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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 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66235-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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Trivedi S, Tilsed C, Liousia M, Brody RM, Rajasekaran K, Singhal S, Albelda SM, Klampatsa A. Transcriptomic analysis-guided assessment of precision-cut tumor slices (PCTS) as an ex-vivo tool in cancer research. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11006. [PMID: 38744944 PMCID: PMC11094020 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61684-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
With cancer immunotherapy and precision medicine dynamically evolving, there is greater need for pre-clinical models that can better replicate the intact tumor and its complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Precision-cut tumor slices (PCTS) have recently emerged as an ex vivo human tumor model, offering the opportunity to study individual patient responses to targeted therapies, including immunotherapies. However, little is known about the physiologic status of PCTS and how culture conditions alter gene expression. In this study, we generated PCTS from head and neck cancers (HNC) and mesothelioma tumors (Meso) and undertook transcriptomic analyses to understand the changes that occur in the timeframe between PCTS generation and up to 72 h (hrs) in culture. Our findings showed major changes occurring during the first 24 h culture period of PCTS, involving genes related to wound healing, extracellular matrix, hypoxia, and IFNγ-dependent pathways in both tumor types, as well as tumor-specific changes. Collectively, our data provides an insight into PCTS physiology, which should be taken into consideration when designing PCTS studies, especially in the context of immunology and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumita Trivedi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Caitlin Tilsed
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Cellular Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria Liousia
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Cellular Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert M Brody
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karthik Rajasekaran
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sunil Singhal
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven M Albelda
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Cellular Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Astero Klampatsa
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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Boo YC. Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Rosmarinic Acid and the Extracts of Lamiaceae Plants for the Treatment of Fibrosis of Various Organs. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:146. [PMID: 38397744 PMCID: PMC10886237 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, which causes structural hardening and functional degeneration in various organs, is characterized by the excessive production and accumulation of connective tissue containing collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), etc. In traditional medicine, extracts of medicinal plants or herbal prescriptions have been used to treat various fibrotic diseases. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the antifibrotic effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) and plant extracts that contain RA, as observed in various experimental models. RA, as well as the extracts of Glechoma hederacea, Melissa officinalis, Elsholtzia ciliata, Lycopus lucidus, Ocimum basilicum, Prunella vulgaris, Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis), Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Perilla frutescens, have been shown to attenuate fibrosis of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and abdomen in experimental animal models. Their antifibrotic effects were associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, cell activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and fibrogenic gene expression. RA treatment activated peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) while suppressing the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Wnt signaling pathways. Interestingly, most plants that are reported to contain RA and exhibit antifibrotic activity belong to the family Lamiaceae. This suggests that RA is an active ingredient for the antifibrotic effect of Lamiaceae plants and that these plants are a useful source of RA. In conclusion, accumulating scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of RA and Lamiaceae plant extracts in alleviating fibrosis and maintaining the structural architecture and normal functions of various organs under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chool Boo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea;
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
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Rastovic U, Bozzano SF, Riva A, Simoni-Nieves A, Harris N, Miquel R, Lackner C, Zen Y, Zamalloa A, Menon K, Heaton N, Chokshi S, Palma E. Human Precision-Cut Liver Slices: A Potential Platform to Study Alcohol-Related Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:150. [PMID: 38203321 PMCID: PMC10778645 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010150] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) encompasses a range of pathological conditions that are complex to study at the clinical and preclinical levels. Despite the global burden of ALD, there is a lack of effective treatments, and mortality is high. One of the reasons for the unsuccessful development of novel therapies is that experimental studies are hindered by the challenge of recapitulating this multifactorial disorder in vitro, including the contributions of hepatotoxicity, impaired lipid metabolism, fibrosis and inflammatory cytokine storm, which are critical drivers in the pathogenesis of ALD in patients and primary targets for drug development. Here, we present the unique characteristics of the culture of human precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) to replicate key disease processes in ALD. PCLS were prepared from human liver specimens and treated with ethanol alone or in combination with fatty acids and lipopolysaccharide (FA + LPS) for up to 5 days to induce hepatotoxic, inflammatory and fibrotic events associated with ALD. Alcohol insult induced hepatocyte death which was more pronounced with the addition of FA + LPS. This mixture showed a significant increase in the cytokines conventionally associated with the prototypical inflammatory response observed in severe ALD, and interestingly, alcohol alone exhibited a different effect. Profibrogenic activation was also observed in the slices and investigated in the context of slice preparation. These results support the versatility of this organotypic model to study different pathways involved in alcohol-induced liver damage and ALD progression and highlight the applicability of the PCLS for drug discovery, confirming their relevance as a bridge between preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Rastovic
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Sergio Francesco Bozzano
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Antonio Riva
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Arturo Simoni-Nieves
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Nicola Harris
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Rosa Miquel
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Carolin Lackner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Yoh Zen
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Ane Zamalloa
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Krishna Menon
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Nigel Heaton
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Elena Palma
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
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Wang Y, Leaker B, Qiao G, Sojoodi M, Eissa IR, Epstein ET, Eddy J, Dimowo O, Lauer GM, Chung RT, Qadan M, Lanuti M, Fuchs BC, Tanabe KK. Precision-Cut Liver Slices as an ex vivo model to evaluate antifibrotic therapies for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.30.564772. [PMID: 37961334 PMCID: PMC10635008 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.564772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Precision-Cut Liver Slices (PCLS) are an ex vivo culture model developed to study hepatic drug metabolism. One of the main benefits of this model is that it retains the structure and cellular composition of the native liver. PCLS also represents a potential model system to study liver fibrosis in a setting that more closely approximates in vivo pathology than in vitro methods. The aim of this study was to assess whether responses to antifibrotic interventions can be detected and quantified with PCLS. Methods PCLS of 250 μm thickness were prepared from four different murine fibrotic liver models: choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD), thioacetamide (TAA), diethylnitrosamine (DEN), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). PCLS were treated with 5 μM Erlotinib for 72 hours. Histology and gene expression were then compared with in vivo murine experiments and TGF-β1 activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). These types of PCLS characterization were also evaluated in PCLS from human cirrhotic liver. Results PCLS viability in culture was stable for 72 hours. Treatment of erlotinib, an EGFR inhibitor significantly inhibited the expression of profibrogenic genes Il6, Col1a1 and Timp1 in PCLS from CDAHFD-induced cirrhotic mice, and Il6, Col1a1 and Tgfb1 in PCLS from TAA-induced cirrhotic rats. Erlotinib treatment of PCLS from DEN-induced cirrhotic rats inhibited the expression of Col1a1, Timp1, Tgfb1 and Il6, which was consistent with the impact of erlotinib on Col1a1 and Tgfb1 expression in in vivo DEN-induced cirrhosis. Erlotinib treatment of PCLS from CCl4-induced cirrhosis caused reduced expression of Timp1, Col1a1 and Tgfb1, which was consistent with the effect of erlotinib in in vivo CCl4-induced cirrhosis. In addition, in HSCs at PCLS from normal mice, TGF-β1 treatment upregulated Acta2 (αSMA), while treatment with erlotinib inhibited the expression of Acta2. Similar expression results were observed in TGF-β1 treated in vitro HSCs. Expression of MMPs and TIMPs, key regulators of fibrosis progression and regression, were also significantly altered under erlotinib treatment in PCLS. Expression changes under erlotinib treatment were also corroborated with PCLS from human cirrhosis samples. Conclusion The responses to antifibrotic interventions can be detected and quantified with PCLS at the gene expression level. The antifibrotic effects of erlotinib are consistent between PCLS models of murine cirrhosis and those observed in vivo and in vitro. Similar effects were also reproduced in PCLS derived from patients with cirrhosis. PCLS is an excellent model to assess antifibrotic therapies that is aligned with the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3Rs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtao Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ben Leaker
