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Hou LS, Zhai XP, Zhang YW, Xing JH, Li C, Zhou SY, Zhu XH, Zhang BL. Targeted inhibition of autophagy in hepatic stellate cells by hydroxychloroquine: An effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Liver Int 2024; 44:1937-1951. [PMID: 38606676 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15915] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing reaction which is the main cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The activated hepatic stellate cell (aHSC) is the main driving factor in the development of liver fibrosis. Inhibiting autophagy of aHSC can prevent the progression of liver fibrosis, but inhibiting autophagy of other liver cells has opposite effects. Hence, targeted inhibition of autophagy in aHSC is quite necessary for the treatment of liver fibrosis, which prompts us to explore the targeted delivery system of small molecule autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) that can target aHSC and alleviate the liver fibrosis. METHODS The delivery system of HCQ@retinol-liposome nanoparticles (HCQ@ROL-LNPs) targeting aHSC was constructed by the film dispersion and pH-gradient method. TGF-β-induced HSC activation and thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis mice model were established, and the targeting ability and therapeutic effect of HCQ@ROL-LNPs in liver fibrosis were studied subsequently in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS HCQ@ROL-LNPs have good homogeneity and stability. They inhibited the autophagy of aHSC selectively by HCQ and reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the damage to other liver cells. Compared with the free HCQ and HCQ@LNPs, HCQ@ROL-LNPs had good targeting ability, showing enhanced therapeutic effect and low toxicity to other organs. CONCLUSION Construction of HCQ@ROL-LNPs delivery system lays a theoretical and experimental foundation for the treatment of liver fibrosis and promotes the development of clinical therapeutic drugs for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shuang Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Pei Zhai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yao-Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie-Hua Xing
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Zhu
- Department of Drug Quality Management, Shannxi Institute for Food and Drug Control, Xi'an, China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Liu D, Wu Z, Gao J, Mei Q, Zhang X, Wang B. CircUTRN24/miR-483-3p/IGF-1 Regulates Autophagy Mediated Liver Fibrosis in Biliary Atresia. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:1424-1433. [PMID: 37369954 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00802-2] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare neonatal cholestatic disease that presents with a marked bile duct reaction and rapid fibrotic development. Our earlier research has shown that circUTRN24 is highly elevated in BA, but the exact molecular mechanism is still unknown. This study attempted to investigate whether circUTRN24 induces BA liver fibrosis through regulation of autophagy and to elucidate its molecular mechanism. Using TGF-β-treated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) LX-2, we created a liver fibrosis model. qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression of circUTRN24, miR-483-3p, and IGF-1. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of IGF-1, HSC activation-related proteins, and autophagy-related proteins. The TGF-β-induced LX-2 cell fibrosis model was then supplemented with circUTRN24 siRNA, miR-483-3p mimics, and the autophagy activator Rapamycin, and functional rescue tests were carried out to investigate the role of circUTRN24, miR-483-3p, and autophagy in BA liver fibrosis. Using a luciferase reporter assay, a direct interaction between miR-483-3p and circUTRN24 or IGF-1 was discovered. With the increase of TGF-β treatment concentration, circUTRN24 expression also gradually increased, as did HSC activation and autophagy-related protein. si-circUTRN24 significantly decreased circUTRN24 expression and inhibited HSC activation and autophagy, which was reversed by Rapamycin. Through bioinformatics prediction and validation, we found circUTRN24 might act through miR-483-3p targeting IGF-1 in the autophagy-related mTOR pathway. Furthermore, miR-483-3p mimics significantly increased miR-483-3p expression and inhibited HSC activation and autophagy, which were reversed by Rapamycin. Functional rescue experiments showed that si-circUTRN24 inhibited circUTRN24 and IGF-1 expressions and promoted miR-483-3p expression, while the miR-483-3p inhibitor abolished these effects. These findings imply that circUTRN24/miR-483-3p/IGF-1 axis mediated LX-2 cell fibrosis by regulating autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 7019 Yitian Road, Lianhua Street, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518038, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhouguang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 7019 Yitian Road, Lianhua Street, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518038, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahui Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 7019 Yitian Road, Lianhua Street, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518038, Guangdong, China
| | - Qianqian Mei
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 7019 Yitian Road, Lianhua Street, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518038, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiyun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 7019 Yitian Road, Lianhua Street, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518038, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 7019 Yitian Road, Lianhua Street, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518038, Guangdong, China.
