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Leaker BD, Wang Y, Tam J, Anderson RR. Analysis of culture and RNA isolation methods for precision-cut liver slices from cirrhotic rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15349. [PMID: 38961190 PMCID: PMC11222550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66235-2] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) are increasingly used as a model to investigate anti-fibrotic therapies. However, many studies use PCLS from healthy animals treated with pro-fibrotic stimuli in culture, which reflects only the early stages of fibrosis. The effects of different culture conditions on PCLS from cirrhotic animals has not been well characterized and there is no consensus on optimal methods. In this study, we report a method for the collection and culture of cirrhotic PCLS and compare the effect of common culture conditions on viability, function, and gene expression. Additionally, we compared three methods of RNA isolation and identified a protocol with high yield and purity. We observed significantly increased albumin production when cultured with insulin-transferrin-selenium and dexamethasone, and when incubated on a rocking platform. Culturing with insulin-transferrin-selenium and dexamethasone maintained gene expression closer to the levels in fresh slices. However, despite stable viability and function up to 4 days, we found significant changes in expression of key genes by day 2. Interestingly, we also observed that cirrhotic PCLS maintain viability in culture longer than slices from healthy animals. Due to the influence of matrix stiffness on fibrosis and hepatocellular function, it is important to evaluate prospective anti-fibrotic therapies in a platform that preserves tissue biomechanics. PCLS from cirrhotic animals represent a promising tool for the development of treatments for chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben D Leaker
- Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Yongtao Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua Tam
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Rox Anderson
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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N H, C M, T R M, S S, S N, K E M, S C S, Y N, P V D, R N M. In Vitro Hepatic Models to Assess Herb-Drug Interactions: Approaches and Challenges. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030409. [PMID: 36986508 PMCID: PMC10058280 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A newfound appreciation for the benefits of herbal treatments has emerged in recent decades. However, herbal medication production still needs to establish standardized protocols that adhere to strict guidelines for quality assurance and risk minimization. Although the therapeutic effects of herbal medicines are extensive, the risk of herb-drug interactions remains a serious concern, limiting their use. Therefore, a robust, well-established liver model that can fully represent the liver tissue is required to study potential herb-drug interactions to ensure herbal medicines' safe and effective use. In light of this, this mini review investigates the existing in vitro liver models applicable to detecting herbal medicines' toxicity and other pharmacological targets. This article analyzes the benefits and drawbacks of existing in vitro liver cell models. To maintain relevance and effectively express the offered research, a systematic strategy was employed to search for and include all discussed studies. In brief, from 1985 to December 2022, the phrases "liver models", "herb-drug interaction", "herbal medicine", "cytochrome P450", "drug transporters pharmacokinetics", and "pharmacodynamics" were combined to search the electronic databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hlengwa N
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Masilela C
- Department of Biochemistry, North-West University, Mafikeng 2745, South Africa
| | - Mtambo T R
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform and South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Sithole S
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform and South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Naidoo S
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Machaba K E
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Shabalala S C
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform and South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Ntamo Y
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform and South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Dludla P V
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform and South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Milase R N
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
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3
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Karsten REH, Krijnen NJW, Maho W, Permentier H, Verpoorte E, Olinga P. Mouse precision-cut liver slices as an ex vivo model to study drug-induced cholestasis. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2523-2543. [PMID: 35708773 PMCID: PMC9325861 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Drugs are often withdrawn from the market due to the manifestation of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in patients. Drug-induced cholestasis (DIC), defined as obstruction of hepatic bile flow due to medication, is one form of DILI. Because DILI is idiosyncratic, and the resulting cholestasis complex, there is no suitable in vitro model for early DIC detection during drug development. Our goal was to develop a mouse precision-cut liver slice (mPCLS) model to study DIC and to assess cholestasis development using conventional molecular biology and analytical chemistry methods. Cholestasis was induced in mPCLS through a 48-h-incubation with three drugs known to induce cholestasis in humans, namely chlorpromazine (15, 20, and 30 µM), cyclosporin A (1, 3, and 6 µM) or glibenclamide (25, 50, and 65 µM). A bile-acid mixture (16 µM) that is physiologically representative of the human bile-acid pool was added to the incubation medium with drug, and results were compared to incubations with no added bile acids. Treatment of PCLS with cholestatic drugs increased the intracellular bile-acid concentration of deoxycholic acid and modulated bile-transporter genes. Chlorpromazine led to the most pronounced cholestasis in 48 h, observed as increased toxicity; decreased protein and gene expression of the bile salt export pump; increased gene expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 4; and accumulation of intracellular bile acids. Moreover, chlorpromazine-induced cholestasis exhibited some transition into fibrosis, evidenced by increased gene expression of collagen 1A1 and heatshock protein 47. In conclusion, we demonstrate that mPCLS can be used to study human DIC onset and progression in a 48 h period. We thus propose this model is suited for other similar studies of human DIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E H Karsten