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard-MIT program in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Guoliang Qiao
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mozhdeh Sojoodi
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ibrahim Ragab Eissa
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eliana T. Epstein
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan Eddy
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Oizoshimoshiofu Dimowo
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Georg M. Lauer
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Raymond T. Chung
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Motaz Qadan
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael Lanuti
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bryan C. Fuchs
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Jagatia R, Doornebal EJ, Rastovic U, Harris N, Feyide M, Lyons AM, Miquel R, Zen Y, Zamalloa A, Malik F, Prachalias A, Menon K, Boulter L, Eaton S, Heaton N, Phillips S, Chokshi S, Palma E. Patient-derived precision cut tissue slices from primary liver cancer as a potential platform for preclinical drug testing. EBioMedicine 2023; 97:104826. [PMID: 37806285 PMCID: PMC10667128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104826] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The exploitation of anti-tumour immunity, harnessed through immunomodulatory therapies, has fundamentally changed the treatment of primary liver cancer (PLC). However, this has posed significant challenges in preclinical research. Novel immunologically relevant models for PLC are urgently required to improve the translation from bench to bedside and back, explore and predict effective combinatorial therapies, aid novel drug discovery and develop personalised treatment modalities. METHODS We used human precision-cut tissue slices (PCTS) derived from resected tumours to create a patient-specific immunocompetent disease model that captures the multifaceted and intricate heterogeneity of the tumour and the tumour microenvironment. Tissue architecture, tumour viability and treatment response to single agent and combination therapies were assessed longitudinally over 8 days of ex vivo culture by histological analysis, detection of proliferation/cell death markers, ATP content via HPLC. Immune cell infiltrate was assessed using PCR and immunofluorescence. Checkpoint receptor expression was quantified via Quantigene RNA assay. FINDINGS After optimising the culture conditions, PCTS maintained the original tissue architecture, including tumour morphology, stroma and tumour-infiltrated leukocytes. Moreover, PCTS retained the tumour-specific immunophenotype over time, suggesting the utility of PCTS to investigate immunotherapeutic drug efficacy and identify non-responsiveness. INTERPRETATION Here we have characterised the PCTS model and demonstrated its effectiveness as a robust preclinical tool that will significantly support the development of successful (immuno)therapeutic strategies for PLC. FUNDING Foundation for Liver Research, London.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Jagatia
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111, Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NT, United Kingdom; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Ewald J Doornebal
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111, Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NT, United Kingdom; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Una Rastovic
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111, Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NT, United Kingdom; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Harris
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111, Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NT, United Kingdom; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Moyosoreoluwa Feyide
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111, Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NT, United Kingdom; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Anabel Martinez Lyons
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Miquel
- Liver Histopathology Laboratory, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Yoh Zen
- Liver Histopathology Laboratory, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Ane Zamalloa
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital and King's College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Farooq Malik
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital and King's College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Prachalias
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital and King's College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Krishna Menon
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital and King's College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Boulter
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Scottish Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Eaton
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Heaton
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital and King's College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Phillips
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111, Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NT, United Kingdom; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111, Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NT, United Kingdom; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Palma
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111, Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NT, United Kingdom; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom.
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Fang J, Celton-Morizur S, Desdouets C. NAFLD-Related HCC: Focus on the Latest Relevant Preclinical Models. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3723. [PMID: 37509384 PMCID: PMC10377912 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Despite extensive research, the biological mechanisms underlying HCC's development and progression remain only partially understood. Chronic overeating and/or sedentary-lifestyle-associated obesity, which promote Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), have recently emerged as worrying risk factors for HCC. NAFLD is characterized by excessive hepatocellular lipid accumulation (steatosis) and affects one quarter of the world's population. Steatosis progresses in the more severe inflammatory form, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), potentially leading to HCC. The incidence of NASH is expected to increase by up to 56% over the next 10 years. Better diagnoses and the establishment of effective treatments for NAFLD and HCC will require improvements in our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the disease's development. This review describes the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the mechanisms underlying the transition from NAFL/NASH to HCC. We also discuss a selection of appropriate preclinical models of NAFLD for research, from cellular models such as liver-on-a-chip models to in vivo models, focusing particularly on mouse models of dietary NAFLD-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fang
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Genomic Instability, Metabolism, Immunity and Liver Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Séverine Celton-Morizur
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Genomic Instability, Metabolism, Immunity and Liver Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Chantal Desdouets
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Genomic Instability, Metabolism, Immunity and Liver Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75005 Paris, France
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8
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Lee YS, Seki E. In Vivo and In Vitro Models to Study Liver Fibrosis: Mechanisms and Limitations. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:355-367. [PMID: 37270060 PMCID: PMC10444957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common result of liver injury owing to various kinds of chronic liver diseases. A deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and identifying potential therapeutic targets of liver fibrosis is important because liver fibrosis may progress to advanced liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite numerous studies, the underlying mechanisms of liver fibrosis remain unclear. Mechanisms of the development and progression of liver fibrosis differ according to etiologies. Therefore, appropriate liver fibrosis models should be selected according to the purpose of the study and the type of underlying disease. Many in vivo animal and in vitro models have been developed to study liver fibrosis. However, there are no perfect preclinical models for liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current in vivo and in vitro models for studying liver fibrosis and highlight emerging in vitro models, including organoids and liver-on-a-chip models. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms and limitations of each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sun Lee
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
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9
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Abd El-Fattah EE, Zakaria AY. Targeting HSP47 and HSP70: promising therapeutic approaches in liver fibrosis management. J Transl Med 2022; 20:544. [DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03759-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLiver fibrosis is a liver disease in which there is an excessive buildup of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen. By regulating cytokine production and the inflammatory response, heat shock proteins (HSPs) contribute significantly to a wider spectrum of fibrotic illnesses, such as lung, liver, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by aiding in the folding and assembly of freshly synthesized proteins, HSPs serve as chaperones. HSP70 is one of the key HSPs in avoiding protein aggregation which induces its action by sending unfolded and/or misfolded proteins to the ubiquitin–proteasome degradation pathway and antagonizing influence on epithelial-mesenchymal transition. HSP47, on the other hand, is crucial for boosting collagen synthesis, and deposition, and fostering the emergence of fibrotic disorders. The current review aims to provide light on how HSP70 and HSP47 affect hepatic fibrogenesis. Additionally, our review looks into new therapeutic approaches that target HSP70 and HSP47 and could potentially be used as drug candidates to treat liver fibrosis, especially in cases of comorbidities.
