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Xue X, Li Y, Zhang S, Yao Y, Peng C, Li Y. Hydroxysafflor yellow A exerts anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic effects through miR-29a-3p/PDGFRB axis in liver fibrosis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155830. [PMID: 38959553 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a prevalent pathological process in chronic liver diseases characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and abnormal angiogenesis. Notably, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary source of ECM. Activated HSCs not only secrete numerous pro-fibrotic cytokines but also are endowed with a pro-angiogenic phenotype to promote pathological angiogenesis. Therefore, targeted modulation of HSCs has emerged as a pivotal strategy for addressing liver fibrosis. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is a homology of medicine and food colourant with good pharmacological activity. However, the precise mechanisms of HSYA against liver fibrosis remain unclear. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of HSYA on liver fibrosis and pathological angiogenesis, as well as the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo studies. METHODS The efficacy and mechanisms of HSYA on TGF-β1-induced HSCs and VEGFA-induced endothelial cells were investigated by MTT assay, EdU cell proliferation assay, cell scratch assay, Elisa assay, immunofluorescence assay, molecular docking, cell transfection assay, western blot analysis and RT-qPCR analysis. In CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice model, H&E, Masson, and Sirius red staining were used to observe histopathology. Serum transaminase activity and liver biochemical indexes were tested by biochemical kit. Immunohistochemical, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), western blot analysis and RT-qPCR analysis were implemented to determine the mechanism of HSYA in vivo. RESULTS Herein, our findings confirmed that HSYA inhibited the proliferation, migration and activation of HSCs, as evidenced by a reduction in cell viability, relative migration rate, EdU staining intensity, and pro-fibrotic mRNAs and proteins expression in vitro. Mechanistically, HSYA played an anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic role by partially silencing PDGFRB in activated HSCs, thereby disrupting PDGFRB/MEK/ERK signal transduction and inhibiting the expression of HIF-1α, VEGFA and VEGFR2 proteins. Importantly, PDGFRB was a target gene of miR-29a-3p. Treatment with HSYA reversed the down-regulation of miR-29a-3p and antagonized PDGFRB signaling pathway in TGF-β1-induced HSCs transfected with miR-29a-3p inhibitor. Consistent with our in vitro study, HSYA exhibited a good hepatoprotective effect in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice by reducing serum ALT and AST levels, decreasing the contents of four fibrosis indicators (HA, PIIIP, ColIV and LN) and hydroxyproline, and inhibiting the TGF-β1/TGFBR signaling pathway. In terms of mechanisms, HSYA alleviated pathological angiogenesis in fibrotic liver by deactivating PDGFRB signaling pathway and impairing the positive expression of CD31. Subsequently, FISH results further corroborated HSYA affected the activation of HSCs and angiogenesis achieved by the concurrent upregulation of miR-29a-3p and downregulation of α-SMA and VEGFA. Additionally, treatment with HSYA also forged a link between HSCs and endothelial cells, as supported by inhibiting the aberrant proliferation of endothelial cells. CONCLUSION Fundamentally, the current study has illustrated that HSYA ameliorates liver fibrosis by repressing HSCs-mediated pro-fibrotic and pro-angiogenic processes, which is contingent upon the regulatory effect of HSYA on the miR-29a-3p/PDGFRB axis. These findings provide compelling evidence bolstering the potential of HSYA as a therapeutic agent in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yanzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shenglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Zhao Z, Fan Q, Zhang C, Zheng L, Lin J, Chen M, Wu G, Li H, Huo H, Zhao Q, Luo M. Imperatorin attenuates CCl 4-induced cirrhosis and portal hypertension by improving vascular remodeling and profibrogenic pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 980:176833. [PMID: 39089464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cirrhosis leads to portal hypertension (PHT), affecting survival with limited treatment options. This study investigated Imperatorin (IMP), a furanocoumarin with anti-inflammatory and hypotensive properties, for its therapeutic role and mechanisms in cirrhotic PHT. METHODS Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) inhibition by IMP was evaluated using LX-2 cell line. Rat cirrhosis was induced via CCl4 for 16 weeks. Experimental group were orally administered IMP (15/25 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. We subsequently examined portal pressure (PP), cirrhosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. Network pharmacology was employed for mechanistic insights. RESULTS IMP significantly inhibited the fibrogenesis in HSCs and suppressed cell viability. CCl4 exposure induced cirrhosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, vascular remodeling and PHT. IMP significantly reduced PP from 22.85 ± 3.88 mmHg to 6.67 ± 0.6 mmHg, diminished collagen deposition and pro-fibrotic factor expression, alleviated inflammation, and improved liver function. Vessel wall thickness in superior mesenteric arteries was restored, and intra-/extrahepatic angiogenesis was inhibited via VEGF and vWF. Furthermore, IMP induced sinusoidal vasodilation by upregulating eNOS and GCH1. Enrichment analysis indicated that IMP was involved in various biological processes associated with cirrhosis, such as the regulation of blood pressure, tissue remodeling, response to inflammation, and regulation of angiogenesis, etc. Additionally, IMP suppressed hepatic expression of TGF-β both in vitro and in vivo, which was further supported by KEGG analysis. CONCLUSION Our research demonstrated that IMP significantly mitigated cirrhosis PHT by reducing hepatic fibrosis and inflammation, curbing angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, and promoting vasodilation. This protective mechanism appears to be facilitated through the downregulation of TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Zhao
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiang Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chihao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayun Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangbo Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haizhong Huo
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingchuan Zhao
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Mahmoudi A, Jalili A, Butler AE, Aghaee-Bakhtiari SH, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Exploration of the Key Genes Involved in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Possible MicroRNA Therapeutic Targets. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101365. [PMID: 38433957 PMCID: PMC10904918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising therapeutic agents for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to identify key genes/proteins involved in NAFLD pathogenesis and progression and to evaluate miRNAs influencing their expression. Methods Gene expression profiles from datasets GSE151158, GSE163211, GSE135251, GSE167523, GSE46300, and online databases were analyzed to identify significant NAFLD-related genes. Then, protein-protein interaction networks and module analysis identified hub genes/proteins, which were validated using real-time PCR in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. Functional enrichment analysis evaluated signaling pathways and biological processes. Gene-miRNA interaction networks identified miRNAs targeting critical NAFLD genes. Results The most critical overexpressed hub genes/proteins included: TNF, VEGFA, TLR4, CYP2E1, ACE, SCD, FASN, SREBF2, and TGFB1 based on PPI network analysis, of which TNF, TLR4, SCD, FASN, SREBF2, and TGFB1 were up-regulated in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. Functional enrichment analysis for biological processes highlighted programmed necrotic cell death, lipid metabolic process response to reactive oxygen species, and inflammation. In the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, the highest adjusted P-value signaling pathways encompassed AGE-RAGE in diabetic complications, TNF, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. In gene-miRNA network analysis, miR-16 and miR-124 were highlighted as the miRNAs exerting the most influence on important NAFLD-related genes. Conclusion In silico analyses identified NAFLD therapeutic targets and miRNA candidates to guide further experimental investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Amin Jalili
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | | | - Seyed H. Aghaee-Bakhtiari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Xue X, Li Y, Yao Y, Zhang S, Peng C, Li Y. A comprehensive review of miR-21 in liver disease: Big impact of little things. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112116. [PMID: 38696909 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112116] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNA with 20-24 nucleotides, are defined as the powerful regulators for gene expression. miR-21 is a multifunctional miRNA enriched in the circulatory system and multiple organs, which not only serves as a non-invasive biomarker in disease diagnosis, but also participates in many cellular activities. In various chronic liver diseases, the increase of miR-21 affects glycolipid metabolism, viral infection, inflammatory and immune cell activation, hepatic stellate cells activation and tissue fibrosis, and autophagy. Moreover, miR-21 is also a liaison in the deterioration of chronic liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it impacts on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune escape, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation by regulating target genes expression in different signaling pathways. In current research on miRNA therapy, some natural products can exert the hepatoprotective effects depending on the inhibition of miR-21 expression. In addition, miR-21-based therapeutic also play a role in regulating intracellular miR-21 levels and enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Herein, we systemically summarized the recent progress of miR-21 on biosynthesis, biomarker function, molecular mechanism and miRNA therapy in chronic liver disease and HCC, and looked forward to outputting some information to enable it from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yanzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shenglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Zhang M, Yang J, Yuan Y, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Cui R, Maliu Y, Xu F, Wu X. Recruitment or activation of mast cells in the liver aggravates the accumulation of fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. Mol Immunol 2024; 170:60-75. [PMID: 38626622 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.04.009] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases caused by viral infections, alcoholism, drugs, or chemical poisons are a significant health problem: Liver diseases are a leading contributor to mortality, with approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Liver fibrosis, as a common liver disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition, is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and there is no effective treatment. Numerous studies have shown that the accumulation of mast cells (MCs) in the liver is closely associated with liver injury caused by a variety of factors. This study investigated the relationship between MCs and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and the effects of the MC stabilizers sodium cromoglycate (SGC) and ketotifen (KET) on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The results showed that MCs were recruited or activated during CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Coadministration of SCG or KET alleviated the liver fibrosis by decreasing SCF/c-kit expression, inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway, depressing the HIF-1a/VEGF pathway, activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and increasing the hepatic levels of GSH, GSH-Px, and GR, thereby reducing hepatic oxidative stress. Collectively, recruitment or activation of MCs is linked to liver fibrosis and the stabilization of MCs may provide a new approach to the prevention of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jinru Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yufan Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yazhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Ruirui Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yimai Maliu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Fen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xin'an Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China.
