγ, and adipocyte-specific genes was induced. INTS6 knockdown using siRNA significantly suppressed cellular lipid accumulation together with induction of β-catenin and PPARγ downregulation. Collectively, INTS6 expression closely correlates with PPARγ. INTS6 suppression significantly reduced hepatocyte steatosis via β-catenin-PPARγ axis, indicating that INTS6 could be a novel therapeutic target for treating MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minami Shiozaki
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Keishi Kanno
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan.
| | - Sayaka Yonezawa
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Otani
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Yuya Shigenobu
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Daisuke Haratake
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan
| | - Shiro Oka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan
| | - Masanori Ito
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
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2
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Jiang Q, Wang N, Lu S, Xiong J, Yuan Y, Liu J, Chen S. Targeting hepatic ceruloplasmin mitigates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by modulating bile acid metabolism. J Mol Cell Biol 2024; 15:mjad060. [PMID: 37771074 PMCID: PMC10993722 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a condition that progresses from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is characterized by hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis. It has the potential to develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer, and currently no effective pharmacological treatment is available. In this study, we investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting ceruloplasmin (Cp), a copper-containing protein predominantly secreted by hepatocytes, for treating NASH. Our result show that hepatic Cp is remarkedly upregulated in individuals with NASH and the mouse NASH model. Hepatocyte-specific Cp ablation effectively attenuates the onset of dietary-induced NASH by decreasing lipid accumulation, curbing inflammation, mitigating fibrosis, and ameliorating liver damage. By employing transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches, we have discovered that hepatic deletion of Cp brings about remarkable restoration of bile acid (BA) metabolism during NASH. Hepatic deletion of Cp effectively remodels BA metabolism by upregulating Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1, which subsequently leads to enhanced BA synthesis and notable alterations in BA profiles. In conclusion, our studies elucidate the crucial involvement of Cp in NASH, highlighting its significance as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanxin Jiang
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Sijia Lu
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yanmei Yuan
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Junli Liu
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Suzhen Chen
- Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
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3
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Yang Q, Wu Y, Liu W, Ou X, Zhang W, Wang J, Chang Y, Wang F, Gao M, Liu S. Zonated iron deposition in the periportal zone of the liver is associated with selectively enhanced lipid synthesis. Liver Int 2024; 44:589-602. [PMID: 38082474 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Disorders in liver lipid metabolism have been implicated in a range of metabolic conditions, including fatty liver and liver cancer. Altered lipid distribution within the liver, shifting from the pericentral to the periportal zone under pathological circumstances, has been observed; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Iron, an essential metal, exhibits a zonal distribution in the liver similar to that of lipids. Nevertheless, the precise relationship between iron and lipid distribution, especially in the pericentral and periportal zones, remains poorly understood. METHODS We conducted comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments, combining with in situ analysis and RNA sequencing, aiming for a detailed exploration of the causal relationship between iron accumulation and lipid metabolism. RESULTS Our research suggests that iron overload can disrupt the normal distribution of lipids within the liver, particularly in the periportal zone. Through meticulous gene expression profiling in both the pericentral and periportal zones, we identified pyruvate carboxylase (PC) as a pivotal regulator in iron overload-induced lipid accumulation. Additionally, we revealed that the activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) was indispensable for Pc gene expression when in response to iron overload. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our investigation unveils the crucial involvement of iron overload in fostering hepatic lipid accumulation in the periportal zone, at least partly mediated by the modulation of Pc expression. These insights offer new perspectives for understanding the pathogenesis of fatty liver diseases and their progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Ou
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis and National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis and National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jianning Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanzhong Chang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sijin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhao Y, Ye Z, Liu Y, Zhang J, Kuermanbayi S, Zhou Y, Guo H, Xu F, Li F. Investigating the Role of Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Modulating the Ferroptosis Process in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy. Anal Chem 2024; 96:1102-1111. [PMID: 38179931 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness modulates a variety of cellular processes, including ferroptosis, a process with significant potential implications for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, the exact relationship between ECM stiffness and HCC ferroptosis is yet unclarified, partially due to the lack of in situ information on key parameters of the ferroptosis process of living HCC cells. This study pioneers the use of in vitro mechanical microenvironment models of HCC and the scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) technique for understanding this interplay. We first cultured HuH7 cells on 4.0, 18.0, and 44.0 kPa polyacrylamide (PA) gels to simulate early, intermediate, and advanced HCC ECM stiffness, respectively. Then, we used SECM to in situ monitor changes in cell membrane permeability, respiratory activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of erastin-induced HuH7 cells on PA gels, finding that increasing ECM stiffness potentiates ferroptosis, including increased membrane permeabilization and H2O2 release as well as reduced respiratory activity. Through further transcriptome sequencing and molecular biology measurements, we identified a critical role for focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated yes-associated protein (YAP) in regulating the ferroptosis process dependent on ECM stiffness, which provides novel insights into the mechanical regulation of ferroptosis in HCC cells and may pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoyang Ye
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yulin Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Shuake Kuermanbayi
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Fei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
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5
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Deng GH, Wu CF, Li YJ, Shi H, Zhong WC, Hong MK, Li JJ, Zhao JM, Liu C, Qin MC, Zeng ZY, Zhang WM, Yung KKL, Lv ZP, Gao L. Caveolin-1 is critical for hepatic iron storage capacity in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:53. [PMID: 37941054 PMCID: PMC10631186 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00487-3] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with disordered lipid and iron metabolism. Our previous study has substantiated the pivotal role of Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in protecting hepatocytes and mediating iron metabolism in the liver. This study aimed to explore the specific mechanisms underlying the regulation of iron metabolism by Cav-1 in NAFLD. METHODS Hepatocyte-specific Cav-1 overexpression mice and knockout mice were used in this study. Cav-1-knockdown of RAW264.7 cells and mouse primary hepatocytes were performed to verify the changes in vitro. Moreover, a high-fat diet and palmitic acid plus oleic acid treatment were utilized to construct a NAFLD model in vivo and in vitro, respectively, while a high-iron diet was used to construct an in vivo iron overload model. Besides, iron concentration, the expression of Cav-1 and iron metabolism-related proteins in liver tissue or serum were detected using iron assay kit, Prussian blue staining, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemical staining and ELISA. The related indicators of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress were evaluated by the corresponding reagent kit and staining. RESULTS Significant disorder of lipid and iron metabolism occurred in NAFLD. The expression of Cav-1 was decreased in NAFLD hepatocytes (P < 0.05), accompanied by iron metabolism disorder. Cav-1 enhanced the iron storage capacity of hepatocytes by activating the ferritin light chain/ferritin heavy chain pathway in NAFLD, subsequently alleviating the oxidative stress induced by excess ferrous ions in the liver. Further, CD68+CD163+ macrophages expressing Cav-1 were found to accelerate iron accumulation in the liver, which was contrary to the effect of Cav-1 in hepatocytes. Positive correlations were also observed between the serum Cav-1 concentration and the serum iron-related protein levels in NAFLD patients and healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm that Cav-1 is an essential target protein that regulates iron and lipid metabolic homeostasis. It is a pivotal molecule for predicting and protecting against the development of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Hui Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Hepatology, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, China
| | - Chao-Feng Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yun-Jia Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hao Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wei-Chao Zhong
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, Guangdong, China
| | - Mu-Keng Hong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jun-Jie Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jia-Min Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Meng-Chen Qin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhi-Yun Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wei-Min Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, China
| | - Ken Kin Lam Yung
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, China.
