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Liu X, Wang X, Xu L, Fan J, Yuan Q, Zhang F, Liu J, Qiu X, Li Y, Xia C, Liu H. Targeting delivery of a novel TGF-β type I receptor-mimicking peptide to activated hepatic stellate cells for liver fibrosis therapy via inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 977:176708. [PMID: 38843945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Excessive transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) secreted by activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) aggravates liver fibrosis via over-activation of TGF-β1-mediated signaling pathways in a TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI) dependent manner. TβRI with the C-terminal valine truncated (RIPΔ), as a novel TβRI-mimicking peptide, is an appealing anti-fibrotic candidate by competitive binding of TGF-β1 to block TGF-β1 signal transduction. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFβR) is highly expressed on the surface of aHSCs in liver fibrosis. Herein, we designed a novel RIPΔ variant Z-RIPΔ (PDGFβR-specific affibody ZPDGFβR fused to the N-terminus of RIPΔ) for liver fibrosis therapy, and expect to improve the anti-liver fibrosis efficacy by specifically inhibiting the TGF-β1 activity in aHSCs. Target peptide Z-RIPΔ was prepared in Escherichia coli by SUMO fusion system. Moreover, Z-RIPΔ specifically bound to TGF-β1-activated aHSCs, inhibited cell proliferation and migration, and reduced the expression of fibrosis markers (α-SMA and FN) and TGF-β1 pathway-related effectors (p-Smad2/3 and p-p38) in vitro. Furthermore, Z-RIPΔ specifically targeted the fibrotic liver, alleviated the liver histopathology, mitigated the fibrosis responses, and blocked TGF-β1-mediated Smad and p38 MAPK cascades. More importantly, Z-RIPΔ exhibited a higher fibrotic liver-targeting capacity and stronger anti-fibrotic effects than its parent RIPΔ. Besides, Z-RIPΔ showed no obvious toxicity effects in treating both an in vitro cell model and an in vivo mouse model of liver fibrosis. In conclusion, Z-RIPΔ represents a promising targeted candidate for liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China; Department of Cell Biology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Liming Xu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Junjie Fan
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Qi Yuan
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Jieting Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Xiaowen Qiu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Yanqiu Li
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Caiyun Xia
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China; Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China.
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Zong R, Zheng Y, Yan Y, Sun W, Kong L, Huang Y, Liu Y, Jiang C, Ping J, Li C. Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes alleviate liver fibrosis by targeting Hedgehog/SMO signaling. Hepatol Int 2024:10.1007/s12072-024-10717-y. [PMID: 39138757 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10717-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Despite increasing knowledge regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis, there is currently no approved drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells representing an attractive therapeutic tool for tissue damage and inflammation. This study was designed to determine the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis. METHODS Liver fibrosis was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA). Some mice were then given injection of UC-MSCs or UC-MSCs-derived exosomes (UC-MSCs-Exo) via the tail vein. Liver tissues were collected for histologic analysis. RESULTS We found that administration of UC-MSCs significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, the therapeutic effect of UC-MSCs-derived exosomes was similar to that of UC-MSCs. Intriguingly, UC-MSCs-Exo treatment downregulated the expression of smoothened (SMO), a fundamental component of Hedgehog signaling which plays a critical role in fibrogenesis, and subsequently inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells, a central driver of fibrosis in experimental and human liver injury. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of UCMSCs- Exo was reversed by the SMO agonist SAG treatment in mice. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that UC-MSCs-Exo exert therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis, at least in part, through inhibiting the Hedgehog/SMO signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruobin Zong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Hubei Aerospace Hospital, Xiaogan, Hubei, China
| | - Yufei Yan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wenao Sun
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liangyi Kong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yating Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chaochen Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Ping
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Changyong Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China.
