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Wu W, Zhou S, Fei G, Wang R. The role of long noncoding RNA MEG3 in fibrosis diseases. Postgrad Med J 2024; 100:529-538. [PMID: 38430191 DOI: 10.1093/postmj/qgad124] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a prevalent pathological condition observed in various organs and tissues. It primarily arises from the excessive and abnormal accumulation of the extracellular matrix, resulting in the structural and functional impairment of tissues and organs, which can culminate in death. Many forms of fibrosis, including liver, cardiac, pulmonary, and renal fibrosis, are considered irreversible. Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is an imprinted RNA gene. Historically, the downregulation of MEG3 has been linked to tumor pathogenesis. However, recent studies indicate an emerging association of MEG3 with fibrotic diseases. In this review, we delve into the current understanding of MEG3's role in fibrosis, aiming to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of fibrosis and the potential of MEG3 as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Afiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Sijing Zhou
- Department of Occupational Disease, Hefei Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Guanghe Fei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Afiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Afiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
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Zhao H, Zhu H, Zhang Y, Ding Y, Feng R, Li J, Ma T, Huang C. Lymphocyte-Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase Contributes to Spontaneous Regression of Liver Fibrosis may by Interacting with Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1. Inflammation 2023; 46:1653-1669. [PMID: 37233920 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01831-4] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs), converted to myofibroblasts, produce fibrous scars, which is an essential event during liver fibrogenesis. Clinical and experimental fibrosis undergo remarkable regression when the underlying etiological agent is removed. Some myofibroblasts revert to an inactive phenotype (iHSCs) during the regression of fibrosis. However, the mechanisms underlying HSC activation and reversal remain unclear. The present study demonstrated that the expression of lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) was increased in fibrotic livers but decreased after spontaneous recovery in vivo and in vitro, which was correlated with the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (COL-1). Further investigation indicated that specific knockdown of LCK by a recombination adeno-associated virus 9 (rAAV9) in C57BL/6 mice ameliorated liver fibrosis. Co-incubation of TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cells with LCK-siRNA inhibited cell proliferation and activation. Overexpression of LCK inhibited activated HSCs going to inactivated phenotype. Interestingly, we found that LCK may interact with suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and may influence the expression of p-JAK1 and p-STAT1/3. These data suggest that LCK may play a regulatory role in liver fibrosis by inhibiting SOCS1, indicating that LCK is a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizi Zhao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuhao Ding
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Taotao Ma
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Khanmohammadi S, Ramos-Molina B, Kuchay MS. NOD-like receptors in the pathogenesis of metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease: Therapeutic agents targeting NOD-like receptors. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2023; 17:102788. [PMID: 37302383 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2023.102788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), activation of inflammatory processes marks the transition of simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, which can further evolve to advanced fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Under the stress of chronic overnutrition, the innate immune system orchestrates hepatic inflammation through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Cytosolic PRRs that include NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are crucial for inducing inflammatory processes in the liver. METHODS A literature search was performed with Medline (PubMed), Google Scholar and Scopus electronic databases till January 2023, using relevant keywords to extract studies describing the role of NLRs in the pathogenesis of MAFLD. RESULTS Several NLRs operate through the formation of inflammasomes, which are multimolecular complexes that generate pro-inflammatory cytokines and induce pyroptotic cell death. A multitude of pharmacological agents target NLRs and improve several aspects of MAFLD. In this review, we discuss the current concepts related to the role of NLRs in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and its complications. We also discuss the latest research on MAFLD therapeutics functioning through NLRs. CONCLUSIONS NLRs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and its consequences, especially through generation of inflammasomes, such as NLRP3 inflammasomes. Lifestyle changes (exercise, coffee consumption) and therapeutic agents (GLP-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, obeticholic acid) improve MAFLD and its complications partly through blockade of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. New studies are required to explore these inflammatory pathways fully for the treatment of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bruno Ramos-Molina
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Mohammad Shafi Kuchay
- Divison of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medanta the Medicity Hospital, Gurugram 122001, Haryana, India.