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10
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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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11
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Dewyse L, De Smet V, Verhulst S, Eysackers N, Kunda R, Messaoudi N, Reynaert H, van Grunsven LA. Improved Precision-Cut Liver Slice Cultures for Testing Drug-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:862185. [PMID: 35433753 PMCID: PMC9007724 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.862185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro models of human liver disease often fail to mimic the complex 3D structures and cellular organizations found in vivo. Precision cut liver slices (PCLS) retain the complex physiological architecture of the native liver and therefore could be an exceptional in vitro liver model. However, the production of PCLS induces a spontaneous culture-induced fibrogenic reaction, limiting the application of PCLS to anti-fibrotic compounds. Our aim was to improve PCLS cultures to allow compound-induced fibrosis induction. Hepatotoxicity in PCLS cultures was analyzed by lactate dehydrogenase leakage and albumin secretion, while fibrogenesis was analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot for hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers and collagen 6 secretion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). We demonstrate that supplementation of 3 mm mouse PCLS cultures with valproate strongly reduces fibrosis and improves cell viability in our PCLS cultures for up to 5 days. Fibrogenesis can still be induced both directly and indirectly through exposure to TGFβ and the hepatotoxin acetaminophen, respectively. Finally, human PCLS cultures showed similar but less robust results. In conclusion, we optimized PCLS cultures to allow for drug-induced liver fibrosis modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Dewyse
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent De Smet
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Eysackers
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rastislav Kunda
- Department of Surgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nouredin Messaoudi
- Department of Surgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Reynaert
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Brugger M, Laschinger M, Lampl S, Schneider A, Manske K, Esfandyari D, Hüser N, Hartmann D, Steiger K, Engelhardt S, Wohlleber D, Knolle PA. High precision-cut liver slice model to study cell-autonomous anti-viral defense of hepatocytes within their microenvironment. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100465. [PMID: 35462860 PMCID: PMC9019249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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13
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The Effects of Butyrate on Induced Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Precision-Cut Liver Slices. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124203. [PMID: 34959755 PMCID: PMC8703944 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) starts with hepatic triglyceride accumulation (steatosis) and can progress to more severe stages such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and even cirrhosis. Butyrate, and butyrate-producing bacteria, have been suggested to reduce liver steatosis directly and systemically by increasing liver β-oxidation. This study aimed to examine the influence of butyrate directly on the liver in an ex vivo induced MAFLD model. To maintain essential intercellular interactions, precision-cut liver slices (PCLSs) were used. These PCLSs were prepared from male C57BL/6J mice and cultured in varying concentrations of fructose, insulin, palmitic acid and oleic acid, to mimic metabolic syndrome. Dose-dependent triglyceride accumulation was measured after 24 and 48 h of incubation with the different medium compositions. PCLSs viability, as indicated by ATP content, was not affected by medium composition or the butyrate concentration used. Under induced steatotic conditions, butyrate did not prevent triglyceride accumulation. Moreover, it lowered the expression of genes encoding for fatty acid oxidation and only increased C4 related carnitines, which indicate butyrate oxidation. Nevertheless, butyrate lowered the fibrotic response of PCLSs, as shown by reduced gene expression of fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin and osteopontin, and protein levels of type I collagen. These results suggest that in the liver, butyrate alone does not increase lipid β-oxidation directly but might aid in the prevention of MAFLD progression to NASH and cirrhosis.
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Supadmanaba IGP, Comandatore A, Morelli L, Giovannetti E, Lagerweij T. Organotypic-liver slide culture systems to explore the role of extracellular vesicles in pancreatic cancer metastatic behavior and guide new therapeutic approaches. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2021; 17:937-946. [PMID: 33945374 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2021.1925646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Recent studies suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a role both in the metastatic niche formation and in the progression of several tumors, including pancreatic cancer. In particular, the effects of EVs on metastasis should be studied in model systems that take into account both the tumor cells and the metastatic site/tumor microenvironment. Studies with labeled EVs or EV-secreting cells in ex vivo models will reflect the physiological and pathological functions of EVs. The organotypic-tissue slide culture systems can fulfill such a role.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of available organotypic-culture slide systems. We specifically focus on the assay system of liver culture-slides in combination with pancreatic tumors, which can be modulated to test the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches.Expert opinion: The intercellular exchange of EVs has emerged as a biologically relevant phenomenon to drive cancer metastasis. However, further models need to be developed to better elucidate the functional roles of EVs. The use of novel organotypic slide culture systems provides the opportunity to explore the role of EVs in the metastatic behavior of pancreatic cancer, decreasing the use of costly and cumbersome organoid or animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gede Putu Supadmanaba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Annalisa Comandatore
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tonny Lagerweij
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Morrone C, Smirnova NF, Jeridi A, Kneidinger N, Hollauer C, Schupp JC, Kaminski N, Jenne D, Eickelberg O, Yildirim AÖ. Cathepsin B promotes collagen biosynthesis, which drives bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Eur Respir J 2021; 57:13993003.01416-2020. [PMID: 33303550 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01416-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a major complication after lung transplantation (LTx). BOS is characterised by massive peribronchial fibrosis, leading to air trapping-induced pulmonary dysfunction. Cathepsin B, a lysosomal cysteine protease, has been shown to enforce fibrotic pathways in several diseases. However, the relevance of cathepsin B in BOS progression has not yet been addressed. The aim of the study was to elucidate the function of cathepsin B in BOS pathogenesis.We determined cathepsin B levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue from healthy donors (HD) and BOS LTx patients. Cathepsin B activity was assessed via a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based assay and protein expression was determined using Western blotting, ELISA and immunostaining. To investigate the impact of cathepsin B in the pathophysiology of BOS, we used an in vivo orthotopic left LTx mouse model. Mechanistic studies were performed in vitro using macrophage and fibroblast cell lines.We found a significant increase of cathepsin B activity in BALF and lung tissue from BOS patients, as well as in our murine model of lymphocytic bronchiolitis. Moreover, cathepsin B activity was associated with increased biosynthesis of collagen and had a negative effect on lung function. We observed that cathepsin B was mainly expressed in macrophages that infiltrated areas characterised by a massive accumulation of collagen deposition. Mechanistically, macrophage-derived cathepsin B contributed to transforming growth factor-β1-dependent activation of fibroblasts, and its inhibition reversed the phenotype.Infiltrating macrophages release active cathepsin B, thereby promoting fibroblast activation and subsequent collagen deposition, which drive BOS. Cathepsin B represents a promising therapeutic target to prevent the progression of BOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Morrone
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Natalia F Smirnova
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Aicha Jeridi
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Kneidinger
- Dept of Internal Medicine V, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Hollauer
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Jonas Christian Schupp
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dieter Jenne
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Eickelberg
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Dept of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburg, PA, USA.,Contributed equally to this article as lead authors and supervised the work
| | - Ali Önder Yildirim
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany .,Contributed equally to this article as lead authors and supervised the work
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16
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Oldenburger A, Birk G, Schlepütz M, Broermann A, Stierstorfer B, Pullen SS, Rippmann JF. Modulation of vascular contraction via soluble guanylate cyclase signaling in a novel ex vivo method using rat precision-cut liver slices. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00768. [PMID: 34014044 PMCID: PMC8135082 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic processes in the liver of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients cause microcirculatory dysfunction in the organ which increases blood vessel resistance and causes portal hypertension. Assessing blood vessel function in the liver is challenging, necessitating the development of novel methods in normal and fibrotic tissue that allow for drug screening and translation toward pre-clinical settings. Cultures of precision cut liver slices (PCLS) from normal and fibrotic rat livers were used for blood vessel function analysis. Live recording of vessel diameter was used to assess the response to endothelin-1, serotonin and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activation. A cascade of contraction and relaxation events in response to serotonin, endothelin-1, Ketanserin and sGC activity could be established using vessel diameter analysis of rat PCLS. Both the sGC activator BI 703704 and the sGC stimulator Riociguat prevented serotonin-induced contraction in PCLS from naive rats. By contrast, PCLS cultures from the rat CCl4 NASH model were only responsive to the sGC activator, thus establishing that the sGC enzyme is rendered non-responsive to nitric oxide under oxidative stress found in fibrotic livers. The role of the sGC pathway for vessel relaxation of fibrotic liver tissue was identified in our model. The obtained data shows that the inhibitory capacities on vessel contraction of sGC compounds can be translated to published preclinical data. Altogether, this novel ex vivo PCLS method allows for the differentiation of drug candidates and the translation of therapeutic approaches towards the clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Oldenburger