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Zhang H, Hong Z, Jiang Z, Hu W, Hu J, Zhu R. miR-29b-3p Affects the Hypertrophy of Ligamentum Flavum in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and its Mechanism. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10811-8. [PMID: 38625592 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10811-8] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
To explore the effect of miR-29b-3p on fibrosis and hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum (LF) in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and its underlying mechanism. Patients with LSS and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) (control) undergoing posterior lumbar laminectomy were included in this study. Human LF samples were obtained for LF cell isolation, RNA, and protein extraction. Histomorphological analysis of LF was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. After isolation, culture, and transfection of primary LF cells, different transfection groups were constructed: NC-mimic, miR-29b-3p-mimic, NC-inhibitor, and miR-29b-3p-inhibitor. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of miR-29b-3p in LF and LF cells. Western blot analysis detected the protein expressions of P16 and CyclinD1. ELISA detected the protein expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, TLR4, Type I collagen, and Type III collagen. Finally, LF cell viability was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. The thickness of LF was significantly thicker in the LSS group compared to the LDH group (p < 0.05), accompanied by a higher calcification degree, more fibroblasts, and a larger area of collagen fiber proliferation. miR-29b-3p expression was significantly lower in LSS-derived LF tissues and cells than in LDH-derived tissues and cells (both p < 0.05). Compared to the NC-mimic group, the miR-29b-3p-mimic group exhibited significantly higher miR-29b-3p expression, decreased protein expressions of Type I collagen, Type III collagen, TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, TLR4, P16, and CyclinD1, and inhibited LF cell proliferation (all p < 0.05). As expected, the miR-29b-3p-inhibitor group displayed contrasting expression patterns (all p < 0.05). Compared to the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group, the Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO) group showed significantly increased expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, TLR4, Type I collagen, Type III collagen, P16, and CyclinD1, as well as enhanced LF cell proliferation (all p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the TMAO group and the Ang II group (all p > 0.05). Upregulation of miR-29b-3p expression may play a role in improving LF fibrosis and hypertrophy in LSS by inhibiting P16 expression and suppressing the activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. This finding offers new insights into future gene modification therapy for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dehong People's Hospital, Kunming Medical University Affiliated Dehong Hospital, Dehong, No.13 Yonghan Road, Mangshi District, 678400, China
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Zhixiong Hong
- Department of Orthopedics, Dehong People's Hospital, Kunming Medical University Affiliated Dehong Hospital, Dehong, No.13 Yonghan Road, Mangshi District, 678400, China
| | - Zehua Jiang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, No.190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300122, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, No.190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300122, China
| | - Jiashao Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dehong People's Hospital, Kunming Medical University Affiliated Dehong Hospital, Dehong, No.13 Yonghan Road, Mangshi District, 678400, China
| | - Rusen Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, No.190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300122, China.
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Mao S, Wang X, Li M, Liu H, Liang H. The role and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in liver fibrosis. Nitric Oxide 2024; 145:41-48. [PMID: 38360133 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the third new gas signaling molecule in the human body after the discovery of NO and CO. Similar to NO, it has the functions of vasodilation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regulation of cell formation. Enzymes that can produce endogenous H2S, such as CSE, CSB, and 3-MST, are common in liver tissues and are important regulatory molecules in the liver. In the development of liver fibrosis, H2S concentration and expression of related enzymes change significantly, which makes it possible to use exogenous gases to treat liver diseases. This review summarizes the role of H2S in liver fibrosis and its complications induced by NAFLD and CCl4, and elaborates on the anti-liver fibrosis effect of H2S through the mechanism of reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, regulating autophagy, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, providing theoretical reference for further research on the treatment of liver fibrosis with H2S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyu Mao
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Miaoqing Li
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hanshu Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hongxia Liang
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Huang S, Xiao X, Wu H, Zhou F, Fu C. MicroRNA-582-3p knockdown alleviates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by altering the gut microbiota composition and moderating TMBIM1. Ir J Med Sci 2024; 193:909-916. [PMID: 37823951 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03529-w] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut dysbiosis correlates with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), involving the moderation of miRNAs. AIMS This study was aimed to investigate the correlation between gut microbiota and miR-582-3p in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and to explore the possible regulation of miR-582-3p in the function of the activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS GSE69670 and GSE14435 datasets were analyzed by GEO2R. Plasma and fecal samples were obtained from the subjects, non-steatosis (n = 35), simple steatosis (n = 35), and NASH (n = 35). The variations in intestinal microbiota in the non-steatosis and NASH groups were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. The expression of miR-582-3p among the groups was detected using RT-qPCR. Correlations between top-changed intestinal microbiota and miR-582-3p expression were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Target gene identification was performed by prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay. The effect of miR-582-3p on the cell function of TGF-β1-induced HSCs was assessed in vitro. RESULTS miR-582-3p was the common differentially expressed miRNA between GSE69670 and GSE14435. miR-582-3p was upregulated in NASH patients' plasma, as well as in TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cells. The non-steatosis and NASH groups showed significantly different intestinal microbiota distribution. miR-582-3p was positively correlated with specific microbiota populations. TMBIM1 was a target gene for miR-582-3p. Knockdown of miR-582-3p suppressed HSC proliferation and myofibroblast markers' expression but induced cell apoptosis, via TMBIM1. CONCLUSIONS This present study suggests that miR-582-3p promotes the progression of NASH. Knockdown of miR-582-3p may alleviate NASH by altering the gut microbiota composition and moderating TMBIM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hunan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Xia Xiao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hunan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Hongman Wu
- Department of Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, NO.87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Department of Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, NO.87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Chenchao Fu
- Department of Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, NO.87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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Hajiasgharzadeh K, Shahabi P, Karimi-Sales E, Alipour MR. Effects of nicotine on microRNA-124 expression in bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in rats. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 25:27. [PMID: 38549169 PMCID: PMC10976767 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-024-00749-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nicotine, the main compound of smoking may exert its effects by changing the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). This study was conducted to further investigate the molecular mechanisms of miRNA-dependent effects of nicotine in an animal model of liver fibrosis. METHODS The bile duct ligation (BDL) approach was used to create a model of liver fibrosis. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used in the study. The effects of nicotine administration on miRNA-124 expression, as well as alpha-smooth muscle actin (liver fibrosis marker) and chemokine ligand 2 (an inflammatory chemokine), were investigated using RT-qPCR. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3; as a potential target for miRNA-124) were investigated by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. Liver enzyme activity levels were measured using a colorimetric assay. In addition, the effects of nicotine on the process of liver fibrosis were investigated with histological studies. RESULTS The development of liver fibrosis in BDL rats and nicotine administration led to a decrease in miRNA-124 expression. The decrease in the expression is accompanied by the increase in the expression of fibrotic and proinflammatory genes. Also, an increase in STAT-3 mRNA and protein expression was observed in the fibrotic rats that received nicotine. In addition, the significant increase in bilirubin and liver enzymes in fibrotic rats worsens with nicotine administration. The results of histological studies also confirm these results. CONCLUSION Considering that miRNA-124 is an anti-inflammatory miRNA, it can be concluded that the decrease in its expression due to nicotine exposure leads to an increase in inflammatory processes and subsequently to an increase in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Karimi-Sales
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Alipour
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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10
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Diwan R, Gaytan SL, Bhatt HN, Pena-Zacarias J, Nurunnabi M. Liver fibrosis pathologies and potentials of RNA based therapeutics modalities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8. [PMID: 38446352 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8] [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] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs when the liver tissue responds to injury or inflammation by producing excessive amounts of scar tissue, known as the extracellular matrix. This buildup stiffens the liver tissue, hinders blood flow, and ultimately impairs liver function. Various factors can trigger this process, including bloodborne pathogens, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While some existing small-molecule therapies offer limited benefits, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments that can truly cure LF. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising approach, as they can potentially downregulate cytokine levels in cells responsible for liver fibrosis. Researchers are actively exploring various RNA-based therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and oligonucleotides, to assess their efficacy in animal models. Furthermore, targeted drug delivery systems hold immense potential in this field. By utilizing lipid nanoparticles, exosomes, nanocomplexes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, researchers aim to deliver therapeutic agents directly to specific biomarkers or cytokines within the fibrotic liver, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. In conclusion, this review highlights the complex nature of liver fibrosis, its underlying causes, and the promising potential of RNA-based therapeutics and targeted delivery systems. Continued research in these areas could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment options for LF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Samantha Lynn Gaytan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Himanshu Narendrakumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pena-Zacarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
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11
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Liu W, Zhang L, Wei X, Xu Y, Fang Q, Qi S, Chen J, Wang C, Wang S, Qin L, Liu P, Wu J. Structural characterization of an inulin neoseries-type fructan from Ophiopogonis Radix and the therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis in vivo. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 327:121659. [PMID: 38171656 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Ophiopogonis Radix is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine and functional food that is rich in polysaccharides and has fructan as a characteristic component. In this study, an inulin neoseries-type fructan designated as OJP-W2 was obtained and characterized from Ophiopogonis Radix, and its potential therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis in vivo were investigated. Structural studies revealed that OJP-W2 had a molecular weight of 5.76 kDa and was composed of glucose and fructose with a molar ratio of 1.00:30.87. Further analysis revealed OJP-W2 has a predominantly lineal (1-2)-linked β-D-fructosyl units linked to the glucose moiety of the sucrose molecule with (2-6)-linked β-D-fructosyl side chains. Pharmacological studies revealed that OJP-W2 exerted a marked hepatoprotective effect against liver fibrosis, the mechanism of action was involved in regulating collagen deposition (α-SMA, COL1A1 and liver Hyp contents) and TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway, alleviating liver inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, CCL5 and F4/80) and MAPK signaling pathway, and inhibiting hepatic apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2, ATF4 and Caspase 3). These data provide evidence for expanding Ophiopogonis Radix-acquired fructan types and advancing our understanding of the specific role of inulin neoseries-type fructan in liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Linzhang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Basic Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndrome, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xia Wei
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Basic Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndrome, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongbin Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qinqin Fang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shenglan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Basic Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndrome, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shunchun Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Luping Qin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of pharmacy, Institude of Liver Diseases, The NATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Basic Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndrome, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jianjun Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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12
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Pang X, Gao S, Liu T, Xu FX, Fan C, Zhang JF, Jiang H. Identification of STAT3 as a biomarker for cellular senescence in liver fibrosis: A bioinformatics and experimental validation study. Genomics 2024; 116:110800. [PMID: 38286349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110800] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular senescence is associated with a dysregulated inflammatory response, which is an important driver of the development of liver fibrosis (LF). This study aimed to investigate the effect of cellular senescence on LF and identify potential key biomarkers through bioinformatics analysis combined with validation experiments in vivo and in vitro. METHODS The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and GeneCards database were used to download the LF dataset and the aging-related gene set, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of differential genes was then performed using GO and KEGG. Hub genes were further screened using Cytoscape's cytoHubba. Diagnostic values for hub genes were evaluated with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Next, CIBERSORTx was used to estimate immune cell types and ratios. Finally, in vivo and in vitro experiments validated the results of the bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, molecular docking was used to simulate drug-gene interactions. RESULTS A total of 44 aging-related differentially expressed genes (AgDEGs) were identified, and enrichment analysis showed that these genes were mainly enriched in inflammatory and immune responses. PPI network analysis identified 6 hub AgDEGs (STAT3, TNF, MMP9, CD44, TGFB1, and TIMP1), and ROC analysis showed that they all have good diagnostic value. Immune infiltration suggested that hub AgDEGs were significantly associated with M1 macrophages or other immune cells. Notably, STAT3 was positively correlated with α-SMA, COL1A1, IL-6 and IL-1β, and was mainly expressed in hepatocytes (HCs). Validation experiments showed that STAT3 expression was upregulated and cellular senescence was increased in LF mice. A co-culture system of HCs and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) further revealed that inhibiting STAT3 reduced HCs senescence and suppressed HSCs activation. In addition, molecular docking revealed that STAT3 was a potential drug therapy target. CONCLUSIONS STAT3 may be involved in HCs senescence and promote HSCs activation, which in turn leads to the development of LF. Our findings suggest that STAT3 could be a potential biomarker for LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Pang
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Shang Gao
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Feng Xia Xu
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Fan
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China
| | - Jia Fu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China.