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3
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Wang X, Liu H, Wang Y, Wang P, Yi Y, Lin Y, Li X. Novel protein C6ORF120 promotes liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:1422-1430. [PMID: 38523410 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16538] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The role of C6ORF120 in promoting CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanisms were explored in C6orf120 knockout rats (C6orf120-/-) and LX-2 cells (a type of human hepatic stellate cell line). METHODS In vivo experiments, wild-type and C6orf120-/- rats were used to investigate the function of C6ORF120. In the in vitro experiments, C6ORF120 recombinant protein (rC6ORF120) at a concentration of 200 ng/mL was used to stimulate LX-2 cells. Sirius Red staining, Masson staining, western blotting, polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to explore fibrosis-associated factors. RESULTS C6orf120-/- rats showed mild fibrosis and liver injury in the CCL4-induced liver fibrosis model. Furthermore, RNA-seq revealed that C6orf120-/- rats had less extracellular matrix deposition and activated stellate cells. Consistent with the in vivo, the rC6ORF120 induced LX-2 cell activation. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that the p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR levels were significantly elevated and LY294002 (a PI3K/Akt/mTOR typical pathway inhibitor) reversed the function of C6ORF120 in activating LX-2 cells. CONCLUSION C6ORF120 could activate hepatic stellate cells and promote hepatic fibrosis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Center of Infectious Disease, Beijing Ditan Hospital; Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqi Wang
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyun Yi
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Lin
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Xu Y, Zhou X, Wang X, Jin Y, Zhou L, Ye J. Progress of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) & MSC-Exosomes combined with drugs intervention in liver fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116848. [PMID: 38834005 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an intrahepatic chronic damage repair response caused by various reasons such as alcoholic liver, fatty liver, viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, etc., and is closely related to the progression of liver disease. Currently, the mechanisms of liver fibrosis and its treatment are hot research topics in the field of liver disease remedy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a class of adult stem cells with self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential, which can ameliorate fibrosis through hepatic-directed differentiation, paracrine effects, and immunomodulation. However, the low inner-liver colonization rate, low survival rate, and short duration of intervention after stem cell transplantation have limited their wide clinical application. With the intensive research on liver fibrosis worldwide, it has been found that MSCs and MSCs-derived exosomes combined with drugs have shown better intervention efficiency than utilization of MSCs alone in many animal models of liver fibrosis. In this paper, we review the interventional effects and mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes combined with drugs to alleviate hepatic fibrosis in vivo in animal models in recent years, which will provide new ideas to improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes in treating hepatic fibrosis in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China; School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhou
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China; School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuesong Wang
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China; School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yu Jin
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China; School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China; Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Jiangxi, China; Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junsong Ye
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China; School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China; Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Jiangxi, China; Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China.
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Berggren KA, Sinha S, Lin AE, Schwoerer MP, Maya S, Biswas A, Cafiero TR, Liu Y, Gertje HP, Suzuki S, Berneshawi AR, Carver S, Heller B, Hassan N, Ali Q, Beard D, Wang D, Cullen JM, Kleiner RE, Crossland NA, Schwartz RE, Ploss A. Liver-specific Mettl14 deletion induces nuclear heterotypia and dysregulates RNA export machinery. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.17.599413. [PMID: 38948765 PMCID: PMC11212911 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.17.599413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Modification of RNA with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has gained attention in recent years as a general mechanism of gene regulation. In the liver, m6A, along with its associated machinery, has been studied as a potential biomarker of disease and cancer, with impacts on metabolism, cell cycle regulation, and pro-cancer state signaling. However these observational data have yet to be causally examined in vivo. For example, neither perturbation of the key m6A writers Mettl3 and Mettl14, nor the m6A readers Ythdf1 and Ythdf2 have been thoroughly mechanistically characterized in vivo as they have been in vitro. To understand the functions of these machineries, we developed mouse models and found that deleting Mettl14 led to progressive liver injury characterized by nuclear heterotypia, with changes in mRNA splicing, processing and export leading to increases in mRNA surveillance and recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Berggren
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Saloni Sinha
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Aaron E Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Maya
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Abhishek Biswas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Research Computing, Office of Information Technology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Thomas R Cafiero
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Yongzhen Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Hans P Gertje