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Bauer S, Hezinger L, Rexhepi F, Ramanathan S, Kufer TA. NOD-like Receptors-Emerging Links to Obesity and Associated Morbidities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108595. [PMID: 37239938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and its associated metabolic morbidities have been and still are on the rise, posing a major challenge to health care systems worldwide. It has become evident over the last decades that a low-grade inflammatory response, primarily proceeding from the adipose tissue (AT), essentially contributes to adiposity-associated comorbidities, most prominently insulin resistance (IR), atherosclerosis and liver diseases. In mouse models, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β and the imprinting of immune cells to a pro-inflammatory phenotype in AT play an important role. However, the underlying genetic and molecular determinants are not yet understood in detail. Recent evidence demonstrates that nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family proteins, a group of cytosolic pattern recognition receptors (PRR), contribute to the development and control of obesity and obesity-associated inflammatory responses. In this article, we review the current state of research on the role of NLR proteins in obesity and discuss the possible mechanisms leading to and the outcomes of NLR activation in the obesity-associated morbidities IR, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and discuss emerging ideas about possibilities for NLR-based therapeutic interventions of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bauer
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, Department of Immunology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lucy Hezinger
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, Department of Immunology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Fjolla Rexhepi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Thomas A Kufer
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, Department of Immunology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
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Wu Y, Huang C, Shi T, Li J. Deficiency of NLR family member NLRC5 alleviates alcohol induced hepatic injury and steatosis by enhancing autophagy of hepatocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 461:116406. [PMID: 36708882 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116406] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Steatosis is regarded as an early response of the liver to excessive alcohol consumption, which ultimately results in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Hepatocytes are the primary drivers of the pathological process known as hepatic damage and steatosis, which is characterized by significant fat accumulation and an abundance of fat vacuoles. NLRs, a family member of pattern recognition receptors, have recently been found to be crucial in liver disorders. In this study, we examined the possible impact of NLRC5, the largest NLR family member, on alcohol-induced fatty liver development using a gene knock-out mouse model. The mouse liver was severely damaged and developed steatosis as a result of chronic and excessive ethanol use, and this damage was prevented by the lack of NLRC5. Additionally, NLRC5 deletion reversed ethanol's ability to increase the serum concentrations of TG, T-CHO, ALT, and AST. Absence of NLRC5 reduced ethanol-stimulated aberrant expression of the vital regulators of lipid synthesis and metabolism, SREBP-1c, FAS and PPAR-α. Furthermore, loss- and gain-of-function research indicated that NLRC5 might affect the autophagy pathway in alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis progression. The functional role of NLRC5 in ALD is obviously impacted by the autophagy inducer rapamycin as well as the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. Our research showed that NLRC5 was involved in ethanol-induced injury and steatosis of the liver, and may be considered a suitable therapeutic target for treating ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, PR China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Tianlu Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Wang W, Liu W, Liu J, Lv P, Wang Y, Ouyang X. NLRC5 modulates bone metabolism and plays a role in periodontitis. J Periodontal Res 2022; 57:891-903. [PMID: 35734971 DOI: 10.1111/jre.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION NOD-like receptor C5 (NLRC5) plays a significant role in the immune system, and is one of the largest members of the pattern recognition receptor family. Previous studies have found that NLRC5 might be involved in the regulation of various diseases, such as fibrotic diseases and cancers; however, its effect on bone metabolism-related diseases has not been reported. METHODS Skeletons of Nlrc5-/- mice generated by CRISPR/Cas9 and wild-type (WT) mice were compared using X-ray, micro-computed tomography, double labeling, and histological examination. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and pit-absorption assays were performed to evaluate the effect of NLRC5 on osteoclasts differentiation and osteoclastic capacity. The influence of NLRC5 on osteoblasts differentiation and bone formation were studied using alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining, respectively. Experimental periodontitis was induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis infection and ligature to investigate the role of NLRC5 in inflammatory periodontal bone loss. RESULTS Adenovirus-mediated NLRC5 overexpression in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells regulated osteogenesis positively. The femoral osteogenesis ability was significantly weakened in Nlrc5-/- mice. Histology showed that the area of the femoral trabeculae in the Nlrc5-/- mice was less than that in the WT mice, and radiology suggested that the Nlrc5-/- mice had fewer trabeculae and a thinner bone cortex than those of the WT mice. Nlrc5 knockout decreased osteoblast mineralization and increased osteoclastogenesis in vitro. NLRC5 was downregulated in periodontitis and P. gingivalis infection. In the experimental periodontitis model, the alveolar bone loss, inflammatory cell infiltration, and inflammatory cytokines secretion (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) in the Nlrc5-/- mice were significantly enhanced compared to WT mice. CONCLUSION We verified a novel role of NLRC5 in bone metabolism by regulating both osteoclasts activity and osteoblasts activity. Our results revealed a protective effect of NLRC5 against periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone destruction. NLRC5 could be a novel treatment target to prevent periodontal bone destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Wang
- Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenyi Liu
- Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Jianru Liu
- Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Peiying Lv
- Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Yixiang Wang
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangying Ouyang
- Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
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Zhou W, Dong G, Gao G, He Z, Xu J, Aziz S, Ma L, Zhao W. Evaluation of HZX-960, a novel DCN1-UBC12 interaction inhibitor, as a potential antifibrotic compound for liver fibrosis. Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 100:309-324. [PMID: 35544948 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2021-0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a very common health problem and currently lacks effective treatments. Cullin ring E3 ligases (CRLs) regulate the turnover of ~20% of mammalian cell proteins. Neddylation, the process by which NEDD8 is covalently attached to cullin proteins through sequential enzymatic reactions, is critical for the activation of CRLs and was recently found to be elevated in liver fibrosis. NEDD8-activating enzyme E1-specific inhibition led to the reduced liver damage characterized by decreased apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis. However, the relevance of a co-E3 ligase, DCN1, in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Here, a novel and potent DCN1-UBC12 interaction inhibitor HZX-960 was discovered with an IC50 value of 9.37nM, which could inhibit the neddylation of cullin3. Importantly, we identified that HZX-960 treatment could attenuate TGFβ-induced liver fibrotic responses by reducing the deposition of collagen I and α-SMA, and upregulating cellular NRF2, HO-1 and NQO1 level in two hepatic stellate cell lines. Additionally, DCN1 was shown to be unregulated in CCl4-induced mice liver tissue, and liver fibrotic signaling in mice was reduced by HZX-960. Therefore, our data demonstrated that HZX-960 possessed anti-liver fibrosis ability, and DCN1 may be a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Zhou
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Oslo University Hospital, 155272, Department of Pathology, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Guanjun Dong
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhnezhou, China;
| | - Ge Gao
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