- CardioMetabolic Diseases ResearchBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KGBiberach a.d. RissGermany
| | - Gerald Birk
- Target Discovery SciencesBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KGBiberach an der RissGermany
| | - Marco Schlepütz
- Immunology and Respiratory Diseases ResearchBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KGBiberach an der RissGermany
| | - Andre Broermann
- CardioMetabolic Diseases ResearchBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KGBiberach a.d. RissGermany
| | - Birgit Stierstorfer
- Target Discovery SciencesBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KGBiberach an der RissGermany
| | - Steven S. Pullen
- CardioMetabolic Diseases ResearchBoehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, IncRidgefieldCTUSA
| | - Jörg F. Rippmann
- Cancer Immunology+Immune ModulationBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KGBiberach a.d. RissGermany
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17
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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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18
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Iswandana R, Pham BT, Suriguga S, Luangmonkong T, van Wijk LA, Jansen YJM, Oosterhuis D, Mutsaers HAM, Olinga P. Murine Precision-cut Intestinal Slices as a Potential Screening Tool for Antifibrotic Drugs. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2020; 26:678-686. [PMID: 31943022 PMCID: PMC7150673 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izz329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis is a hallmark of Crohn's disease. Here, we investigated the impact of several putative antifibrotic compounds on the expression of fibrosis markers using murine precision-cut intestinal slices. METHODS Murine precision-cut intestinal slices were cultured for 48 hours in the presence of profibrotic and/or antifibrotic compounds. The fibrotic process was studied on gene and protein level using procollagen 1a1 (Col1α1), heat shock protein 47 (Hsp47), fibronectin (Fn2), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (Pai-1). The effects of potential antifibrotic drugs mainly inhibiting the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway (eg, valproic acid, tetrandrine, pirfenidone, SB203580, and LY2109761) and compounds mainly acting on the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) pathway (eg, imatinib, sorafenib, and sunitinib) were assessed in the model at nontoxic concentrations. RESULTS Murine precision-cut intestinal slices remained viable for 48 hours, and an increased expression of fibrosis markers was observed during culture, including Hsp47, Fn2, and Pai-1. Furthermore, TGF-β1 stimulated fibrogenesis, whereas PDGF did not have an effect. Regarding the tested antifibrotics, pirfenidone, LY2109761, and sunitinib had the most pronounced impact on the expression of fibrosis markers, both in the absence and presence of profibrotic factors, as illustrated by reduced levels of Col1α1, Hsp47, Fn2, and Pai-1 after treatment. Moreover, sunitinib significantly reduced Hsp47 and Fn2 protein expression and the excretion of procollagen 1. CONCLUSIONS Precision-cut intestinal slices can successfully be used as a potential preclinical screening tool for antifibrotic drugs. We demonstrated that sunitinib reduced the expression of several fibrosis markers, warranting further evaluation of this compound for the treatment of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raditya Iswandana
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Bao Tung Pham
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Department of Pharmaceutics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Su Suriguga
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Theerut Luangmonkong
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Louise A van Wijk
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yvette J M Jansen
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dorenda Oosterhuis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Henricus Antonius Maria Mutsaers
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Olinga
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Address correspondence to: Professor Peter Olinga, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands. E-mail:
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19
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The landscape of gene mutations in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2020; 72:990-1002. [PMID: 32044402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease and primary liver cancer are a massive global problem, with a future increase in incidences predicted. The most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, occurs after years of chronic liver disease. Mutations in the genome are a causative and defining feature of all cancers. Chronic liver disease, mostly at the cirrhotic stage, causes the accumulation of progressive mutations which can drive cancer development. Within the liver, a Darwinian process selects out dominant clones with selected driver mutations but also leaves a trail of passenger mutations which can be used to track the evolution of a tumour. Understanding what causes specific mutations and how they combine with one another to form cancer is a question at the heart of understanding, preventing and tackling liver cancer. Herein, we review the landscape of gene mutations in cirrhosis, especially those paving the way toward hepatocellular carcinoma development, that have been characterised by recent studies capitalising on technological advances in genomic sequencing. With these insights, we are beginning to understand how cancers form in the liver, particularly on the background of chronic liver disease. This knowledge may soon lead to breakthroughs in the way we detect, diagnose and treat this devastating disease.
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20
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Intercellular crosstalk of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis: New insights into therapy. Pharmacol Res 2020; 155:104720. [PMID: 32092405 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a dynamic wound-healing process characterized by the net accumulation of extracellular matrix. There is no efficient antifibrotic therapy other than liver transplantation to date. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cellular source of matrix-producing myofibroblasts, playing a central role in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. Paracrine signals from resident and inflammatory cells such as hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic macrophages, natural killer/natural killer T cells, biliary epithelial cells, hepatic progenitor cells, and platelets can directly or indirectly regulate HSC differentiation and activation. Intercellular crosstalk between HSCs and those "responded" cells has been a critical event involved in HSC activation and fibrogenesis. This review summarizes recent advancement regarding intercellular communication between HSCs and other "responded cells" during liver fibrosis and experimental models of intercellular crosstalk systems, and provides novel ideas for potential antifibrotic therapeutic strategy.
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21
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Gore E, Bigaeva E, Oldenburger A, Jansen YJM, Schuppan D, Boersema M, Rippmann JF, Broermann A, Olinga P. Investigating fibrosis and inflammation in an ex vivo NASH murine model. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2020; 318:G336-G351. [PMID: 31905025 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00209.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease, characterized by excess fat accumulation (steatosis). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) develops in 15-20% of NAFLD patients and frequently progresses to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. We aimed to develop an ex vivo model of inflammation and fibrosis in steatotic murine precision-cut liver slices (PCLS). NASH was induced in C57Bl/6 mice on an amylin and choline-deficient l-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet. PCLS were prepared from steatohepatitic (sPCLS) and control (cPCLS) livers and cultured for 48 h with LPS, TGFβ1, or elafibranor. Additionally, C57Bl/6 mice were placed on CDAA diet for 12 wk to receive elafibranor or vehicle from weeks 7 to 12. Effects were assessed by transcriptome analysis and procollagen Iα1 protein production. The diets induced features of human NASH. Upon culture, all PCLS showed an increased gene expression of fibrosis- and inflammation-related markers but decreased lipid metabolism markers. LPS and TGFβ1 affected sPCLS more pronouncedly than cPCLS. TGFβ1 increased procollagen Iα1 solely in cPCLS. Elafibranor ameliorated fibrosis and inflammation in vivo but not ex vivo, where it only increased the expression of genes modulated by PPARα. sPCLS culture induced inflammation-, fibrosis-, and lipid metabolism-related transcripts, explained by spontaneous activation. sPCLS remained responsive to proinflammatory and profibrotic stimuli on gene expression. We consider that PCLS represent a useful tool to reproducibly study NASH progression. sPCLS can be used to evaluate potential treatments for NASH, as demonstrated in our elafibranor study, and serves as a model to bridge results from rodent studies to the human system.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study showed that nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can be studied ex vivo in precision-cut liver slices obtained from murine diet-induced fatty livers. Liver slices develop a spontaneous inflammatory and fibrogenic response during culture that can be augmented with specific modulators. Additionally, the model can be used to test the efficacy of pharmaceutical compounds (as shown in this investigation with elafibranor) and could be a tool for preclinical assessment of potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Gore