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Saori Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Sebastian Carver
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Brigitte Heller
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Nora Hassan
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Qazi Ali
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Beard
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Danyang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - John M Cullen
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Ralph E Kleiner
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Nicholas A Crossland
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Robert E Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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Hu Z, Dai J, Xu T, Chen H, Shen G, Zhou J, Ma H, Wang Y, Jin L. FGF18 alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. Respir Res 2024; 25:108. [PMID: 38419044 PMCID: PMC10902988 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02733-1] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lung injury (ALI) is a devastating clinical disorder with a high mortality rate, and there is an urgent need for more effective therapies. Fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) has potent anti-inflammatory properties and therefore has become a focus of research for the treatment of lung injury. However, the precise role of FGF18 in the pathological process of ALI and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. METHODS A mouse model of ALI and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was established in vivo and in vitro. AAV-FGF18 and FGF18 proteins were used in C57BL/6J mice and HUVEC, respectively. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and p65 protein levels were determined by western blotting or immunofluorescent staining. Afterward, related inhibitors were used to explore the potential mechanism by which FGF18 relieves inflammation. RESULTS In this study, we found that FGF18 was significantly upregulated in LPS-induced ALI mouse lung tissues and LPS-stimulated HUVECs. Furthermore, our studies demonstrated that overexpressing FGF18 in the lung or HUVEC could significantly alleviate LPS-induced lung injury and inhibit vascular leakage. CONCLUSIONS Mechanically, FGF18 treatment dramatically inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, these results indicate that FGF18 attenuates lung injury, at least partially, via the NF-κB signaling pathway and therefore may be a potential therapeutic target for ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jindan Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tianpeng Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guoxiu Shen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongfang Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yang Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Litai Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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7
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Hollander JM, Goraltchouk A, Liu J, Xu E, Luppino F, McAlindon TE, Zeng L, Seregin A. Single Injection AAV2-FGF18 Gene Therapy Reduces Cartilage Loss and Subchondral Bone Damage in a Mechanically Induced Model of Osteoarthritis. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:331-345. [PMID: 38783531 DOI: 10.2174/0115665232275532231213063634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly debilitating, degenerative pathology of cartilaginous joints affecting over 500 million people worldwide. The global economic burden of OA is estimated at $260-519 billion and growing, driven by aging global population and increasing rates of obesity. To date, only the multi-injection chondroanabolic treatment regimen of Fibroblast Growth Factor 18 (FGF18) has demonstrated clinically meaningful disease-modifying efficacy in placebo-controlled human trials. Our work focuses on the development of a novel single injection disease-modifying gene therapy, based on FGF18's chondroanabolic activity. METHODS OA was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) (3 weeks), followed by intra-articular treatment with 3 dose levels of AAV2-FGF18, rh- FGF18 protein, and PBS. Durability, redosability, and biodistribution were measured by quantifying nLuc reporter bioluminescence. Transcriptomic analysis was performed by RNA-seq on cultured human chondrocytes and rat knee joints. Morphological analysis was performed on knee joints stained with Safranin O/Fast Green and anti-PRG antibody. RESULTS Dose-dependent reductions in cartilage defect size were observed in the AAV2-FGF18- treated joints relative to the vehicle control. Total defect width was reduced by up to 76% and cartilage thickness in the thinnest zone was increased by up to 106%. Morphologically, the vehicle- treated joints exhibited pronounced degeneration, ranging from severe cartilage erosion and bone void formation, to subchondral bone remodeling and near-complete subchondral bone collapse. In contrast, AAV2-FGF18-treated joints appeared more anatomically normal, with only regional glycosaminoglycan loss and marginal cartilage erosion. While effective at reducing cartilage lesions, treatment with rhFGF18 injections resulted in significant joint swelling (19% increase in diameter), as well as a decrease in PRG4 staining uniformity and intensity. In contrast to early-timepoint in vitro RNA-seq analysis, which showed a high degree of concordance between protein- and gene therapy-treated chondrocytes, in vivo transcriptomic analysis, revealed few gene expression changes following protein treatment. On the other hand, the gene therapy treatment exhibited a high degree of durability and localization over the study period, upregulating several chondroanabolic genes while downregulating OA- and fibrocartilage-associated markers. CONCLUSION FGF18 gene therapy treatment of OA joints can provide benefits to both cartilage and subchondral bone, with a high degree of localization and durability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Hollander
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA, United States of America
| | - Alex Goraltchouk
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA, United States of America
| | - Jingshu Liu
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ellyn Xu
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Francesco Luppino
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA, United States of America
| | - Timothy E McAlindon
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Li Zeng