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13
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Dan L, Hao Y, Song H, Wang T, Li J, He X, Su Y. Efficacy and potential mechanisms of the main active ingredients of astragalus mongholicus in animal models of liver fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117198. [PMID: 37722514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragalus mongholicus (AM) is a Qi-tonifying and immune-regulating herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is increasingly regarded as a profound complementary medication in the treatment of fibrosis disease. Astragaloside (AS), astragaloside flavonoids (AF) and astragaloside polysaccharides (APS) are the main active ingredients of Astragalus Mongholicus (AM) that have a significant therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis. AIM OF THE STUDY This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects and possible mechanisms of the main active ingredients of AM including astragaloside (AS), astragalus flavone (AF) and astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in animal models of liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We systematically searched ten databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest database, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), VIP Information Chinese Periodical Service Platform (VIP), WangFang database and China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM) to identify relevant animal studies from inception to November 2022. The SYRCLE's risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality. The statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS Twenty-three studies involving 482 animals were included. Studies quality scores ranged from 4 to 5. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD, -3.87; 95% CI, -5.09 to -2.65; P < 0.00001) aminotransferase (AST) (SMD, -4.43; 95% CI, -5.77 to -3.08; P < 0.00001), hydroxyproline (HYP) (SMD, -2.94; 95% CI, -3.83 to -2.05; P < 0.00001) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (SMD, -2.82; 95% CI, -3.57 to -2.06; P < 0.00001) were the main outcome measures to be analyzed. The meta-analysis revealed that the main active ingredients of AM lowered the levels of known risk factors including liver index (SMD, -1.25; 95% CI, -1.63 to -0.87; P < 0.00001), degree of liver fibrosis (SMD, -1.93; 95% CI, -2.57 to -1.28; P < 0.00001), collagen α type I (Col)-1 (SMD, -3.71; 95% CI, -5.63 to -1.79; P = 0.0001), hyaluronic acid (HA) (SMD, -2.65; 95% CI, -3.69 to -1.61; P < 0.00001), laminin (LN) (SMD, -2.06; 95% CI, -2.51 to -1.61; P < 0.00001), type IV collagen (CIV) (SMD, -3.04; 95% CI, -4.34 to -1.74; P < 0.00001), procollagen typeIII (PCIII) (SMD, -2.60; 95% CI, -3.15 to -2.05; P < 0.00001), albumin (ALB) (SMD, -1.19; 95% CI, -1.63 to -0.75; P < 0.00001), total bilirubin (TBiL) (SMD, -3.63; 95% CI, -5.39 to -1.88; P < 0.0001), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (SMD, -5.27; 95% CI, -6.94 to -3.61; P < 0.00001) and Smad3 (SMD, -4.11; 95% CI, -7.17 to -1.05; P = 0.009) level. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis demonstrates the effective role of the main active ingredients of AM in preclinical studies of liver fibrosis. The underlying mechanisms may be related to attenuation of oxidative stress, modulation of inflammatory response and inhibition of collagen production. However, due to the significant heterogeneity and poor quality of included studies, positive findings should be treated cautiously. REGISTRATION PROSPERO ID CRD42023382282.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Dan
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanwei Hao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongfei Song
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- The Affiliated Chengdu 363 Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Su
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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14
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Ajam-Hosseini M, Akhoondi F, Parvini F, Fahimi H. Gram-negative bacterial sRNAs encapsulated in OMVs: an emerging class of therapeutic targets in diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1305510. [PMID: 38983695 PMCID: PMC11232669 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1305510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) encapsulated in outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are critical post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. OMVs are small spherical structures released by Gram-negative bacteria that serve as important vehicles for intercellular communication and can also play an important role in bacterial virulence and host-pathogen interactions. These molecules can interact with mRNAs or proteins and affect various cellular functions and physiological processes in the producing bacteria. This review aims to provide insight into the current understanding of sRNA localization to OMVs in Gram-negative bacteria and highlights the identification, characterization and functional implications of these encapsulated sRNAs. By examining the research gaps in this field, we aim to inspire further exploration and progress in investigating the potential therapeutic applications of OMV-encapsulated sRNAs in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mobarakeh Ajam-Hosseini
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Akhoondi
- Department of Molecular Biology of The Cell, Faculty of Bioscience, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Farshid Parvini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hossein Fahimi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Du Y, Zhu S, Zeng H, Wang Z, Huang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang W, Zhu J, Yang C. Research Progress on the Effect of Autophagy and Exosomes on Liver Fibrosis. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:785-797. [PMID: 37102476 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230427112930] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease is a known risk factor for the development of liver cancer, and the development of microRNA (miRNA) liver therapies has been hampered by the difficulty of delivering miRNA to damaged tissues. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that hepatic stellate cell (HSC) autophagy and exosomes play an important role in maintaining liver homeostasis and ameliorating liver fibrosis. In addition, the interaction between HSC autophagy and exosomes also affects the progression of liver fibrosis. In this paper, we review the research progress of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-EVs) loaded with specific miRNA and autophagy, and their related signaling pathways in liver fibrosis, which will provide a more reliable basis for the use of MSC-EVs for therapeutic delivery of miRNAs targeting the chronic liver disease.