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Emilia Bigaeva
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anouk Oldenburger
- CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Yvette J M Jansen
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Miriam Boersema
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg F Rippmann
- CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Andre Broermann
- CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Peter Olinga
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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22
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Oakley F, Gee LM, Sheerin NS, Borthwick LA. Implementation of pre-clinical methodologies to study fibrosis and test anti-fibrotic therapy. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 49:95-101. [PMID: 31731225 PMCID: PMC6904905 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Diseases where fibrosis plays a major role accounts for enormous morbidity and mortality and yet we have very little in our therapeutic arsenal despite decades of research and clinical trials. Our understanding of fibrosis biology is primarily built on data generated in conventional mono-culture or co-culture systems and in vivo model systems. While these approaches have undoubtedly enhanced our understanding of basic mechanisms, they have repeatedly failed to translate to clinical benefit. Recently, there had been a push to generate more physiologically relevant platforms to study fibrosis and identify new therapeutic targets. Here we review the state-of-the-art regarding the development and application of 3D complex cultures, bio-printing and precision cut slices to study pulmonary, hepatic and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lucy M Gee
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Neil S Sheerin
- Renal Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Applied Immunobiology and Transplantation Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lee A Borthwick
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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23
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Bigaeva E, Gore E, Simon E, Zwick M, Oldenburger A, de Jong KP, Hofker HS, Schlepütz M, Nicklin P, Boersema M, Rippmann JF, Olinga P. Transcriptomic characterization of culture-associated changes in murine and human precision-cut tissue slices. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:3549-3583. [PMID: 31754732 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02611-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our knowledge of complex pathological mechanisms underlying organ fibrosis is predominantly derived from animal studies. However, relevance of animal models for human disease is limited; therefore, an ex vivo model of human precision-cut tissue slices (PCTS) might become an indispensable tool in fibrosis research and drug development by bridging the animal-human translational gap. This study, presented as two parts, provides comprehensive characterization of the dynamic transcriptional changes in PCTS during culture by RNA sequencing. Part I investigates the differences in culture-induced responses in murine and human PCTS derived from healthy liver, kidney and gut. Part II delineates the molecular processes in cultured human PCTS generated from diseased liver, kidney and ileum. We demonstrated that culture was associated with extensive transcriptional changes and impacted PCTS in a universal way across the organs and two species by triggering an inflammatory response and fibrosis-related extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. All PCTS shared mRNA upregulation of IL-11 and ECM-degrading enzymes MMP3 and MMP10. Slice preparation and culturing activated numerous pathways across all PCTS, especially those involved in inflammation (IL-6, IL-8 and HMGB1 signalling) and tissue remodelling (osteoarthritis pathway and integrin signalling). Despite the converging effects of culture, PCTS display species-, organ- and pathology-specific differences in the regulation of genes and canonical pathways. The underlying pathology in human diseased PCTS endures and influences biological processes like cytokine release. Our study reinforces the use of PCTS as an ex vivo fibrosis model and supports future studies towards its validation as a preclinical tool for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Bigaeva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713AV, The Netherlands
| | - Emilia Gore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713AV, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Simon
- Computational Biology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Matthias Zwick
- Computational Biology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Anouk Oldenburger
- Cardiometabolic Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Koert P de Jong
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik S Hofker
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Schlepütz
- Respiratory Diseases, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Paul Nicklin
- Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Miriam Boersema
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713AV, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg F Rippmann
- Cardiometabolic Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713AV, The Netherlands.
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24
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Bigaeva E, Stribos EGD, Mutsaers HAM, Piersma B, Leliveld AM, de Jong IJ, Bank RA, Seelen MA, van Goor H, Wollin L, Olinga P, Boersema M. Inhibition of tyrosine kinase receptor signaling attenuates fibrogenesis in an ex vivo model of human renal fibrosis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2019; 318:F117-F134. [PMID: 31736352 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00108.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor translation from animal studies to human clinical trials is one of the main hurdles in the development of new drugs. Here, we used precision-cut kidney slices (PCKS) as a translational model to study renal fibrosis and to investigate whether inhibition of tyrosine kinase receptors, with the selective inhibitor nintedanib, can halt fibrosis in murine and human PCKS. We used renal tissue of murine and human origins to obtain PCKS. Control slices and slices treated with nintedanib were studied to assess viability, activation of tyrosine kinase receptors, cell proliferation, collagen type I accumulation, and gene and protein regulation. During culture, PCKS spontaneously develop a fibrotic response that resembles in vivo fibrogenesis. Nintedanib blocked culture-induced phosphorylation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. Furthermore, nintedanib inhibited cell proliferation and reduced collagen type I accumulation and expression of fibrosis-related genes in healthy murine and human PCKS. Modulation of extracellular matrix homeostasis was achieved already at 0.1 μM, whereas high concentrations (1 and 5 μM) elicited possible nonselective effects. In PCKS from human diseased renal tissue, nintedanib showed limited capacity to reverse established fibrosis. In conclusion, nintedanib attenuated the onset of fibrosis in both murine and human PCKS by inhibiting the phosphorylation of tyrosine kinase receptors; however, the reversal of established fibrosis was not achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Bigaeva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth G D Stribos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henricus A M Mutsaers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bram Piersma
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna M Leliveld
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Igle J de Jong
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud A Bank
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marc A Seelen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lutz Wollin
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma, Biberach, Germany
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Boersema
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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25
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Estrada-Ortiz N, Lopez-Gonzales E, Woods B, Stürup S, de Graaf IAM, Groothuis GMM, Casini A. Ex vivo toxicological evaluation of experimental anticancer gold(i) complexes with lansoprazole-type ligands. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2019; 8:885-895. [PMID: 32190293 PMCID: PMC7067241 DOI: 10.1039/c9tx00149b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold-based compounds are of great interest in the field of medicinal chemistry as novel therapeutic (anticancer) agents due to their peculiar reactivity and mechanisms of action with respect to organic drugs. Despite their promising pharmacological properties, the possible toxic effects of gold compounds need to be carefully evaluated in order to optimize their design and applicability. This study reports on the potential toxicity of three experimental gold-based anticancer compounds featuring lansoprazole ligands (1-3) studied in an ex vivo model, using rat precision cut kidney and liver slices (PCKS and PCLS, respectively). The results showed a different toxicity profile for the tested compounds, with the neutral complex 2 being the least toxic, even less toxic than cisplatin, followed by the cationic complex 1. The dinuclear cationic gold complex 3 was the most toxic in both liver and kidney slices. This result correlated with the metal uptake of the different compounds assessed by ICP-MS, where complex 3 showed the highest accumulation of gold in liver and kidney slices. Interestingly compound 1 showed the highest selectivity towards cancer cells compared to the healthy tissues. Histomorphology evaluation showed a similar pattern for all three Au(i) complexes, where the distal tubular cells suffered the most extensive damage, in contrast to the damage in the proximal tubules induced by cisplatin. The binding of representative gold compounds with the model ubiquitin was also studied by ESI-MS, showing that after 24 h incubation only 'naked' Au ions were bound to the protein following ligands' loss. The mRNA expression of stress response genes appeared to be similar for both evaluated organs, suggesting oxidative stress as the possible mechanism of toxicity. The obtained results open new perspectives towards the design and testing of bifunctional gold complexes with chemotherapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Estrada-Ortiz
- Dept. Pharmacokinetics , Toxicology and Targeting , Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy , University of Groningen , A. Deusinglaan 1 , 9713AV Groningen , The Netherlands . ;
