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Sun X, Zheng Y, Tian Y, Xu Q, Liu S, Li H, Cheng K, Yuan J, Liu H, Zhu P. Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates alcoholic-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting polymerase I and transcript release factor and the TLR4/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116662. [PMID: 37207880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragali Radix (AR), the root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, known as Huangqi in traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for acute and chronic liver injury. AR was the most important medicine in a Chinese traditional prescription called Huangqi Decoction (HQD), has been used to treat chronic liver diseases since the 11th century. In particular, its major active ingredient, Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), has demonstrated promising effects on inhibiting hepatic fibrosis. However, to date, the effect of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis and its underlying molecular mechanisms remains unknown. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the effect and potential molecular mechanisms of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis by using network pharmacology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The potential targets and underling mechanism of AR in alcoholic liver fibrosis was first predicted using network pharmacology, followed by experimental validation using SD rat model with alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. Further, the predicted candidate signaling pathways and potential target polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF) were combined to explore the multifaceted mechanism of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. Finally, overexpression of PTRF was explored to reveal the role of PTRF in the mechanism of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. RESULT APS exerted potent anti-hepatic fibrosis effects by downregulating genes involved in the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway. Notably, APS treatment ameliorated the hepatic damage by inhibiting the overexpression of PTRF and decreasing the co-localisation of TLR4/PTRF. Overexpression of PTRF induced reversal of the protective effects of APS on alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSION This study indicated that APS may alleviate alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of PTRF/TLR4/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway, which provides a scientific elucidation for the mechanisms of APS on the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity and presents a promising therapeutic approach for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Sun
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Henan Breast Cancer Centre, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqiu Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yaqing Tian
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China
| | - Qixiang Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuochuan Liu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Henan Breast Cancer Centre, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People's Republic of China
| | - Huahua Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Henan Breast Cancer Centre, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunming Cheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianan Yuan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaimin Liu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Henan Breast Cancer Centre, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China.
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Zhai R, Feng L, Zhang Y, Liu W, Li S, Hu Z. Combined Transcriptomic and Lipidomic Analysis Reveals Dysregulated Genes Expression and Lipid Metabolism Profiles in the Early Stage of Fatty Liver Disease in Rats. Front Nutr 2021; 8:733197. [PMID: 34604283 PMCID: PMC8484319 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.733197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease develops from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which then potentially develops into liver cirrhosis. It is a serious threat to human health. Therefore, investigating the formation and development mechanism of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is of great significance. Herein, an early model of NAFLD was successfully established by feeding rats with a high-fat and choline-deficient diet. Liver tissue samples were obtained from rats in the fatty liver model group (NAFL) and normal diet control group (CON). Afterward, transcriptome and lipidomic analysis was performed. Transcriptome results revealed that 178 differentially expressed genes were detected in NAFL and CON groups. Out of which, 105 genes were up-regulated, 73 genes were downregulated, and 8 pathways were significantly enriched. A total of 982 metabolites were detected in lipidomic analysis. Out of which 474 metabolites were significantly different, 273 were up-regulated, 201 were downregulated, and 7 pathways were significantly enriched. Based on the joint analysis, 3 common enrichment pathways were found, including cholesterol metabolism and fat digestion and absorption metabolic pathways. Overall, in the early stage of NAFLD, a small number of genetic changes caused a strong response to lipid components. The strongest reflection was glycerides and glycerophospholipids. A significant increase in fatty acid uptake accompanied by cholesterol metabolism is the most prominent metabolic feature of the liver in the early stage of NAFLD. In the early stage of fatty liver, the liver had shown the characteristics of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruina Zhai
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Lei Feng
- Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Shengli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Hu
- Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