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Group, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - N J W Krijnen
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Group, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - W Maho
- Analytical Biochemistry Research Group, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 16, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H Permentier
- Analytical Biochemistry Research Group, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 16, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E Verpoorte
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Group, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - P Olinga
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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4
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Hasuda AL, Person E, Khoshal AK, Bruel S, Puel S, Oswald IP, Bracarense APFL, Pinton P. Deoxynivalenol induces apoptosis and inflammation in the liver: Analysis using precision-cut liver slices. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 163:112930. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.112930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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de Hoyos-Vega JM, Hong HJ, Stybayeva G, Revzin A. Hepatocyte cultures: From collagen gel sandwiches to microfluidic devices with integrated biosensors. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:041504. [PMID: 34703968 PMCID: PMC8519630 DOI: 10.1063/5.0058798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocytes are parenchymal cells of the liver responsible for drug detoxification, urea and bile production, serum protein synthesis, and glucose homeostasis. Hepatocytes are widely used for drug toxicity studies in bioartificial liver devices and for cell-based liver therapies. Because hepatocytes are highly differentiated cells residing in a complex microenvironment in vivo, they tend to lose hepatic phenotype and function in vitro. This paper first reviews traditional culture approaches used to rescue hepatic function in vitro and then discusses the benefits of emerging microfluidic-based culture approaches. We conclude by reviewing integration of hepatocyte cultures with bioanalytical or sensing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M. de Hoyos-Vega
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Hye Jin Hong
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Gulnaz Stybayeva
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Alexander Revzin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
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6
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Best Practices and Progress in Precision-Cut Liver Slice Cultures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137137. [PMID: 34281187 PMCID: PMC8267882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-five years ago, precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) were described as a promising tool and were expected to become the standard in vitro model to study liver disease as they tick off all characteristics of a good in vitro model. In contrast to most in vitro models, PCLS retain the complex 3D liver structures found in vivo, including cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, and therefore should constitute the most reliable tool to model and to investigate pathways underlying chronic liver disease in vitro. Nevertheless, the biggest disadvantage of the model is the initiation of a procedure-induced fibrotic response. In this review, we describe the parameters and potential of PCLS cultures and discuss whether the initially described limitations and pitfalls have been overcome. We summarize the latest advances in PCLS research and critically evaluate PCLS use and progress since its invention in 1985.
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7
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Spennati G, Horowitz LF, McGarry DJ, Rudzka DA, Armstrong G, Olson MF, Folch A, Yin H. Organotypic platform for studying cancer cell metastasis. Exp Cell Res 2021; 401:112527. [PMID: 33675807 PMCID: PMC8806469 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of mortality in cancer patients. To migrate to distant sites, cancer cells would need to adapt their behaviour in response to different tissue environments. Thus, it is essential to study this process in models that can closely replicate the tumour microenvironment. Here, we evaluate the use of organotypic liver and brain slices to study cancer metastasis. Morphological and viability parameters of the slices were monitored daily over 3 days in culture to assess their stability as a realistic 3D tissue platform for in vitro metastatic assays. Using these slices, we evaluated the invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and of a subpopulation that was selected for increased motility. We show that the more aggressive invasion of the selected cells likely resulted not only from their lower stiffness, but also from their lower adhesion to the surrounding tissue. Different invasion patterns in the brain and liver slices were observed for both subpopulations. Cells migrated faster in the brain slices (with an amoeboid-like mode) compared to in the liver slices (where they migrated with mesenchymal or collective migration-like modes). Inhibition of the Ras/MAPK/ERK pathway increased cell stiffness and adhesion forces, which resulted in reduced invasiveness. These results illustrate the potential for organotypic tissue slices to more closely mimic in vivo conditions during cancer cell metastasis than most in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Spennati
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa F Horowitz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - David J McGarry