| | - Elena Lopez-Gonzales
- Dept. Pharmacokinetics , Toxicology and Targeting , Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy , University of Groningen , A. Deusinglaan 1 , 9713AV Groningen , The Netherlands . ;
| | - Ben Woods
- School of Chemistry , Cardiff University , Main Building , Park Place , CF10 3AT Cardiff , UK
| | - Stefan Stürup
- Dept. of Pharmacy , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , 2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Inge A M de Graaf
- Dept. Pharmacokinetics , Toxicology and Targeting , Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy , University of Groningen , A. Deusinglaan 1 , 9713AV Groningen , The Netherlands . ;
| | - Geny M M Groothuis
- Dept. Pharmacokinetics , Toxicology and Targeting , Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy , University of Groningen , A. Deusinglaan 1 , 9713AV Groningen , The Netherlands . ;
| | - Angela Casini
- Dept. Pharmacokinetics , Toxicology and Targeting , Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy , University of Groningen , A. Deusinglaan 1 , 9713AV Groningen , The Netherlands . ;
- School of Chemistry , Cardiff University , Main Building , Park Place , CF10 3AT Cardiff , UK
- Department of Chemistry , Technical University of Munich , Lichtenbergstr. 4 , 85748 Garching b. München , Germany
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26
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Gore E, Bigaeva E, Oldenburger A, Kim YO, Rippmann JF, Schuppan D, Boersema M, Olinga P. PI3K inhibition reduces murine and human liver fibrogenesis in precision-cut liver slices. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 169:113633. [PMID: 31494146 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis results from continuous inflammation and injury. Despite its high prevalence worldwide, no approved antifibrotic therapies exist. Omipalisib is a selective inhibitor of the PI3K/mTOR pathway that controls nutrient metabolism, growth and proliferation. It has shown antifibrotic properties in vitro. While clinical trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have been initiated, an in-depth preclinical evaluation is lacking. We evaluated omipalisib's effects on fibrogenesis using the ex vivo model of murine and human precision-cut tissue slices (PCTS). METHODS Murine and human liver and jejunum PCTS were incubated with omipalisib up to 10 μM for 48 h. PI3K pathway activation was assessed through protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation and antifibrotic efficacy was determined via a spectrum of fibrosis markers at the transcriptional and translational level. RESULTS During incubation of PCTS the PI3K pathway was activated and incubation with omipalisib prevented Akt phosphorylation (IC50 = 20 and 1.5 nM for mouse and human, respectively). Viability of mouse and human liver PCTS was compromised only at the high concentration of 10 and 1-5 μM, respectively. However, viability of jejunum PCTS decreased with 0.1 (mouse) and 0.01 μM (human). Spontaneously increased fibrosis related genes and proteins were significantly and similarly suppressed in mouse and in human liver PCTS. CONCLUSIONS Omipalisib has antifibrotic properties in ex vivo mouse and human liver PCTS, but higher concentrations showed toxicity in jejunum PCTS. While the PI3K/mTOR pathway appears to be a promising target for the treatment of liver fibrosis, PCTS revealed likely side effects in the intestine at higher doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Gore
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713AV, The Netherlands
| | - Emilia Bigaeva
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713AV, The Netherlands
| | - Anouk Oldenburger
- Cardiometabolic Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Yong Ook Kim
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Obere Zahlbacherstraße 63, Mainz 55131, Germany
| | - Jörg F Rippmann
- Cardiometabolic Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Obere Zahlbacherstraße 63, Mainz 55131, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 330 Brookline Avenue, MA 02215, USA
| | - Miriam Boersema
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713AV, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713AV, The Netherlands.
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27
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Development of a Novel Ex-vivo 3D Model to Screen Amoebicidal Activity on Infected Tissue. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8396. [PMID: 31182753 PMCID: PMC6557822 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44899-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease that causes thousands of deaths every year, its adverse effects and resistance to conventional treatments have led to the search of new treatment options, as well as the development of novel screening methods. In this work, we implemented a 3D model of intestine and liver slices from hamsters that were infected ex vivo with virulent E. histolytica trophozoites. Results show preserved histology in both uninfected tissues as well as ulcerations, destruction of the epithelial cells, and inflammatory reaction in intestine slices and formation of micro abscesses, and the presence of amoebae in the sinusoidal spaces and in the interior of central veins in liver slices. The three chemically synthetized compounds T-001, T-011, and T-016, which act as amoebicides in vitro, were active in both infected tissues, as they decreased the number of trophozoites, and provoked death by disintegration of the amoeba, similar to metronidazole. However, compound T-011 induced signs of cytotoxicity to liver slices. Our results suggest that ex vivo cultures of precision-cut intestinal and liver slices represent a reliable 3D approach to evaluate novel amoebicidal compounds, and to simultaneously detect their toxicity, while reducing the number of experimental animals commonly required by other model systems.
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28
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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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29
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Schreurs M, Suttorp CM, Mutsaers HAM, Kuijpers-Jagtman AM, Von den Hoff JW, Ongkosuwito EM, Carvajal Monroy PL, Wagener FADTG. Tissue engineering strategies combining molecular targets against inflammation and fibrosis, and umbilical cord blood stem cells to improve hampered muscle and skin regeneration following cleft repair. Med Res Rev 2019; 40:9-26. [PMID: 31104334 PMCID: PMC6972684 DOI: 10.1002/med.21594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is a congenital deformity that occurs in about 1 of 700 newborns, affecting the dentition, bone, skin, muscles and mucosa in the orofacial region. A cleft can give rise to problems with maxillofacial growth, dental development, speech, and eating, and can also cause hearing impairment. Surgical repair of the lip may lead to impaired regeneration of muscle and skin, fibrosis, and scar formation. This may result in hampered facial growth and dental development affecting oral function and lip and nose esthetics. Therefore, secondary surgery to correct the scar is often indicated. We will discuss the molecular and cellular pathways involved in facial and lip myogenesis, muscle anatomy in the normal and cleft lip, and complications following surgery. The aim of this review is to outline a novel molecular and cellular strategy to improve musculature and skin regeneration and to reduce scar formation following cleft repair. Orofacial clefting can be diagnosed in the fetus through prenatal ultrasound screening and allows planning for the harvesting of umbilical cord blood stem cells upon birth. Tissue engineering techniques using these cord blood stem cells and molecular targeting of inflammation and fibrosis during surgery may promote tissue regeneration. We expect that this novel strategy improves both muscle and skin regeneration, resulting in better function and esthetics after cleft repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Schreurs
- Department of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - C Maarten Suttorp
- Department of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Johannes W Von den Hoff
- Department of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin M Ongkosuwito
- Department of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paola L Carvajal Monroy
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Special Dental Care and Orthodontics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank A D T G Wagener
- Department of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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30
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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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Weinhart M, Hocke A, Hippenstiel S, Kurreck J, Hedtrich S. 3D organ models-Revolution in pharmacological research? Pharmacol Res 2019; 139:446-451. [PMID: 30395949 PMCID: PMC7129286 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
3D organ models have gained increasing attention as novel preclinical test systems and alternatives to animal testing. Over the years, many excellent in vitro tissue models have been developed. In parallel, microfluidic organ-on-a-chip tissue cultures have gained increasing interest for their ability to house several organ models on a single device and interlink these within a human-like environment. In contrast to these advancements, the development of human disease models is still in its infancy. Although major advances have recently been made, efforts still need to be intensified. Human disease models have proven valuable for their ability to closely mimic disease patterns in vitro, permitting the study of pathophysiological features and new treatment options. Although animal studies remain the gold standard for preclinical testing, they have major drawbacks such as high cost and ongoing controversy over their predictive value for several human conditions. Moreover, there is growing political and social pressure to develop alternatives to animal models, clearly promoting the search for valid, cost-efficient and easy-to-handle systems lacking interspecies-related differences. In this review, we discuss the current state of the art regarding 3D organ as well as the opportunities, limitations and future implications of their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Weinhart
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Hocke
- Dept. of Infectious and Respiratory Diseases, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- Dept. of Infectious and Respiratory Diseases, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Technical University Berlin, Institute for Biotechnology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Hedtrich
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, Berlin, 14195, Germany.