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Grants
- 2021A1515011580, 2021B1515140012, 2023A1515010083, 2022A1515011696 Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
- 20211800905342, 20221800905572 Dongguan Science and Technology of Social Development Program
- 20211216 Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Guangdong Province
- A2020096, B2021330 Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Guangdong Province
- k202005 Research and Development Fund of Dongguan People's Hospital
- pdjh2021b0224 Special Funds for the Cultivation of Guangdong College Students' Scientific and Technological Innovation (Climbing Program Special Funds)
- 2020ZZDS002, 2020ZYDS005, 2021ZZDS006, 2021ZCDS003, ZYDS003 Guangdong Medical University Students' Innovation Experiment Program
- GDMU2020010, GDMU2020078, GDMU2021003, GDMU2021049 Guangdong Medical University Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program
- 202110571010, S202110571078, 202210571008, S202210571075 Provincial and National College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program
- 4SG23033G Guangdong Medical University-Southern Medical University Twinning Research Team Project
- GDMUZ2020009 Scientific Research Fund of Guangdong Medical University
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikuan Du
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, 523059, China
| | - Silin Zhu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Haojie Zeng
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Zhenjie Wang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yixing Huang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yuqi Zhou
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Weichui Zhang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523716, China
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16
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Guan W, Chen Y, Fan Y. miR-26a is a Key Therapeutic Target with Enormous Potential in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Human Disease. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2550-2570. [PMID: 38204224 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673271808231116075056] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNA-26a (miR-26a) belongs to small non-coding regulatory RNA molecules emerging as fundamental post-transcriptional regulators inhibiting gene expression that plays vital roles in various processes of human diseases such as depression, renal ischemia and reperfusion injury, liver injury and some refractory cancer. In this review, we expound on the results of studies about miR-26a with emphasis on its function in animal models or in vitro cell culture to simulate the most common human disease in the clinic. Furthermore, we also illustrate the underlying mechanisms of miR-26a in strengthening the antitumor activity of antineoplastic drugs. Importantly, dysregulation of miR-26a has been related to many chronic and malignant diseases, especially in neurological disorders in the brain such as depression and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancers such as papillary thyroid carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and so on. It follows that miR-26a has a strong possibility to be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neurological disorders and cancers. Although the research of miRNAs has made great progress in the last few decades, much is yet to be discovered, especially regarding their underlying mechanisms and roles in the complex diseases of humans. Consequently, miR-26a has been analyzed in chronic and malignant diseases, and we discuss the dysregulation of miR-26a and functional roles in the development and pathogenesis of these diseases, which is very helpful for understanding their mechanisms as new biomarkers for diagnosing and curing diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong, 226006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhangjiagang Second People's Hospital, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, China
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17
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Atkova EL, Krakhovetskiy NN, Fokina ND, Murakhovskaya YK, Kulish KK, Avagyan AS, Smirnova NS. [Pharmacological prevention of fibrosis in dacryosurgery]. Vestn Oftalmol 2024; 140:180-189. [PMID: 38739149 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2024140022180] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory process in the lacrimal drainage system is the main etiological factor leading to dacryostenosis and consequent obliteration - partial and total nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Prevention of this process is an urgent problem in dacryology. Currently, there is very little research on the development and use of conservative methods for treating dacryostenosis using anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-fibrotic drugs. In this regard, the main method of treating lacrimal drainage obstruction is dacryocystorhinostomy. However, the problem of recurrence after this operation has not been resolved. The causes of recurrence can be cicatricial healing of dacryocystorhinostomy ostium, canalicular obstruction, formation of granulations and synechiae in its area. Surgical methods of recurrence prevention are associated with possible complications, and there is conflicting data on the feasibility of their use. Based on this, the development of pharmacological methods for the prevention of fibrosis in dacryology is promising, among which the antitumor antibiotic Mitomycin C is the most studied. However, there are no specific scientifically substantiated recommendations for the use of this drug, and the data on its effectiveness vary. This has prompted researchers to look for and study alternative anti-fibrotic agents, such as antitumor drugs, glucocorticoids, hyaluronic acid, small molecule, biological, immunological and genetically engineered drugs, as well as nanoparticles. This review presents the current data on the efficacy and prospects of the use of these drugs in dacryology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Atkova
- Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - N D Fokina
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu K Murakhovskaya
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - K K Kulish
- Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Avagyan
- Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - N S Smirnova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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18
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Zhang Y, Gu T, Xu S, Wang J, Zhu X. Anti-Liver Fibrosis Role of miRNA-96-5p via Targeting FN1 and Inhibiting ECM-Receptor Interaction Pathway. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:6840-6855. [PMID: 36943602 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04385-1] [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] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The aberrant expression of mRNAs participates in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. However, the precise mechanisms regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the functions about differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) in liver fibrosis and their regulatory mechanisms. The DEMs datasets about hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) obtained from hepatic fibrosis mice versus HSCs obtained from normal mice were downloaded from the GEO database (GSE120281). According to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of the GSE120281 datasets, ECM-receptor interaction was the most significant enrichment pathway that was correlated with hepatic fibrosis, and the fibronectin 1 (FN1) gene was upregulated most significantly in the signaling pathway. Downregulation of the expression of the FN1 gene by transfecting with FN1-siRNA alleviated the activity of HSCs. Four different bioinformatics web-based tools were used to predict that microRNA-96-5p (miR-96-5p) would directly target FN1, and a luciferase assay further confirmed this. Moreover, miR-96-5p was declined in activated HSCs and FN1, whereas laminin γ1 (LAMC1), collagen 1α1 (COL1A1) in the ECM-receptor interaction pathway, and the fibrosis marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) could be reduced by upregulation of the miRNA. Additionally, miR-96-5p expression was low in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice. Increased miR-96-5p expression alleviated liver fibrosis, improved liver function, and inhibited the expression of α-SMA, FN1, COL1A1, and LAMC1. In conclusion, this study indicated that upregulation of miR-96-5p could reduce HSC activation and relieve hepatic fibrosis by restraining the FN1/ECM-receptor interaction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Tengfei Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Lianshui County, Huaian, 223400, China
| | - Sanrong Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Jingzhi Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng First Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, 224006, China.
| | - Xinguo Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
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19
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Zhang Y, Wang L, Shao J, Liu Y, Lu Y, Yang J, Xu S, Zhang J, Li M, Liu X, Zheng M. Nano-calcipotriol as a potent anti-hepatic fibrosis agent. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e354. [PMID: 37638336 PMCID: PMC10458662 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcipotriol (CAL) has been widely studied as a fibrosis inhibitor and used to treat plaque psoriasis via transdermal administration. The clinical application of CAL to treat liver fibrosis is bottlenecked by its unsatisfactory pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and side effects, such as hypercalcemia in patients. The exploration of CAL as a safe and effective antifibrotic agent remains a major challenge. Therefore, we rationally designed and synthesized a self-assembled drug nanoparticle encapsulating CAL in its internal hydrophobic core for systematic injection (termed NPs/CAL) and further investigated the beneficial effect of the nanomaterial on liver fibrosis. C57BL/6 mice were used as the animal model, and human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 was used as the cellular model of hepatic fibrogenesis. Immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, and in vitro imaging were used for evaluating the efficacy of NPs/CAL treatment. We found NPs/CAL can be quickly internalized in vitro, thus potently deactivating LX-2 cells. In addition, NPs/CAL improved blood circulation and the accumulation of CAL in liver tissue. Importantly, NPs/CAL strongly contributed to the remission of liver fibrosis without inducing hypercalcemia. Overall, our work identifies a promising paradigm for the development of nanomaterial-based agents for liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yina Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Liying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Department of General SurgerySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for BionanoengineeringCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jiajia Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yanning Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yining Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Siduo Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jingkang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Minwei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for BionanoengineeringCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Min Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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20
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Pratim Das P, Medhi S. Role of inflammasomes and cytokines in immune dysfunction of liver cirrhosis. Cytokine 2023; 170:156347. [PMID: 37639845 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis develops as a result of persistent inflammation and liver injury. The prolonged inflammation triggers the buildup of fibrous tissue and regenerative nodules within the liver, leading to the distortion of the hepatic vascular structure and impaired liver function. Cirrhosis disrupts the ability of liver function to maintain homeostasis and hepatic immunosurveillance which causes immunological dysfunction in the body. In pathological conditions, the production of cytokines in the liver is carefully regulated by various cells in response to tissue stimulation. Cytokines and inflammasomes are the key regulators and systematically contribute to the development of cirrhosis which involves an inflammatory response. However, the crosstalk role of different cytokines in the cirrhosis progression is poorly understood. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), among others, are proinflammatory cytokines that contribute to liver cell necrosis, which in turn causes the development of fibrosis. While IL-10 exhibits a potent anti-inflammatory effect on the liver by inhibiting immune cell activation and neutralizing pro-inflammatory cytokine activity. Inflammasomes have also been implicated in the profibrotic processes of liver cirrhosis, as well as the production of chemokines such as CCL2/MCP-1. It is evident that inflammasomes have a role in the proinflammatory response seen in chronic liver illnesses. In conclusion, cirrhosis significantly impacts the immune system, leading to immunological dysfunction and alterations in both innate and acquired immunity. Proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFNγ are upregulated in cirrhosis, contributing to liver cell necrosis and fibrosis development. Managing cytokine-mediated inflammation and fibrosis is a key therapeutic approach to alleviate portal hypertension and its associated liver complications. This review attempted to focus largely on the role of immune dysfunction mediated by different cytokines and inflammasomes involved in the progression, regulation and development of liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Pratim Das
- Dept. of Bioengineering & Technology, Gauhati University, Assam 781014, India
| | - Subhash Medhi
- Dept. of Bioengineering & Technology, Gauhati University, Assam 781014, India.
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21
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Shi H, Zhao XH, Peng Q, Zhou XL, Liu SS, Sun CC, Cao QY, Zhu SP, Sun SY. Green tea polyphenols alleviate di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced liver injury in mice. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:5054-5074. [PMID: 37753369 PMCID: PMC10518738 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i34.5054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer known to cause liver injury. Green tea is reported to exert therapeutic effects on heavy metal exposure-induced organ damage. However, limited studies have examined the therapeutic effects of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) on DEHP-induced liver damage. AIM To evaluate the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of GTPs on DEHP-induced liver damage. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were divided into the following five groups: Control, model [DEHP (1500 mg/kg bodyweight)], treatment [DEHP (1500 mg/kg bodyweight) + GTP (70 mg/kg bodyweight), oil, and GTP (70 mg/kg bodyweight)] groups. After 8 wk, the liver function, blood lipid profile, and liver histopathology were examined. Differentially expressed micro RNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs in the liver tissues were examined using high-throughput sequencing. Additionally, functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration prediction were performed. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis was elucidated using the starBase database. Protein expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS GTPs alleviated DHEP-induced liver dysfunction, blood lipid dysregulation, fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum lesions in mice. The infiltration of macrophages, mast cells, and natural killer cells varied between the model and treatment groups. mmu-miR-141-3p (a differentially expressed miRNA), Zcchc24 (a differentially expressed mRNA), and Zcchc24 (a differentially expressed protein) constituted the miRNA-mRNA-protein regulatory axis involved in mediating the therapeutic effects of GTPs on DEHP-induced liver damage in mice. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that GTPs mitigate DEHP-induced liver dysfunction, blood lipid dysregulation, fatty liver disease, and partial liver fibrosis, and regulate immune cell infiltration. Additionally, an important miRNA-mRNA-protein molecular regulatory axis involved in mediating the therapeutic effects of GTPs on DEHP-induced liver damage was elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Shi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 522000, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Shaoyang, Shaoyang 422000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xin-Hai Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 522000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qin Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Shaoyang, Shaoyang 422000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xian-Ling Zhou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 522000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Si-Si Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Central Hospital of Shaoyang, Shaoyang 422000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chuan-Chuan Sun