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Zhou ZR, Liu F, Li S, Dong CZ, Zhang L. A fungal P450 enzyme from Fusarium equiseti HG18 with 7β-hydroxylase activity in biosynthesis of ursodeoxycholic acid. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 240:106507. [PMID: 38508471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 enzyme with 7β-hydroxylation capacity has attracted widespread attentions due to the vital roles in the biosynthesis of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a naturally active molecule for the treatment of liver and gallbladder diseases. In this study, a novel P450 hydroxylase (P450FE) was screen out from Fusarium equiseti HG18 and identified by a combination of genome and transcriptome sequencing, as well as heterologous expression in Pichia pastoris. The biotransformation of lithocholic acid (LCA) by whole cells of recombinant Pichia pastoris further confirmed the C7β-hydroxylation with 5.2% UDCA yield. It was firstly identified a fungal P450 enzyme from Fusarium equiseti HG18 with the capacity to catalyze the LCA oxidation producing UDCA. The integration of homology modeling and molecular docking discovered the substrate binding to active pockets, and the key amino acids in active center were validated by site-directed mutagenesis, and revealed that Q112, V362 and L363 were the pivotal residues of P450FE in regulating the activity and selectivity of 7β-hydroxylation. Specifically, V362I mutation exhibited 2.6-fold higher levels of UDCA and higher stereospecificity than wild-type P450FE. This advance provided guidance for improving the catalytic efficiency and selectivity of P450FE in LCA hydroxylation, indicative of the great potential in green synthesis of UDCA from biologically toxic LCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Ru Zhou
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fen Liu
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shan Li
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang-Zhi Dong
- Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Paris Cité, ITODYS, UMR 7086 CNRS, 15 rue J-A de Baïf, Cedex 13, Paris 75205, France
| | - Lei Zhang
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Blood Products, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
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Vanzan DF, Goma EP, Locatelli FR, Honorio TDS, Furtado PDS, Rodrigues CR, de Sousa VP, Mata dos Santos HA, do Carmo FA, Simon A, Pyrrho ADS, Ribeiro AJ, Cabral LM. Evaluation of Silybin Nanoparticles against Liver Damage in Murine Schistosomiasis mansoni Infection. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:618. [PMID: 38794280 PMCID: PMC11125168 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Silybin (SIB) is a hepatoprotective drug known for its poor oral bioavailability, attributed to its classification as a class IV drug with significant metabolism during the first-pass effect. This study explored the potential of solid lipid nanoparticles with (SLN-SIB-U) or without (SLN-SIB) ursodeoxycholic acid and polymeric nanoparticles (PN-SIB) as delivery systems for SIB. The efficacy of these nanosystems was assessed through in vitro studies using the GRX and Caco-2 cell lines for permeability and proliferation assays, respectively, as well as in vivo experiments employing a murine model of Schistosomiasis mansoni infection in BALB/c mice. The mean diameter and encapsulation efficiency of the nanosystems were as follows: SLN-SIB (252.8 ± 4.4 nm, 90.28 ± 2.2%), SLN-SIB-U (252.9 ± 14.4 nm, 77.05 ± 2.8%), and PN-SIB (241.8 ± 4.1 nm, 98.0 ± 0.2%). In the proliferation assay with the GRX cell line, SLN-SIB and SLN-SIB-U exhibited inhibitory effects of 43.09 ± 5.74% and 38.78 ± 3.78%, respectively, compared to PN-SIB, which showed no inhibitory effect. Moreover, SLN-SIB-U demonstrated a greater apparent permeability coefficient (25.82 ± 2.2) than PN-SIB (20.76 ± 0.1), which was twice as high as that of SLN-SIB (11.32 ± 4.6) and pure SIB (11.28 ± 0.2). These findings suggest that solid lipid nanosystems hold promise for further in vivo investigations. In the murine model of acute-phase Schistosomiasis mansoni infection, both SLN-SIB and SLN-SIB-U displayed hepatoprotective effects, as evidenced by lower alanine amino transferase values (22.89 ± 1.6 and 23.93 ± 2.4 U/L, respectively) than those in control groups I (29.55 ± 0.7 U/L) and I+SIB (34.29 ± 0.3 U/L). Among the prepared nanosystems, SLN-SIB-U emerges as a promising candidate for enhancing the pharmacokinetic properties of SIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Figueiredo Vanzan
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Ester Puna Goma
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Fernanda Resende Locatelli
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Thiago da Silva Honorio
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Priscila de Souza Furtado
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Carlos Rangel Rodrigues
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Valeria Pereira de Sousa
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Hilton Antônio Mata dos Santos
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Flávia Almada do Carmo
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Alice Simon
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Alexandre dos Santos Pyrrho
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - António José Ribeiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Group Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction, I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lucio Mendes Cabral
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
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Zhang S, Liu Z, Xia T, Hao W, Yang R, Li J, Du G, Xu Q, Jiang Z, Liu M, Liu K, Jin B. Ginkgolic acid inhibits the expression of SAE1 and induces ferroptosis to exert an anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 126:155148. [PMID: 38387271 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155148] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Finding a drug for early intervention in the hepatic fibrosis process has important clinical significance. Previous studies have suggested SUMOylation as a potential target for intervention in hepatic fibrosis. However, the role of SAE1, a marker of SUMOylation, in hepatic fibrosis is unknown. Additionally, whether ginkgolic acid (GA), a SUMOylation inhibitor, inhibits hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting SUMO1-activating enzyme subunit 1 (SAE1) should be further investigated. METHODS Liver tissues of patients with hepatic cirrhosis and a rat model of hepatic fibrosis constructed with CCl4 (400 mg/kg, twice weekly) or TAA (200 mg/kg, twice weekly) were selected, and the degree of hepatic fibrosis was then evaluated using H&E, Sirius red, and Masson's trichrome staining. After knockdown or overexpression of SAE1 in hepatic stellate cells, the expression levels of ferroptosis and hepatic fibrosis markers were measured in vitro. After intervention with a ferroptosis inhibitor, the expression levels were again measured in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS We first demonstrated that SAE1 increased in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Subsequently, testing of the rat hepatic fibrosis model confirmed that GA reduced the expression of SAE1 and improved hepatic fibrosis in rats. Then, we used hepatic stellate cell lines to confirm in vitro that GA inhibited SAE1 expression and induced ferroptosis, and that overexpression of SAE1 or inhibition of ferroptosis reversed this process. Finally, we confirmed in vivo that GA induced ferroptosis and alleviated the progression of hepatic fibrosis, while inhibiting ferroptosis also reversed the progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats. CONCLUSION SAE1 is a potential anti-fibrotic target protein, and GA induces ferroptosis of hepatic stellate cells by targeting SAE1 to exert an anti-hepatic fibrosis effect, which lays an experimental foundation for the future clinical application of its anti-hepatic fibrosis effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Zhang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Zeyang Liu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Tong Xia
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wenjuan Hao
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ruining Yang