| | - Zhangxu He
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
| | - Jiale Xu
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
| | - Shireen Aziz
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
| | - Liying Ma
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
| | - Wen Zhao
- Zhengzhou University, 12636, school of pharmacy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China;
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Artlett CM. The Mechanism and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome during Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050634. [PMID: 35625564 PMCID: PMC9138796 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is often the end result of chronic inflammation. It is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. This leads to structural alterations in the tissue, causing permanent damage and organ dysfunction. Depending on the organ it effects, fibrosis can be a serious threat to human life. The molecular mechanism of fibrosis is still not fully understood, but the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin–domain–containing protein 3) inflammasome appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disease. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been the most extensively studied inflammatory pathway to date. It is a crucial component of the innate immune system, and its activation mediates the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. NLRP3 activation has been strongly linked with fibrosis and drives the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by the chronic upregulation of IL-1β and IL-18 and subsequent autocrine signaling that maintains an activated inflammasome. Both IL-1β and IL-18 are profibrotic, however IL-1β can have antifibrotic capabilities. NLRP3 responds to a plethora of different signals that have a common but unidentified unifying trigger. Even after 20 years of extensive investigation, regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is still not completely understood. However, what is known about NLRP3 is that its regulation and activation is complex and not only driven by various activators but controlled by numerous post-translational modifications. More recently, there has been an intensive attempt to discover NLRP3 inhibitors to treat chronic diseases. This review addresses the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in fibrotic disorders across many different tissues. It discusses the relationships of various NLRP3 activators to fibrosis and covers different therapeutics that have been developed, or are currently in development, that directly target NLRP3 or its downstream products as treatments for fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol M Artlett
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
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9
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MOU WL, CHEN SR, WU ZT, HU LH, ZHANG JY, CHANG HJ, ZHOU H, LIU Y. LPS-TLR4/MD-2–TNF-α signaling mediates alcohol-induced liver fibrosis in rats. J Toxicol Pathol 2022; 35:193-203. [PMID: 35516842 PMCID: PMC9018403 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2021-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ling MOU
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Shi-ru CHEN
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Zhen-ting WU
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Li-hua HU
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Ji-ye ZHANG
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Hong-jie CHANG
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Hang ZHOU
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Ying LIU
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin 150000, China
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Wu YY, Wu S, Li XF, Luo S, Wang A, Yin SQ, Huang C, Li J. LncRNA MEG3 reverses CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis by targeting NLRC5. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 911:174462. [PMID: 34536366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a persistent pathological repair of chronic liver injury, which is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen-dominated extracellular matrix (ECM). It is well known that hepatic fibrosis can be reversed in the absence of etiology. Studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (Lnc RNA) maternally expressed gene3 (MEG3) has strong effects on the activation of hepatic stellata cells (HSCs). However, the function of MEG3 in the reversal of liver fibrosis has not been studied. In this experiment, we studied the content expression, function, and part of the potential mechanism of MEG3 in reversing liver fibrosis. In in vivo and in vitro models, we found that MEG3 was down-regulated during the formation of liver fibrosis, while it was up-regulated during the reversal of liver fibrosis. Then, it was found that the silencing of MEG3 could gradually restore the activity of the inactivated LX-2 cells, Overexpression of MEG3 can inhibit the activation of LX-2 cells, accelerate the reversal of liver fibrosis. Through catRAPID analysis, it was found that NLR family CARD domain containing 5 (NLRC5) may be a target of MEG3. We found that, after MEG3 silencing, NLRC5 expression was upregulated in LX-2 cells in the reverse phase, while, after MEG3 overexpression, NLRC5 expression was decreased. Further, we verified that MEG3 can target NLRC5 through RNA pull down experiment. Therefore, MEG3 may inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells by targeting NLRC5, thus accelerating the reversal of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Wu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Sha Wu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Postdoctoral Station of Clinical Medicine of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuai Luo
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ao Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Su-Qin Yin
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Quenum AJI, Shukla A, Rexhepi F, Cloutier M, Ghosh A, Kufer TA, Ramanathan S, Ilangumaran S. NLRC5 Deficiency Deregulates Hepatic Inflammatory Response but Does Not Aggravate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:749646. [PMID: 34712238 PMCID: PMC8546206 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.749646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat-containing receptor (NLR) family protein-5 (NLRC5) controls NF-κB activation and production of inflammatory cytokines in certain cell types. NLRC5 is considered a potential regulator of hepatic fibrogenic response due to its ability to inhibit hepatic stellate activation in vitro. To test whether NLRC5 is critical to control liver fibrosis, we treated wildtype and NLRC5-deficient mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and assessed pathological changes in the liver. Serum alanine transaminase levels and histopathology examination of liver sections revealed that NLRC5 deficiency did not exacerbate CCl4-induced liver damage or inflammatory cell infiltration. Sirius red staining of collagen fibers and hydroxyproline content showed comparable levels of liver fibrosis in CCl4-treated NLRC5-deficient and control mice. Myofibroblast differentiation and induction of collagen genes were similarly increased in both groups. Strikingly, the fibrotic livers of NLRC5-deficient mice showed reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Mmp3) and tissue inhibitor of MMPs-1 (Timp1) but not Mmp2 or Timp2. Fibrotic livers of NLRC5-deficient mice had increased expression of TNF but similar induction of TGFβ compared to wildtype mice. CCl4-treated control and NLRC5-deficient mice displayed similar upregulation of Cx3cr1, a monocyte chemoattractant receptor gene, and the Cd68 macrophage marker. However, the fibrotic livers of NLRC5-deficient mice showed increased expression of F4/80 (Adgre1), a marker of tissue-resident macrophages. NLRC5-deficient livers showed increased phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunit p65 that remained elevated following fibrosis induction. Taken together, NLRC5 deficiency deregulates hepatic inflammatory response following chemical injury but does not significantly aggravate the fibrogenic response, showing that NLRC5 is not a critical regulator of liver fibrosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akouavi Julite I. Quenum
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Akhil Shukla
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Fjolla Rexhepi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Maryse Cloutier
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Amit Ghosh
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Thomas A. Kufer
- Department of Immunology (180b), Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CR-CHUS), Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CR-CHUS), Sherbrooke, Canada
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12