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Palma E, Doornebal EJ, Chokshi S. Precision-cut liver slices: a versatile tool to advance liver research. Hepatol Int 2018; 13:51-57. [PMID: 30515676 PMCID: PMC6513823 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-018-9913-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human precision-cut liver slices represent a robust and versatile ex vivo model which retains the complex and multi-cellular histoarchitecture of the hepatic environment. As such, they represent an ideal model to investigate the mechanisms of liver injury and for the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Schematic overview to highlight the utility of precision-cut liver slices as a relevant and versatile ex-vivo model of liver disease. Top panel; Precision cut liver slices (PCLS) exposed to ethanol develop mega-mitochondria, a classical hallmark of Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD). Right panel; PCLS from liver tumours can be used as a model for liver cancer and can be used to investigate cancer-immune cell interactions by co-culturing with matched immune cells. Bottom panel; Exposure to a mixture of oleic and linoleic acids can simulate Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Left panel; PCLS can be infected with Hepatitis B and C virus and used as a model to study viral infection and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Palma
- Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ewald Jan Doornebal
- Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK. .,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
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33
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Luangmonkong T, Suriguga S, Adhyatmika A, Adlia A, Oosterhuis D, Suthisisang C, de Jong KP, Mutsaers HAM, Olinga P. In vitro and ex vivo anti-fibrotic effects of LY2109761, a small molecule inhibitor against TGF-β. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 355:127-137. [PMID: 30008374 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathophysiological state characterized by the excessive formation/deposition of fibrous extracellular matrix. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a central profibrotic mediator, and targeting TGF-β is a promising strategy in the development of drugs for the treatment of fibrosis. Therefore, the effect of LY2109761, a small molecule inhibitor against TGF-β with targets beyond TGF-β signaling, on fibrogenesis was elucidated in vitro (HepG2 cells and LX-2 cells) and ex vivo (human and rat precision-cut liver slices). Our results displayed an anti-fibrotic effect of LY2109761, as it markedly down-regulated gene and protein expression of collagen type 1, as well as gene expression of the inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1. This effect on fibrosis markers was partially mediated by targeting TGF-β signaling, seeing that LY2109761 inhibited TGF-β1 gene expression and SMAD2 protein phosphorylation. Interestingly, particularly at a high concentration, LY2109761 decreased SMAD1 protein phosphorylation and gene expression of the inhibitor of DNA binding 1, which appeared to be TGF-β-independent effects. In conclusion, LY2109761 exhibited preclinical anti-fibrotic effects via both TGF-β-dependent and -independent pathways. These results illustrate that small molecule inhibitors directed against TGF-β could possibly influence numerous signaling pathways and thereby mitigate fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerut Luangmonkong
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Thailand; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Su Suriguga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adhyatmika Adhyatmika
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Amirah Adlia
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorenda Oosterhuis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Koert P de Jong
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, 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
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Wu X, Roberto JB, Knupp A, Kenerson HL, Truong CD, Yuen SY, Brempelis KJ, Tuefferd M, Chen A, Horton H, Yeung RS, Crispe IN. Precision-cut human liver slice cultures as an immunological platform. J Immunol Methods 2018; 455:71-79. [PMID: 29408707 PMCID: PMC6689534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the central metabolic organ in the human body, and also plays an essential role in innate and adaptive immunity. While mouse models offer significant insights into immune-inflammatory liver disease, human immunology differs in important respects. It is not easy to address those differences experimentally. Therefore, to improve the understanding of human liver immunobiology and pathology, we have established precision-cut human liver slices to study innate immunity in human tissue. Human liver slices collected from resected livers could be maintained in ex vivo culture over a two-week period. Although an acute inflammatory response accompanied by signs of tissue repair was observed in liver tissue following slicing, the expression of many immune genes stabilized after day 4 and remained stable until day 15. Remarkably, histological evidence of pre-existing liver diseases was preserved in the slices for up to 7 days. Following 7 days of culture, exposure of liver slices to the toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, TLR3 ligand Poly-I:C and TLR4 ligand LPS, resulted in a robust activation of acute inflammation and cytokine genes. Moreover, Poly-I:C treatment induced a marked antiviral response including increases of interferons IFNB, IL-28B and a group of interferon-stimulated genes. Therefore, precision-cut liver slices emerge as a valuable tool to study human innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Jessica B Roberto
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Allison Knupp
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Camtu D Truong
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sebastian Y Yuen
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Marianne Tuefferd
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Antony Chen
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Helen Horton
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ian N Crispe
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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35
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Seniutkin O, Furuya S, Luo YS, Cichocki JA, Fukushima H, Kato Y, Sugimoto H, Matsumoto T, Uehara T, Rusyn I. Effects of pirfenidone in acute and sub-chronic liver fibrosis, and an initiation-promotion cancer model in the mouse. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 339:1-9. [PMID: 29197520 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic tissue damage and excessive regeneration with accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins; it is a precursor of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver fibrosis treatments are primarily directed at inflammation, with few options to combat fibrogenesis. Pirfenidone is a drug approved for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and this study was focused on anti-fibrotic and anti-cancer potential of pirfenidone in the liver of male B6C3F1/J mice. In a dose-finding study, mice were treated with CCl4 (0.2ml/kg ip, 2×wk for 4weeks) while on a pirfenidone-containing (0-600mg/kg) diet. Pirfenidone at doses of 300 and 600mg/kg had significant anti-fibrotic (collagen) and anti-inflammatory (serum transaminases and "ballooning" hepatocyte) effects. In a sub-chronic study (14weeks), mice received CCl4 while on pirfenidone (300mg/kg) diet. Pirfenidone significantly reduced collagen deposition, but had little effect of inflammation and injury. In an initiation-promotion cancer study with N-nitrosodiethylamine and CCl4, pirfenidone (300mg/kg) did not affect incidence, size, or multiplicity of liver tumors. Overall, we conclude that while pirfenidone exhibits strong anti-fibrotic effects in early stage liver fibrosis, it is less effective in advanced liver fibrosis and was not protective in an initiation-promotion liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksii Seniutkin
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Shinji Furuya
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Yu-Syuan Luo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Joseph A Cichocki
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Hisataka Fukushima
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Yuki Kato
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sugimoto
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Tomoko Matsumoto
- Analysis Support Department, Shionogi Techno Advance Research Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Takeki Uehara
- Project Management Department, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 12F Hankyu Terminal Bldg., 1-4, Shibata 1-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0012, Japan
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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36
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Yu KN, Nadanaciva S, Rana P, Lee DW, Ku B, Roth AD, Dordick JS, Will Y, Lee MY. Prediction of metabolism-induced hepatotoxicity on three-dimensional hepatic cell culture and enzyme microarrays. Arch Toxicol 2017; 92:1295-1310. [PMID: 29167929 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2126-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human liver contains various oxidative and conjugative enzymes that can convert nontoxic parent compounds to toxic metabolites or, conversely, toxic parent compounds to nontoxic metabolites. Unlike primary hepatocytes, which contain myriad drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), but are difficult to culture and maintain physiological levels of DMEs, immortalized hepatic cell lines used in predictive toxicity assays are easy to culture, but lack the ability to metabolize compounds. To address this limitation and predict metabolism-induced hepatotoxicity in high-throughput, we developed an advanced miniaturized three-dimensional (3D) cell culture array (DataChip 2.0) and an advanced metabolizing enzyme microarray (MetaChip 2.0). The DataChip is a functionalized micropillar chip that supports the Hep3B human hepatoma cell line in a 3D microarray format. The MetaChip is a microwell chip containing immobilized DMEs found in the human liver. As a proof of concept for generating compound metabolites in situ on the chip and rapidly assessing their toxicity, 22 model compounds were dispensed into the MetaChip and sandwiched with the DataChip. The IC50 values obtained from the chip platform were correlated with rat LD50 values, human C max values, and drug-induced liver injury categories to predict adverse drug reactions in vivo. As a result, the platform had 100% sensitivity, 86% specificity, and 93% overall predictivity at optimum cutoffs of IC50 and C max values. Therefore, the DataChip/MetaChip platform could be used as a high-throughput, early stage, microscale alternative to conventional in vitro multi-well plate platforms and provide a rapid and inexpensive assessment of metabolism-induced toxicity at early phases of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeong-Nam Yu
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, 455 Fenn Hall (FH), 1960 East 24th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44115-2214, USA
| | | | - Payal Rana
- Compound Safety Prediction, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, 06340, USA
| | - Dong Woo Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Konyang University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bosung Ku
- Central R & D Center, Medical & Bio Device (MBD) Co., Ltd, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Alexander D Roth
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, 455 Fenn Hall (FH), 1960 East 24th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44115-2214, USA
| | - Jonathan S Dordick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Yvonne Will
- Compound Safety Prediction, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, 06340, USA
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, 455 Fenn Hall (FH), 1960 East 24th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44115-2214, USA.