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China; First Central Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Jianghong Li
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China; First Central Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Gang Du
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Qianqian Xu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Zhaochen Jiang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Mingkun Liu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Kao Liu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
| | - Bin Jin
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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Shu Y, He Y, Ye G, Liu X, Huang J, Zhang Q, Tian D, Wang T, Shu J. Curcumin inhibits the activity and induces apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cell by suppressing autophagy. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:1764-1778. [PMID: 37909649 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30487] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Curcumin, a kind of natural compound, has been previously proven to inhibit the autophagy in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and induce their apoptosis. However, it is not clear whether the enhanced apoptosis of activated HSCs (aHSCs) caused by curcumin depends on autophagy inhibition. We aim to verify this hypothesis and explore the potential mechanisms in this study. Immortalized human HSC line LX-2 was used as an experimental specimen and pretreated with transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) for 24 h to activate it before drug application. The levels of autophagy, apoptosis, cell activity, lipid metabolism, and the activity of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway were evaluated by multiple methods, such as Western blotting, mcherry-EGFP-LC3B adenoviruses transfection, immunofluorescence, Nile Red staining, flow cytometry among others. Our results showed that rapamycin, an autophagy activator, could partly offset the effects of curcumin on autophagy and apoptosis of LX-2 cells, while 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, could enhance these effects. Furthermore, curcumin could promote the activity of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway in LX-2 cells, while PI3K inhibitor could partly offset this effect and increase the autophagy level. Overall, we demonstrated that curcumin could inhibit the activity and promote LX-2 cells apoptosis by suppressing autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway. In addition, lipid recovery and energy deprivation due to autophagy inhibition may be the exact mechanism by which curcumin attenuates the pro-fibrotic activity of LX-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajun He
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guorong Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuyou Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahuang Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Da Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tengyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianchang Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Kushch AA, Ivanov AV. [Exosomes in the life cycle of viruses and the pathogenesis of viral infections]. Vopr Virusol 2023; 68:181-197. [PMID: 37436410 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin, with a bilayer membrane, 30160 nm in diameter. Exosomes are released from cells of different origins and are detected in various body fluids. They contain nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, metabolites and can transfer the contents to recipient cells. Exosome biogenesis involves cellular proteins of the Rab GTPase family and the ESCRT system, which regulate budding, vesicle transport, molecule sorting, membrane fusion, formation of multivesicular bodies and exosome secretion. Exosomes are released from cells infected with viruses and may contain viral DNA and RNA, as well as mRNA, microRNA, other types of RNA, proteins and virions. Exosomes are capable of transferring viral components into uninfected cells of various organs and tissues. This review analyzes the impact of exosomes on the life cycle of widespread viruses that cause serious human diseases: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, SARS-CoV-2. Viruses are able to enter cells by endocytosis, use molecular and cellular pathways involving Rab and ESCRT proteins to release exosomes and spread viral infections. It has been shown that exosomes can have multidirectional effects on the pathogenesis of viral infections, suppressing or enhancing the course of diseases. Exosomes can potentially be used in noninvasive diagnostics as biomarkers of the stage of infection, and exosomes loaded with biomolecules and drugs - as therapeutic agents. Genetically modified exosomes are promising candidates for new antiviral vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Kushch
- National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - A V Ivanov
- Institute of Molecular Biology named after V.A. Engelhardt of Russian Academy of Sciences
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Chen J, Hao Y, Xu P, Bian D, Han L, Wu X, Zhuang Z, Wang J, Luo Y. CerS5 deficiency promotes liver fibrosis development in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 667:120-126. [PMID: 37216827 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.05.027] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocyte lipotoxicity mediated by sphingolipids was considered one of important factors in NAFLD development. Knocking out key enzymes for sphingolipids synthesis, such as DES-1, SPHK1 and CerS6, could reduce hepatocyte lipotoxicity and improve NAFLD progression. Previous studies showed that roles of CerS5 and CerS6 in sphingolipids metabolism were similar, but the role of CerS5 was controversial in NAFLD development. This study aimed to clarify the role and mechanism of CerS5 in NAFLD development. METHODS Hepatocyte conditional CerS5 knockout (CerS5 CKO) and wild type (WT) mice were fed with standard control diet (SC) and choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) and then divided into four groups: CerS5 CKO-SC, CerS5 CKO-CDAHFD, WT-SC and WT-CDAHFD. RT-PCR, IHC and WB were used to analyze the expression of inflammatory, fibrosis and bile acids (BA) metabolism factors. RNA-seq was used to analyze differences of transcriptional levels of liver molecules among the four groups. Metabolomics was used to measured differences of hepatic BAs among the four groups. RESULTS Hepatocyte specific knockout of CerS5 did not increase or reduce the severity of 8-weeks CDAHFD induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation, but significantly worsened the progression of liver fibrosis in these mice. At the molecular level, hepatocyte specific knockout of CerS5 did not increase or reduce expression of hepatic inflammatory factors: CD68, F4/80 and MCP-1, but increased expression of hepatic fibrosis factors: α-SMA, COL1α and TGF-β in mice fed with CDAHFD. Transcriptome analysis showed that hepatocyte specific knockout of CerS5 significantly decreased the expression of hepatic cyp27a1, and decreased expression of cyp27a1 was further validated by RT-PCR and WB. Considering that cyp27a1 was a key enzyme in the alternative pathway of BA synthesis, we further found that hepatic BA pools in CerS5 CKO mice were more conducive to the progression of liver fibrosis, which were characterized by elevated hydrophobic 12α-OH BAs and decreased hydrophilic non-12α-OH BAs. CONCLUSION CerS5 played an important role in the progression of NAFLD related fibrosis, and hepatocyte specific knockout of CerS5 accelerated the progression of NAFLD related fibrosis, which was possibly due to the inhibition of BA synthesis alternative pathway by knocking out hepatocyte CerS5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanping Hao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongxue Bian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yancheng TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xudong Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengjie Zhuang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Hangzhou Normal University Affiliated Hospital, No.126, Wenzhou Road, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Central Laboratory, Hangzhou Normal University Affiliated Hospital, No.126, Wenzhou Road, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China.