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Department of Hepatology, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, China.
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6
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Bragg RM, Coffey SR, Cantle JP, Hu S, Singh S, Legg SR, McHugh CA, Toor A, Zeitlin SO, Kwak S, Howland D, Vogt TF, Monga SP, Carroll JB. Huntingtin loss in hepatocytes is associated with altered metabolism, adhesion, and liver zonation. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302098. [PMID: 37684045 PMCID: PMC10488683 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease arises from a toxic gain of function in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. As a result, many HTT-lowering therapies are being pursued in clinical studies, including those that reduce HTT RNA and protein expression in the liver. To investigate potential impacts, we characterized molecular, cellular, and metabolic impacts of chronic HTT lowering in mouse hepatocytes. Lifelong hepatocyte HTT loss is associated with multiple physiological changes, including increased circulating bile acids, cholesterol and urea, hypoglycemia, and impaired adhesion. HTT loss causes a clear shift in the normal zonal patterns of liver gene expression, such that pericentral gene expression is reduced. These alterations in liver zonation in livers lacking HTT are observed at the transcriptional, histological, and plasma metabolite levels. We have extended these phenotypes physiologically with a metabolic challenge of acetaminophen, for which the HTT loss results in toxicity resistance. Our data reveal an unexpected role for HTT in regulating hepatic zonation, and we find that loss of HTT in hepatocytes mimics the phenotypes caused by impaired hepatic β-catenin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Bragg
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Sydney R Coffey
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Cantle
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Shikai Hu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Samuel Rw Legg
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Cassandra A McHugh
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Amreen Toor
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Scott O Zeitlin
- https://ror.org/0153tk833 Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Carroll
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
- https://ror.org/00cvxb145 Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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7
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Bai Y, Li T, Liu J, Wang Y, Wang C, Ju S, Zhou C, Chen Y, Yao W, Xiong B. Aerobic exercise and vitamin E improve high-fat diet-induced NAFLD in rats by regulating the AMPK pathway and oxidative stress. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:2621-2632. [PMID: 37219594 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a major chronic liver disease. We explored simple and effective ways to improve NAFLD and investigate the mechanism of action. METHODS NAFLD was induced in 40 rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate the progression and improvement of NAFLD. The treatment-related interventions included aerobic exercise (E) and vitamin E (VE) supplementation. Expression levels of proteins related to fat metabolism were also assessed. The activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and serum lipid metabolism were analyzed using biochemical methods. RESULTS Aerobic exercise and vitamin E effectively improved NAFLD in rats, resulting in decreased hepatic fat accumulation, reduced hepatocyte ballooning, and decreased triglyceride levels. Combination therapy achieved the best effect. Both aerobic exercise and vitamin E activate the AMPK pathway to phosphorylate acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and reduce fatty acid synthesis. The expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) was decreased significantly in the treated groups, particularly in the E + VE + HFD group. The expression of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1C (CPT1C) significantly increased in the treated groups, particularly in the E + VE + HFD group. Compared with the control group, reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the E + HFD group were slightly decreased, while that in the VE + HFD group were significantly decreased, with the even greater reduction observed in the E + VE + HFD group. CONCLUSION Aerobic exercise and vitamin E supplementation can improve HFD-induced NAFLD in rats by regulating the AMPK pathway and reducing oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowei Bai
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Tongqiang Li
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yingliang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chaoyang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shuguang Ju
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wei Yao
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Bin Xiong
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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8
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Cheng C, Wang Q, Huang Y, Xue Q, Wang Y, Wu P, Liao F, Miao C. Gandouling inhibits hepatic fibrosis in Wilson's disease through Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116445. [PMID: 37015279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGIC SIGNIFICANCE Wilson's disease (WD) hepatic fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury induced by Cu2+ deposition in the liver. Gandouling (GDL) is a hospital preparation of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine. Previous studies have found that GDL can play an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, and promote Cu2+ excretion, which has a clear anti-WD effect. AIM OF THE STUDY We found that Wnt-1 was significantly up-regulated in the liver tissue of toxic-milk (TX) mouse in the WD gene mutant model, and the monomer components of GDL could combine well with Wnt-1. Therefore, in this work, we used RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and related methods to study the effects of GDL on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and Wnt-1/β-catenin pathway in TX mice to clarify the effect of GDL on WD hepatic fibrosis. RESULTS GDL could alleviate hepatic fibrosis, improve liver function, and inhibit the activation of HSC in TX mice. Network pharmacology predicted that the Wnt-1/β-catenin was the target of GDL, and molecular dynamics further revealed that GDL has a good binding ability with Wnt-1 and inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through Wnt-1. Furthermore, we found that GDL blocked the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway in the liver of TX mice in vivo. In vitro, serum containing GDL blocked the Cu2+ ion-induced Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway in LX-2 cells. Therefore, GDL blocked the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway, inhibited HSC activation, and improved WD hepatic fibrosis by binding to Wnt-1. CONCLUSION GDL improves hepatic fibrosis in WD model mice by blocking the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway, and Wnt-1 may be a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of WD. This reveals a new mechanism of GDL against WD, and promotes the clinical promotion of GDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, School of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China.