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Garett Armstrong
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael F Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Albert Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Huabing Yin
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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8
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Nanoparticle-induced inflammation and fibrosis in ex vivo murine precision-cut liver slices and effects of nanoparticle exposure conditions. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:1267-1285. [PMID: 33555372 PMCID: PMC8032640 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-02992-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure and accumulation of persistent nanomaterials by cells have led to safety concerns on potential long-term effects induced by nanoparticles, including chronic inflammation and fibrosis. With this in mind, we used murine precision-cut liver tissue slices to test potential induction of inflammation and onset of fibrosis upon 72 h exposure to different nanomaterials (0–200 µg/ml). Tissue slices were chosen as an advanced ex vivo 3D model to better resemble the complexity of the in vivo tissue environment, with a focus on the liver where most nanomaterials accumulate. Effects on the onset of fibrosis and inflammation were investigated, with particular care in optimizing nanoparticle exposure conditions to tissue. Thus, we compared the effects induced on slices exposed to nanoparticles in the presence of excess free proteins (in situ), or after corona isolation. Slices exposed to daily-refreshed nanoparticle dispersions were used to test additional effects due to ageing of the dispersions. Exposure to amino-modified polystyrene nanoparticles in serum-free conditions led to strong inflammation, with stronger effects with daily-refreshed dispersions. Instead, no inflammation was observed when slices were exposed to the same nanoparticles in medium supplemented with serum to allow corona formation. Similarly, no clear signs of inflammation nor of onset of fibrosis were detected after exposure to silica, titania or carboxylated polystyrene in all conditions tested. Overall, these results show that liver slices can be used to test nanoparticle-induced inflammation in real tissue, and that the exposure conditions and ageing of the dispersions can strongly affect tissue responses to nanoparticles.
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9
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Bartucci R, Paramanandana A, Boersma YL, Olinga P, Salvati A. Comparative study of nanoparticle uptake and impact in murine lung, liver and kidney tissue slices. Nanotoxicology 2020; 14:847-865. [PMID: 32536243 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2020.1771785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To determine responses to nanoparticles in a more comprehensive way, current efforts in nanosafety aim at combining the analysis of multiple endpoints and comparing outcomes in different models. To this end, here we used tissue slices from mice as 3D ex vivo models and performed for the first time a comparative study of uptake and impact in liver, lung, and kidney slices exposed under the same conditions to silica, carboxylated and amino-modified polystyrene. In all organs, only exposure to amino-modified polystyrene induced toxicity, with stronger effects in kidneys and lungs. Uptake and distribution studies by confocal microscopy confirmed nanoparticle uptake in all slices, and, in line with what observed in vivo, preferential accumulation in the macrophages. However, uptake levels in kidneys were minimal, despite the strong impact observed when exposed to the amino-modified polystyrene. On the contrary, nanoparticle uptake and accumulation in macrophages were particularly evident in lung slices. Thus, tissue digestion was used to recover all cells from lung slices at different exposure times and to determine by flow cytometry detailed uptake kinetics in lung macrophages and all other cells, confirming higher uptake by the macrophages. Finally, the expression levels of a panel of targets involved in inflammation and macrophage polarization were measured to determine potential effects induced in lung and liver tissue. Overall, this comparative study allowed us to determine uptake and impact of nanoparticles in real tissue and identify important differences in outcomes in the organs in which nanoparticles distribute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bartucci
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Abhimata Paramanandana
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ykelien L Boersma
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Salvati
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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10
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Bartucci R, Åberg C, Melgert BN, Boersma YL, Olinga P, Salvati A. Time-Resolved Quantification of Nanoparticle Uptake, Distribution, and Impact in Precision-Cut Liver Slices. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1906523. [PMID: 32077626 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201906523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Much effort within the nanosafety field is currently focused on the use of advanced in vitro models to reduce the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies. Within this context, precision-cut tissue slices are a unique ex vivo model to investigate nanoparticle impact using live tissue from laboratory animals and even humans. However, several aspects of the basic mechanisms of nanoparticle interactions with tissue have not yet been elucidated. To this end, liver slices are exposed to carboxylated and amino-modified polystyrene known to have a different impact on cells. As observed in standard cell cultures, amino-modified polystyrene nanoparticles induce apoptosis, and their impact is affected by the corona forming on their surface in biological fluids. Subsequently, a detailed time-resolved study of nanoparticle uptake and distribution in the tissue is performed, combining fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry on cells recovered after tissue digestion. As observed in vivo, the Kupffer cells accumulate high nanoparticle amounts and, interestingly, they move within the tissue towards the slice borders. Similar observations are reproduced in liver slices from human tissue. Thus, tissue slices can be used to reproduce ex vivo important features of nanoparticle outcomes in the liver and study nanoparticle impact on real tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bartucci
