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Grujcic M, Milovanovic M, Nedeljkovic J, Jovanovic D, Arsenijevic D, Solovjova N, Stankovic V, Tanaskovic I, Arsenijevic A, Milovanovic J. The Possible Effects of Galectin-3 on Mechanisms of Renal and Hepatocellular Injury Induced by Intravascular Hemolysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8129. [PMID: 39125698 PMCID: PMC11311984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Intravascular hemolysis is a central feature of congenital and acquired hemolytic anemias, complement disorders, infectious diseases, and toxemias. Massive and/or chronic hemolysis is followed by the induction of inflammation, very often with severe damage of organs, which enhances the morbidity and mortality of hemolytic diseases. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside-binding lectin that modulates the functions of many immune cells, thus affecting inflammatory processes. Gal-3 is also one of the main regulators of fibrosis. The role of Gal-3 in the development of different kidney and liver diseases and the potential of therapeutic Gal-3 inhibition have been demonstrated. Therefore, the objective of this review is to discuss the possible effects of Gal-3 on the process of kidney and liver damage induced by intravascular hemolysis, as well as to shed light on the potential therapeutic targeting of Gal-3 in intravascular hemolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Grujcic
- Institute for Transfusiology and Hemobiology of Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Marija Milovanovic
- Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.M.); (D.A.); (V.S.); (A.A.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Jelena Nedeljkovic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Danijela Jovanovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Dragana Arsenijevic
- Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.M.); (D.A.); (V.S.); (A.A.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Natalija Solovjova
- Academy of Applied Studies Belgrade, The College of Health Science, Cara Dušana 254, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Vesna Stankovic
- Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.M.); (D.A.); (V.S.); (A.A.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Irena Tanaskovic
- Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.M.); (D.A.); (V.S.); (A.A.)
- Department of Histology and Embriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Arsenijevic
- Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.M.); (D.A.); (V.S.); (A.A.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Jelena Milovanovic
- Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.M.); (D.A.); (V.S.); (A.A.)
- Department of Histology and Embriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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Liu J, Zheng Y, Yang S, Zhang L, Liu B, Zhang J, Yu X, Wei X, Li S, Wang J, Lv H. Targeting antioxidant factor Nrf2 by raffinose ameliorates lipid dysmetabolism-induced pyroptosis, inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155756. [PMID: 38833791 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155756] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a persistent liver condition that affects both human health and animal productive efficiency on a global scale. A number of naturally occurring compounds activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as a transcription factor with important protective effects against many liver diseases, including NAFLD. Raffinose (Ra), an oligosaccharide extracted from several plants, exhibits diverse biological functions. However, the uncertainty lies in determining whether the activation of Nrf2 by Ra can provide a preventive effect on liver lipotoxicity. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to shed light on the molecular pathways by which Ra possesses its protective benefits against NAFLD. METHODS Experimental protocols were established using WT and Nrf2-null (Nrf2-/-) mice. Liver samples from each group were collected for Western blot, RT-qPCR, H & E, Sirius red and Oil red O staining. Additionally, serums were processed for ELISA. ALM12 cells were gathered for Western blot and immunofluorescence. Moreover, to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Ra, molecular docking was performed. RESULTS Our results indicated that Ra remarkably alleviated liver lipotoxic in vivo and in vitro. Ra treatment effectively corrected hepatic steatosis, the release of AST, ALT, TG, and TC, as well as the depletion of HDL and LDL. Meanwhile, Ra efficiently prevented inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway and pyroptosis. Additionally, these findings implied that Ra reduced the production of fibrosis-related proteins, which enhanced collagen deposition. Molecular docking revealed that Ra possessed the ability to bind specific regions of Nrf2, resulting in the enhancement of Nrf2 activation and nuclear translocation. Ra treatment restored serum redox factors and antioxidant enzymes to normal levels; however, these alterations were clearly reversed in Nrf2-/- mice. CONCLUSION This study reveals novel information on Ra's protective benefits against liver injury caused by abnormal lipid metabolism; these effects are mostly mediated by Nrf2 activation, suggesting a potential new medicine or treatment strategy for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahe Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Yuwei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Songya Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Lihan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Bingxue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Jiexing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Xiangjian Wei
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Shize Li
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Jianfa Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China.
| | - Hongming Lv
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, PR China.