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Yang C, Yang L, Yang Y, Wan M, Xu D, Pan D, Sun G. Effects of flaxseed powder in improving non-alcoholic fatty liver by regulating gut microbiota-bile acids metabolic pathway through FXR/TGR5 mediating. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114864. [PMID: 37167728 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is gradually becoming one of the most common and health-endangering diseases. Flaxseed powder (FLA) is rich in α-linolenic acid, dietary fiber, lignans, and other active ingredients, which have lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated whether the FLA improves host metabolism by gut bacteria modulation and further bile acid modulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. At the end of the experiment, we found that FLA can significantly reduce the body weight, body fat content, and serum TG, LDL-C, and TNF-α levels of mice, and improve liver steatosis. FLA intervention has a significant effect on preventing and regulating the gut flora disturbance caused by HFD. FLA intervention affects bile acid metabolism in the intestine and causes significant changes in functional bile acids, which can play a lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory role by activating the intestinal Fxr- Fgfr4-Cyp7a1 and Tgr5-Tlr4-Tnfα pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ligang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Yafang Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China
| | - Min Wan
- Rongxiang Community Health Service Center, Wuxi 214000, China
| | - Dengfeng Xu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Da Pan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guiju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
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10
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Song P, Zhang X, Feng W, Xu W, Wu C, Xie S, Yu S, Fu R. Biological synthesis of ursodeoxycholic acid. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1140662. [PMID: 36910199 PMCID: PMC9998936 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1140662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a fundamental treatment drug for numerous hepatobiliary diseases that also has adjuvant therapeutic effects on certain cancers and neurological diseases. Chemical UDCA synthesis is environmentally unfriendly with low yields. Biological UDCA synthesis by free-enzyme catalysis or whole-cell synthesis using inexpensive and readily available chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), cholic acid (CA), or lithocholic acid (LCA) as substrates is being developed. The free enzyme-catalyzed one-pot, one-step/two-step method uses hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSDH); whole-cell synthesis, mainly uses engineered bacteria (mainly Escherichia coli) expressing the relevant HSDHs. To further develop these methods, HSDHs with specific coenzyme dependence, high enzyme activity, good stability, and high substrate loading concentration, P450 monooxygenase with C-7 hydroxylation activity and engineered strain harboring HSDHs must be exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Song
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,Jiangxi Zymerck Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanchang, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Wei Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Wei Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Chaoyun Wu
- Jiangxi Zymerck Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanchang, China
| | - Shaoqing Xie
- Jiangxi Zymerck Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanchang, China
| | - Sisi Yu
- Jiangxi Zymerck Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanchang, China
| | - Rongzhao Fu
- Jiangxi Zymerck Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanchang, China
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11
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Li Y, Zhu N, Cui X, Lin Y, Li X. Protective effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on COVID-19 in patients with chronic liver disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1178590. [PMID: 37207192 PMCID: PMC10189063 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1178590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) may reduce susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection by downregulating angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), based on recent experimental investigation. This study aimed to determine the potential protective effect of UDCA against SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with chronic liver disease. Methods Patients with chronic liver disease receiving UDCA (taking UDCA ≥1 month) at Beijing Ditan Hospital between January 2022 and December 2022 were consecutively enrolled. These patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio to those with liver disease not receiving UDCA during the same period by using a propensity score matching analysis with nearest neighbor matching algorithm. We conducted a phone survey of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection during the early phase of the pandemic liberation (from 15 December 2022 to 15 January 2023). The risk of COVID-19 was compared in two matched cohorts of 225 UDCA users and 225 non-UDCA users based on patient self-report. Results In the adjusted analysis, the control group was superior to the UDCA group in COVID-19 vaccination rates and liver function indicators, including γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.05). UDCA was associated with a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (UDCA 85.3% vs. control 94.2%, p = 0.002), more mild cases (80.0% vs. 72.0%, p = 0.047), and shorter median time from infection to recovery (5 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that UDCA was a significant protective factor against COVID-19 infection (OR: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.16-0.64, p = 0.001). Furthermore, diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.48, 95%CI: 1.11-5.54, p = 0.027) and moderate/severe infection (OR: 8.94, 95%CI: 1.07-74.61, p = 0.043) were more likely to prolong the time from infection to recovery. Conclusion UDCA therapy may be beneficial in reducing COVID-19 infection risk, alleviating symptoms, and shortening the recovery time in patients with chronic liver disease. However, it should be emphasized that the conclusions were based on patient self-report rather than classical COVID-19 detection by experimental investigations. Further large clinical and experimental studies are needed to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Li
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Cui
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Lin
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Li,
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12
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Hou LS, Zhang YW, Li H, Wang W, Huan ML, Zhou SY, Zhang BL. The regulatory role and mechanism of autophagy in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108117. [PMID: 35077761 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a key pathological process of chronic liver diseases, caused by alcohol, toxic and aberrant energy metabolism. It progresses to cirrhosis or even hepatic carcinoma without effective treatment. Studies have shown that autophagy has important regulatory effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) energy metabolism, and then affect the activation state of HSCs. Autophagy maintains hepatic energy homeostasis, and the dysregulation of autophagy can lead to the activation of HSCs and the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis. It is necessary to explore the mechanism of autophagy in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis. Herein, the current study summarizes the regulating mechanisms of autophagy through different targets and signal pathways in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis, and discusses the regulatory effect of autophagy by natural plant-derived, endogenous and synthetic compounds for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. A better comprehension of autophagy in hepatic stellate cells energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis may provide effective intervention of hepatic fibrosis, explore the potential clinical strategies and promote the drug treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shuang Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yao-Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hua Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Meng-Lei Huan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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13