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Sofias AM, De Lorenzi F, Peña Q, Azadkhah Shalmani A, Vucur M, Wang JW, Kiessling F, Shi Y, Consolino L, Storm G, Lammers T. Therapeutic and diagnostic targeting of fibrosis in metabolic, proliferative and viral disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113831. [PMID: 34139255 PMCID: PMC7611899 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common denominator in many pathologies and crucially affects disease progression, drug delivery efficiency and therapy outcome. We here summarize therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for fibrosis targeting in atherosclerosis and cardiac disease, cancer, diabetes, liver diseases and viral infections. We address various anti-fibrotic targets, ranging from cells and genes to metabolites and proteins, primarily focusing on fibrosis-promoting features that are conserved among the different diseases. We discuss how anti-fibrotic therapies have progressed over the years, and how nanomedicine formulations can potentiate anti-fibrotic treatment efficacy. From a diagnostic point of view, we discuss how medical imaging can be employed to facilitate the diagnosis, staging and treatment monitoring of fibrotic disorders. Altogether, this comprehensive overview serves as a basis for developing individualized and improved treatment strategies for patients suffering from fibrosis-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Marios Sofias
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Mildred Scheel School of Oncology (MSSO), Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)), University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Federica De Lorenzi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Quim Peña
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Armin Azadkhah Shalmani
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mihael Vucur
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty at Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jiong-Wei Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme, Centre for NanoMedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lorena Consolino
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Gert Storm
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme, Centre for NanoMedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
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13
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Zhang WJ, Chen SJ, Zhou SC, Wu SZ, Wang H. Inflammasomes and Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:643149. [PMID: 34177893 PMCID: PMC8226128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.643149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final common pathway of inflammatory diseases in various organs. The inflammasomes play an important role in the progression of fibrosis as innate immune receptors. There are four main members of the inflammasomes, such as NOD-like receptor protein 1 (NLRP1), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), NOD-like receptor C4 (NLRC4), and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), among which NLRP3 inflammasome is the most studied. NLRP3 inflammasome is typically composed of NLRP3, ASC and pro-caspase-1. The activation of inflammasome involves both "classical" and "non-classical" pathways and the former pathway is better understood. The "classical" activation pathway of inflammasome is that the backbone protein is activated by endogenous/exogenous stimulation, leading to inflammasome assembly. After the formation of "classic" inflammasome, pro-caspase-1 could self-activate. Caspase-1 cleaves cytokine precursors into mature cytokines, which are secreted extracellularly. At present, the "non-classical" activation pathway of inflammasome has not formed a unified model for activation process. This article reviews the role of NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2 inflammasome, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and IL-33 in the fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shu-Juan Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shun-Chang Zhou
- Department of Experimental Animals, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Su-Zhen Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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14
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Li T, Su G, Zhao Y. Anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of AD-2 affecting the Raf-MEK signaling pathway and inflammatory factors in thioacetamide-induced liver injury. J Food Sci 2021; 86:2753-2765. [PMID: 33928646 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.15731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
25-Hydroxylprotopanaxadiol-3β, 12β, 20-triol (25-OH-PPD or AD-2) belongs to dammarane ginsenoside, and is commonly obtained from the acidic hydrolysate of total ginsensides of Panax ginseng. This study investigated the potential mechanism of AD-2 toward improving thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Mice were divided into seven groups: control group, TAA model group, TAA + AD-2 (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) groups, TAA + silymarin (100 mg/kg) group, and TAA + Fu Fang Biejia (FFBj; 300 mg/kg) group. All mice were treated to intraperitoneal TAA injection to establish a hepatic fibrosis model, and drugs were administered orally. The mechanism and related pathways underlying the AD-2-mediated action against hepatic fibrosis were explored by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. After AD-2 treatment, the expression levels of Lipin-1, SREBP1, and F4/80 significantly decreased, meanwhile the protein expressions levels of IL1β, IL1R1, IL18, Bax, Bid, Bcl-2, and cFlips also decreased. Furthermore, AD-2 inhibited RAF and MEK pathways. The results demonstrate that AD-2 can alleviate hepatic fibrosis. The mechanism is likely related to the regulation of lipid accumulation, inflammatory response, apoptosis pathway, and Raf-MEK signaling pathways, which provide a basis for clinical research for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Ginsenoside is one of the main active ingredients of ginseng, and can alleviate the symptoms of various diseases, for example, hepatic fibrosis. This paper mainly used Western blotting to explore its possible mechanism of action. The goal was to provide a reference for the development of traditional Chinese medicines for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - GuangYue Su
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - YuQing Zhao
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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15
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Ong CEB, Patchett AL, Darby JM, Chen J, Liu GS, Lyons AB, Woods GM, Flies AS. NLRC5 regulates expression of MHC-I and provides a target for anti-tumor immunity in transmissible cancers. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:1973-1991. [PMID: 33797607 PMCID: PMC8017436 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03601-x] [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: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Downregulation of MHC class I (MHC-I) is a common immune evasion strategy of many cancers. Similarly, two allogeneic clonal transmissible cancers have killed thousands of wild Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) and also modulate MHC-I expression to evade anti-cancer and allograft responses. IFNG treatment restores MHC-I expression on devil facial tumor (DFT) cells but is insufficient to control tumor growth. Transcriptional co-activator NLRC5 is a master regulator of MHC-I in humans and mice but its role in transmissible cancers remains unknown. In this study, we explored the regulation and role of MHC-I in these unique genetically mis-matched tumors. Methods We used transcriptome and flow cytometric analyses to determine how MHC-I shapes allogeneic and anti-tumor responses. Cell lines that overexpress NLRC5 to drive antigen presentation, and B2M-knockout cell lines incapable of presenting antigen on MHC-I were used to probe the role of MHC-I in rare cases of tumor regressions. Results Transcriptomic results suggest that NLRC5 plays a major role in MHC-I regulation in devils. NLRC5 was shown to drive the expression of many components of the antigen presentation pathway but did not upregulate PDL1. Serum from devils with tumor regressions showed strong binding to IFNG-treated and NLRC5 cell lines; antibody binding to IFNG-treated and NRLC5 transgenic tumor cells was diminished or absent following B2M knockout. Conclusion MHC-I could be identified as a target for anti-tumor and allogeneic immunity. Consequently, NLRC5 could be a promising target for immunotherapy and vaccines to protect devils from transmissible cancers and inform development of transplant and cancer therapies for humans. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-021-03601-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrissie E B Ong
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Amanda L Patchett
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Jocelyn M Darby
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Jinying Chen
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guei-Sheung Liu
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - A Bruce Lyons
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Gregory M Woods
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Andrew S Flies
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia.