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 522000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiu-Yu Cao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 522000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shi-Ping Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 522000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sheng-Yun Sun
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 522000, Guangdong Province, China
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22
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Sweef O, Zaabout E, Bakheet A, Halawa M, Gad I, Akela M, Tousson E, Abdelghany A, Furuta S. Unraveling Therapeutic Opportunities and the Diagnostic Potential of microRNAs for Human Lung Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2061. [PMID: 37631277 PMCID: PMC10459057 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a major public health problem and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in treatment options, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients remains low, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer due to their crucial roles in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. For example, miR-34a and miR-150, once delivered to lung cancer via liposomes or nanoparticles, can inhibit tumor growth by downregulating critical cancer promoting genes. Conversely, miR-21 and miR-155, frequently overexpressed in lung cancer, are associated with increased cell proliferation, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the roles of miRNAs in lung carcinogenesis, especially those induced by exposure to environmental pollutants, namely, arsenic and benzopyrene, which account for up to 1/10 of lung cancer cases. We then discuss the recent advances in miRNA-based cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Such information will provide new insights into lung cancer pathogenesis and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic modalities based on miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Sweef
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Elsayed Zaabout
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ahmed Bakheet
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
| | - Mohamed Halawa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ibrahim Gad
- Department of Statistics and Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Akela
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab Tousson
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Abdelghany
- Biomedical Research Center of University of Granada, Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Saori Furuta
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
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23
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Cao S, Wang D, Wu Y, Zhang J, Pu L, Luo X, Zhang X, Sun X, Zheng Y, Wang S, Guo X. mmu-miRNA-342-3p promotes hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatic fibrosis induced by Echinococcus multilocularis infection via targeting Zbtb7a. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011520. [PMID: 37490505 PMCID: PMC10403128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the histopathological characters during Echinococcus multilocularis infection. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key event in the development of liver fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanism of HSC activation in the E. multilocularis infection-induced liver fibrosis remains largely unclear. Here, we reported that mmu-miR-342-3p was most dominantly expressed in HSCs and was upregulated in the HSCs in response to E. multilocularis infection. We further showed that mmu-miR-342-3p was able to bind to the 3' UTR of the Zbtb7a gene and regulated its expression. Moreover, mmu-miR-342-3p expression was negatively correlated with its target gene Zbtb7a in HSCs during E. multilocularis infection. Knockdown of mmu-miR-342-3p promoted the expression of Gfap in the activated HSCs in vitro. In the E. multilocularis-infected mice, knockdown of mmu-miR-342-3p suppressed the expression of α-Sma, Col1α1, and TGF-β but promoted the expression of Gfap. Therefore, mmu-miR-342-3p is a key regulator for activation of HSCs, and inhibiting mmu-miR-342-3p to promote Zbtb7a-mediated TGF-β signaling in activated HSCs could be a novel strategy to treat liver fibrosis induced by E. multilocularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanling Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dexian Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yixuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Junmei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lixia Pu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xuenong Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xueyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining P. R. China
| | - Xiaolin Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yadong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaola Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Shao C, Xu H, Sun X, Huang Y, Guo W, He Y, Ye L, Wang Z, Huang J, Liang X, Zhang J. New Perspectives on Chinese Medicine in Treating Hepatic Fibrosis: Lipid Droplets in Hepatic Stellate Cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2023; 51:1413-1429. [PMID: 37429706 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x23500647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a wound healing response featuring excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) that occurs during chronic liver injury. As an initial stage of various liver diseases, HF is a reversible pathological process that, if left unchecked, can escalate into cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. HF is a life-threatening disease presenting morbidity and mortality challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. There is no specific and effective anti-HF therapy, and the toxic side effects of the available drugs also impose a heavy financial burden on patients. Therefore, it is significant to study the pathogenesis of HF and explore effective prevention and treatment measures. Formerly called adipocytes, or fat storage cells, HSCs regulate liver growth, immunity, and inflammation, as well as energy and nutrient homeostasis. HSCs in a quiescent state do not proliferate and store abundant lipid droplets (LDs). Catabolism of LDs is characteristic of the activation of HSCs and morphological transdifferentiation of cells into contractile and proliferative myofibroblasts, resulting in the deposition of ECM and the development of HF. Recent studies have revealed that various Chinese medicines (e.g., Artemisia annua, turmeric, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, etc.) are able to effectively reduce the degradation of LDs in HSCs. Therefore, this study takes the modification of LDs in HSCs as an entry point to elaborate on the process of Chinese medicine intervening in the loss of LDs in HSCs and the mechanism of action for the treatment of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Shao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
| | - Huihui Xu
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
| | - Xiguang Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
| | - Wenqin Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
| | - Yi He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
| | - Linmao Ye
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
| | - Zhili Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofan Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, P. R. China
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25
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Li L, Diao S, Chen Z, Zhang J, Chen W, Wang T, Chen X, Zhao Y, Xu T, Huang C, Li J. DNMT3a-mediated methylation of TCF21/hnRNPA1 aggravates hepatic fibrosis by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Pharmacol Res 2023; 193:106808. [PMID: 37268177 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is caused by liver damage as a consequence of wound healing response. Recent studies have shown that hepatic fibrosis could be effectively reversed, partly through regression of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Transcription factor 21 (TCF21), a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in various diseases. However, the mechanism by which TCF21 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in hepatic fibrosis has not been elucidated. In this research, we found that hnRNPA1, the downstream binding protein of TCF21, accelerates hepatic fibrosis reversal by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, the combination of DNMT3a with TCF21 promoter results in TCF21 hypermethylation. Our results suggest that DNMT3a regulation of TCF21 is a significant event in reversing hepatic fibrosis. In conclusion, this research identifies a novel signaling axis, DNMT3a-TCF21-hnRNPA1, that regulates HSCs activation and hepatic fibrosis reversal, providing a novel treatment strategy for hepatic fibrosis. The clinical trial was registered in the Research Registry (researchregistry9079).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Shaoxi Diao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Zixiang Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jintong Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Wei Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Tao Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University.
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University.
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Li J, Wang Y, Wang L, Qu Y, Zhou W, Zhong H, Xi D, Tang N, He F. Low expression of miR-1929-3p mediates murine cytomegalovirus-induced fibrosis in cardiac fibroblasts via targeting endothelin a receptor/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2023; 59:179-192. [PMID: 37002490 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-022-00742-2] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are crucial in the development of myocardial remodeling in hypertension. Low miR-1929-3p expression induced by murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection is closely related to hypertensive myocardial remodeling. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of miR-1929-3p-induced myocardial remodeling after MCMV infection. We modeled MCMV-infected mouse cardiac fibroblasts (MMCFs) as the primary cell model. First, MCMV infection reduced the expression of miR-1929-3p and increased the mRNA and protein expression of its target gene endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) in mouse cardiac fibroblasts (MCFs), which demonstrated an internal relationship with myocardial fibrosis (MF) based on high proliferation, phenotypic transformation (α-SMA), and collagen expression in MMCFs. The transfection of the miR-1929-3p mimic downregulated the high expression of ETAR and alleviated these adverse effects in MMCFs. Inversely, these effects were exacerbated by the miR-1929-3p inhibitor. Second, the transfection of endothelin receptor type A over-expressed adenovirus (adETAR) reversed these positive effects of the miR-1929-3p mimic on MF improvement. Third, the transfection of adETAR exhibited a strong inflammatory response in MMCFs with increased expression of NOD-like receptors pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and increased secretion of interleukin-18. However, we found that the ETAR antagonist BQ123 and the selected NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 effectively eliminated the inflammatory response induced by both MCMV infection and miR-1929-3p inhibitor. Moreover, the MCF supernatant was related to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Our findings suggest that MCMV infection promotes MF by inducing the downregulation of miR-1929-3p and the high expression of ETAR, which activates NLRP3 inflammasomes in MCFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2Nd Road, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yongjia Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2Nd Road, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - LaMei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2Nd Road, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2Nd Road, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hua Zhong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2Nd Road, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - DongMei Xi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2Nd Road, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Na Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2Nd Road, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2Nd Road, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China.
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27
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Liu B, Wang J, Wang G, Jiang W, Li Z, Shi Y, Zhang J, Pei Q, Huang G, Wang L, Zhao S, Wu L, Zhang M, Wang W, Li X, Mou T, Zhang C, Ding Q. Hepatocyte-derived exosomes deliver H2AFJ to hepatic stellate cells and promote liver fibrosis via the MAPK/STMN1 axis activation. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109605. [PMID: 36608439 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109605] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activate and acquire proliferative features in response to liver injury. However, mechanisms involved in the activation of fibrotic HSCs remain uncharacterized. This study aims at elaborating the mechanistic basis by which exosomal H2AFJ derived from hepatocytes might affect the activation of HSCs and liver fibrosis. Bioinformatics analysis based on transcriptomic RNA-seq data was used to screen out the downstream regulatory genes and pathways of H2AFJ. Mouse hepatocytes AML-12 cells were stimulated with CCl4 to mimic an in vitro microenvironment of liver fibrosis, from which exosomes were isolated. Next, HSCs were co-cultured with hepatocyte-derived exosomes followed by detection of HSC migration and invasion in the presence of manipulated H2AFJ and STMN1 expression and MAPK pathway inhibitor. It was found that H2AFJ was highly expressed in hepatocyte-derived exosomes after CCl4 stimulation. Hepatocyte-derived exosomal H2AFJ promoted HSC migration and invasion. H2AFJ upregulated c-jun-mediated STMN1 by activating the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, in vivo experiments verified that silencing of H2AFJ attenuated liver fibrosis in mice, while restoration of STMN1 negated its effect. Collectively, hepatocyte-derived exosomal H2AFJ aggravated liver fibrosis by activating the MAPK/STMN1 signaling pathway. This study provides a potential therapeutic target for alleviating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Jinchao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Guangchuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Wanli Jiang
- First Clinical School of Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Yongjun Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Junyong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Qingshan Pei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Guangjun Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Lifen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Shengqiang Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Mingyan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Tong Mou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Chunqing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Qian Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, PR China.
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28
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Astaxanthin: A promising therapeutic agent for organ fibrosis. Pharmacol Res 2023; 188:106657. [PMID: 36682437 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the end-stage pathological manifestation of many chronic diseases. Infiltration of inflammatory cells and activation of myofibroblasts are the most prominent features of fibrosis, with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissues leading to organ tissue damage, which eventually progresses to organ failure and leads to high mortality rates. At present, a large number of studies have been conducted on tissue fibrosis, and the pathological mechanism of fibrosis development has generally been recognized. However, the prevention and treatment of fibrosis is still an unsolved problem, and a shortage of drugs that can be used in the clinic persists. Astaxanthin (ASTX), a carotenoid, is widely known for its strong antioxidant capacity. ASTX also has other biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antiaging and anticancer properties. Recently, many papers have reported that ASTX inhibits the occurrence and development of fibrosis by regulating signaling molecular pathways, such as transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic protein (TGF-β1/Smad), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), microRNA, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf 2/ARE) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways. By targeting these molecular signaling pathways, ASTX may become a potential drug for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic effects of ASTX on organ fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms of action. By reviewing the results from in vitro and in vivo studies, we analyzed the therapeutic prospects of ASTX for various fibrotic diseases and provided insights into and strategies for exploring new drugs for the treatment of fibrosis.