| | - Yurong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiuyun Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Faxue Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Chenggui Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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9
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Cheng C, Wu Y, Wang X, Xue Q, Huang Y, Liao F, Wang X, Duan Q, Miao C. RNA methylations in hepatic fibrosis, a gradually emerging new treatment strategy. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:126. [PMID: 37420298 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a pathological process caused by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix caused by a series of causes, leading to the formation of fiber scar. RNA methylation is a newly discovered epigenetic modification that exists widely in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. RESULTS The occurrence and development of HF are regulated by many factors, including excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, activation of hepatic stellate cells, inflammation, and oxidative stress. RNA methylations of different species have become a crucial regulatory mode of transcript expression, And participate in the pathogenesis of tumors, nervous system diseases, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases. In addition, there are five common types of RNA methylation, but only m6A plays a crucial regulatory role in HF. The pathophysiological regulation of m6A on HF is achieved by the combination of the methylated transferase, demethylated enzyme, and methylated reading protein. CONCLUSIONS RNA methylated methyltransferase, demethylase, and reading protein extensively affect the pathological mechanism of HF, which may be a new therapeutic and diagnostic target, representing a new class of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yajie Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qiuyun Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yurong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Faxue Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiangjun Duan
- Department of Experimental (Practical Training) Teaching Center, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Chenggui Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Rheumatism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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10
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Bragg RM, Coffey SR, Cantle JP, Hu S, Singh S, Legg SR, McHugh CA, Toor A, Zeitlin SO, Kwak S, Howland D, Vogt TF, Monga SP, Carroll JB. Huntingtin loss in hepatocytes is associated with altered metabolism, adhesion, and liver zonation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.24.546334. [PMID: 37425835 PMCID: PMC10327156 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.24.546334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease arises from a toxic gain of function in the huntingtin ( HTT ) gene. As a result, many HTT-lowering therapies are being pursued in clinical studies, including those that reduce HTT RNA and protein expression in the liver. To investigate potential impacts, we characterized molecular, cellular, and metabolic impacts of chronic HTT lowering in mouse hepatocytes. Lifelong hepatocyte HTT loss is associated with multiple physiological changes, including increased circulating bile acids, cholesterol and urea, hypoglycemia, and impaired adhesion. HTT loss causes a clear shift in the normal zonal patterns of liver gene expression, such that pericentral gene expression is reduced. These alterations in liver zonation in livers lacking HTT are observed at the transcriptional, histological and plasma metabolite level. We have extended these phenotypes physiologically with a metabolic challenge of acetaminophen, for which the HTT loss results in toxicity resistance. Our data reveal an unexpected role for HTT in regulating hepatic zonation, and we find that loss of HTT in hepatocytes mimics the phenotypes caused by impaired hepatic β-catenin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Bragg
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Sydney R. Coffey
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Jeffrey P. Cantle
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Shikai Hu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Samuel R.W. Legg
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Cassandra A. McHugh
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Amreen Toor
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Scott O. Zeitlin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | | | | | | | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Carroll
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104-2499
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11
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Wang X, Wang B, Cheng M, Yu L, Liu W, Nie X, Wang M, Zhou M, Chen W. Lipid peroxidation mediates the association between iron overload and liver injury: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in general Chinese urban adults. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:60343-60353. [PMID: 37022540 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26702-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Iron overload has been associated with acute/chronic organ failure, but whether iron overload induces liver injury remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to assess the relationship between urinary iron and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT, a biomarker for liver injury), and investigate the potential mediating roles of lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage in such association. Levels of urinary iron, serum ALT, and urinary biomarkers of lipid peroxidation (8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α [8-iso-PGF2α]) and oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-deoxyguano-sine [8-OHdG]) were measured among 5386 observations of 4220 participants from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort. The relationships of urinary iron with serum ALT and risk of hyperALT were evaluated by linear mixed model and logistic regression model, respectively. The mediating roles of 8-iso-PGF2α and 8-OHdG were assessed by mediation analyses. This cross-sectional analysis found that urinary iron was positively associated with ALT (β = 0.032; 95% CI: 0.020, 0.044) and hyperALT prevalence (OR = 1.127; 95% CI: 1.065, 1.192). After 3 years of follow-up, participants with persistent high iron levels had increased risk of developing hyperALT (RR = 3.800; 95% CI: 1.464, 9.972) when compared with those with persistent low iron levels. In addition, each 1% increase in urinary iron was associated with a 0.146% (95% CI: 0.128%, 0.164%) increase and a 0.192% (95% CI: 0.154%, 0.229%) increase in 8-iso-PGF2α and 8-OHdG, respectively. Urinary 8-iso-PGF2α (β = 0.056; 95% CI: 0.039, 0.074) was positively associated with ALT, while the association between 8-OHdG and ALT was insignificant. Furthermore, increased 8-iso-PGF2α significantly mediated 22.48% of the urinary iron-associated ALT increment. Our study demonstrated that iron overload was significantly associated with liver injury, which was partly mediated by lipid peroxidation. Controlling iron intake and regulating lipid peroxidation may help in preventing liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Man Cheng
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Linling Yu
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xiuquan Nie
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Mengyi Wang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Weihong Chen
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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12
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Kouroumalis E, Tsomidis I, Voumvouraki A. Iron as a therapeutic target in chronic liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:616-655. [PMID: 36742167 PMCID: PMC9896614 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i4.616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
It was clearly realized more than 50 years ago that iron deposition in the liver may be a critical factor in the development and progression of liver disease. The recent clarification of ferroptosis as a specific form of regulated hepatocyte death different from apoptosis and the description of ferritinophagy as a specific variation of autophagy prompted detailed investigations on the association of iron and the liver. In this review, we will present a brief discussion of iron absorption and handling by the liver with emphasis on the role of liver macrophages and the significance of the iron regulators hepcidin, transferrin, and ferritin in iron homeostasis. The regulation of ferroptosis by endogenous and exogenous mod-ulators will be examined. Furthermore, the involvement of iron and ferroptosis in various liver diseases including alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease, chronic hepatitis B and C, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will be analyzed. Finally, experimental and clinical results following interventions to reduce iron deposition and the promising manipulation of ferroptosis will be presented. Most liver diseases will be benefited by ferroptosis inhibition using exogenous inhibitors with the notable exception of HCC, where induction of ferroptosis is the desired effect. Current evidence mostly stems from in vitro and in vivo experimental studies and the need for well-designed future clinical trials is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kouroumalis