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Yokomori H, Ando W, Oda M. Plasmalemmal Vesicle-Associated Protein Is Associated with Endothelial Cells Sprouting from the Peribiliary Capillary Plexus in Human Cirrhotic Liver. J Vasc Res 2021; 58:361-369. [PMID: 34280928 DOI: 10.1159/000516923] [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: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Plasmalemmal vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP) is an endothelial-specific integral membrane glycoprotein that localizes to caveolae and fenestrae in animal models; however, little is known about PLVAP in endothelial cells (ECs) in hepatic sinusoids during liver cirrhosis (LC). Here, we aimed to elucidate PLVAP localization and expression in the human liver during LC progression. METHODS PLVAP protein expression was detected in specimens from normal control livers and hepatitis C-related cirrhotic livers using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and immunoelectron microscopy. RESULTS PLVAP mainly localized to the peribiliary capillary plexus (PCP) and was rarely observed in hepatic artery branches and portal venules in control tissue, but was aberrantly expressed in capillarized sinusoids and proliferated capillaries in fibrotic septa within cirrhotic liver tissue. Ultrastructural analysis indicated that PLVAP localized to thin ECs in some caveolae, whereas PLVAP localized primarily to caveolae-like structures and proliferative sinusoid capillary EC vesicles in cirrhotic liver tissue. Western blot analysis confirmed that PLVAP was overexpressed at the protein level in advanced cirrhotic liver tissue. CONCLUSION PLVAP was strongly expressed in the caveolae of proliferated capillaries directly connected with sinusoids linked with the PCP, suggesting that it plays a role in angiogenesis and sinusoidal remodeling in LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Yokomori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kitasato University Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Wataru Ando
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Oda
- The Chunichi Newspapers, The Main Tokyo Clinic, Tokyo, Japan
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Yokomori H, Ando W, Oda M. Caveolin-1 is related to lipid droplet formation in hepatic stellate cells in human liver. Acta Histochem 2019; 121:113-118. [PMID: 30446170 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Caveolins (CAVs) regulate intracellular cholesterol transport by a complex process involving caveolae, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and the Golgi network. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the central site for retinoid storage in the liver and indeed the entire body. Herein, we attempted to elucidate the ultrastructural localization and expression of caveolin-1 (CAV-1) in human HSCs during the progression of liver cirrhosis (LC). Normal and hepatitis C-related cirrhotic liver samples were prepared using a modified perfusion-fixation method to fix organelle structures and molecules in their in vivo positions, and examined using immunoelectron microscopy. In control liver specimens, CAV-1 was minimally associated with low electron density lipid droplets (LDs) segregated around zones 1-2, and specifically associated with membranes surrounding LDs. CAV-1 was segregated in high-density LDs, consistent with the formation of membrane-enclosed lipid-rich vesicular structures, as well as caveolae on plasma membranes around zones 2-3. In cirrhotic liver specimens, CAV-1 molecules were inserted into the cytoplasmic leaflets of ER membranes for transportation to LDs. Thus, CAV-1 transport to LDs might represent an intracellular pathway from the ER in cirrhotic liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Yokomori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kitasato University Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Wataru Ando
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Oda
- Organized Center of Clinical Medicine, Sanno Medical Center, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
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Sago CD, Lokugamage MP, Lando GN, Djeddar N, Shah NN, Syed C, Bryksin AV, Dahlman JE. Modifying a Commonly Expressed Endocytic Receptor Retargets Nanoparticles in Vivo. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:7590-7600. [PMID: 30216729 PMCID: PMC6426696 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b03149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are often targeted to receptors expressed on specific cells, but few receptors are (i) highly expressed on one cell type and (ii) involved in endocytosis. One unexplored alternative is manipulating an endocytic gene expressed on multiple cell types; an ideal gene would inhibit delivery to cell type A more than cell type B, promoting delivery to cell type B. This would require a commonly expressed endocytic gene to alter nanoparticle delivery in a cell type-dependent manner in vivo; whether this can occur is unknown. Based on its microenvironmental regulation, we hypothesized Caveolin 1 (Cav1) would exert cell type-specific effects on nanoparticle delivery. Fluorescence was not sensitive enough to investigate this question, and as a result, we designed a platform named QUANT to study nanoparticle biodistribution. QUANT is 108× more sensitive than fluorescence and can be multiplexed. By measuring how 226 lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) delivered nucleic acids to multiple cell types in vivo in wild-type and Cav1 knockout mice, we found Cav1 altered delivery in a cell-type specific manner. Cav1 knockout did not alter LNP delivery to lung and kidney macrophages but substantially reduced LNP delivery to Kupffer cells, which are liver-resident macrophages. These data suggest caveolin-mediated endocytosis of nanomedicines by macrophages varies with tissue type. These results suggest manipulating receptors expressed on multiple cell types can tune drug delivery.