- Division of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Division of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christoffer Åberg
- Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- Division of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ykelien L Boersma
- Division of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Salvati
- Division of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
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11
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Harvey TN, Sandve SR, Jin Y, Vik JO, Torgersen JS. Liver slice culture as a model for lipid metabolism in fish. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7732. [PMID: 31576253 PMCID: PMC6753922 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic lipid metabolism is traditionally investigated in vitro using hepatocyte monocultures lacking the complex three-dimensional structure and interacting cell types essential liver function. Precision cut liver slice (PCLS) culture represents an alternative in vitro system, which benefits from retention of tissue architecture. Here, we present the first comprehensive evaluation of the PCLS method in fish (Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.) and validate it in the context of lipid metabolism using feeding trials, extensive transcriptomic data, and fatty acid measurements. We observe an initial period of post-slicing global transcriptome adjustment, which plateaued after 3 days in major metabolic pathways and stabilized through 9 days. PCLS fed alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and insulin responded in a liver-like manner, increasing lipid biosynthesis gene expression. We identify interactions between insulin and ALA, where two PUFA biosynthesis genes that were induced by insulin or ALA alone, were highly down-regulated when insulin and ALA were combined. We also find that transcriptomic profiles of liver slices are exceedingly more similar to whole liver than hepatocyte monocultures, both for lipid metabolism and liver marker genes. PCLS culture opens new avenues for high throughput experimentation on the effect of “novel feed composition” and represent a promising new strategy for studying genotype-specific molecular features of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas N Harvey
- Centre for Integrative Genetics, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Simen R Sandve
- Centre for Integrative Genetics, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Yang Jin
- Centre for Integrative Genetics, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Jon Olav Vik
- Centre for Integrative Genetics, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Giuliani ME, Sparaventi E, Lanzoni I, Pittura L, Regoli F, Gorbi S. Precision-Cut Tissue Slices (PCTS) from the digestive gland of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: An ex vivo approach for molecular and cellular responses in marine invertebrates. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 61:104603. [PMID: 31330176 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The precision-cut tissue slices (PCTS) represent a largely used biological model in mammalian research. This ex vivo approach offers the main advantages of in vitro systems, while maintaining the natural architecture of the tissue. The use of PCTS in toxicological research has been proposed for investigating the cellular effects of xenobiotics or bioactive compounds mostly in mammalian models. Their application is increasing also in marine organisms, but still limited to fish. This work validates the use of PCTS in an invertebrate species, the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Intact tissue slices of different thicknesses (300, 350 and 400 μm) were successfully obtained from the digestive gland. The slices maintained the histological integrity and the viability after 6 h and 24 h incubation in culture medium, with some differences depending on the thickness. The enzymatic activities and mRNA levels of catalase and glutathione S-transferase, chosen as model biological endpoints, were measured until 24 h incubation, revealing the functionality of such systems. This work demonstrates the suitability of mussel PCTS for investigating molecular and cellular responses in ecotoxicological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisa Giuliani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Erica Sparaventi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lanzoni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Pittura
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Regoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Gorbi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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13
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Bigaeva E, Bomers JJM, Biel C, Mutsaers HAM, de Graaf IAM, Boersema M, Olinga P. Growth factors of stem cell niche extend the life-span of precision-cut intestinal slices in culture: A proof-of-concept study. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 59:312-321. [PMID: 31158490 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Precision-cut intestinal slices (PCIS) is an ex vivo culture technique that found its applications in toxicology, drug transport and drug metabolism testing, as well as in fibrosis research. The main limiting factor of PCIS as experimental model is the relatively short viability of tissue slices. Here, we describe a strategy for extending the life-span of PCIS during culture using medium that is routinely used for growing intestinal organoids. Mouse and rat PCIS cultured in standard medium progressively showed low ATP/protein content and severe tissue degradation, indicating loss of tissue viability. In turn, organoid medium, containing epithelial growth factor (EGF), Noggin and R-spondin, maintained significantly higher ATP/protein levels and better preserved intestinal architecture of mouse PCIS at 96 h. In contrast, organoid medium that additionally contained Wnt, had a clear positive effect on the ATP content of rat PCIS during 24 h of culture, but not on slice histomorphology. Our proof-of-concept study provides early evidence that employing organoid medium for PCIS culture improved tissue viability during extended incubation. Enabling lasting PCIS cultures will greatly widen their range of applications in predicting long-term intestinal toxicity of xenobiotics and elucidating their mechanism of action, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Bigaeva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jordy J M Bomers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; PROdermpath, Labor für Dermatohistopathology, Vreden, Germany