- Liver Research Laboratory, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsomidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki 54621, Greece
| | - Argyro Voumvouraki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki 54621, Greece
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13
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Wang S, Huo H, Wu H, Ma F, Liao J, Li X, Ding Q, Tang Z, Guo J. Effects of NAC assisted insulin on cholesterol metabolism disorders in canine type 1 diabetes mellitus. Life Sci 2023; 313:121193. [PMID: 36463942 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by insulin deficiency and often accompanied by hypercholesterolemia. NAC is an effective antioxidative drug, but its application in the treatment of diabetes is still rare. A total of forty beagles were randomly divided into five groups: control group, DM group, INS group, INS with NAC group, and NAC group. The experiment lasted for 120 days. Results revealed that biochemical criterion increased in the DM group, while the indicators significantly decreased on the INS combined with NAC treatment group. Moreover, the insulin released test demonstrated that the model of T1DM was successfully constructed. The result of B ultrasound of gallbladder showed remarkable cholestasis in DM group. The cholesterol metabolism-related enzyme activity (HMGCR and SQLE) was evidently increased in DM group, but decreased in INS and NAC group. The content of TG, LDL-c, and HDL-c in liver was detected by the kit, and it was found that the content of TG, LDL-c, and HDL-c in DM group were reduced. Histopathological observation revealed that the cholestasis of liver cells and hepatic cords were disordered in DM group, the symptoms were alleviated under INS and NAC treatment. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression of HMGCR and LDLR were obviously increased in DM group, but down regulated in INS and NAC treatment group. Overall, the liver function injury and secondary hypercholesterolemia can be found in T1DM canines, and NAC can relieve cholesterol metabolism disorder in the treatment of canine T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhou Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
| | - Haihua Huo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
| | - Haitong Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
| | - Feiyang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - Jianzhao Liao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
| | - Xinrun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
| | - Qingyu Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
| | - Zhaoxin Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
| | - Jianying Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
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14
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Abstract
Liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. With the global epidemic of obesity, the major HCC etiologies have been dynamically shifting from viral to metabolic liver diseases. This change has made HCC prevention difficult with increasingly elusive at-risk populations as rational target for preventive interventions. Besides ongoing efforts to reduce obesity and metabolic disorders, chemoprevention in patients who already have metabolic liver diseases may have a significant impact on the poor HCC prognosis. Hepatitis B- and hepatitis C-related HCC incidences have been substantially reduced by the new antivirals, but HCC risk can persist over a decade even after successful viral treatment, highlighting the need for HCC-preventive measures also in these patients. Experimental and retrospective studies have suggested potential utility of generic agents such as lipophilic statins and aspirin for HCC chemoprevention given their well-characterized safety profile, although anticipated efficacy may be modest. In this review, we overview recent clinical and translational studies of generic agents in the context of HCC chemoprevention under the contemporary HCC etiologies. We also discuss newly emerging approaches to overcome the challenges in clinical testing of the agents to facilitate their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahmida Rasha
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Subhojit Paul
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tracey G Simon
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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15
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Iron metabolism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a promising therapeutic target. LIVER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Canonical Wnt Signaling in the Pathology of Iron Overload-Induced Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7163326. [PMID: 35116092 PMCID: PMC8807048 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7163326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Iron accumulates in the vital organs with aging. This is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to age-related disorders. Abnormal iron levels are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, liver injury, cancer, and ocular diseases. Canonical Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that regulates many cellular functions including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, and stem cell renewal. Recent evidences indicate that iron regulates Wnt signaling, and iron chelators like deferoxamine and deferasirox can inhibit Wnt signaling and cell growth. Canonical Wnt signaling is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, and there are significant efforts ongoing to develop innovative therapies targeting the aberrant Wnt signaling. This review examines how intracellular iron accumulation regulates Wnt signaling in various tissues and their potential contribution in the progression of age-related diseases.
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17
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Ding H, Zhang Q, Yu X, Chen L, Wang Z, Feng J. Lipidomics reveals perturbations in the liver lipid profile of iron-overloaded mice. Metallomics 2021; 13:6375437. [PMID: 34562083 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfab057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Iron overload is an important contributor to disease. The liver, the major site of iron storage in the body, is a key organ impacted by iron overload. While several studies have reported perturbations in liver lipids in iron overload, it is not clear, on a global scale, how individual liver lipid ions are altered. Here, we used lipidomics to study the changes in hepatic lipid ions in iron-overloaded mice. Iron overload was induced by daily intraperitoneal injections of 100 mg/kg body weight iron dextran for 1 week. Iron overload was verified by serum markers of iron status, liver iron quantitation, and Perls stain. Compared with the control group, the serum of iron-overload mice exhibited low levels of urea nitrogen and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and high concentrations of total bile acid, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), suggestive of liver injury. Moreover, iron overload disrupted liver morphology, induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, caused lipid peroxidation, and led to DNA fragmentation. Iron overload altered the overall composition of lipid ions in the liver, with significant changes in over 100 unique lipid ions. Notably, iron overload selectively increased the overall abundance of glycerolipids and changed the composition of glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids. This study, one of the first to report iron-overload induced lipid alterations on a global lipidomics scale, provides early insight into lipid ions that may be involved in iron overload-induced pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxuan Ding
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaonan Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lingjun Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhonghang Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Feng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
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18
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Li X, Han J, Liu Y, Liang H. Lactobacillus casei relieves liver injury by regulating immunity and suppression of the enterogenic endotoxin-induced inflammatory response in rats cotreated with alcohol and iron. Food Sci Nutr 2021; 9:5391-5401. [PMID: 34646510 PMCID: PMC8497841 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol and iron intake can reportedly cause liver damage. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Lactobacillus casei on liver injury in rats co-exposed to alcohol and iron and evaluated its possible mechanism. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups for 12 weeks: the Control group (administered normal saline by gavage and provided a normal diet); alcohol +iron group (Model group, treated with alcohol [3.5-5.3 g/kg/day] by gavage and dietary iron [1,500 mg/kg]); Model group supplemented with L. casei (8 × 108 CFU kg-1 day-1) (L. casei group). Using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy, we observed that L. casei supplementation could alleviate disorders associated with lipid metabolism, inflammation, and intestinal mucosal barrier injury. Moreover, levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, triglyceride (TG), and hepatic TG were significantly increased in the model group; however, these levels were significantly decreased following the 12-week L. casei supplementation. In addition, we observed notable improvements in intestinal mucosal barrier function and alterations in T lymphocyte subsets and natural killer cells in L. casei-treated rats when compared with the model group. Furthermore, L. casei intervention alleviated serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, accompanied by decreased serum endotoxin levels and downregulated expression of toll-like receptor 4 and its related molecules MyD88, nuclear factor kappa-B p65, and TNF-α. Accordingly, supplementation with L. casei could effectively improve liver injury induced by the synergistic interaction between alcohol and iron. The underlying mechanism for this improvement may be related to immune regulation and inhibition of enterogenic endotoxin-mediated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelong Li