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Valiauga R, Talley S, Khemmani M, Fontes Noronha M, Gogliotti R, Wolfe AJ, Campbell E. Sex-dependent effects of carbohydrate source and quantity on caspase-1 activity in the mouse central nervous system. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:151. [PMID: 38840215 PMCID: PMC11155082 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting evidence links glucose intolerance and diabetes as aspects of metabolic dysregulation that are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. Inflammation and inflammasome activation have emerged as a potential link between these disparate pathologies. As diet is a key factor in both the development of metabolic disorders and inflammation, we hypothesize that long term changes in dietary factors can influence nervous system function by regulating inflammasome activity and that this phenotype would be sex-dependent, as sex hormones are known to regulate metabolism and immune processes. METHODS 5-week-old male and female transgenic mice expressing a caspase-1 bioluminescent reporter underwent cranial window surgeries and were fed control (65% complex carbohydrates, 15% fat), high glycemic index (65% carbohydrates from sucrose, 15% fat), or ketogenic (1% complex carbohydrates, 79% fat) diet from 6 to 26 weeks of age. Glucose regulation was assessed with a glucose tolerance test following a 4-h morning fast. Bioluminescence in the brain was quantified using IVIS in vivo imaging. Blood cytokine levels were measured using cytokine bead array. 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing of mouse feces was performed to assess alterations in the gut microbiome. Behavior associated with these dietary changes was also evaluated. RESULTS The ketogenic diet caused weight gain and glucose intolerance in both male and female mice. In male mice, the high glycemic diet led to increased caspase-1 biosensor activation over the course of the study, while in females the ketogenic diet drove an increase in biosensor activation compared to their respective controls. These changes correlated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines present in the serum of test mice and the emergence of anxiety-like behavior. The microbiome composition differed significantly between diets; however no significant link between diet, glucose tolerance, or caspase-1 signal was established. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that diet composition, specifically the source and quantity of carbohydrates, has sex-specific effects on inflammasome activation in the central nervous system and behavior. This phenotype manifested as increased anxiety in male mice, and future studies are needed to determine if this phenotype is linked to alterations in microbiome composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasa Valiauga
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Sarah Talley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Mark Khemmani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | | | - Rocco Gogliotti
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, 60141, USA
| | - Alan J Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Edward Campbell
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.
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Zhang L, Shi Y, Liang B, Li X. An overview of the cholesterol metabolism and its proinflammatory role in the development of MASLD. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0434. [PMID: 38696365 PMCID: PMC11068152 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential lipid molecule in mammalian cells. It is not only involved in the formation of cell membranes but also serves as a raw material for the synthesis of bile acids, vitamin D, and steroid hormones. Additionally, it acts as a covalent modifier of proteins and plays a crucial role in numerous life processes. Generally, the metabolic processes of cholesterol absorption, synthesis, conversion, and efflux are strictly regulated. Excessive accumulation of cholesterol in the body is a risk factor for metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In this review, we first provide an overview of the discovery of cholesterol and the fundamental process of cholesterol metabolism. We then summarize the relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and the risk of developing MASLD, and also the animal models of MASLD specifically established with a cholesterol-containing diet. In the end, the role of cholesterol-induced inflammation in the initiation and development of MASLD is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqiang Zhang