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16
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Pan S, Wang L, Xin J. Combining 18F-FDG PET and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for staging liver fibrosis. Life Sci 2021; 269:119086. [PMID: 33476634 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the diagnostic performance of combining 18F-2-fluoro-2-D-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) and gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for liver fibrosis staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male New Zealand white rabbits (n = 48) were treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce liver fibrosis, while control group rabbits (n = 8) received normal saline. The liver tissues of rabbits were histopathologically examined (classified according to the METAVIR classification system) for liver fibrosis staging and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to ensure diagnostic accuracy. Integrated PET/MRI was performed. The mean standardised uptake value (SUVmean) and relative enhancement (RE) were evaluated for different liver fibrosis stages using a Mann-Whitney U test. The performance of PET/MRI was evaluated by using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). KEY FINDINGS In total, 10, 16, and 8 rabbits classified into no fibrosis (F0), mild fibrosis (F1-2), and severe fibrosis (F3-4) categories, respectively. There were significant differences in SUVmean and RE between F0 and F3-4 and between F1-2 and F3-4 (p < 0.01), but no significance between F0 and F1-2 (p > 0.5). Combined SUVmean and RE performed well in staging liver fibrosis, with AUC of 0.8 for F0 or greater, 0.744 for F0 or F1-2, 0.945 for F1-2 or F3-4, and 0.962 for F3-4. SIGNIFICANCE Combining SUVmean and RE provides high accuracy for grading liver fibrosis, especially in the differentiation between F1-2 and F3-4. 18F-FDG and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced PET/MRI could be a non-invasive diagnostic method to guide the selection of clinical treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Pan
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jun Xin
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
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17
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Gao Y, Xi B, Li J, Li Z, Xu J, Zhong M, Xu Q, Lian Y, Wei R, Wang L, Cao H, Jin L, Zhang K, Dong J. Scoparone alleviates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the TLR-4/NF-κB pathway. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3044-3058. [PMID: 33090488 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of scoparone (SCO) in hepatic fibrosis. For this, we conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo rats that were divided into six groups, control, carbon tetrachloride, and colchicine, as well as SCO groups, SCO50, SCO100, and SCO200 treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg SCO doses, respectively. Furthermore, SCO was shown to inhibit Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB; TLR-4/NF-κB) signals by inhibiting TLR-4, which in turn downregulates the expression of MyD88, promotes NF-κB inhibitor-α, NF-κB inhibitor-β, and NF-κB inhibitor-ε activation, while inhibiting NF-κB inhibitor-ζ. Subsequently, the decrease of phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB levels leads to the downregulation of the downstream inflammatory factors' tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1 beta, thus weakening hepatic fibrosis. Notably, the SCO200 treated group presented the most significant improvement. Hence, we conclude that SCO alleviates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting TLR-4/NF-κB signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Boting Xi
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiani Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Zimeng Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Jie Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Mingli Zhong
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiongmei Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuanyu Lian
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Riming Wei
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Liping Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Houkang Cao
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ling Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Kefeng Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jianghui Dong
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
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18
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Chen X, Li HD, Bu FT, Li XF, Chen Y, Zhu S, Wang JN, Chen SY, Sun YY, Pan XY, Yin NN, Xu JJ, Huang C, Li J. Circular RNA circFBXW4 suppresses hepatic fibrosis via targeting the miR-18b-3p/FBXW7 axis. Theranostics 2020; 10:4851-4870. [PMID: 32308754 PMCID: PMC7163456 DOI: 10.7150/thno.42423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new form of noncoding RNAs that play crucial roles in various pathological processes. However, the expression profile and function of circRNAs in hepatic fibrosis (HF) remain largely unknown. In this study, we show a novel circFBXW4 mediates HF via targeting the miR-18b-3p/FBXW7 axis. Methods: We investigated the expression profile of circRNAs, microRNAs and mRNAs in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from HF progression and regression mice by circRNAs-seq and microarray analysis. We found a significantly dysregulated circFBXW4 in HF. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function analysis of circFBXW4 were performed to assess the role of circFBXW4 in HF. Furthermore, we confirmed that circFBXW4 directly binds to miR-18b-3p by luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull down and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Results: We found that circFBXW4 downregulated in liver fibrogenesis. Enforcing the expression of circFBXW4 inhibited HSCs activation, proliferation and induced apoptosis, attenuated mouse liver fibrogenesis injury and showed anti-inflammation effect. Mechanistically, circFBXW4 directly targeted to miR-18b-3p to regulate the expression of FBXW7 in HF. Conclusions: circFBXW4 may act as a suppressor of HSCs activation and HF through the circFBXW4/miR-18b-3p/FBXW7 axis. Our findings identify that circFBXW4 serves as a potential biomarker for HF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hai-Di Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Fang-Tian Bu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying-Yin Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xue-Yin Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Na-Na Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jie-Jie Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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19