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29
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Wu X, Fan X, Miyata T, Kim A, Cajigas-Du Ross CK, Ray S, Huang E, Taiwo M, Arya R, Wu J, Nagy LE. Recent Advances in Understanding of Pathogenesis of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 18:411-438. [PMID: 36270295 PMCID: PMC10060166 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-031521-030435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is one of the major diseases arising from chronic alcohol consumption and is one of the most common causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality. ALD includes asymptomatic liver steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and alcohol-associated hepatitis and its complications. The progression of ALD involves complex cell-cell and organ-organ interactions. We focus on the impact of alcohol on dysregulation of homeostatic mechanisms and regulation of injury and repair in the liver. In particular, we discuss recent advances in understanding the disruption of balance between programmed cell death and prosurvival pathways, such as autophagy and membrane trafficking, in the pathogenesis of ALD. We also summarize current understanding of innate immune responses, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell dysfunction and hepatic stellate cell activation, and gut-liver and adipose-liver cross talk in response to ethanol. In addition,we describe the current potential therapeutic targets and clinical trials aimed at alleviating hepatocyte injury, reducing inflammatory responses, and targeting gut microbiota, for the treatment of ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Wu
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Xiude Fan
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Tatsunori Miyata
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Adam Kim
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Christina K Cajigas-Du Ross
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Semanti Ray
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Emily Huang
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Moyinoluwa Taiwo
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Rakesh Arya
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Laura E Nagy
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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30
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Zhao X, Xue X, Cui Z, Kwame Amevor F, Wan Y, Fu K, Wang C, Peng C, Li Y. microRNAs-based diagnostic and therapeutic applications in liver fibrosis. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022:e1773. [PMID: 36585388 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a process of over-extracellular matrix (ECM) aggregation and angiogenesis, which develops into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With the increasing pressure of liver fibrosis, new therapeutics to cure this disease requires much attention. Exosome-cargoed microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging approaches in the precision of the liver fibrotic paradigm. In this review, we outlined the different types of hepatic cells derived miRNAs that drive intra-/extra-cellular interactive communication in liver fibrosis with different physiological and pathological processes. Specifically, we highlighted the possible mechanism of liver fibrosis pathogenesis associated with immune response and angiogenesis. In addition, potential clinical biomarkers and different stem cell transplant-derived miRNAs-based therapeutic strategies in liver fibrosis were summarized in this review. miRNAs-based approaches might help researchers devise new candidates for the cell-free treatment of liver fibrosis. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhifu Cui
- College Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Felix Kwame Amevor
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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31
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HBO1 as an Important Target for the Treatment of CCL4-Induced Liver Fibrosis and Aged-Related Liver Aging and Fibrosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1881519. [PMID: 36524217 PMCID: PMC9747301 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1881519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the largest digestive organ in the human body. The increasing incidence of chronic liver fibrosis is one of the major health challenges in the world. Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to acute or chronic cellular damage of liver tissue. At present, despite a series of research progress on the pathophysiological mechanism of fibrosis that has been made, there is still a gap in identifying antifibrotic targets and converting them into effective treatments. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek a molecular target that can alleviate or reverse liver fibrosis, which has important scientific and clinical significance. In the current study, to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HBO1 as a molecular target on liver aging and fibrosis, naturally-aged mice and CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mice were used as animal models, and multiple experiments were performed. Experimental results showed that HBO1 knockdown could strongly mitigate the accumulation of hepatic collagen by Masson and Sirius Red staining. Further study showed that HBO1 knockdown reduced the expression of fibrosis-related marker molecules (α-SMA, collagen type I (ColI), and fibronectin). Further work showed that HBO1 knockdown could significantly alleviate HSC activation. On this basis, we analyzed the underlying mechanism by which HBO1 alleviates liver fibrosis. It was found that HBO1 knockdown may modulate liver fibrosis by regulating the processes of EMT, inflammation, and oxidative stress. We further studied the effect of HBO1 knockdown on liver aging and aging-related liver fibrosis, and the results showed that HBO1 knockdown could significantly reduce the level of aging-related liver fibrosis and relieve liver aging. In conclusion, we systematically investigated the potential of HBO1 as a therapeutic target to attenuate liver fibrosis and liver aging. The current study found a crucial target for liver fibrosis and liver-aging therapy, which has laid a solid foundation for the liver fibrosis-related research.
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32
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Shen LH, Fan L, Zhang Y, Zhu YK, Zong XL, Peng GN, Cao SZ. Protective Effect and Mechanism of Placenta Extract on Liver. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235071. [PMID: 36501102 PMCID: PMC9737791 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta contains multiple biologically active substances, which exert antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and delayed aging effects. Its extract can improve hepatic morphology and function: on the one hand, it can reduce liver interstitial collagen deposition, lipogenesis, and inflammatory cell infiltration and improve fibrosis; on the other hand, it can prevent hepatocellular degeneration by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production, further improve hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis, and promote hepatocyte regeneration, making it a promising liver-protective agent. Current research on placenta extract (PE) mainly focuses on treating a specific type of liver injury, and there are no systematic reports. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the treatment reports of PE on liver injury and analyzes its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Hong Shen
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-181-0901-7590
| | - Lei Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ying-Kun Zhu
- School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Xiao-Lan Zong
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Guang-Neng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Sui-Zhong Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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33
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Identification of Liver Fibrosis-Related MicroRNAs in Human Primary Hepatic Stellate Cells Using High-Throughput Sequencing. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122201. [PMID: 36553468 PMCID: PMC9778123 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, which drives liver fibrosis initiation and progression. We aimed to identify novel hepatic fibrosis targets using miRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq) of human primary HSCs. Surgically resected liver tissues were used to extract HSCs. Based on next-generation sequencing, miRNA-seq was performed on four pairs of HSCs before and after in vitro culture. Additionally, we compared our data with open access miRNA-seq data derived from fourteen cirrhotic and nine healthy liver tissues. Selected miRNAs associated with fibrosis were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. Target mRNAs of differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were predicted to construct co-expression networks. We identified 230 DEmiRNAs (118 upregulated and 112 downregulated) upon HSC activation. Of the 17 miRNAs with the most significant differences in expression, liver disease-related miRNAs included miR-758-3p, miR-493-5p, miR-409-3p, miR-31-5p, miR-1268a, and miR-381-3p, which might play roles in hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, let-7g-5p, miR-107, miR-122-5p, miR-127-3p, miR-139-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-215-5p, miR-26a-5p, miR-340-5p, miR-451a, and miR-99a-5p were common between our data and the publicly available sequencing data. A co-expression network comprising 1891 matched miRNA-mRNA pairs representing 138 DEmiRNAs and 1414 DEmRNAs was constructed. MiR-1268a and miR-665, possessing the richest target DEmRNAs, may be vital in HSC activation. The targeted genes were involved in collagen metabolism, extracellular matrix structural constituent, cytoskeletal protein binding, and cell adhesion. The miRNAs we identified may provide a basis and reference for the selection of diagnostic and therapeutic targets for hepatic fibrosis.
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The Role of Praziquantel in the Prevention and Treatment of Fibrosis Associated with Schistosomiasis: A Review. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:1413711. [PMID: 36313856 PMCID: PMC9616668 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1413711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a major global public health concern. Currently, the control of this neglected tropical disease still depends on chemotherapy to reduce the prevalence and intensity of the parasite infection. It has been widely accepted that praziquantel is highly effective against all species of Schistosoma, and this agent is virtually the only drug of choice for the treatment of human schistosomiasis. Mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel has been shown to be effective in greatly reducing the prevalence and morbidity due to schistosomiasis worldwide. In addition to antischistosomal activity, a large number of experiential and clinical evidence has demonstrated the action of praziquantel against fibrosis caused by S. mansoni and S. japonicum infections through decreasing the expression of fibrotic biomarkers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), and inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, as well as chemokines, and similar antifibrotic activity was observed in mouse models of fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and concanavalin A (Con-A). In this review, we discuss the role of praziquantel in the prevention and treatment of fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis and the possible mechanisms. We call for randomized, controlled clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of praziquantel in the treatment of schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis, and further studies to investigate the potential of praziquantel against fibrosis associated with alcohol consumption, viruses, and toxins seem justified.