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Ruigrok MJR, Maggan N, Willaert D, Frijlink HW, Melgert BN, Olinga P, Hinrichs WLJ. siRNA-Mediated RNA Interference in Precision-Cut Tissue Slices Prepared from Mouse Lung and Kidney. AAPS JOURNAL 2017; 19:1855-1863. [PMID: 28895093 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-017-0136-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated RNAi interference (RNAi) is a powerful post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism which can be used to study the function of genes in vitro (cell cultures) and in vivo (animal models). However, there is a translational gap between these models. Hence, there is a need for novel experimental models that combine the advantages of in vitro and in vivo models (e.g., simplicity, flexibility, throughput, and representability) to study the effects of siRNA. This need may be addressed by precision-cut tissue slices (PCTS), which represent an ex vivo model that mimics the structural and functional characteristics of a whole organ. The goal of this study was to investigate whether self-deliverable siRNA (Accell siRNA) can be used in precision-cut lung slices (PCLuS) and precision-cut kidney slices (PCKS) to achieve RNAi ex vivo. PCLuS and PCKS were prepared from mouse tissue, and they were subsequently incubated up to 48 h with no siRNA (untransfected), non-targeting Accell siRNA, or Gapdh-targeting Accell siRNA. Significant Gapdh mRNA silencing was achieved (PCLuS ~ 55%; PCKS ~ 40%) without compromising the viability and morphology of slices. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed that Accell siRNA diffused into PCLuS and PCKS. Spontaneous inflammation upon incubation was observed in PCLuS and PCKS as shown by a higher mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines Il1b, Il6, and Tnfa, although Accell siRNA appeared to diminish this response in PCLuS after 24 h. In conclusion, this ex vivo transfection model can be used to evaluate the effects of siRNA in relevant biological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchel J R Ruigrok
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nalinie Maggan
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Delphine Willaert
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henderik W Frijlink
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology, and Targeting, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Wouter L J Hinrichs
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Luangmonkong T, Suriguga S, Bigaeva E, Boersema M, Oosterhuis D, de Jong KP, Schuppan D, Mutsaers HAM, Olinga P. Evaluating the antifibrotic potency of galunisertib in a human ex vivo model of liver fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:3107-3117. [PMID: 28691737 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis is a major cause of liver-related mortality and, so far, no effective antifibrotic drug is available. Galunisertib, a TGF-β receptor type I kinase inhibitor, is a potential candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Here, we evaluated the potency of galunisertib in a human ex vivo model of liver fibrosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Antifibrotic potency and associated mechanisms were studied ex vivo, using both healthy and cirrhotic human precision-cut liver slices. Fibrosis-related parameters, both transcriptional and translational level, were assessed after treatment with galunisertib. KEY RESULTS Galunisertib showed a prominent antifibrotic potency. Phosphorylation of SMAD2 was inhibited, while that of SMAD1 remained unchanged. In healthy and cirrhotic human livers, spontaneous transcription of numerous genes encoding collagens, including collagen type I, α 1, collagen maturation, non-collageneous extracellular matrix (ECM) components, ECM remodelling and selected ECM receptors was significantly decreased. The reduction of fibrosis-related transcription was paralleled by a significant inhibition of procollagen I C-peptide released by both healthy and cirrhotic human liver slices. Moreover, galunisertib showed similar antifibrotic potency in human and rat lives. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Galunisertib is a drug that deserves to be further investigated for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Inhibition of SMAD2 phosphorylation is probably a central mechanism of action. In addition, blocking the production and maturation of collagens and promoting their degradation are related to the antifibrotic action of galunisertib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerut Luangmonkong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Su Suriguga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Emilia Bigaeva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Boersema
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorenda Oosterhuis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Koert P de Jong
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.,Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henricus A M Mutsaers
- 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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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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40
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Stribos EG, Hillebrands JL, Olinga P, Mutsaers HA. Renal fibrosis in precision-cut kidney slices. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 790:57-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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41
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Norona LM, Nguyen DG, Gerber DA, Presnell SC, LeCluyse EL. Editor's Highlight: Modeling Compound-Induced Fibrogenesis In Vitro Using Three-Dimensional Bioprinted Human Liver Tissues. Toxicol Sci 2016; 154:354-367. [PMID: 27605418 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Compound-induced liver injury leading to fibrosis remains a challenge for the development of an Adverse Outcome Pathway useful for human risk assessment. Latency to detection and lack of early, systematically detectable biomarkers make it difficult to characterize the dynamic and complex intercellular interactions that occur during progressive liver injury. Here, we demonstrate the utility of bioprinted tissue constructs comprising primary hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and endothelial cells to model methotrexate- and thioacetamide-induced liver injury leading to fibrosis. Repeated, low-concentration exposure to these compounds enabled the detection and differentiation of multiple modes of liver injury, including hepatocellular damage, and progressive fibrogenesis characterized by the deposition and accumulation of fibrillar collagens in patterns analogous to those described in clinical samples obtained from patients with fibrotic liver injury. Transient cytokine production and upregulation of fibrosis-associated genes ACTA2 and COL1A1 mimics hallmark features of a classic wound-healing response. A surge in proinflammatory cytokines (eg, IL-8, IL-1β) during the early culture time period is followed by concentration- and treatment-dependent alterations in immunomodulatory and chemotactic cytokines such as IL-13, IL-6, and MCP-1. These combined data provide strong proof-of-concept that 3D bioprinted liver tissues can recapitulate drug-, chemical-, and TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis at the cellular, molecular, and histological levels and underscore the value of the model for further exploration of compound-specific fibrogenic responses. This novel system will enable a more comprehensive characterization of key attributes unique to fibrogenic agents during the onset and progression of liver injury as well as mechanistic insights, thus improving compound risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Norona
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 .,Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599.,The Institute for Drug Safety Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Deborah G Nguyen
- Research and Development, Organovo, Inc, San Diego, California 92121
| | - David A Gerber
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Sharon C Presnell
- Research and Development, Organovo, Inc, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Edward L LeCluyse
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599.,The Institute for Drug Safety Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
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