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Yokomori H, Ando W, Kaneko F, Suzuki H, Igarashi K, Oda M. Autotaxin and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and -3 are related to vascular development during the progression of chronic viral hepatitis C. APMIS 2018; 126:913-921. [PMID: 30456868 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and autotaxin (ATX) play important roles in embryonic vasculogenesis and cancer progression. This study examines whether these two angiogenic factors cooperate in the mechanism that regulates vascular development during the progression of chronic viral hepatitis C (CVH-C) (Inuyama classification, F1-F4). First, surgical wedge biopsy specimens and needle biopsy specimens were obtained. Immunohistochemical staining for ATX and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor was assessed in serial sections. Immunoelectron microscopy was conducted with a perfusion-fixation method. In normal control liver tissue specimens, ATX was expressed at low levels within the branches of the hepatic artery and hepatic sinusoids. In F1 CVH-C liver tissue specimens, ATX was expressed within the branches of the hepatic artery. Additionally, VEGFR-2 was expressed within the branches of the hepatic artery and capillaries. In F3-F4 CVH-C liver tissue specimens, positive staining for ATX and VEGFR-2 or VEGFR-3 was detected in the branches of the hepatic artery or microlymphatic vessels. ATX-1 reaction products were specifically expressed on the plasma membrane of some microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) in the proliferative capillary artery. VEGFR-2 was expressed on caveolae in ECs and vascular smooth muscle cells. VEGFR-3 immunogold particles were also observed in lymphatic ECs. These results suggest functional interactions among ATX, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 in the modulation of hemovascular and lymphovascular cell activation during vascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Yokomori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kitasato University Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Wataru Ando
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Kaneko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Suzuki
- Medical Education Center, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Igarashi
- Bioscience Division, Reagent Development Department, AIA Research Group Tosoh Corp., Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masaya Oda
- Organized Center of Clinical Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
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Ni Y, Li JM, Liu MK, Zhang TT, Wang DP, Zhou WH, Hu LZ, Lv WL. Pathological process of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver diseases. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:7666-7677. [PMID: 29209108 PMCID: PMC5703927 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i43.7666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis develops from liver fibrosis and is the severe pathological stage of all chronic liver injury. Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection is especially common. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis involve excess production of extracellular matrix, which is closely related to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Damaged LSECs can synthesize transforming growth factor-beta and platelet-derived growth factor, which activate hepatic stellate cells and facilitate the synthesis of extracellular matrix. Herein, we highlight the angiogenic cytokines of LSECs related to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis at different stages and focus on the formation and development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Inhibition of LSEC angiogenesis and antiangiogenic therapy are described in detail. Targeting LSECs has high therapeutic potential for liver diseases. Further understanding of the mechanism of action will provide stronger evidence for the development of anti-LSEC drugs and new directions for diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Endothelial Cells/virology
- Extracellular Matrix/metabolism
- Extracellular Matrix/pathology
- Hepacivirus/pathogenicity
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/pathology
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/virology
- Hepatitis B virus/pathogenicity
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/diagnosis
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/drug therapy
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/pathology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/virology
- Humans
- Liver/blood supply
- Liver/cytology
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/virology
- Liver Cirrhosis/diagnosis
- Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy
- Liver Cirrhosis/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis/virology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Ni
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Juan-Mei Li
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ming-Kun Liu
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Dong-Ping Wang
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Wen-Hui Zhou
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ling-Zi Hu
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Wen-Liang Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