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Zhao Z, Lin CY, Cheng K. siRNA- and miRNA-based therapeutics for liver fibrosis. Transl Res 2019; 214:17-29. [PMID: 31476281 PMCID: PMC6848786 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing process induced by chronic liver injuries, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and metal poisoning. The accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver is a key characteristic of liver fibrosis. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major producers of ECM and therefore play irreplaceably important roles during the progression of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrogenesis is highly correlated with the activation of HSCs, which is regulated by numerous profibrotic cytokines. Using RNA interference to downregulate these cytokines in activated HSCs is a promising strategy to reverse liver fibrosis. Meanwhile, microRNAs (miRNAs) have also been exploited for the treatment of liver fibrosis. This review focuses on the current siRNA- and miRNA-based liver fibrosis treatment strategies by targeting activated HSCs in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhao
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.
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20
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Wang JQ, Liu YR, Xia Q, Chen RN, Liang J, Xia QR, Li J. Emerging Roles for NLRC5 in Immune Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1352. [PMID: 31824312 PMCID: PMC6880621 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity activates the corresponding immune response relying on multiple pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that includes pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), like NOD-like receptors (NLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), which could accurately recognize invasive pathogens. In particular, NLRs belong to a large protein family of pattern recognition receptors in the cytoplasm, where they are highly correlated with activation of inflammatory response system followed by rapid clearance of invasive pathogens. Among the NLRs family, NLRC5, also known as NOD4 or NOD27, accounts for a large proportion and involves in immune responses far and wide. Notably, in the above response case of inflammation, the expression of NLRC5 remarkably increased in immune cells and immune-related tissues. However, the evidence for higher expression of NLRC5 in immune disease still remains controversial. It is noted that the growing evidence further accounts for the participation of NLRC5 in the innate immune response and inflammatory diseases. Moreover, NLRC5 has also been confirmed to exert a critical role in the control of regulatory diverse signaling pathways. Together with its broad participation in the occurrence and development of immune diseases, NLRC5 can be consequently treated as a potential therapeutic target. Nevertheless, the paucity of absolute understanding of intrinsic characteristics and underlying mechanisms of NLRC5 still make it hard to develop targeting drugs. Therefore, current summary about NLRC5 information is indispensable. Herein, current knowledge of NLRC5 is summarized, and research advances in terms of NLRC5 in characteristics, biological function, and regulatory mechanisms are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Quan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Ru Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Quan Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qing-Rong Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
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21
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Shan L, Liu Z, Ci L, Shuai C, Lv X, Li J. Research progress on the anti-hepatic fibrosis action and mechanism of natural products. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 75:105765. [PMID: 31336335 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the most common pathological feature of most chronic liver diseases, and its continuous deterioration gradually develops into liver cirrhosis and eventually leads to liver cancer. At present, there are many kinds of drugs used to treat liver fibrosis. However, Western drugs tend to only target single genes/proteins and induce many adverse reactions. Most of the mechanisms and active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are not clear, and there is a lack of unified diagnosis and treatment standards. Natural products, which are characterized by structural diversity, low toxicity, and origination from a wide range of sources, have unique advantages and great potential in anti-liver fibrosis. This article summarizes the work done over the previous decade, on the active ingredients in natural products that are reported to have anti-hepatic fibrosis effects. The effective anti-hepatic fibrosis ingredients identified can be generally divided into flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides and alkaloids. Mechanisms of anti-liver fibrosis include inhibition of liver inflammation, anti-lipid peroxidation injury, inhibition of the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), modulation of the synthesis and secretion of pro-fibrosis factors, and regulation of the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This review provides suggestions for the development of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhenni Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Leilei Ci
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Shuai
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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22
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Wang M, Wang L, Fang L, Li S, Liu R. NLRC5 negatively regulates LTA‐induced inflammation via TLR2/NF‐κB and participates in TLR2‐mediated allergic airway inflammation. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19990-20001. [PMID: 30945291 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Muzi Wang
- Department of Geriatric Respiratory and Critical Care, Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine for Geriatric Disease, Anhui Geriatric Institute The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
| | - Lixia Wang
- Department of Geriatric Respiratory and Critical Care, Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine for Geriatric Disease, Anhui Geriatric Institute The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Geriatric Respiratory and Critical Care, Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine for Geriatric Disease, Anhui Geriatric Institute The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Intensive Care Unit The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
| | - Rongyu Liu
- Department of Geriatric Respiratory and Critical Care, Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine for Geriatric Disease, Anhui Geriatric Institute The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
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23
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Liu Y, Yang L, Xu Q, Lu X, Ma T, Huang C, Li J. Long noncoding RNA MEG3 regulates rheumatoid arthritis by targeting NLRC5. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14270-14284. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ya‐ru Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti‐inflammatory and Immune medicines Ministry of Education Hefei Anhui China
| | - Lei Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti‐inflammatory and Immune medicines Ministry of Education Hefei Anhui China