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35
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Li WQ, Liu WH, Qian D, Liu J, Zhou SQ, Zhang L, Peng W, Su L, Zhang H. Traditional Chinese medicine: An important source for discovering candidate agents against hepatic fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:962525. [PMID: 36081936 PMCID: PMC9445813 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.962525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) refers to the pathophysiological process of connective tissue dysplasia in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Nowadays, HF is becoming a severe threat to the health of human being. However, the drugs available for treating HF are limited. Currently, increasing natural agents derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been found to be beneficial for HF. A systemic literature search was conducted from PubMed, GeenMedical, Sci-Hub, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, with the keywords of “traditional Chinese medicine,” “herbal medicine,” “natural agents,” “liver diseases,” and “hepatic fibrosis.” So far, more than 76 natural monomers have been isolated and identified from the TCMs with inhibitory effect on HF, including alkaloids, flavones, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides, etc. The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of these compounds include hepatoprotection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation, regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis & secretion, regulation of autophagy, and antioxidant & anti-inflammation, etc. Natural compounds and extracts from TCMs are promising agents for the prevention and treatment of HF, and this review would be of great significance to development of novel drugs for treating HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Die Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shi-Qiong Zhou
- Hospital of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
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36
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Zhou Q, Rong C, Gu T, Li H, Wu L, Zhuansun X, Zhao X, Xiao Z, Kuang Y, Xu S, Wang S. Mesenchymal stem cells improve liver fibrosis and protect hepatocytes by promoting microRNA-148a-5p-mediated inhibition of Notch signaling pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:354. [PMID: 35883205 PMCID: PMC9327397 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03030-8] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered to be a potential therapeutic tool for liver fibrosis. Inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and protecting hepatocytes are important mechanisms for the anti-fibrotic effect of MSCs. However, how MSCs inhibit liver fibrosis by regulating the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has not been fully clarified. Methods Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-activated HSCs LX-2 were single cultured or co-cultured with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs). High-throughput sequencing was used to evaluate the differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) between the two groups. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and transfection experiments were used to investigate and screen the most significantly up-regulated DEM. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the target mRNAs and the potential functions of the DEM. The possible mechanism of HUC-MSCs against liver fibrosis was analyzed by co-culture experiment of HUC-MSCs with LX-2 cells, and HUC-MSCs treatment of Bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Finally, the mechanism of the DEM regulating liver fibrosis was confirmed in human liver fibrosis specimens. Results MicroRNA-148a-5p (miR-148a-5p) was the most significantly up-regulated DEM in activated LX-2 cells co-cultured with HUC-MSCs compared with LX-2 cells single cultured. Up-regulation of the expression of miR-148a-5p in activated LX-2 cells could significantly inhibit the expression of hepatic fibrosis markers α-SMA and Col1α1. Notch2 was one target gene of miR-148a-5p. Co-cultured with HUC-MSCs could inhibit the activation of LX-2 cells by inhibiting the expression of the Notch2 and the Notch signaling pathway. In addition, HUC-MSCs treatment could up-regulate the expression of miR-148a-5p in liver tissue and hepatocytes, promote the proliferation and avoid the apoptosis of hepatocytes, and reduce the degree of fibrosis by inhibiting expression of the Notch2 and the Notch signaling pathway in BDL-induced liver fibrosis mice. Moreover, miR-148a-5p was down-regulated and Notch2 was up-regulated in fibrotic human liver tissues compared with the normal livers. Conclusions HUC-MSCs treatment could inhibit HSCs activation, protect hepatocytes, and alleviate BDL-induced liver fibrosis in mice by up-regulating the expression of miR-148-5p and inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway. The down-regulation of miR-148-5p and up-regulation of Notch2 could be used as biomarkers to monitor the progression of liver fibrosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03030-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.,Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Chao Rong
- Department of Pathology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Tengfei Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Lianshui County, Huaian, 223400, China
| | - Hongda Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Pathology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xuemei Zhuansun
- Department of Pathology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Pathology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zuorun Xiao
- Department of Pathology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yuting Kuang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215008, China
| | - Sanrong Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Shouli Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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37
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Ganguly R, Gupta A, Pandey AK. Role of baicalin as a potential therapeutic agent in hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal disorders: A review. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3047-3062. [PMID: 36051349 PMCID: PMC9331529 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i26.3047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Baicalin is a natural bioactive compound derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, which is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. A literature survey demonstrated the broad spectrum of health benefits of baicalin such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardio-protective, hepatoprotective, renal protective, and neuroprotective properties. Baicalin is hydrolyzed to its metabolite baicalein by the action of gut microbiota, which is further reconverted to baicalin via phase 2 metabolism in the liver. Many studies have suggested that baicalin exhibits therapeutic potential against several types of hepatic disorders including hepatic fibrosis, xenobiotic-induced liver injury, fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, cholestasis, ulcerative colitis, hepatocellular and colorectal cancer. During in vitro and in vivo examinations, it has been observed that baicalin showed a protective role against liver and gut-associated abnormalities by modifying several signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B, transforming growth factor beta 1/SMAD3, sirtuin 1, p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase/Janus kinase, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinaseβ/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase pathways. Furthermore, baicalin also regulates the expression of fibrotic genes such as smooth muscle actin, connective tissue growth factor, β-catenin, and inflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-1β, and attenuates the production of apoptotic proteins such as caspase-3, caspase-9 and B-cell lymphoma 2. However, due to its low solubility and poor bioavailability, widespread therapeutic applications of baicalin still remain a challenge. This review summarized the hepatic and gastrointestinal protective attributes of baicalin with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms that regulate the interaction of baicalin with the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risha Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad (Prayagraj) 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashutosh Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad (Prayagraj) 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhay K Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad (Prayagraj) 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Ferdek PE, Krzysztofik D, Stopa KB, Kusiak AA, Paw M, Wnuk D, Jakubowska MA. When healing turns into killing ‐ the pathophysiology of pancreatic and hepatic fibrosis. J Physiol 2022; 600:2579-2612. [DOI: 10.1113/jp281135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel E. Ferdek
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Daria Krzysztofik
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Kinga B. Stopa
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Agnieszka A. Kusiak
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
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Wonnacott A, Denby L, Coward RJM, Fraser DJ, Bowen T. MicroRNAs and their delivery in diabetic fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114045. [PMID: 34767865 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus was estimated to be 463 million people in 2019 and is predicted to rise to 700 million by 2045. The associated financial and societal costs of this burgeoning epidemic demand an understanding of the pathology of this disease, and its complications, that will inform treatment to enable improved patient outcomes. Nearly two decades after the sequencing of the human genome, the significance of noncoding RNA expression is still being assessed. The family of functional noncoding RNAs known as microRNAs regulates the expression of most genes encoded by the human genome. Altered microRNA expression profiles have been observed both in diabetes and in diabetic complications. These transcripts therefore have significant potential and novelty as targets for therapy, therapeutic agents and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Wonnacott
- Wales Kidney Research Unit, Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Laura Denby
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Richard J M Coward
- Bristol Renal, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Donald J Fraser
- Wales Kidney Research Unit, Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Timothy Bowen
- Wales Kidney Research Unit, Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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40
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Mahmoudi A, Butler AE, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. The role of exosomal miRNA in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:2078-2094. [PMID: 35137416 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) impacts more than one-third of the population and is linked with other metabolic diseases. The term encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases, from modest steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis and, ultimately, cirrhosis with the potential for development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, available methods for diagnosing NAFLD are invasive or lack accuracy, and monitoring to determine response to therapeutic interventions is challenging. Exosomes are nano-scaled extracellular vesicles that are secreted by a variety of cells. They convey proteins, mRNA, miRNA, and other bioactive molecules between cells and are involved in an extensive range of biological processes, particularly cell-cell communication. Several reports suggest that exosomes mediate miRNAs and, thus, they have potential clinical utility for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics in liver diseases. In view of the vital role of exosomal microRNA in disease, we here synthesized current knowledge about the biogenesis of exosomal miRNA and exosome-mediated microRNA transfer. We then discuss the potential of exosomal miRNA in diagnosis and therapeutics of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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41
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Hasan M, Fukuta T, Inoue S, Mori H, Kagawa M, Kogure K. Iontophoresis-mediated direct delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, without use of carriers, to internal organs via non-blood circulatory pathways. J Control Release 2022; 343:392-399. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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42
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Li Y, Cheng Z, Fan H, Hao C, Yao W. Epigenetic Changes and Functions in Pneumoconiosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:2523066. [PMID: 35096264 PMCID: PMC8794660 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2523066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Pneumoconiosis is one of the most common occupational diseases in the world, and specific treatment methods of pneumoconiosis are lacking at present, so it carries great social and economic burdens. Pneumoconiosis, coronavirus disease 2019, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis all have similar typical pathological changes-pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease characterized by excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix and remodeling of the lung tissue structure. Clarifying the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis plays an important guiding role in its treatment. The occurrence and development of pneumoconiosis are accompanied by epigenetic factors (e.g., DNA methylation and noncoding RNA) changes, which in turn can promote or inhibit the process of pneumoconiosis. Here, we summarize epigenetic changes and functions in the several kinds of evidence classification (epidemiological investigation, in vivo, and in vitro experiments) and main types of cells (macrophages, fibroblasts, and alveolar epithelial cells) to provide some clues for finding specific therapeutic targets for pneumoconiosis and even for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhiwei Cheng
- Department of Case Management, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Ultrasonography Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Changfu Hao
- Department of Child and Adolecence Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Wu Yao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
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43
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Wu Z, Wang J, Feng J, Ying L. MicroRNA-122-5p prevents proliferation and promotes apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells by suppressing the cellular-Abelsongene/histone deacetylases 2 pathway. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271221084672. [PMID: 35303413 DOI: 10.1177/09603271221084672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response and the activation of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) is the core of hepatic fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the development of fibrosis. It is reported that histone deacetylases (HDAC2) tyrosine phosphorylation by cellular-Abelsongene (c-Abl) induces malignant growth of cells. Here, we investigated the effect of miR-122-5p on the proliferation and apoptosis of HSCs. Normal human HSC line LX-2 and LX-2 cells stimulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 for 24 h were cultured and assigned into the blank group and the TGF-β1 group. The miR-122-5p inhibitor and its negative control were transfected into LX-2 cells and miR-122-5p mimic and its negative control were transfected into LX-2 cells stimulated by TGF-β1. The result showed that miR-122-5p expression was decreased in TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 cells. miR-122-5p overexpression reduced the mRNA and protein levels of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin, inhibited cell proliferation, and accelerated cell apoptosis. miR-122-5p targeted c-Abl. Meanwhile, miR-122-5p overexpression inhibited HSC activation by suppressing the c-Abl/HDAC2 pathway. In summary, miR-122-5p overexpression exerted anti-fibrosis effect and inhibited HSC activation by suppressing the c-Abl/HDAC2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZongYang Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 11797The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - JinBo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 11797The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - JiYe Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 11797The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - LiPing Ying
