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Li H, Dai R, Huang Y, Zhong J, Yan Q, Yang J, Hu K, Zhong Y. [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI PET imaging of fibroblast activation protein as a biomarker to monitor the progression of liver fibrosis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0407. [PMID: 38466884 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a progressive disease, which is reversible in the early stages. The current monitoring methods have notable limitations that pose a challenge to early detection. In this study, we evaluated the utility of [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI positron emission tomography imaging of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) to monitor the progression of liver fibrosis. METHODS Two mouse models of liver fibrosis were established by bile duct ligation and carbon tetrachloride administration, respectively. Positron emission tomography imaging was performed with the FAP-specific radiotracer [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI for the evaluation of rat HSCs and mouse models of fibrosis and combined with histopathology, immunohistochemical staining, and immunoblotting to elucidate the relationships among radioactivity uptake, FAP levels, and liver fibrosis progression. Furthermore, [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI autoradiography was performed to assess tracer binding in liver sections from patients with varying degrees of liver fibrosis. RESULTS Cell experiments demonstrated that [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI uptake was specific in activated HSCs. Compared with control mice, [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI uptake in livers increased in the early stages of fibrosis and increased significantly further with disease progression. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses demonstrated that FAP expression increased with fibrosis severity. In accordance with the findings in animal models, ex vivo autoradiography on human fibrotic liver sections showed that radioactivity increased as fibrosis progressed from mild to severe. CONCLUSIONS [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI positron emission tomography imaging is a promising noninvasive method for monitoring the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongsheng Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruoxue Dai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueqi Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Zhong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingsong Yan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kongzhen Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhua Zhong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Sabir U, Gu HM, Zhang DW. Extracellular matrix turnover: phytochemicals target and modulate the dual role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in liver fibrosis. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4932-4962. [PMID: 37461256 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) resolution by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a well-documented mechanism. MMPs play a dual and complex role in modulating ECM degradation at different stages of liver fibrosis, depending on the timing and levels of their expression. Increased MMP-1 combats disease progression by cleaving the fibrillar ECM. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) increase expression of MMP-2, -9, and -13 in different chemicals-induced animal models, which may alleviate or worsen disease progression based on animal models and the stage of liver fibrosis. In the early stage, elevated expression of certain MMPs may damage surrounding tissue and activate HSCs, promoting fibrosis progression. At the later stage, downregulation of MMPs can facilitate ECM accumulation and disease progression. A number of phytochemicals modulate MMP activity and ECM turnover, alleviating disease progression. However, the effects of phytochemicals on the expression of different MMPs are variable and may depend on the disease models and stage, and the dosage, timing and duration of phytochemicals used in each study. Here, we review the most recent advances in the role of MMPs in the effects of phytochemicals on liver fibrogenesis, which indicates that further studies are warranted to confirm and define the potential clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Sabir
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hong-Mei Gu
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Ding C, Wang Z, Dou X, Yang Q, Ning Y, Kao S, Sang X, Hao M, Wang K, Peng M, Zhang S, Han X, Cao G. Farnesoid X receptor: From Structure to Function and Its Pharmacology in Liver Fibrosis. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2023.0830. [PMID: 37815898 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, plays a crucial role in regulating bile acid metabolism within the enterohepatic circulation. Beyond its involvement in metabolic disorders and immune imbalances affecting various tissues, FXR is implicated in microbiota modulation, gut- to-brain communication, and liver disease. The liver, as a pivotal metabolic and detoxification organ, is susceptible to damage from factors such as alcohol, viruses, drugs, and high-fat diets. Chronic or recurrent liver injury can culminate in liver fibrosis, which, if left untreated, may progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, posing significant health risks. However, therapeutic options for liver fibrosis remain limited in terms of FDA- approved drugs. Recent insights into the structure of FXR, coupled with animal and clinical investigations, have shed light on its potential pharmacological role in hepatic fibrosis. Progress has been achieved in both fundamental research and clinical applications. This review critically examines recent advancements in FXR research, highlighting challenges and potential mechanisms underlying its role in liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China
| | - Zeping Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Dou
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Ning
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shi Kao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianan Sang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kuilong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengyun Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuosheng Zhang