- Department of Human NutritionCollege of Public HealthQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
- Department of Clinical NutritionThe Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao UniversityYantaiChina
| | - Jianmin Han
- Department of Human NutritionCollege of Public HealthQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Ying Liu
- Basic Medical CollegeQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of Human NutritionCollege of Public HealthQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
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Liu JY, Cai YY, Ding ZY, Zhou ZY, Lv M, Liu H, Zheng LY, Li L, Luo YH, Xiao EH. Characterizing Fibrosis and Inflammation in a Partial Bile Duct Ligation Mouse Model by Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 55:1864-1874. [PMID: 34545977 PMCID: PMC9290705 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Partial bile duct ligation (PBDL) model is a reliable cholestatic fibrosis experimental model that showed complex histopathological changes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of PBDL have not been well characterized. Purpose To investigate the potential of MRI parameters in assessing fibrosis in PBDL and explore the relationships between MRI and pathological features. Animal Model Established PBDL models. Population Fifty‐four mice were randomly divided into four timepoints PBDL groups and one sham group. Field Strength/Sequence 3.0 T; MRI sequences included T1‐weighted fast spin‐echo (FSE), T2‐weighted single shot FSE, variable flip angle T1 mapping, multi‐echo SE T2 mapping, multi‐echo gradient‐echo T2* mapping, and multi‐b‐value diffusion‐weighted imaging. Assessment MRI examination was performed at the corresponding timepoints after surgery. Native T1, ΔT1 (T1native‐T1post), T2, T2*, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, histogram parameters (skewness and kurtosis), intravoxel incoherent motion parameters (f, D, and D*) within the entire ligated (PBDL), non‐ligated liver (PBDL), and whole liver (sham) were obtained. Fibrosis and inflammation were assessed in Masson and H&E staining slices using the Metavir and activity scoring system. Statistical Tests One‐way ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation, and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Fibrosis and inflammation were finally staged as F3 and A3 in ligated livers but were not observed in non‐ligated or sham livers. Ligated livers displayed significantly elevated native T1, ΔT1, T2, and reduced ADC and T2* than other livers. Spearman's correlation showed better correlation with inflammation (r = 0.809) than fibrosis (r = 0.635) in T2 and both ΔT1 and ADC showed stronger correlation with fibrosis (r = 0.704 and r = −0.718) than inflammation (r = 0.564 and r = −0.550). Area under the curve (AUC) for ΔT1 performed the highest (0.896). When combined with all relative parameters, AUC increased to 0.956. Data Conclusion Multiparametric MRI can evaluate and differentiate pathological changes in PBDL. ΔT1 and ADC better correlated with fibrosis while T2 stronger with inflammation. Level of Evidence 1 Technical Efficacy Stage 2
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ye-Yu Cai
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhu-Yuan Ding
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zi-Yi Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Lv
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li-Yun Zheng
- MR Collaboration, Central Research Institute, United Imaging Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong-Heng Luo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - En-Hua Xiao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Imaging Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
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Zhang F, Wang F, He J, Lian N, Wang Z, Shao J, Ding H, Tan S, Chen A, Zhang Z, Wang S, Zheng S. Regulation of hepatic stellate cell contraction and cirrhotic portal hypertension by Wnt/β-catenin signalling via interaction with Gli1. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2246-2265. [PMID: 33085791 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Portal hypertension is a lethal complication of cirrhosis. Its mechanism and therapeutic targets remain largely unknown. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) contraction increases intrahepatic vascular resistance contributing to portal hypertension. We investigated how HSC contraction was regulated by Wnt signalling and the therapeutic implications. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Liver tissues from cirrhotic patients were examined. Cirrhotic mice with genetic or pharmacological treatments were used for in vivo assessments, and their primary cells were isolated. Cellular functions and signalling pathways were analysed in human HSC-LX2 cells using real-time PCR, Western blotting, siRNA, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation and site-directed mutagenesis. KEY RESULTS Wnt/β-catenin correlated with HSC contraction in human cirrhotic liver. Wnt3a stimulated Smo-independent Gli1 nuclear translocation followed by LARG-mediated RhoA activation leading to HSC contraction. Suppressor of fused (Sufu) negatively mediated Wnt3a-induced Gli1 nuclear translocation. Wnt/β-catenin repressed transcription of Sufu dependent on β-catenin/TCF4 interaction and TCF4 binding to Sufu promoter. Molecular simulation and site-directed mutagenesis identified the β-catenin residues Lys312 and Lys435 critically involved in this interaction. TCF4 binding to the sequence CACACCTTCC at Sufu promoter was required for transrepression of Sufu. In cirrhotic mice, short-term liver-targeting β-catenin deficiency or acute treatment with β-catenin inhibitors reduced portal pressure via restriction of HSC contraction rather than inhibiting HSC activation. Long-term deficiency or treatments also ameliorated liver injury, fibrosis and inflammation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Interaction between Wnt/β-catenin and Smo-independent Gli1 pathways promoted HSC contraction via TCF4-dependent transrepression of Sufu. HSC-specific inhibition of β-catenin may have therapeutic benefits for cirrhotic portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianlin He
- The Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
| | - Naqi Lian
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenyi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai Ding
- Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine in Hepatology, The Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine in Hepatology, The Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shandong Co-innovation Center of TCM Formula, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Dludla PV, Nkambule BB, Mazibuko-Mbeje SE, Nyambuya TM, Marcheggiani F, Cirilli I, Ziqubu K, Shabalala SC, Johnson R, Louw J, Damiani E, Tiano L. N-Acetyl Cysteine Targets Hepatic Lipid Accumulation to Curb Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in NAFLD: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Literature. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E1283. [PMID: 33339155 PMCID: PMC7765616 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired adipose tissue function and insulin resistance remain instrumental in promoting hepatic lipid accumulation in conditions of metabolic syndrome. In fact, enhanced lipid accumulation together with oxidative stress and an abnormal inflammatory response underpin the development and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There are currently no specific protective drugs against NAFLD, and effective interventions involving regular exercise and healthy diets have proved difficult to achieve and maintain. Alternatively, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there has been growing interest in understanding the therapeutic effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against metabolic complications, including NAFLD. Here, reviewed evidence suggests that NAC blocks hepatic lipid accumulation in preclinical models of NAFLD. This is in part through the effective regulation of a fatty acid scavenger molecule (CD36) and transcriptional factors such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c/-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Importantly, NAC appears effective in improving liver function by reducing pro-inflammatory markers such as interleukin (IL)-6 IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). This was primarily through the attenuation of lipid peroxidation and enhancements in intracellular response antioxidants, particularly glutathione. Very few clinical studies support the beneficial effects of NAC against NAFLD-related complications, thus well-organized randomized clinical trials are still necessary to confirm its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phiwayinkosi V. Dludla
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; (S.C.S.); (R.J.); (J.L.)