| | - Qing‐qing Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti‐inflammatory and Immune medicines Ministry of Education Hefei Anhui China
| | - Xin‐Yi Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti‐inflammatory and Immune medicines Ministry of Education Hefei Anhui China
| | - Tao‐Tao Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti‐inflammatory and Immune medicines Ministry of Education Hefei Anhui China
| | - Cheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti‐inflammatory and Immune medicines Ministry of Education Hefei Anhui China
| | - Jun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti‐inflammatory and Immune medicines Ministry of Education Hefei Anhui China
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24
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Chen Y, Li H, Xiao C, Zeng X, Xiao X, Zhou Q, Xiao P. NLRC5: potential novel non-invasive biomarker for predicting and reflecting the progression of IgA nephritis. J Transl Med 2018; 16:317. [PMID: 30453994 PMCID: PMC6245714 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1694-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor subfamily C5 (NLRC5) is primarily expressed in the adaptive and innate immune systems. NLRC5 was recently discovered to regulate immunity and inflammatory responses. Abnormal immune and inflammatory responses are considered critical pathogenesis in IgA nephritis (IgAN). However, the role of NLRC5 in IgAN is unknown. We previously showed that NLRC5 can be detected in patients with IgAN; herein, we further examined the pathophysiological significance of NLRC5 in the serum and renal deposits of patients with IgAN. This study is the first to find that NLRC5 is closely correlated with IgAN. METHODS IgAN patients (n = 50) who were diagnosed by renal biopsy provided blood and renal biopsy tissue, and age-matched healthy control subjects (blood donators n = 22; tissue donators n = 5) were included. Renal biopsies were diagnosed, and blood biochemical parameters were tested. Serum creatinine, urea, proteinuria, haematuria, albumin, and immunoglobulin A levels were recorded. Serum NLRC5 concentrations were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and tissue NLRC5 expression in kidney tissue was detected by immunohistochemical analysis. ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the serum NLRC5 concentration in IgAN. RESULTS Serum NLRC5 concentration was significantly decreased in the IgAN group compared to that in the healthy control group (P < 0.0001), especially in S1 (Oxford classification) patients (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, serum NLRC5 concentration had a negative correlation with Lee's grade (r = 0.3526, P = 0.0060) and proteinuria levels (r = 0.4571, P = 0.0004). Tissue NLRC5 expression was significantly increased in the IgAN group compared to that in the healthy control group (P < 0.0001); a more significant increase was identified in the S1 group (P < 0.05) and had a positive correlation with Lee's grade (r = 0.497, P < 0.0001). We proposed a cut-off value of 1415 pg/ml for serum NLRC5 concentration, which was able to predict IgAN with 77.27% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity. CONCLUSIONS Serum NLRC5 concentrations in IgAN are significantly decreased, and tissue NLRC5 expression is significantly increased in IgAN renal tissue, which is consistent with pathological severity. This finding suggests that NLRC5 could potentially be a diagnostic index and represents a prognostic factor in IgAN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusa Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Huihui Li
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Chenggen Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangli Zeng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangcheng Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ping Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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25
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Wang Q, Li M, Shen Z, Bu F, Yu H, Pan X, Yang Y, Meng X, Huang C, Li J. The Long Non-coding RNA MEG3/miR-let-7c-5p Axis Regulates Ethanol-Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Apoptosis by Targeting NLRC5. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:302. [PMID: 29692724 PMCID: PMC5902529 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethanol (EtOH)-induced hepatic injury, characterized by hepatic steatosis with apoptosis, causes heavy health burden personally and socially. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in liver diseases. However, the role of lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) in EtOH-induced hepatic injury remains unknown. The aim of present study was to assess the function of MEG3 and its functional interaction with miR-let-7c-5p in EtOH-induced hepatic injury. Here, we observed that MEG3 and NLRC5 expression was increased and miR-let-7c-5p expression decreased in EtOH-fed mice and EtOH-induced AML-12 cells. Knockdown of MEG3 contributed to attenuation of EtOH-induced steatosis and apoptosis in AML-12 cells. Also, expression level of MEG3 negatively correlated with miR-let-7c-5p expression and positively correlated with NLRC5 expression. In contrary to MEG3, miR-let-7c-5p overexpression attenuated EtOH-induced steatosis and apoptosis, as well as suppressed EtOH-induced increase in NLRC5 expression. By luciferase reporter assay, we concluded that miR-let-7c-5p directly binds to NLRC5 3′-UTR, thereby negatively regulates NLRC5 expression. Our data suggested that lncRNA MEG3 functions as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-let-7c-5p to regulate NLRC5 expression in EtOH-induced hepatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Mingfang Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiming Shen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fangtian Bu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Haixia Yu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Xueyin Pan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoming Meng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
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26
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Bu FT, Chen Y, Yu HX, Chen X, Yang Y, Pan XY, Wang Q, Wu YT, Huang C, Meng XM, Li J. SENP2 alleviates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis by promoting activated hepatic stellate cell apoptosis and reversion. Toxicol Lett 2018. [PMID: 29535048 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SUMOylation and deSUMOylation, a dynamic process, is proved to be involved in various fibrotic diseases. Here, we found SENP2, one of deSUMOylation protease family member, was decreased in CCl4-induced mice fibrotic liver tissues, primary HSCs and restored after spontaneously recovery. In addition, HSC-T6 cells with TGF-β1 treatment resulted in a significant reduction of SENP2. Ectopic expression of SENP2 hindered cells activation and proliferation induced by TGF-β1 while knockdown of SENP2 showed an opposite effect. Importantly, SENP2 promoted apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells activated by TGF-β1. Furthermore, restoration of SENP2 was observed in inactivated HSCs after adipogenic differentiation mixture (MDI) treatment. Inadequate SENP2 inhibited the reversion of HSC-T6 cells, featured as aberrant expressions of α-SMA and col1a1, two markers of liver fibrosis. It has been reported SENP2 was a suppressant regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. Similarly, we found SENP2 has a negative effect on β-catenin as well as its downstream genes C-myc and CyclinD1 in liver fibrosis. Collectively, our data indicated SENP2 may be involved in HSCs apoptosis and reversion in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Tian Bu