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Alexey Seregin
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA, United States of America
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8
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Li Z, Zhu J, Ouyang H. Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in improving hepatic fibrosis based on inhibiting pathological angiogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1303012. [PMID: 38155904 PMCID: PMC10754536 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1303012] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the formation of scar tissue in the liver. This scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and can lead to liver dysfunction and failure if left untreated. It is usually caused by chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis B or C, alcohol abuse, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Pathological angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of hepatic fibrosis by promoting the growth of new blood vessels in the liver. These new vessels increase blood flow to the damaged areas of the liver, which triggers the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). HSCs are responsible for producing excess collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to the development of fibrosis. Pathological angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of hepatic fibrosis by promoting the growth of new blood vessels in the liver. These new vessels increase blood flow to the damaged areas of the liver, which triggers the activation of HSCs. HSCs are responsible for producing excess collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to the development of fibrosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been found to target pathological angiogenesis, thereby providing a potential treatment option for hepatic fibrosis. Several studies have demonstrated that TCM exhibits anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting the production of pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-2, and by reducing the proliferation of endothelial cells. Reviewing and highlighting the unique TCM recognition of treating hepatic fibrosis by targeting pathological angiogenesis may shed light on future hepatic fibrosis research.
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Tsuchiya Y, Seki T, Kobayashi K, Komazawa-Sakon S, Shichino S, Nishina T, Fukuhara K, Ikejima K, Nagai H, Igarashi Y, Ueha S, Oikawa A, Tsurusaki S, Yamazaki S, Nishiyama C, Mikami T, Yagita H, Okumura K, Kido T, Miyajima A, Matsushima K, Imasaka M, Araki K, Imamura T, Ohmuraya M, Tanaka M, Nakano H. Fibroblast growth factor 18 stimulates the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, thereby inducing liver fibrosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6304. [PMID: 37813881 PMCID: PMC10562492 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42058-z] [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: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic liver injury triggered by factors such as viral infection, excess alcohol intake, and lipid accumulation. However, the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of fibroblast growth factor 18 (Fgf18) is elevated in mouse livers following the induction of chronic liver fibrosis models. Deletion of Fgf18 in hepatocytes attenuates liver fibrosis; conversely, overexpression of Fgf18 promotes liver fibrosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals that overexpression of Fgf18 in hepatocytes results in an increase in the number of Lrat+ hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), thereby inducing fibrosis. Mechanistically, FGF18 stimulates the proliferation of HSCs by inducing the expression of Ccnd1. Moreover, the expression of FGF18 is correlated with the expression of profibrotic genes, such as COL1A1 and ACTA2, in human liver biopsy samples. Thus, FGF18 promotes liver fibrosis and could serve as a therapeutic target to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Tsuchiya
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, 2-2-1 Miyama, Funabashi-shi, Chiba, 274-8510, Japan
| | - Takao Seki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
| | - Kenta Kobayashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Sachiko Komazawa-Sakon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Shichino
- Division of Molecular Regulation of Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2669 Yamazaki, Noda-shi, Chiba, 278-0022, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishina
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
| | - Kyoko Fukuhara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kenichi Ikejima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hidenari Nagai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, 6-11-1 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Igarashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, 6-11-1 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ueha
- Division of Molecular Regulation of Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2669 Yamazaki, Noda-shi, Chiba, 278-0022, Japan
| | - Akira Oikawa
- Laboratory of Quality Analysis and Assessment, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasyo, Uji-shi, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Shinya Tsurusaki
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soh Yamazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
| | - Chiharu Nishiyama
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Tetuo Mikami
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
| | - Hideo Yagita
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Ko Okumura
- Atopy Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Taketomo Kido
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyajima
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Kouji Matsushima
- Division of Molecular Regulation of Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2669 Yamazaki, Noda-shi, Chiba, 278-0022, Japan
| | - Mai Imasaka
- Department of Genetics, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya-shi, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Kimi Araki
- Center for Animal Resources and Development, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Toru Imamura
- Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, 305-8560, Japan
| | - Masaki Ohmuraya
- Department of Genetics, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya-shi, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Nakano
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan.