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Mancinelli R, Ceci L, Kennedy L, Francis H, Meadows V, Chen L, Carpino G, Kyritsi K, Wu N, Zhou T, Sato K, Pannarale L, Glaser S, Chakraborty S, Alpini G, Gaudio E, Onori P, Franchitto A. The Effects of Taurocholic Acid on Biliary Damage and Liver Fibrosis Are Mediated by Calcitonin-Gene-Related Peptide Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:1591. [PMID: 35563897 PMCID: PMC9104610 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cholangiocytes are the target cells of liver diseases that are characterized by biliary senescence (evidenced by enhanced levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, SASP, e.g., TGF-β1), and liver inflammation and fibrosis accompanied by altered bile acid (BA) homeostasis. Taurocholic acid (TC) stimulates biliary hyperplasia by activation of 3',5'-cyclic cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling, thereby preventing biliary damage (caused by cholinergic/adrenergic denervation) through enhanced liver angiogenesis. Also: (i) α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP, which activates the calcitonin receptor-like receptor, CRLR), stimulates biliary proliferation/senescence and liver fibrosis by enhanced biliary secretion of SASPs; and (ii) knock-out of α-CGRP reduces these phenotypes by decreased cAMP levels in cholestatic models. We aimed to demonstrate that TC effects on liver phenotypes are dependent on changes in the α-CGRP/CALCRL/cAMP/PKA/ERK1/2/TGF-β1/VEGF axis. METHODS Wild-type and α-CGRP-/- mice were fed with a control (BAC) or TC diet for 1 or 2 wk. We measured: (i) CGRP levels by both ELISA kits in serum and by qPCR in isolated cholangiocytes (CALCA gene for α-CGRP); (ii) CALCRL immunoreactivity by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in liver sections; (iii) liver histology, intrahepatic biliary mass, biliary senescence (by β-GAL staining and double immunofluorescence (IF) for p16/CK19), and liver fibrosis (by Red Sirius staining and double IF for collagen/CK19 in liver sections), as well as by qPCR for senescence markers in isolated cholangiocytes; and (iv) phosphorylation of PKA/ERK1/2, immunoreactivity of TGF-β1/TGF- βRI and angiogenic factors by IHC/immunofluorescence in liver sections and qPCR in isolated cholangiocytes. We measured changes in BA composition in total liver by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS TC feeding increased CALCA expression, biliary damage, and liver inflammation and fibrosis, as well as phenotypes that were associated with enhanced immunoreactivity of the PKA/ERK1/2/TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/VEGF axis compared to BAC-fed mice and phenotypes that were reversed in α-CGRP-/- mice fed TC coupled with changes in hepatic BA composition. CONCLUSION Modulation of the TC/ α-CGRP/CALCRL/PKA/ERK1/2/TGF-β1/VEGF axis may be important in the management of cholangiopathies characterized by BA accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Vik Meadows
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Luigi Pannarale
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (S.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (S.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
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14
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Wang FD, Zhou J, Chen EQ. Molecular Mechanisms and Potential New Therapeutic Drugs for Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:787748. [PMID: 35222022 PMCID: PMC8874120 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.787748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the pathological process of excessive extracellular matrix deposition after liver injury and is a precursor to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is essentially a wound healing response to liver tissue damage. Numerous studies have shown that hepatic stellate cells play a critical role in this process, with various cells, cytokines, and signaling pathways engaged. Currently, the treatment targeting etiology is considered the most effective measure to prevent and treat liver fibrosis, but reversal fibrosis by elimination of the causative agent often occurs too slowly or too rarely to avoid life-threatening complications, especially in advanced fibrosis. Liver transplantation is the only treatment option in the end-stage, leaving us with an urgent need for new therapies. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis could identify new targets for the treatment. Most of the drugs targeting critical cells and cytokines in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis are still in pre-clinical trials and there are hardly any definitive anti-fibrotic chemical or biological drugs available for clinical use. In this review, we will summarize the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, focusing on the role of key cells, associated mechanisms, and signaling pathways, and summarize various therapeutic measures or drugs that have been trialed in clinical practice or are in the research stage.
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15
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Zhang YW, Tu LL, Zhang Y, Pan JC, Zheng GL, Yin LN. Liver-targeted delivery of asiatic acid nanostructured lipid carrier for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:2534-2547. [PMID: 34854788 PMCID: PMC8648005 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.2008054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major global health concern. Management of chronic liver disease is severely restricted in clinics due to ineffective treatment approaches. However, a lack of targeted therapy may aggravate this condition. Asiatic acid (AA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid acid, can effectively protect the liver from hepatic disorders. However, the pharmaceutical application of AA is limited by low oral bioavailability and poor targeting efficiency. This study synthesized a novel liver-targeting material from PEG-SA, chemically linked to ursodeoxycholic acid (UA), and utilized it to modify AA nanostructured lipid carriers (UP-AA-NLC) with enhanced targeting and improved efficacy. The formulation of UP-AA-NLC was optimized via the Box–Behnken Experimental Design (BBD) and characterized by size, zeta potential, TEM, DSC, and XRD. Furthermore, in vitro antifibrotic activity and proliferation of AA and NLCs were assessed in LX-2 cells. The addition of UP-AA-NLC significantly stimulated the TGF-beta1-induced expression of α-SMA, FN1, and Col I α1. In vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging and distribution trials in rats demonstrated that UP-AA-NLC could significantly improve oral absorption and liver-targeting efficiency. Oral UP-AA-NLC greatly alleviated carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats in a dosage-dependent manner, as reflected by serum biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, and ALB), histopathological features (H&E and Masson staining), and antioxidant activity parameters (SOD and MDA). Also, treatment with UP-AA-NLC lowered liver hydroxyproline levels, demonstrating a reduction of collagen accumulation in the fibrotic liver. Collectively, optimized UP-AA-NLC has potential application prospects in liver-targeted therapy and holds great promise as a drug delivery system for treating liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wen Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling-Lan Tu
- School of Biological Engineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie-Chao Pan
- Hangzhou Xianju Technology Innovation Co. Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gao-Li Zheng
- Safety Evaluation Research Center, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-Na Yin
- Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Autophagy plays a double-edged sword role in liver diseases. J Physiol Biochem 2021; 78:9-17. [PMID: 34657993 PMCID: PMC8873123 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-021-00844-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As a highly evolutionarily conserved process, autophagy can be found in all types of eukaryotic cells. Such a constitutive process maintains cellular homeostasis in a wide variety of cell types through the encapsulation of damaged proteins or organelles into double-membrane vesicles. Autophagy not only simply eliminates materials but also serves as a dynamic recycling system that produces new building blocks and energy for cellular renovation and homeostasis. Previous studies have primarily recognized the role of autophagy in the degradation of dysfunctional proteins and unwanted organelles. However, there are findings of autophagy in physiological and pathological processes. In hepatocytes, autophagy is not only essential for homeostatic functions but also implicated in some diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and hepatic failure. In the present review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and its role in several liver diseases and put forward several new strategies for the treatment of liver disease.