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 11797The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Wang Z, Yang X, Gui S, Yang F, Cao Z, Cheng R, Xia X, Li C. The Roles and Mechanisms of lncRNAs in Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:779606. [PMID: 34899344 PMCID: PMC8652206 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.779606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can potentially regulate all aspects of cellular activity including differentiation and development, metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, and activation, and benefited from advances in transcriptomic and genomic research techniques and database management technologies, its functions and mechanisms in physiological and pathological states have been widely reported. Liver fibrosis is typically characterized by a reversible wound healing response, often accompanied by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. In recent years, a range of lncRNAs have been investigated and found to be involved in several cellular-level regulatory processes as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that play an important role in the development of liver fibrosis. A variety of lncRNAs have also been shown to contribute to the altered cell cycle, proliferation profile associated with the accelerated development of liver fibrosis. This review aims to discuss the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in the development and regression of liver fibrosis, to explore the major lncRNAs involved in the signaling pathways regulating liver fibrosis, to elucidate the mechanisms mediated by lncRNA dysregulation and to provide new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifa Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoke Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Siyu Gui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fan Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhuo Cao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rong Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaowei Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Chuanying Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, China
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45
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Yang YR, Hu S, Bu FT, Li H, Huang C, Meng XM, Zhang L, Lv XW, Li J. Circular RNA CREBBP Suppresses Hepatic Fibrosis Via Targeting the hsa-miR-1291/LEFTY2 Axis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:741151. [PMID: 34887753 PMCID: PMC8648568 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.741151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs (circRNAs) are commonly dysregulated in a variety of human diseases and are involved in the development and progression of cancer. However, the role of circRNAs in hepatic fibrosis (HF) is still unclear. Our previous high throughput screen revealed changes in many circRNAs in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HF. For example, circCREBBP was significantly down-regulated in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver tissue of HF mice induced by CCl4 compared to those in the vehicle group. Overexpression of circCREBBP with AAV8-circCREBBP in vivo prevented CCl4-induced HF worsening by reducing serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) contents, liver hydroxyproline levels, collagen deposition, and levels of pro-fibrosis genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, in vitro function loss and function gain analysis showed that circCREBBP inhibited HSCs activation and proliferation. Mechanically, circCREBBP acts as a sponge for hsa-miR-1291 and subsequently promotes LEFTY2 expression. In conclusion, our current results reveal a novel mechanism by which circCREBBP alleviates liver fibrosis by targeting the hsa-miR-1291/LEFTY2 axis, and also suggest that circCREBBP may be a potential biomarker for heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuang Hu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fang-Tian Bu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiong-Wen Lv
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Li Y, Liu P, Wei F. Long non‑coding RNA MBI‑52 inhibits the development of liver fibrosis by regulating the microRNA‑466g/SMAD4 signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 25:33. [PMID: 34850963 PMCID: PMC8669687 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound healing response triggered by liver injury. In severe cases, it may develop into liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in the development of liver fibrosis. The present study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA-MBI-52 (lnc-MBI-52) in the progression of liver fibrosis. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced injury was performed to establish a mouse liver fibrosis model, and exogenous transforming growth factor-β1 was used to establish a hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation model. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were performed to detect mRNA and protein expression, respectively. RNA pull-down assay was performed to assess the interaction between microRNA (miR)-466g and lnc-MBI-52 or SMAD4. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the target of miR-466g. lnc-MBI-52 was overexpressed in CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis models and activated HSCs. lnc-MBI-52 knockdown suppressed liver fibrosis in vitro. Moreover, knockdown of lnc-MBI-52 downregulated α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I expression. In addition, lnc-MBI-52 and SMAD4 were identified as targets of miR-466g. The effects of lnc-MBI-52 on HSC activation were reversed following transfection with miR-466g mimics or SMAD4 knockdown. lnc-MBI-52 miR-466g significantly decreased lnc-MBI-52 expression, while overexpression of lnc-MBI-52 suppressed miR-466g expression. The results of the RNA pull-down assay confirmed the interaction between miR-466g and lnc-MBI-52. Taken together, lnc-MBI-52 induced liver fibrosis by regulating the miR-466g/SMAD4 axis, which may provide a new possible strategy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Li
- Department of Pain Intervention, Baoji High‑tech People's Hospital, Baoji, Shaanxi 721000, P.R. China
| | - Peixiao Liu
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, P.R. China
| | - Feipeng Wei
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, P.R. China
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Abdelhamid AM, Selim A, Zaafan MA. The Hepatoprotective Effect of Piperine Against Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice: The Involvement of miR-17 and TGF-β/Smads Pathways. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:754098. [PMID: 34778375 PMCID: PMC8585739 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.754098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by a series of events including activation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into proinflammatory, contractile, and fibrogenic myofibroblasts, which is the primary trigger for the fibrogenesis process. HSC activation involves many signaling pathways such as the TGF-β/smads pathway. Specific microRNAs have been identified to play a crucial role in the activation of HSCs via various signaling pathways. Piperine has recently been studied as a promising anti-fibrotic agent against pancreatic fibrosis through altering the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Hence, the current study evaluated the beneficial effects of piperine in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in mice through the modulation of miRNA-17 and TGF-β/smads pathways. Mice were allocated into three groups randomly. Thioacetamide was used to induce liver fibrosis for 6 weeks. Starting from the fourth week of the experiment, mice were treated with piperine daily for 21 days. Piperine treatment resulted in a significant downregulation of miRNA-17 expression, leading to the restoration of smad-7 accompanied with marked inhibition of TGF-β/smads signaling with further suppression of the activated HSCs and collagen deposition in the hepatocytes. In conclusion, piperine has the potential to be a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis through inhibiting the TGF-β/smads pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr M Abdelhamid
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October City, Egypt
| | - Ayman Selim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October City, Egypt
| | - Mai A Zaafan
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October City, Egypt
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Li X, Li H, Zhang S, Zhang R, Li J, Wei Y, Yang C, Zhang F, Zhou H. Protective effect of Idelalisib on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis via microRNA-124-3P/phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:11185-11197. [PMID: 34747105 PMCID: PMC8650042 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the repair process of abnormal connective tissue hyperplasia after liver damage caused by different causes. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway can reduce the deposition of extracellular matrix, inhibit the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and promote its apoptosis to achieve the purpose of therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Idelalisib (PI3K inhibitor) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis in mice. We used CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis mouse model in vivo and TGF‐β1‐stimulated HSCs to evaluate the antifibrosis activity of Idelalisib. In vivo, Idelalisib significantly alleviated CCl4‐induced liver damage, collagen deposition, and hydroxyproline accumulation in mice. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot results showed that Idelalisib could significantly inhibit the expressions of COL1 and α‐SMA in a concentration‐dependent manner. In cell experiments, Idelalisib significantly inhibited the expressions of COL1, SMA, and p‐Smad3 in TGF‐β‐induced HSCs, thereby inhibiting HSC activation. Flow cytometry and Western blot results showed that Idelalisib significantly promoted TGFβ‐induced apoptosis of HSCs after 48 h of administration, but had no significant effect after 24 h. Idelalisib promoted the apoptosis of activated HSCs by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3 signalling pathway. To further explore the mechanism by which Idelalisib inhibited PI3K, we predicted the miRNA targeting PI3K through the database and crossed it with the down‐regulated miRNA reported in liver fibrosis mice in the past five years. Finally, we identified miR‐124‐3p and miR‐143‐3p. We then demonstrated that Idelalisib significantly promoted miR‐124‐3p and miR‐142‐3p in vitro and in vivo. Dual‐luciferase report analysis showed that Idelalisib significantly inhibited luciferase activity but had no significant effect on the luc‐MUT transfection assay. Finally, we demonstrated that Idelalisib reversed the effects of miR‐124‐3p inhibitor on the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3 asterisk pathway and caspase‐3. Idelalisib has potential as a candidate drug for alleviating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohe Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hailong Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruotong Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinhe Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiying Wei
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fubo Zhang
- Organ Transplantation Center, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
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49
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Khaleel EF. l-Thyroxine induces left ventricular remodeling and fibrosis in rats by upregulating miR-21 in a reactive oxygen-dependent mechanism: a protective role of N-acetylcysteine. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 45:2758-2768. [PMID: 34641738 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2021.1986251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
miR-21 is the most studied pro-fibrotic marker in the majority of mammalian tissues. The precise mechanism by which hyperthyroidism induces left ventricular LV fibrosis and remodeling remains unclear. In this study, we have investigated the role of miR-21 on l-thyroxine (l-Thy)-induced cardiac fibrosis in rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups as control, l-Thy, l-Thy + miR antagomir (inhibitor), and l-Thy + N-acetylcysteine (NAC/glutathione (GSH) precursor). Administration of l-Thy significantly increased mRNA levels of miR-21 in the LVs of the treated rats. Also, it impaired the LV systolic and diastolic function and increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the transactivation of NF-κB p65, the expression of NRLP3 inflammasome, and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in these LVs. Concomitantly, l-Thy increased the ventricular collagen deposition, and stimulated the expression of collagen 1/3, alpha-smooth actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1, and Smad3/p-Smad3 but suppressed the expression of Smad7. All these effects were reversed by pre-treatment with miR-21 antagomir or co-administration of NAC. In conclusion, l-Thy-induced LV remodeling and fibrosis include a ROS-dependent upregulation of miR-21 which in turns activates NF-κB/NRLP3 inflammasome and suppresses SMad7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman F Khaleel
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Lin CY, Adhikary P, Cheng K. Cellular protein markers, therapeutics, and drug delivery strategies in the treatment of diabetes-associated liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:127-139. [PMID: 33857552 PMCID: PMC8217274 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix due to chronic injuries, such as viral infection, alcohol abuse, high-fat diet, and toxins. Liver fibrosis is reversible before it progresses to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing various complications including liver diseases. Abundant evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes and liver diseases are bidirectionally associated. Patients with type 2 diabetes experience more severe symptoms and accelerated progression of live diseases. Obesity and insulin resistance resulting from hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia are regarded as the two major risk factors that link type 2 diabetes and liver fibrosis. This review summarizes possible mechanisms of the association between type 2 diabetes and liver fibrosis. The cellular protein markers that can be used for diagnosis and therapy of type 2 diabetes-associated liver fibrosis are discussed. We also highlight the potential therapeutic agents and their delivery systems that have been investigated for type 2 diabetes-associated liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yu Lin
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
| | - Pratik Adhikary
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States.
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