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.M.); (I.C.); (E.D.); (L.T.)
| | - Bongani B. Nkambule
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (B.B.N.); (T.M.N.)
| | - Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2745, South Africa; (S.E.M.-M.); (K.Z.)
| | - Tawanda M. Nyambuya
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (B.B.N.); (T.M.N.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek 9000, Namibia
| | - Fabio Marcheggiani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.M.); (I.C.); (E.D.); (L.T.)
| | - Ilenia Cirilli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.M.); (I.C.); (E.D.); (L.T.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Khanyisani Ziqubu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2745, South Africa; (S.E.M.-M.); (K.Z.)
| | - Samukelisiwe C. Shabalala
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; (S.C.S.); (R.J.); (J.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3880, South Africa
| | - Rabia Johnson
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; (S.C.S.); (R.J.); (J.L.)
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Johan Louw
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; (S.C.S.); (R.J.); (J.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3880, South Africa
| | - Elisabetta Damiani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.M.); (I.C.); (E.D.); (L.T.)
| | - Luca Tiano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.M.); (I.C.); (E.D.); (L.T.)
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Fenofibrate prevents iron induced activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin and oxidative stress signaling in the retina. NPJ Aging Mech Dis 2020; 6:12. [PMID: 33145027 PMCID: PMC7599211 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-020-00050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence strongly implicates iron in the pathogenesis of aging and disease. Iron levels have been found to increase with age in both the human and mouse retinas. We and others have shown that retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are associated with disrupted iron homeostasis, resulting in retinal iron accumulation. In addition, hereditary disorders due to mutation in one of the iron regulatory genes lead to age dependent retinal iron overload and degeneration. However, our knowledge on whether iron toxicity contributes to the retinopathy is limited. Recently, we reported that iron accumulation is associated with the upregulation of retinal and renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Evidences indicate that multiple genes/components of the RAS are targets of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Interestingly, aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is observed in several degenerative diseases. In the present study, we explored whether iron accumulation regulates canonical Wnt signaling in the retina. We found that in vitro and in vivo iron treatment resulted in the upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its downstream target genes including renin-angiotensin system in the retina. We confirmed further that iron activates canonical Wnt signaling in the retina using TOPFlash T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor promoter assay and Axin2-LacZ reporter mouse. The presence of an iron chelator or an antioxidant reversed the iron-mediated upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. In addition, treatment of RPE cells with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α-agonist fenofibrate prevented iron-induced activation of oxidative stress and Wnt/β-catenin signaling by chelating the iron. The role of fenofibrate, an FDA-approved drug for hyperlipidemia, as an iron chelator has potentially significant therapeutic impact on iron associated degenerative diseases.
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Lobo A, Liu Y, Song Y, Liu S, Zhang R, Liang H, Xin H. Effect of procyanidins on lipid metabolism and inflammation in rats exposed to alcohol and iron. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04847. [PMID: 32964156 PMCID: PMC7490533 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lifestyle involving uncontrolled alcohol consumption coupled regularly with red meat and other iron sources has detrimental effects on the liver, which in the long term, results in Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD). Procyanidin has lately garnered increasing attention and has become the focus of research owing to its antioxidant properties. This study explores the anti-inflammatory effects of procyanidins, in preventing ALD, by analyzing the biological activities of the compound on liver injury caused by excessive alcohol and iron. Method Male SPF Wistar rats were placed in 4 groups; the control Group A (basic diet); the model Group B (excess alcohol 8–12 mL/kg/d and iron 1000 mg/kg diet); the low dose procyanidin Group C (model group diet plus 60 mg/kg/d of procyanidin); and the high dose procyanidin Group D (model group diet plus 120 mg/kg/d of procyanidin). Serum biochemical markers for liver damage were measured spectrophotometrically. The NFκB and IκB mRNA expression levels were determined using RT-PCR; the NFκB p65 and IκB protein expression levels were assessed via western blotting, while ELISA was used to detect serum inflammatory factors. Results The pathological score of the model Group B, low and high dose procyanidin Groups C and D were 6.58 ± 0.90,4.69 ± 0.70 and 2.00 ± 0.73, respectively (P < 0.05). The results showed that high alcohol and iron contents in the model group led to significant damage of liver structure, increased low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), steatosis, and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. High amounts of procyanidins led to the preservation of the liver structure, production of high-density lipoproteins, and reduction in serum inflammatory cytokines while also significantly decreasing the expression levels of NFκB p65. Conclusion The results prove that procyanidins have hepatoprotective potential and could be effective in reversing histopathology, possibly by alleviating inflammation and improving lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amara Lobo
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang Su Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, 38 Deng Zhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yuqing Song
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang Su Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang Su Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang Su Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of Human Nutrition, College of Public Health, Qingdao University, 38 Deng Zhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Hui Xin
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang Su Road, Qingdao 266071, China
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Nie Y, Rui Y, Miao C, Li Q, Hu F, Gu H. A stable USPIO capable for MR lymphography with ultra-low effective dosage. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 29:102233. [PMID: 32522710 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2020.102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles appear to be promising tools for MR lymphography due to their unique magnetic properties. In clinical diagnosis, the effectiveness of USPIO will greatly affect the clinician's judgment to the enhanced MR images. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of CS015, a PAA-coated USPIO, with subcutaneous and intravenous administration. It appeared that subcutaneously injected particles had much higher efficiency to reach lymph nodes, and even worked at a very small dose 0.075 μmol/kg. Further, we compared CS015 with ferumoxytol and ferumoxtran-10 in MR lymphography and found that CS015 had the best performance. And the lymph node metastases in New Zealand rabbits were successfully detected using CS015 with one single dose. These merits of CS015 make it a promising MR lymphography contrast agent with potential applications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Nie