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17
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Wang Q, Qi Y, Shen W, Xu J, Wang L, Chen S, Hou T, Si J. The Aged Intestine: Performance and Rejuvenation. Aging Dis 2021; 12:1693-1712. [PMID: 34631215 PMCID: PMC8460310 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the growing elderly population, age-related problems are gaining increasing attention from the scientific community. With senescence, the intestine undergoes a spectrum of changes and infirmities that are likely the causes of overall aging. Therefore, identification of the aged intestine and the search for novel strategies to rescue it, are required. Although progress has been made in research on some components of the aged intestine, such as intestinal stem cells, the comprehensive understanding of intestinal aging is still limited, and this restricts the in-depth search for efficient strategies. In this concise review, we discuss several aspects of intestinal aging. More emphasis is placed on the appraisal of current and potential strategies to alleviate intestinal aging, as well as future targets to rejuvenate the aged intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Wang
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.,2Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yadong Qi
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.,2Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Weiyi Shen
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.,2Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jilei Xu
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.,2Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lan Wang
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.,2Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shujie Chen
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.,2Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tongyao Hou
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.,2Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jianmin Si
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.,2Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
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18
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Yang C, Wan M, Xu D, Pan D, Xia H, Yang L, Sun G. Flaxseed Powder Attenuates Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis via Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism through Gut-Liver Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910858. [PMID: 34639207 PMCID: PMC8509295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is gradually becoming one of the most common and health-endangering diseases; therefore, it is very important to prevent the occurrence of NASH and prevent simple non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) from further developing into NASH. We fed mice a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat) for 14 weeks to induce NAFL and then fed different doses of flaxseed powder (low (10%), middle (20%), and high (30%)) to the mice for 28 weeks. After the animal experiment, we analyzed fecal bile acid (BA) profiles of the HFD mice, flaxseed-fed (FLA-fed) mice, and control mice with a normal diet (10% fat) using a targeted metabolomics approach, and we analyzed the gut microbiota at the same time. We also investigated the mechanistic role of BAs in NASH and identified whether the altered BAs strongly bind to colonic FXR or TGR5. In the present study, we found that 28-week FLA treatment notably alleviated NASH development in NAFL model mice fed with an HFD, and the beneficial effects may be attributed to the regulation of and improvement in the gut flora- and microbiota-related BAs, which then activate the intestinal FXR-FGF15 and TGR5-NF-κB pathways. Our data indicate that FLA might be a promising functional food for preventing NASH through regulating microbiomes and BAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Min Wan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dengfeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Da Pan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hui Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ligang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (G.S.); Tel./Fax: +86-25-83272567 (G.S.)
| | - Guiju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (G.S.); Tel./Fax: +86-25-83272567 (G.S.)
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Donia T, Gerges MN, Mohamed TM. Anticancer Effects of Combination of Indole-3-Carbinol and Hydroxychloroquine on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma via Targeting Autophagy and Apoptosis. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:1802-1818. [PMID: 34379013 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1960388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is an active component of cruciferous vegetables which is considered a promising antineoplastic agent. This study aimed to assess I3C antineoplastic activity alone and with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model. Eighty female mice were divided into six groups wherein all groups except groups I and II received EAC cells (106 cells/mouse i.p.). Group I, served as control; group II served as I3C; group III served as EAC; groups IV and V received I3C (250 mg/kg body weight oral), and HCQ (60 mg/kg body weight i.p.) respectively; GVI received both I3C and HCQ. Antitumor response markers, serum, hepatic and renal biochemical parameters, histopathological changes, as well as autophagy and apoptosis markers in EAC cells were analyzed. The combination of I3C and HCQ showed the best antitumor responses with increased survival time and ameliorated biochemical parameters. Moreover, I3C upregulated LC3B and downregulated p62 gene expression in EAC cells. Furthermore, I3C combined with HCQ induced apoptosis by highly upregulating cleaved caspase-3 and Bax while downregulating Bcl-2 proteins expression in EAC cells in comparison with each drug alone. In conclusion, I3C combined with HCQ exhibited better antitumor activities than each drug alone via targeting autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thoria Donia
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Marian N Gerges
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Tarek M Mohamed
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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20
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Zhu Z, Hu R, Li J, Xing X, Chen J, Zhou Q, Sun J. Alpinetin exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-angiogenic effects through activating the Nrf2 pathway and inhibiting NLRP3 pathway in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107660. [PMID: 33862553 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alpinetin is the major active ingredient of Alpiniakatsumadai Hayata. As a kind of novel plant-derived flavonoid, alpinetin has shown potent hepatoprotective effect against many liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver and lipopolysaccharide/d-Galactosamine-induced liver injury. However, its roles in liver fibrosis remain to be determined. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of alpinetin in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action. Alpinetin ameliorated the CCl4-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice, as shown by decreased collagen deposition and the decreased expression of liver fibrosis marker proteins. Alpinetin suppressed the inflammation and oxidative stress in fibrotic livers of mice, as evidenced by decreased levels of proinflammatory factors, the decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the increased activities of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, alpinetin attenuated the angiogenesis in fibrotic livers of the test animals. Mechanistically, alpinetin inhibited the CCl4-induced expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved caspase-1, mature (cleaved-) IL-1β, and IL-18 in livers of mice. Furthermore, alpinetin resulted in an increased in the nuclear expression and a decrease in the cytoplasmic expression of Nrf2, as well as increased protein expression of downstream target enzymes, GCLC, HO-1, NQO1, and GCLM, thus exerting the antioxidant effect. Overall, these findings suggested that the anti-fibrotic effect of alpinetin can be attributed to the inhibition of NLRP3-mediated anti-inflammatory activities and Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidative activities, in addition to the decrement of hepatic angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226018, China
| | - Renyue Hu
- Medical School of Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jidan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226018, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226018, China
| | - Jianxin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226018, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Operating Room, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226018, China.
| | - Jingjun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226018, China.
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21
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Extracellular Vesicles in Organ Fibrosis: Mechanisms, Therapies, and Diagnostics. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071596. [PMID: 34202136 PMCID: PMC8305303 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the unrelenting deposition of excessively large amounts of insoluble interstitial collagen due to profound matrigenic activities of wound-associated myofibroblasts during chronic injury in diverse tissues and organs. It is a highly debilitating pathology that affects millions of people globally and leads to decreased function of vital organs and increased risk of cancer and end-stage organ disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced within the chronic wound environment have emerged as important vehicles for conveying pro-fibrotic signals between many of the cell types involved in driving the fibrotic response. On the other hand, EVs from sources such as stem cells, uninjured parenchymal cells, and circulation have in vitro and in vivo anti-fibrotic activities that have provided novel and much-needed therapeutic options. Finally, EVs in body fluids of fibrotic individuals contain cargo components that may have utility as fibrosis biomarkers, which could circumvent current obstacles to fibrosis measurement in the clinic, allowing fibrosis stage, progression, or regression to be determined in a manner that is accurate, safe, minimally-invasive, and conducive to repetitive testing. This review highlights the rapid and recent progress in our understanding of EV-mediated fibrotic pathogenesis, anti-fibrotic therapy, and fibrosis staging in the lung, kidney, heart, liver, pancreas, and skin.