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10
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Tong G, Chen Y, Chen X, Fan J, Zhu K, Hu Z, Li S, Zhu J, Feng J, Wu Z, Hu Z, Zhou B, Jin L, Chen H, Shen J, Cong W, Li X. FGF18 alleviates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury via the USP16-mediated KEAP1/Nrf2 signaling pathway in male mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6107. [PMID: 37777507 PMCID: PMC10542385 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41800-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common complication occurs during hepatic resection and transplantation. However, the mechanisms underlying hepatic IRI have not been fully elucidated. Here, we aim to explore the role of fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) in hepatic IRI. In this work, we find that Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) secrete FGF18 and alleviates hepatocytes injury. HSCs-specific FGF18 deletion largely aggravates hepatic IRI. Mechanistically, FGF18 treatment reduces the levels of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 16 (USP16), leading to increased ubiquitination levels of Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) and the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, USP16 interacts and deubiquitinates KEAP1. More importantly, Nrf2 directly binds to the promoter of USP16 and forms a negative feedback loop with USP16. Collectively, our results show FGF18 alleviates hepatic IRI by USP16/KEAP1/Nrf2 signaling pathway in male mice, suggesting that FGF18 represents a promising therapeutic approach for hepatic IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaozan Tong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xixi Chen
- Department of pharmacy, Taizhou Central Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junfu Fan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Kunxuan Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - ZiJing Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Santie Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Junjie Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jianjun Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhaohang Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhenyu Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Litai Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jingling Shen
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Weitao Cong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - XiaoKun Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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11
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Wang L, Li D, Zhu Z, Liao Y, Wu J, Liu Y, Yang R, Dai H, Wu Z, Sun X. Knockout of Sema4D alleviates liver fibrosis by suppressing AOX1 expression. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106886. [PMID: 37591326 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106886] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis can occur in many chronic liver diseases, and no effective treatments are available due to the poorly characterized molecular pathogenesis. Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) has immune functions and serves important roles in T cell priming. Here, we found that Sema4D was highly expressed in fibrotic liver, and the expression of Sema4D increased with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. Knockout of Sema4D alleviated liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, knockout of Sema4D alleviated liver fibrosis by suppressing the expression of AOX1 in retinol metabolism. Further investigation demonstrated that retinoic acid receptor α (RARA), an important nuclear receptor of retinoic acid, was reduced by Sema4D knockout during liver fibrogenesis. Sema4D knockout-mediated suppression of liver fibrosis was partly mediated by regulating the balance of Th1, Th2, Th17, and T-bet+Treg cells via inhibiting AOX1/RARA. Thus, targeting Sema4D may hold promise as a potential therapeutic approach for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifu Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Dinghao Li
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zifeng Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yao Liao
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Ji Wu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yuheng Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Ruibing Yang
- Guangzhou KingMed Diagnostic Laboratory Group Co Ltd, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Hanqiao Dai
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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12
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Zheng Y, Xie L, Yang D, Luo K, Li X. Small-molecule natural plants for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of hepatic stellate cells activation: An update. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 113:154721. [PMID: 36870824 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154721] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries. Its primary pathological characteristics are excessive proliferation and improper dismissal of the extracellular matrix, and if left untreated, it will progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is intimately associated to the onset of LF, and it is anticipated that addressing HSCs proliferation can reverse LF. Plant-based small-molecule medications have anti-LF properties, and their mechanisms of action involve suppression of extracellular matrix abnormally accumulating as well as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. New targeting HSC agents will therefore be needed to provide a potential curative response. PURPOSE The most recent HSC routes and small molecule natural plants that target HSC described domestically and internationally in recent years were examined in this review. METHODS The data was looked up using resources including ScienceDirect, CNKI, Web of Science, and PubMed. Keyword searches for information on hepatic stellate cells included "liver fibrosis", "natural plant", "hepatic stellate cells", "adverse reaction", "toxicity", etc. RESULTS: We discovered that plant monomers can target and control various pathways to prevent the activation and proliferation of HSC and