- Nano Biomedical Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanpeng Rui
- Department of Radiology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongchong Miao
- Nano Biomedical Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinshan Li
- So-Fe Biomedicine, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenglin Hu
- Nano Biomedical Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongchen Gu
- Nano Biomedical Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Xiao L, Luo G, Guo X, Jiang C, Zeng H, Zhou F, Li Y, Yu J, Yao P. Macrophage iron retention aggravates atherosclerosis: Evidence for the role of autocrine formation of hepcidin in plaque macrophages. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2019; 1865:158531. [PMID: 31666189 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2019.158531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Iron accumulation has been frequently found in atherosclerotic lesions, especially in macrophages/foam cells, but the exact mechanisms by which hepcidin induces iron retention in plaque macrophages and its roles in atherogenesis remain unknown. Double immunofluorescence staining showed colocalization of hepcidin-positive macrophages with ox-LDL, TLR4, p-p65 and ferritin light chain (ferritin-L) both in human and murine atherosclerotic lesions. RAW264.7 macrophages incubated with ox-LDL showed elevated expression of TLR4, p-p65, hepcidin, ferritin-L/H, CYP27A1, CD36, PPARγ, liver X receptor α (LXRα), and ATP binding cassette transporter A1/G1 (ABCA1/G1), as well as increased intracellular labile iron pool level and lipid accumulation. Ox-LDL-induced iron retention and lipid accumulation were aggravated by lipopolysaccharide but blocked by TAK-242, an antagonist of TLR4. Moreover, macrophage TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation and foaming triggered by ox-LDL was enhanced by ferric ammonium citrate or exogenous hepcidin but attenuated by hepcidin silencing or the use of iron chelator. Meanwhile, the addition of hepcidin stimulated CD36-mediated Dil-labeled-ox-LDL uptake and inhibited the LXRα-ABCA1/G1 pathway-dependent cholesterol efflux in macrophages, which was significantly reversed by 27-hydroxycholesterol but further exacerbated by cyclosporin A, a selective inhibitor of CYP27A1. Our study provided the evidence that iron trapped in atherosclerosis plaque macrophages contributes to cholesterol disequilibrium-initiated foam cell formation, which is provoked by the unique but largely unknown autocrine formation of hepcidin in plaque macrophages via activating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway when exposed to ox-LDL. Such findings, considering the intricate vicious cycle between macrophage hepcidin autocrine-triggered iron retention and cholesterol disequilibrium, may shed new light on the "iron hypothesis" of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xiao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Gang Luo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoping Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chunjie Jiang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hongmei Zeng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, 2021 Buxin Road, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Jiasheng Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ping Yao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Andrographolide derivative ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis in mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 163:416-424. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Mehta KJ, Farnaud SJ, Sharp PA. Iron and liver fibrosis: Mechanistic and clinical aspects. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:521-538. [PMID: 30774269 PMCID: PMC6371002 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i5.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterised by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix that interrupts normal liver functionality. It is a pathological stage in several untreated chronic liver diseases such as the iron overload syndrome hereditary haemochromatosis, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and diabetes. Interestingly, regardless of the aetiology, iron-loading is frequently observed in chronic liver diseases. Excess iron can feed the Fenton reaction to generate unquenchable amounts of free radicals that cause grave cellular and tissue damage and thereby contribute to fibrosis. Moreover, excess iron can induce fibrosis-promoting signals in the parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells, which accelerate disease progression and exacerbate liver pathology. Fibrosis regression is achievable following treatment, but if untreated or unsuccessful, it can progress to the irreversible cirrhotic stage leading to organ failure and hepatocellular carcinoma, where resection or transplantation remain the only curative options. Therefore, understanding the role of iron in liver fibrosis is extremely essential as it can help in formulating iron-related diagnostic, prognostic and treatment strategies. These can be implemented in isolation or in combination with the current approaches to prepone detection, and halt or decelerate fibrosis progression before it reaches the irreparable stage. Thus, this review narrates the role of iron in liver fibrosis. It examines the underlying mechanisms by which excess iron can facilitate fibrotic responses. It describes the role of iron in various clinical pathologies and lastly, highlights the significance and potential of iron-related proteins in the diagnosis and therapeutics of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosha J Mehta
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
- Division of Human Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Je Farnaud
- Faculty Research Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2DS, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A Sharp
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The canonical Wnt-β-catenin pathway is a complex, evolutionarily conserved signalling mechanism that regulates fundamental physiological and pathological processes. Wnt-β-catenin signalling tightly controls embryogenesis, including hepatobiliary development, maturation and zonation. In the mature healthy liver, the Wnt-β-catenin pathway is mostly inactive but can become re-activated during cell renewal and/or regenerative processes, as well as in certain pathological conditions, diseases, pre-malignant conditions and cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the two most prevalent primary liver tumours in adults, Wnt-β-catenin signalling is frequently hyperactivated and promotes tumour growth and dissemination. A substantial proportion of liver tumours (mainly HCC and, to a lesser extent, CCA) have mutations in genes encoding key components of the Wnt-β-catenin signalling pathway. Likewise, hepatoblastoma, the most common paediatric liver cancer, is characterized by Wnt-β-catenin activation, mostly as a result of β-catenin mutations. In this Review, we discuss the most relevant molecular mechanisms of action and regulation of Wnt-β-catenin signalling in liver development and pathophysiology. Moreover, we highlight important preclinical and clinical studies and future directions in basic and clinical research.