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22
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Liu Y, Wu X, Wang Y, Guo Y. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy are involved in adipocyte-induced fibrosis in hepatic stellate cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2527-2538. [PMID: 33638026 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03990-6] [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: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, with the characterization of progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), is the common pathologic feature in the process of chronic liver disease. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) which are activated and differentiate into proliferative and contractile myofibroblasts are recognized as the main drivers of fibrosis. Obesity-related adipocytokine dysregulation is known to accelerate liver fibrosis progression, but the direct fibrogenic effect of mature adipocytes on HSCs has been rarely reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the fibrogenic effect of adipocyte 3T3-L1 cells on hepatic stellate LX-2 cells. The results showed that incubating LX-2 cells with the supernatant of 3T3-L1 adipocytes triggered the expression of ECM related proteins, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen (CO-I), and activated TGF β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway in LX-2 cells. In addition, 3T3-L1 cells inhibited insulin sensitivity, activated endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy to promote the development of fibrosis. These results supported the notion that mature adipocytes can directly activate hepatic stellate cells, and the establishment of an in vitro model of adipocytes on HSCs provides an insight into screening of drugs for liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjuan Liu
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yunliang Guo
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China. .,Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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23
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Qi H, Shen D, Jiang C, Wang H, Chang M. Ursodeoxycholic acid protects dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress via regulating mitochondrial function, autophagy, and apoptosis in MPTP/MPP +-induced Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Lett 2021; 741:135493. [PMID: 33181233 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroprotection targeting mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been shown to prevent neuronal damage; however, the role of UDCA in PD is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of UDCA on PD and its underlying mechanisms. We used MPTP/MPP+-induced PD models, including MPTP-induced mice, primary cultures of mice mesencephalic neurons and MPP+-treated neuro-2a cells to examine the effects of UDCA on PD pathogenesis. The results showed that UDCA improved behavioral performance and protected dopaminergic neurons in MPTP mice. UDCA improved cell viability and decreased cell death in MPP+-treated cells. UDCA inhibited reactive oxygen species accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, and ATP depletion in neuro-2a cells. UDCA improved movement dysfunction, ameliorated autophagic flux and alleviated apoptosis. Furthermore, UDCA could activate the AMPK/mTOR and PINK1/Parkin pathways. In conclusion, UDCA may improve PD by regulating mitochondrial function, autophagy, and apoptosis, involving AMPK/mTOR and PINK1/Parkin pathways. These results open new perspectives for pharmacological use of UDCA in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Qi
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Dongfang Shen
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chenggong Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingxiu Chang
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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24
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Wu P, Tian T, Zhao J, Song Q, Wu X, Guo Y, Yu Y, Tan S, Xia H. IRE1α-JNK pathway-mediated autophagy promotes cell survival in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress during the initial phase of hepatic steatosis. Life Sci 2020; 264:118668. [PMID: 33121987 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS It has been widely reported that autophagy and inositol-requiring enzyme-1α (IRE1α)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway was involved in cell survival under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, but their specific roles in hepatic steatosis remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the interaction between autophagy and IRE1α-JNK pathway on cell survival in response to ER stress during the initial phase of hepatic steatosis. METHODS Hepatic steatosis was induced in HepG2 cells by supplementing oleic acid (OA). Lipid accumulation was evaluated by BODIPY493/503 staining. ER stress and IRE1α-JNK signaling were investigated by western blot. Autophagy was monitored by western blot, GFP-LC3 plasmid and immunofluorescence staining, while apoptosis was determined by western blotting, Annexin-V-FITC/PI staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. KEY FINDINGS Aggravated lipid accumulation was found under increased ER stress during the initial phase of hepatic steatosis. Meanwhile, an increase of autophagy and no alteration of apoptosis were observed under increased ER stress. Interestingly, autophagy was induced by ER stress, while autophagy suppression led to an increase of apoptosis in response to ER stress Moreover, further study showed that IRE1α-JNK pathway was activated after ER stress and consequently induced autophagy, which promoted cell survival in the initial phase of hepatic steatosis. SIGNIFICANCE We conclude that IRE1α-JNK pathway was activated during ER stress in the initial phase of hepatic steatosis and promoted cell survival by enhancing autophagy. Targeting IRE1α-JNK-autophagy signaling may provide new insight into preventive strategies for hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jinbo Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qi Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiaoman Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yitian Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yuanjie Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Shiyun Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Hongmiao Xia
- Medical Examination Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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25
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West RJH, Ugbode C, Fort-Aznar L, Sweeney ST. Neuroprotective activity of ursodeoxycholic acid in CHMP2B Intron5 models of frontotemporal dementia. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 144:105047. [PMID: 32801000 PMCID: PMC7491204 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the most prevalent forms of early-onset dementia. It represents part of the FTD-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) spectrum, a continuum of genetically and pathologically overlapping disorders. FTD-causing mutations in CHMP2B, a gene encoding a core component of the heteromeric ESCRT-III Complex, lead to perturbed endosomal-lysosomal and autophagic trafficking with impaired proteostasis. While CHMP2B mutations are rare, dysfunctional endosomal-lysosomal signalling is common across the FTD-ALS spectrum. Using our established Drosophila and mammalian models of CHMP2BIntron5 induced FTD we demonstrate that the FDA-approved compound Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) conveys neuroprotection, downstream of endosomal-lysosomal dysfunction in both Drosophila and primary mammalian neurons. UDCA exhibited a dose dependent rescue of neuronal structure and function in Drosophila pan-neuronally expressing CHMP2BIntron5. Rescue of CHMP2BIntron5 dependent dendritic collapse and apoptosis with UDCA in rat primary neurons was also observed. UDCA failed to ameliorate aberrant accumulation of endosomal and autophagic organelles or ubiquitinated neuronal inclusions in both models. We demonstrate the neuroprotective activity of UDCA downstream of endosomal-lysosomal and autophagic dysfunction, delineating the molecular mode of action of UDCA and highlighting its potential as a therapeutic for the treatment of FTD-ALS spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J H West
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Chris Ugbode
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | | | - Sean T Sweeney