| | - Carin Biel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henricus A M Mutsaers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Inge A M de Graaf
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Boersema
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
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14
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A Pathophysiological Model of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Using Precision-Cut Liver Slices. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11030507. [PMID: 30818824 PMCID: PMC6470479 DOI: 10.3390/nu11030507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disorder closely related to metabolic syndrome. NAFLD can progress to an inflammatory state called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may result in the development of fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To develop therapeutic strategies against NAFLD, a better understanding of the molecular mechanism is needed. Current in vitro NAFLD models fail to capture the essential interactions between liver cell types and often do not reflect the pathophysiological status of patients. To overcome limitations of commonly used in vitro and in vivo models, precision-cut liver slices (PCLSs) were used in this study. PCLSs, prepared from liver tissue obtained from male Wistar rats, were cultured in supraphysiological concentrations of glucose, fructose, insulin, and palmitic acid to mimic metabolic syndrome. Accumulation of lipid droplets was visible and measurable after 24 h in PCLSs incubated with glucose, fructose, and insulin, both in the presence and absence of palmitic acid. Upregulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 and 2, and of sterol responsive element binding protein 1c, suggests increased de novo lipogenesis in PCLSs cultured under these conditions. Additionally, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 expression was reduced, which indicates impaired fatty acid transport and disrupted mitochondrial β-oxidation. Thus, steatosis was successfully induced in PCLSs with modified culture medium. This novel ex vivo NAFLD model could be used to investigate the multicellular and molecular mechanisms that drive NAFLD development and progression, and to study potential anti-steatotic drugs.
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15
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Starokozhko V, Groothuis GMM. Challenges on the road to a multicellular bioartificial liver. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:e227-e236. [PMID: 27943623 DOI: 10.1002/term.2385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Over recent years, the progress in the development of a bioartificial liver (BAL) as an extracorporeal device or as a tissue engineered transplantable organ has been immense. However, many important BAL characteristics that are necessary to meet clinical demands have not been sufficiently addressed. This review describes the existing challenges in the development of a BAL for clinical applications, highlighting multicellularity and sinusoidal microarchitecture as crucial BAL characteristics to fulfil various liver functions. Currently available sources of nonparenchymal liver cells, such as endothelial cells, cholangiocytes and macrophages, used in BAL development are defined. Also, we discuss the recent studies on the reconstruction of the complex liver sinusoid microarchitecture using various liver cell types. Moreover, we highlight some other aspects of a BAL, such as liver zonation and formation of a vascular as well as biliary network for an adequate delivery, biotransformation and removal of substrates and waste products. Finally, the benefits of a multicellular BAL for the pharmaceutical industry are briefly described. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Starokozhko
- Division of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Geny M M Groothuis
- Division of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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16
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Maintenance of high quality rat precision cut liver slices during culture to study hepatotoxic responses: Acetaminophen as a model compound. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 42:200-213. [PMID: 28476500 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Precision cut liver slices (PCLiS) represent a promising tool in reflecting hepatotoxic responses. However, the culture of PCLiS varies considerably between laboratories, which can affect the performance of the liver slices and thus the experimental outcome. In this study, we describe an easily accessible culture method, which ensures optimal slice viability and functionality, in order to set the basis for reproducible and comparable PCLiS studies. The quality of the incubated rat PCLiS was assessed during a 24h culture period using ten readouts, which covered viability (lactate dehydrogenase-, aspartate transaminase- and glutamate dehydrogenase-leakage, ATP content) and functionality parameters (urea, albumin production) as well as histomorphology and other descriptive characteristics (protein content, wet weight, slice thickness). The present culture method resulted in high quality liver slices for 24h. Finally, PCLiS were exposed to increasing concentrations of acetaminophen to assess the suitability of the model for the detection of hepatotoxic responses. Six out of ten readouts revealed a toxic effect and showed an excellent mutual correlation. ATP, albumin and histomorphology measurements were identified as the most sensitive readouts. In conclusion, our results indicate that rat PCLiS are a valuable liver model for hepatotoxicity studies, particularly if they are cultured under optimal standardized conditions.