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Athuluri-Divakar SK, Hoshida Y. Generic chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1440:23-35. [PMID: 30221358 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic fibrotic liver disease caused by viral or metabolic etiologies is a high-risk condition for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Even after curative treatment of early-stage HCC tumor, the carcinogenic microenvironment persists in the remnant diseased liver and supports the development of de novo HCC tumors (de novo HCC recurrence). Therefore, prevention of HCC development in patients at risk of not only first-primary but also second-primary HCC tumors is theoretically the most impactful strategy to improve patient prognosis. However, no such therapy has been established to date. One major challenge is the identification of clinically relevant targets that can be achieved by utilizing the reverse-engineering strategy of chemoprevention discovery, which integrates omics information from clinical cohorts with completed follow-up for cancer development. Clinical and experimental studies have suggested etiology-specific and generic candidate HCC chemoprevention strategies, including statins, antidiabetic drugs, selective molecular targeted agents, and dietary and nutritional substances. Clinical testing of the candidate compounds can be cost-effectively performed by combining it with HCC risk biomarker evaluation to specify the target patient population most likely to benefit from the therapy. Nontoxic, generic agents will have broad clinical applicability across the diverse HCC etiologies and clinical contexts and are expected to substantially improve the still dismal prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Krishna Athuluri-Divakar
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Preziosi M, Poddar M, Singh S, Monga SP. Hepatocyte Wnts Are Dispensable During Diethylnitrosamine and Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Injury and Hepatocellular Cancer. Gene Expr 2018; 18:209-219. [PMID: 29519268 PMCID: PMC6190118 DOI: 10.3727/105221618x15205148413587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is reported in large subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Upregulation of Wnt genes is one contributing mechanism. In the current study, we sought to address the role of hepatocyte-derived Wnts in a model of hepatic injury, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. We subjected hepatocyte-specific Wntless knockout mice (HP-KO), unable to secrete Wnts from hepatocytes, and littermate controls (HP-CON) to diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (DEN/CCl4) and harvested at 3, 5, and 6 months for histological and molecular analysis. Analysis at 5 months displayed increased hepatic expression of several Wnts and upregulation of some, but not all, β-catenin targets, without mutations in Ctnnb1. At 5 months, HP-CON and HP-KO had comparable tumor burden and injury; however, HP-KO uniquely showed small CK19+ foci within tumors. At 6 months, both groups were moribund with comparable tumor burden and CK19 positivity. While HCC histology was indistinguishable between the groups, HP-KO exhibited increased active β-catenin and decreased c-Myc, Brd4, E-cadherin, and others. Hepatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis were also indistinguishable at 3 months between both groups. Thus, lack of Wnt secretion from hepatocytes did not affect overall injury, fibrosis, or HCC burden, although there were protein expression differences in the tumors occurring in the two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Preziosi
- *Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- *Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- *Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- *Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Fujiwara N, Friedman SL, Goossens N, Hoshida Y. Risk factors and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of precision medicine. J Hepatol 2018; 68:526-549. [PMID: 28989095 PMCID: PMC5818315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 460] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Patients who develop chronic fibrotic liver disease, caused by viral or metabolic aetiologies, are at a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Even after complete HCC tumour resection or ablation, the carcinogenic tissue microenvironment in the remnant liver can give rise to recurrent de novo HCC tumours, which progress into incurable, advanced-stage disease in most patients. Thus, early detection and prevention of HCC development is, in principle, the most impactful strategy to improve patient prognosis. However, a "one-size-fits-all" approach to HCC screening for early tumour detection, as recommended by clinical practice guidelines, is utilised in less than 20% of the target population, and the performance of screening modalities, including ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein, is suboptimal. Furthermore, optimal screening strategies for emerging at-risk patient populations, such as those with chronic hepatitis C after viral cure, or those with non-cirrhotic, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease remain controversial. New HCC biomarkers and imaging modalities may improve the sensitivity and specificity of HCC detection. Clinical and molecular HCC risk scores will enable precise HCC risk prediction followed by tailoured HCC screening of individual patients, maximising cost-effectiveness and optimising allocation of limited medical resources. Several aetiology-specific and generic HCC chemoprevention strategies are evolving. Epidemiological and experimental studies have identified candidate chemoprevention targets and therapies, including statins, anti-diabetic drugs, and selective molecular targeted agents, although their clinical testing has been limited by the lengthy process of cancer development that requires long-term, costly studies. Individual HCC risk prediction is expected to overcome the challenge by enabling personalised chemoprevention, targeting high-risk patients for precision HCC prevention and substantially improving the dismal prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Fujiwara
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
| | - Nicolas Goossens
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA.
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TIPE2 attenuates liver fibrosis by reversing the activated hepatic stellate cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 498:199-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.11.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Lemberger UJ, Fuchs CD, Schöfer C, Bileck A, Gerner C, Stojakovic T, Taketo MM, Trauner M, Egger G, Österreicher CH. Hepatocyte specific expression of an oncogenic variant of β-catenin results in lethal metabolic dysfunction in mice. Oncotarget 2018. [PMID: 29541410 PMCID: PMC5834276 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role in embryogenesis, tissue homeostasis, metabolism and malignant transformation of different organs including the liver. Continuous β-catenin signaling due to somatic mutations in exon 3 of the Ctnnb1 gene is associated with different liver diseases including cancer and cholestasis. Results Expression of a degradation resistant form of β-catenin in hepatocytes resulted in 100% mortality within 31 days after birth. Ctnnb1CAhep mice were characterized by reduced body weight, significantly enlarged livers with hepatocellular fat accumulation around central veins and increased hepatic triglyceride content. Proteomics analysis using whole liver tissue revealed significant deregulation of proteins involved in fat, glucose and mitochondrial energy metabolism, which was also reflected in morphological anomalies of hepatocellular mitochondria. Key enzymes involved in transport and synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol were significantly deregulated in livers of Ctnnb1CAhep mice. Furthermore, carbohydrate metabolism was substantially disturbed in mutant mice. Conclusion Continuous β-catenin signaling in hepatocytes results in premature death due to severe disturbances of liver associated metabolic pathways and mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods To investigate the influence of permanent β-catenin signaling on liver biology we analyzed mice with hepatocyte specific expression of a dominant stable form of β-catenin (Ctnnb1CAhep) and their WT littermates by serum biochemistry, histology, electron microscopy, mRNA profiling and proteomic analysis of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula J Lemberger
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Hans Popper Laboratory for Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia D Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory for Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Schöfer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Bileck
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Makoto M Taketo
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory for Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerda Egger
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
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