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hai-Xia Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xue-Yin Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yu-Ting Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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27
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NLRC5, a novel role in cardiac fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 96:1567-1568. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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28
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Xuanfei L, Hao C, Zhujun Y, Yanming L, Jianping G. Imidazoline I2 receptor inhibitor idazoxan regulates the progression of hepatic fibrosis via Akt-Nrf2-Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 8:21015-21030. [PMID: 28423499 PMCID: PMC5400562 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a global health problem and its relationship with imidazoline I2 receptor has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of imidazoline I2 receptor (I2R) inhibitor idazoxan (IDA) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. In vivo liver fibrosis in mice was induced by intraperitoneally injections of CCl4 for eight weeks, and in vitro studies were performed on activated LX2 cells treated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Our results showed that IDA significantly improved liver inflammation, ameliorated hepatic stellate cells activation and reduced collagen accumulation by suppressing the pro-fibrogenic signaling of TGF-β/Smad. Further investigation showed that IDA significantly balanced oxidative stress through improving the expressions and activities of anti-oxidant and detoxifying enzymes and activating Nrf2-the key defender against oxidative stress with anti-fibrotic potentials. Even more impressively, knock out of Nrf2 or suppression of Akt by perifosine (PE) eliminated the anti-oxidant and anti-fibrotic effects of IDA in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that Akt/Nrf2 constitutes a critical component of IDA's protective functions. Taken together, IDA exhibits potent effects against liver fibrosis via Akt-Nrf2-Smad2/3 signaling pathway, which suggests that specifically targeting I2R may be a potentially useful therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xuanfei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P. R. China
| | - Chen Hao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zhujun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P. R. China
| | - Liu Yanming
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430041, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Gong Jianping
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P. R. China
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29
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Ma SR, Xie XW. NLRC5 deficiency promotes myocardial damage induced by high fat diet in mice through activating TLR4/NF-κB. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 91:755-766. [PMID: 28499247 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic syndrome could be induced by high fat diet, leading to cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial damage. Inflammation response and oxidative stress have been reported to be involved in high fat-induced heart injury, and the molecular mechanism is not fully understood. The NOD-like protein family member, NLRC5, could interact with IKKα to inhibit IKK complex activation. In our study, high fat diet-feeding mice showed cardiac fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress through collagen accumulation, TLR4/NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways activation. NLRC5 knockout mice fed with high fat showed accelerated fibrosis and inflammation response by promoting α-SMA, Collagen I, Collagen III, TLR4/MyD88, phosphorylated IKKα, IκBα and NF-κB expression. And no effect on oxidative stress was observed in wild type and NLRC5-deficiency samples in in vivo studies. Moreover, NLRC5-knockout and -knockdown cardiac muscle cells challenged with LPS also exhibited aggravated fibrosis levels and inflammatory response without any influences on ROS production in in vitro studies. In conclusion, the findings indicated that NLRC5 showed important effects on high fat-induced heart injury via fibrosis and inflammation modulation, providing an essential target for improving myocardial damage induced by high fat diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ren Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Huai'an First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an 223300, China
| | - Xiong-Wei Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Huai'an First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an 223300, China.
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Benkő S, Kovács EG, Hezel F, Kufer TA. NLRC5 Functions beyond MHC I Regulation-What Do We Know So Far? Front Immunol 2017; 8:150. [PMID: 28261210 PMCID: PMC5313500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NLRC5 is a member of the NLR family that acts as a transcriptional activator of MHC class I genes. In line with the function of several related NLR proteins in innate immune responses, there is, however, also ample evidence that NLRC5 contributes to innate and adaptive immune responses beyond the regulation of MHC class I genes. In human and murine cells, for example, NLRC5 was proposed to contribute to inflammatory and type I interferon responses. The role of NLRC5 in these and other cellular processes is hitherto still not well understood and blurred by discrepancies in the reported data. Here, we provide a detailed and critical discussion of the available experimental data on the emerging biological functions of NLRC5 in innate immune responses in men and mice. Better awareness of the multiple roles of NLRC5 will help to define its overall contribution to immune responses and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Benkő
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
| | - Elek Gergő Kovács
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
| | - Felix Hezel
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim , Stuttgart , Germany
| | - Thomas A Kufer
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim , Stuttgart , Germany
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Ma HL, Zhao XF, Chen GZ, Fang RH, Zhang FR. Silencing NLRC5 inhibits extracellular matrix expression in keloid fibroblasts via inhibition of transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 83:1016-1021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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