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17
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Starokozhko V, Greupink R, van de Broek P, Soliman N, Ghimire S, de Graaf IAM, Groothuis GMM. Rat precision-cut liver slices predict drug-induced cholestatic injury. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:3403-3413. [PMID: 28391356 PMCID: PMC5608839 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-1960-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced cholestasis (DIC) is one of the leading manifestations of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). As the underlying mechanisms for DIC are not fully known and specific and predictive biomarkers and pre-clinical models are lacking, the occurrence of DIC is often only reported when the drug has been approved for registration. Therefore, appropriate models that predict the cholestatic potential of drug candidates and/or provide insight into the mechanism of DIC are highly needed. We investigated the application of rat precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) to predict DIC, using several biomarkers of cholestasis: hepatocyte viability, intracellular accumulation of total as well as individual bile acids and changes in the expression of genes known to play a role in cholestasis. Rat PCLS exposed to the cholestatic drugs chlorpromazine, cyclosporine A and glibenclamide for 48 h in the presence of a 60 μM physiological bile acid (BA) mix reflected various changes associated with cholestasis, such as decrease in hepatocyte viability, accumulation and changes in the composition of BA and changes in the gene expression of Fxr, Bsep and Ntcp. The toxicity of the drugs was correlated with the accumulation of BA, and especially DCA and CDCA and their conjugates, but to a different extent for different drugs, indicating that BA toxicity is not the only cause for the toxicity of cholestatic drugs. Moreover, our study supports the use of several biomarkers to test drugs for DIC. In conclusion, our results indicate that PCLS may represent a physiological and valuable model to identify cholestatic drugs and provide insight into the mechanisms underlying DIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Starokozhko
- Division of Pharmacokinetics Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Greupink
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Petra van de Broek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nashwa Soliman
- Division of Pharmacokinetics Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Samiksha Ghimire
- Division of Pharmacokinetics Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge A M de Graaf
- Division of Pharmacokinetics Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Geny M M Groothuis
- Division of Pharmacokinetics Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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18
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Starokozhko V, Vatakuti S, Schievink B, Merema MT, Asplund A, Synnergren J, Aspegren A, Groothuis GMM. Maintenance of drug metabolism and transport functions in human precision-cut liver slices during prolonged incubation for 5 days. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:2079-2092. [PMID: 27717970 PMCID: PMC5399048 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1865-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Human precision-cut liver slices (hPCLS) are a valuable ex vivo model that can be used in acute toxicity studies. However, a rapid decline in metabolic enzyme activity limits their use in studies that require a prolonged xenobiotic exposure. The aim of the study was to extend the viability and function of hPCLS to 5 days of incubation. hPCLS were incubated in two media developed for long-term culture of hepatocytes, RegeneMed®, and Cellartis®, and in the standard medium WME. Maintenance of phase I and II metabolism was studied both on gene expression as well as functional level using a mixture of CYP isoform-specific substrates. Albumin synthesis, morphological integrity, and glycogen storage was assessed, and gene expression was studied by transcriptomic analysis using microarrays with a focus on genes involved in drug metabolism, transport and toxicity. The data show that hPCLS retain their viability and functionality during 5 days of incubation in Cellartis® medium. Albumin synthesis as well as the activity and gene expression of phase I and II metabolic enzymes did not decline during 120-h incubation in Cellartis® medium, with CYP2C9 activity as the only exception. Glycogen storage and morphological integrity were maintained. Moreover, gene expression changes in hPCLS during incubation were limited and mostly related to cytoskeleton remodeling, fibrosis, and moderate oxidative stress. The expression of genes involved in drug transport, which is an important factor in determining the intracellular xenobiotic exposure, was also unchanged. Therefore, we conclude that hPCLS cultured in Cellartis® medium are a valuable human ex vivo model for toxicological and pharmacological studies that require prolonged xenobiotic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Starokozhko
- Division of Pharmacokinetics Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Suresh Vatakuti
- Division of Pharmacokinetics Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bauke Schievink
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn T Merema
- Division of Pharmacokinetics Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annika Asplund
- School of Biosciences, Systems Biology Research Center, University of Skövde, 54128, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Jane Synnergren
- School of Biosciences, Systems Biology Research Center, University of Skövde, 54128, Skövde, Sweden
| | | | - Geny M M Groothuis
- Division of Pharmacokinetics Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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19
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Human precision-cut liver slices as a model to test antifibrotic drugs in the early onset of liver fibrosis. Toxicol In Vitro 2016; 35:77-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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