promote the apoptosis of HSC in order to achieve the anti-LF effect in this work by compiling the plant monomers that influence many common pathways of HSC in recent years. It demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of plant monomers targeting different routes to combat LF, with a view to supplying new concepts and new strategies for natural plant therapy of LF as well as research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The investigation of kaempferol, physalin B, and other plant monomers additionally motivated researchers to focus on the structure-activity link between the main chemicals and LF. CONCLUSION The creation of novel pharmaceuticals can benefit greatly from the use of natural components. They are often harmless for people, non-target creatures, and the environment because they are found in nature, and they can be employed as the starting chemicals for the creation of novel medications. Natural plants are valuable resources for creating new medications with fresh action targets because they feature original and distinctive action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kaipei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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13
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Guo Q, Furuta K, Islam S, Caporarello N, Kostallari E, Dielis K, Tschumperlin DJ, Hirsova P, Ibrahim SH. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell expressed vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 promotes liver fibrosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:983255. [PMID: 36091042 PMCID: PMC9453231 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.983255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During liver injury, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) dysfunction and capillarization promote liver fibrosis. We have previously reported that the LSEC vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) plays a key role in liver inflammation in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and we now aim to uncover its role in LSEC capillarization and liver fibrosis. Methods Wild-type C57BL/6J mice were fed either chow or high fat, fructose and cholesterol diet to induce NASH and treated with either anti-VCAM1 neutralizing antibody or control isotype antibody. Inducible endothelial cell-specific Vcam1 deleted mice (Vcam1Δend ) and control mice (Vcam1fl/fl ) were fed choline-deficient high-fat diet (CD-HFD) to induce NASH or injected with carbon tetrachloride to induce liver fibrosis. LSECs isolated from Vcam1fl/fl or Vcam1Δend and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from wild-type mice were cocultured in a 3-D system or a μ-Slide 2 well co-culture system. Results Immunostaining for Lyve1 (marker of differentiated LSECs) was reduced in Vcam1fl/fl mice and restored in Vcam1Δend mice in both NASH and liver fibrosis models. Co-immunostaining showed increased α-smooth muscle actin in the livers of Vcam1fl/fl mice in areas lacking Lyve1. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy showed reduced LSEC fenestrae in the Vcam1fl/fl mice but not Vcam1Δend mice in both injury models, suggesting that VCAM1 promotes LSEC capillarization during liver injury. HSCs profibrogenic markers were reduced when cocultured with LSECs from CD-HFD fed Vcam1Δend mice compared to Vcam1fl/fl mice. Furthermore, recombinant VCAM1 activated the Yes-associated protein 1 pathway and induced a fibrogenic phenotype in HSCs in vitro, supporting the profibrogenic role of LSEC VCAM1. Conclusion VCAM1 is not just a scaffold for leukocyte adhesion during liver injury, but also a modulator of LSEC capillarization and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Guo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Kunimaro Furuta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shahidul Islam
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Kobe Dielis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Petra Hirsova
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Samar H Ibrahim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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14
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Chen D, Zhang H, Zhang X, Sun X, Qin Q, Hou Y, Jia M, Chen Y. Roles of Yes-associated protein and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif in non-neoplastic liver diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113166. [PMID: 35609372 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113166] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of liver disease has been increasing worldwide. Moreover, the burden of end-stage liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, is high because of high mortality and suboptimal treatment. The pathological process of liver disease includes steatosis, hepatocyte death, and fibrosis, which ultimately lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that non-neoplastic liver diseases, particularly cirrhosis, are major risk factors for liver cancer, although the mechanism underlying this association remains unclear. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional activators that regulate organ size and cancer development. YAP and TAZ play important roles in liver development, regeneration, and homeostasis. Abnormal YAP and TAZ levels have also been implicated in non-neoplastic liver diseases (e.g., non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, liver injury, and liver fibrosis). Here, we review recent findings on the roles of YAP and TAZ in non-neoplastic liver diseases and discuss directions for future research. This review provides a basis for the study of non-neoplastic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China; School of Basic and Medical Sciences, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Xia Sun
- Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China; School of Basic and Medical Sciences, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Qiaohong Qin
- Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Ying Hou
- Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Min Jia
- Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Yulong Chen
- Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China.
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