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
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26
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Wang L, Wang Y, Quan J. Exosomal miR-223 derived from natural killer cells inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation by suppressing autophagy. Mol Med 2020; 26:81. [PMID: 32873229 PMCID: PMC7465359 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-020-00207-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a prominent driver of liver fibrosis. We previously demonstrated that exosomes derived from natural killer (NK) cells (NK-Exo) attenuated TGF-β1-induced HSC activation. Herein, this study was designed to investigate the mechanism underlying the action of NK-Exo. Methods NK-Exo was isolated from NK-92MI cells and then administered into TGF-β1-treated LX-2 (human HSC line) cells. MiR-223 expression in NK-Exo was downregulated by transfecting NK-92MI cells with miR-223 inhibitor followed by exosome isolation. The HSC activation was evaluated by determining cell proliferation using CCK-8 assay and measuring the protein levels of α-SMA and CoL1A1 using western blot in LX-2 cells. The expression of miR-223 was detected by qRT-PCR. The interaction between miR-223 and ATG7 was analyzed by a dual-luciferase activity assay. The autophagy was evaluated by measuring the autophagy-related proteins using western blot. Results miR-223 was highly expressed in NK-Exo and inhibition of miR-223 expression in NK-Exo abrogated the inhibitory effect of NK-Exo on TGF-β-induced HSC activation. ATG7 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-223. Furthermore, treatment with the autophagy activator rapamycin and ATG7 overexpression in LX-2 cells abolished the HSC activation-suppressive effect of NK-Exo. Conclusion NK-Exo attenuated TGF-β-induced HSC activation by transferring miR-223 that inhibited autophagy via targeting ATG7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yinghao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Quan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Li Y, Liu R, Wu J, Li X. Self-eating: friend or foe? The emerging role of autophagy in fibrotic diseases. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:7993-8017. [PMID: 32724454 PMCID: PMC7381749 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs in most human organs including the liver, lung, heart and kidney, and is crucial for the progression of most chronic diseases. As an indispensable catabolic process for intracellular quality control and homeostasis, autophagy occurs in most mammalian cells and is implicated in many biological processes including fibrogenesis. Although advances have been made in understanding autophagy process, the potential role of autophagy in fibrotic diseases remains controversial and has recently attracted a great deal of attention. In the current review, we summarize the commonalities of autophagy affecting different types of fibrosis in different organs, including the liver, lung, heart, and kidney as well as in cystic fibrosis, systematically outline the contradictory results and highlight the distinct role of autophagy during the various stages of fibrosis. In summary, the exact role autophagy plays in fibrogenesis depends on specific cell types and different stimuli, and identifying and evaluating the pathogenic contribution of autophagy in fibrogenesis will promote the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for the clinical management of these fibrotic diseases.
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28
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Wu P, Zhao J, Guo Y, Yu Y, Wu X, Xiao H. Ursodeoxycholic acid alleviates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting apoptosis and improving autophagy via activating AMPK. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 529:834-838. [PMID: 32595039 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.05.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), first identified in bear bile, was widely used in cholestatic liver diseases. Our previous studies have suggested UDCA may exert favorable influence on hepatic steatosis. However, the molecular mechanism remains elusive. Given the role of autophagy and apoptosis dysregulation in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and pharmacological effects of UDCA on modulating autophagy, apoptosis. we sought to investigate whether UDCA had therapeutic effect on NAFLD and its mechanism of modulating autophagy, apoptosis. Our finding revealed that UDCA exerted obviously favorable influence on hepatic steatosis in NAFLD rats by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Mechanistic studies indicated UDCA inhibited apoptosis and improved autophagy by influencing Bcl-2/Beclin-1 and Bcl-2/Bax complex interaction. Importantly, above-mentioned influence of UDCA on autophagy, apoptosis and Bcl-2/Beclin-1, Bcl-2/Bax complex interaction in NAFLD were partly counteracted by AMPK inhibitor compound C(CC). In conclusion, UDCA exerts favorable influence on hepatic steatosis in NAFLD rats, which is attributable to apoptosis inhibition and autophagy induction by influencing Bcl-2/Beclin-1 complex and Bcl-2/Bax complex interaction via activating AMPK, indicating that UDCA may be a promising therapeutic target for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430061, China
| | - Jinbo Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, the Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei Province, 445000, China
| | - Yitian Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430061, China
| | - Yuanjie Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430061, China
| | - Xiaoman Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430061, China
| | - Hongmiao Xiao
- Medical examination center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430061, China.
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29
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Trehalose attenuates TGF-β1-induced fibrosis of hSCFs by activating autophagy. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 470:175-188. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03760-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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30
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He L, Yuan H, Liang J, Hong J, Qu C. Expression of hepatic stellate cell activation-related genes in HBV-, HCV-, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-associated fibrosis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233702. [PMID: 32442221 PMCID: PMC7244173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a manifestation of chronic liver injury. It leads to hepatic dysfunction and is a critical element in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays a central role in liver fibrogenesis of different etiologies. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon, it is important to analyze the changes in gene expression that accompany the HSC activation process. In this study, we isolated quiescent and activated HSCs from control mice and mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, respectively, and performed RNA sequencing to compare the differences in gene expression patterns between the two types of HSCs. We also reanalyzed public gene expression data for fibrotic liver tissues isolated from patients with HBV infection, HCV infection, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to investigate the gene expression changes during liver fibrosis of these three etiologies. We detected 146 upregulated and 18 downregulated genes in activated HSCs, which were implicated in liver fibrosis as well. Among the overlapping genes, seven transcription factor-encoding genes, ARID5B, GATA6, MITF, PBX1, PLAGL1, SOX4, and SOX9, were upregulated, while one, RXRA, was downregulated. These genes were suggested to play a critical role in HSC activation, and subsequently, in the promotion of liver fibrosis. We undertook the RNA sequencing of quiescent and activated HSCs and analyzed the expression profiles of genes associated with HSC activation in liver fibrotic tissues from different liver diseases, and also aimed to elucidate the changes in gene expression patterns associated with HSC activation and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu He
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junjie Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Hong
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (JH); (CQ)
| | - Chen Qu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (JH); (CQ)
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