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Caveolin-1 Function in Liver Physiology and Disease. Trends Mol Med 2016; 22:889-904. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Singh S, Liu S, Rockey DC. Caveolin-1 is upregulated in hepatic stellate cells but not sinusoidal endothelial cells after liver injury. Tissue Cell 2016; 48:126-32. [PMID: 26847875 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC) and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are closely associated specialized vascular cells residing in the hepatic sinusoid. These cells have been shown to play important roles in many different pathophysiologic processes, in particular in liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Caveolin-1 functions as a scaffolding protein, and has a variety of functions including in many disease states, such as liver cirrhosis. Although previous studies have shown that in the injured rat liver, caveolin-1 is upregulated, the precise cells in which remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify the cell type (or types) in which caveolin-1 is expressed in normal and injured rat liver. We have utilized both detailed immunohistochemical labeling with cell specific markers as well as cell isolation techniques (isolating sinusoidal endothelial cells, HSCs, and hepatocytes) in normal and injured (bile duct ligation) rat liver. We show here that in the normal liver caveolin-1 is expressed predominantly in HSCs and SECs but after liver injury there is upregulation of caveolin-1 in HSCs, but not in SECs. These data have functional implications for the cells in which caveolin-1 is regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Singh
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Medicine, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Songling Liu
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Medicine, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Don C Rockey
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Medicine, Charleston, SC 29425, United States.
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Sanchez-Antolín G, Almohalla-Alvarez C, Bueno P, Almansa R, Iglesias V, Rico L, Ortega A, Muñoz-Conejero E, García-Pajares F, Bermejo-Martin JF. Evidence of Active Pro-Fibrotic Response in Blood of Patients with Cirrhosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137128. [PMID: 26317806 PMCID: PMC4552880 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of systemic immunity in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis is not fully understood. Analysis of transcriptomic profiles in blood is an easy approach to obtain a wide picture of immune response at the systemic level. We studied gene expression profiles in blood from thirty cirrhotic patients and compared them against those of eight healthy volunteers. Most of our patients were male [n = 21, 70%] in their middle ages [57.4 ± 6.8 yr]. Alcohol abuse was the most frequent cause of cirrhosis (n = 22, 73%). Eleven patients had hepatocellular carcinoma (36.7%). Eight patients suffered from hepatitis C virus infection (26.7%). We found a signature constituted by 3402 genes which were differentially expressed in patients compared to controls (2802 over-expressed and 600 under-expressed). Evaluation of this signature evidenced the existence of an active pro-fibrotic transcriptomic program in the cirrhotic patients, involving the [extra-cellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction] & [TGF-beta signaling] pathways along with the [Cell adhesion molecules] pathway. This program coexists with alterations in pathways participating in [Glycine, serine and threonine metabolism], [Phenylalanine metabolism], [Tyrosine metabolism], [ABC transporters], [Purine metabolism], [Arachidonic acid metabolism]. In consequence, our results evidence the co-existence in blood of a genomic program mediating pro-fibrotic mechanisms and metabolic alterations in advanced cirrhosis. Monitoring expression levels of the genes involved in these programs could be of interest for predicting / monitoring cirrhosis evolution. These genes could constitute therapeutic targets in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Sanchez-Antolín
- Unidad de Hepatología, Unidad de Trasplante Hepático. Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Carolina Almohalla-Alvarez
- Unidad de Hepatología, Unidad de Trasplante Hepático. Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Pilar Bueno
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Almansa
- Investigación Médica en Infección e Inmunidad (IMI), Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid-IECSCYL, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Verónica Iglesias
- Investigación Médica en Infección e Inmunidad (IMI), Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid-IECSCYL, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Lucia Rico
- Investigación Médica en Infección e Inmunidad (IMI), Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid-IECSCYL, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alicia Ortega
- Investigación Médica en Infección e Inmunidad (IMI), Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid-IECSCYL, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Felix García-Pajares
- Unidad de Hepatología, Unidad de Trasplante Hepático. Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Jesus F. Bermejo-Martin
- Investigación Médica en Infección e Inmunidad (IMI), Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid-IECSCYL, Valladolid, Spain
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