- Institute of Life Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongqiong Shi
- Institute of Life Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Liang
- Center for Life Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xi Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Lu H. Inflammatory liver diseases and susceptibility to sepsis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:435-487. [PMID: 38571396 DOI: 10.1042/cs20230522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Patients with inflammatory liver diseases, particularly alcohol-associated liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), have higher incidence of infections and mortality rate due to sepsis. The current focus in the development of drugs for MAFLD is the resolution of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and prevention of progression to cirrhosis. In patients with cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis, sepsis is a major cause of death. As the metabolic center and a key immune tissue, liver is the guardian, modifier, and target of sepsis. Septic patients with liver dysfunction have the highest mortality rate compared with other organ dysfunctions. In addition to maintaining metabolic homeostasis, the liver produces and secretes hepatokines and acute phase proteins (APPs) essential in tissue protection, immunomodulation, and coagulation. Inflammatory liver diseases cause profound metabolic disorder and impairment of energy metabolism, liver regeneration, and production/secretion of APPs and hepatokines. Herein, the author reviews the roles of (1) disorders in the metabolism of glucose, fatty acids, ketone bodies, and amino acids as well as the clearance of ammonia and lactate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory liver diseases and sepsis; (2) cytokines/chemokines in inflammatory liver diseases and sepsis; (3) APPs and hepatokines in the protection against tissue injury and infections; and (4) major nuclear receptors/signaling pathways underlying the metabolic disorders and tissue injuries as well as the major drug targets for inflammatory liver diseases and sepsis. Approaches that focus on the liver dysfunction and regeneration will not only treat inflammatory liver diseases but also prevent the development of severe infections and sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, U.S.A
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An L, Chang G, Zhang L, Wang P, Gao W, Li X. Pectin: Health-promoting properties as a natural galectin-3 inhibitor. Glycoconj J 2024; 41:93-118. [PMID: 38630380 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-024-10152-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Galectin-3 has a variety of important pathophysiological significance in the human body. Much evidence shows that the abnormal expression of galectin-3 is related to the formation and development of many diseases. Pectin is mostly obtained from processed citrus fruits and apples and is a known natural inhibitor of galactin-3. A large number of peels produced each year are discarded, and it is necessary to recycle some of the economically valuable active compounds in these by-products to reduce resource waste and environmental pollution. By binding with galectin-3, pectin can directly reduce the expression level of galectin-3 on the one hand, and regulate the expression level of cytokines by regulating certain signaling pathways on the other hand, to achieve the effect of treating diseases. This paper begins by presenting an overview of the basic structure of pectin, subsequently followed by a description of the structure of galectin-3 and its detrimental impact on human health when expressed abnormally. The health effects of pectin as a galectin-3 inhibitor were then summarized from the perspectives of anticancer, anti-inflammatory, ameliorating fibrotic diseases, and anti-diabetes. Finally, the challenges and prospects of future research on pectin are presented, which provide important references for expanding the application of pectin in the pharmaceutical industry or developing functional dietary supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhuo An
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Guanglu Chang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Resources Research Enterprises, Tianjin, 300402, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Pengwang Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Wenyuan Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China.
| | - Xia Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China.
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Jin HL, Feng XY, Feng SL, Dai L, Zhu WT, Yuan ZW. Isoquercitrin attenuates the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice by modulating galectin-3-mediated insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155188. [PMID: 38056146 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155188] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a global health problem with no effective treatment. Isoquercitrin (IQ) alters hepatic lipid metabolism and inhibits adipocyte differentiation. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of IQ in regulating insulin resistance (IR) and lipid metabolism remain unclear. PURPOSE This study was aimed at investigating the effects of IQ on NASH and deciphering whether the underlying mechanisms are via modulation of galectin-3 mediated IR and lipid metabolism. METHODS IR-HepG2 cell lines were used to demonstrate the ability of IQ to modulate galectin-3-mediated glucose disposal and lipid metabolism. A 20-week high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NASH model was established in C57BL/6J mice, and the protective effect of IQ on lipid disposal in the liver was verified. Further, the mRNA and protein levels of glucose and lipid metabolism were investigated, and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and acylcarnitine (AC) profiling were performed to characterize the changes in endogenous substances associated with mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism in serum and cells. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic features of IQ were explored in a rat model of NASH. RESULTS IQ restored liver function and ameliorated inflammation and lipid accumulationin NASH model mice. Notably, significant regulation of the proteins included fatty acid-generating and transporting, cholesterol metabolism enzymes, nuclear transcription factors, mitochondrial metabolism, and IR-related enzymes was noted to be responsible for the therapeutic mechanisms of IQ against experimental NASH. Serum lipid metabolism-related metabolomic assay confirmed that LPC and AC biosynthesis mostly accounted for the therapeutic effect of IQ in mice with NASH and that IQ maintained the homeostasis of LPC and AC levels. CONCLUSION This is the first study showing that IQ protects against of NASH by modulating galectin-3-mediated IR and lipid metabolism. The mechanisms responsible for liver protection and improved lipid metabolic disorder by IQ may be related to the suppression of IR and regulation of mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism. Galectin-3 down-regulation represents a potentially novel approach for the treatment and prevention of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Liu Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63#, Duobao Street, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63#, Duobao Street, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Sen-Ling Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63#, Duobao Street, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Ling Dai
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63#, Duobao Street, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Wen-Ting Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63#, Duobao Street, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Zhong-Wen Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63#, Duobao Street, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
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Bouffette S, Botez I, De Ceuninck F. Targeting galectin-3 in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:519-531. [PMID: 37391294 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Galectin (Gal)-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin emerging as a key player in cardiac, hepatic, renal, and pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation, respiratory infections caused by COVID-19, and neuroinflammatory disorders. Here, we review recent information highlighting Gal-3 as a relevant therapeutic target in these specific disease conditions. While a causal link was difficult to establish until now, we discuss how recent strategic breakthroughs allowed us to identify new-generation Gal-3 inhibitors with improved potency, selectivity, and bioavailability, and report their usefulness as valuable tools for proof-of-concept studies in various preclinical models of the aforementioned diseases, with emphasis on those actually in clinical stages. We also address critical views and suggestions intended to expand the therapeutic opportunities provided by this complex target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena Bouffette
- Servier, Neurology and Immuno-inflammation Therapeutic Area, Servier R&D Center, Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Inflammation Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Orsay, France
| | - Iuliana Botez
- Servier, Drug Design Small Molecules Unit, Servier R&D Center, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Frédéric De Ceuninck
- Servier, Neurology and Immuno-inflammation Therapeutic Area, Servier R&D Center, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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Mackinnon AC, Tonev D, Jacoby B, Pinzani M, Slack RJ. Galectin-3: therapeutic targeting in liver disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:779-791. [PMID: 37705214 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2258280] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rising incidence of liver diseases is a worldwide healthcare concern. However, the therapeutic options to manage chronic inflammation and fibrosis, the processes at the basis of morbidity and mortality of liver diseases, are very limited. Galectin 3 (Gal-3) is a protein implicated in fibrosis in multiple organs. Several Gal-3 inhibitors are currently in clinical development. AREAS COVERED This review describes our current understanding of the role of Gal-3 in chronic liver diseases, with special emphasis on fibrosis. Also, we review therapeutic advances based on Gal-3 inhibition, describing drug properties and their current status in clinical research. EXPERT OPINION Currently, the known effects of Gal-3 point to a direct activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome leading to its activation in liver macrophages and activated macrophages play a key role in tissue fibrogenesis. However, more research is needed to elucidate the role of Gal-3 in the different activation pathways, dissecting the intracellular and extracellular mechanisms of Gal-3, and its role in pathogenesis. Gal-3 could be a target for early therapy of numerous hepatic diseases and, given the lack of therapeutic options for liver fibrosis, there is a strong pharmacologic potential for Gal-3-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitar Tonev
- Galecto Biotech AB, Cobis Science Park, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Brian Jacoby
- Galecto Biotech AB, Cobis Science Park, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert J Slack
- Galecto Biotech AB, Cobis Science Park, Copenhagen, Denmark
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