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xin Han
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China
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Rashidi M, Matour E, Beheshti Nasab H, Cheraghzadeh M, Shakerian E. Isorhamnetin Exerts Antifibrotic Effects by Attenuating Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB-induced HSC-T6 Cells Activation via Suppressing PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:199-204. [PMID: 37598299 PMCID: PMC10507286 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Currently, liver fibrosis is growing worldwide; unfortunately, there is no definite cure for this disease. Hence, understanding the molecular pathways involved in the development of liver fibrosis can help to find a proper treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of isorhamnetin as an antifibrotic agent on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC)-T6 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. We have also attempted to assess signaling pathways that may affect liver fibrosis. Methods PDGF-BB was used to activate the HSC-T6 rat hepatic stellate cell line. The activated cells were treated with Isorhamnetin for 24 h. Finally, we compared the mRNA expression level of COLA1 and α-SMA and also the level of phosphorylated AKT protein with the control group. Results The obtained data revealed a significant increase in the expression level of the COLA1 and α-SMA genes (p > 0.05), as well as phosphorylated AKT protein, in the cells treated with PDGF-BB. In addition, 75 and 100 µM concentrations of Isorhamnetin markedly declined the COLA1 and α-SMA expression and also the phosphorylated AKT protein level in the HSC-T6 cells. Conclusion Our findings suggest that Isorhamnetin decreases HSC-T6 activation, the expression of COLA1 and α-SMA, in vitro, which could act as an antifibrotic element to reduce and treat liver fibrosis disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elham Shakerian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Science Research Institute, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Gäberlein K, Schröder SK, Nanda I, Steinlein C, Haaf T, Buhl EM, Sauvant P, Sapin V, Abergel A, Weiskirchen R. Genetic Characterization of Rat Hepatic Stellate Cell Line PAV-1. Cells 2023; 12:1603. [PMID: 37371073 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121603] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rat hepatic stellate cell line PAV-1 was established two decades ago and proposed as a cellular model to study aspects of hepatic retinoic acid metabolism. This cell line exhibits a myofibroblast-like phenotype but also has the ability to store retinyl esters and synthesize retinoic acid from its precursor retinol. Importantly, when cultured with palmitic acid alone or in combination with retinol, the cells switch to a deactivated phenotype in which the proliferation and expression of profibrogenic marker genes are suppressed. Despite these interesting characteristics, the cell line has somehow fallen into oblivion. However, based on the fact that working with in vivo models is becoming increasingly complicated, genetically characterized established cell lines that mimic aspects of hepatic stellate cell biology are of fundamental value for biomedical research. To genetically characterize PAV-1 cells, we performed karyotype analysis using conventional chromosome analysis and multicolor spectral karyotyping (SKY), which allowed us to identify numerical and specific chromosomal alteration in PAV-1 cells. In addition, we used a panel of 31 species-specific allelic variant sites to define a unique short tandem repeat (STR) profile for this cell line and performed bulk mRNA-sequencing, showing that PAV-1 cells express an abundance of genes specific for the proposed myofibroblastic phenotype. Finally, we used Rhodamine-Phalloidin staining and electron microscopy analysis, which showed that PAV-1 cells contain a robust intracellular network of filamentous actin and process typical ultrastructural features of hepatic stellate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara Gäberlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah K Schröder
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Indrajit Nanda
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claus Steinlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva M Buhl
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Patrick Sauvant
- UMR CNRS 5248, CBMN, University Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
- Feed & Food Department, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, 33175 Gradignan, France
| | - Vincent Sapin
- Team "Translational Approach to Epithelial Injury and Repair", Institute Genetics, Reproduction and Development (iGReD), Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Armand Abergel
- Department of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Medecine, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
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Hao Y, Song K, Tan X, Zhang Y, Wang L, Zheng W. Reply to "Comment on 'Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Polypeptide Drug Delivery System Targeted Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells to Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis'". ACS NANO 2023; 17:4096-4097. [PMID: 36916180 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kaichao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaochuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yujia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wensheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Chen C, Chen J, Wang Y, Fang L, Guo C, Sang T, Peng H, Zhao Q, Chen S, Lin X, Wang X. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide inhibits HSC activation and liver fibrosis via targeting inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and ECM-receptor interaction mediated by TGF-β/Smad signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 110:154626. [PMID: 36603342 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) has many biological properties, however, the anti-fibrosis effect of GLP is unknown at present. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the anti-fibrogenic effect of GLP and its underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. STUDY DESIGN Both CCl4-induced mouse and TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cellular models of fibrosis were established to examine the anti-fibrogenic effect of a water-soluble GLP (25 kDa) extracted from the sporoderm-removed spores of G. lucidum.. METHOD Serum markers of liver injury, histology and fibrosis of liver tissues, and collagen formation were examined using an automatic biochemical analyzer, H&E staining, Sirius red staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR. RNA-sequencing, enrichment pathway analysis, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry were employed to identify the potential molecular targets and signaling pathways that are responsible for the anti-fibrotic effect of GLP. RESULTS We showed that GLP (150 and 300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited hepatic fibrogenesis and inflammation in CCl4-treated mice as mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88 signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that GLP significantly inhibited hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation in mice and in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cells as manifested by reduced collagen I and a-SMA expressions. RNA-sequencing uncovered inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, ECM-receptor interaction, TLR4/NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad signalings as major pathways suppressed by GLP administration. Further studies demonstrated that GLP elicits anti-fibrotic actions that are associated with a novel dual effect on apoptosis in vivo (inhibit) or in vitro (promote), suppression of cell cycle in vivo, induction of S phase arrest in vitro, and attenuation of ECM-receptor interaction-associated molecule expressions including integrins ITGA6 and ITGA8. Furthermore, GLP significantly inhibited the TGF-β/Smad signaling in mice, and reduced TGF-β1 or its agonist SRI-011381-induced Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylations, but increased Samd7 expression in HSC-T6 cells. CONCLUSION This study provides the first evidence that GLP could be a promising dietary strategy for treating liver fibrosis, which protects against liver fibrosis and HSC activation through targeting inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and ECM-receptor interactions that are mediated by TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Jiajun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Liu Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Cuiling Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Tingting Sang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - He Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Qian Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Shengjia Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Xiaojian Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Xingya Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China.
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Friedman SL, Weiskirchen R. Working with Immortalized Hepatic Stellate Cell Lines. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2669:129-162. [PMID: 37247058 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3207-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cellular source of extracellular matrix production in the liver. Therefore, this cell population has received considerable attention in studies investigating fundamental features of hepatic fibrosis. However, the limited supply and ever-increasing demand for these cells, combined with the additional tightening of formal standards in animal welfare policy, make working with these primary cells increasingly difficult. Moreover, researchers working in biomedical research are challenged to implement the 3R principle of "replacement," "reduction," and "refinement" in their work. This principle, originally proposed in 1959 by William M. S. Russell and Rex L. Burch, is now widely endorsed by legislators and regulatory bodies in many countries as a roadmap to tackle the ethical dilemma associated with animal experimentation. As such, working with immortalized HSC lines is a good alternative to limit the number of animals and their suffering in biomedical research. This article summarizes issues that need to be considered when working with established HSC cell lines and provides general guidelines for the maintenance and storage of HSC lines from mouse, rat, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institut für Molekulare Pathobiochemie, Experimentelle Gentherapie und Klinische Chemie (IFMPEGKC), Universitätsklinikum Aachen AöR, Aachen, Germany.
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Nanda I, Schröder SK, Steinlein C, Haaf T, Buhl EM, Grimm DG, Weiskirchen R. Rat Hepatic Stellate Cell Line CFSC-2G: Genetic Markers and Short Tandem Repeat Profile Useful for Cell Line Authentication. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182900. [PMID: 36139474 PMCID: PMC9497204 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are also known as lipocytes, fat-storing cells, perisinusoidal cells, or Ito cells. These liver-specific mesenchymal cells represent about 5% to 8% of all liver cells, playing a key role in maintaining the microenvironment of the hepatic sinusoid. Upon chronic liver injury or in primary culture, these cells become activated and transdifferentiate into a contractile phenotype, i.e., the myofibroblast, capable of producing and secreting large quantities of extracellular matrix compounds. Based on their central role in the initiation and progression of chronic liver diseases, cultured HSCs are valuable in vitro tools to study molecular and cellular aspects of liver diseases. However, the isolation of these cells requires special equipment, trained personnel, and in some cases needs approval from respective authorities. To overcome these limitations, several immortalized HSC lines were established. One of these cell lines is CFSC, which was originally established from cirrhotic rat livers induced by carbon tetrachloride. First introduced in 1991, this cell line and derivatives thereof (i.e., CFSC-2G, CFSC-3H, CFSC-5H, and CFSC-8B) are now used in many laboratories as an established in vitro HSC model. We here describe molecular features that are suitable for cell authentication. Importantly, chromosome banding and multicolor spectral karyotyping (SKY) analysis demonstrate that the CFSC-2G genome has accumulated extensive chromosome rearrangements and most chromosomes exist in multiple copies producing a pseudo-triploid karyotype. Furthermore, our study documents a defined short tandem repeat (STR) profile including 31 species-specific markers, and a list of genes expressed in CFSC-2G established by bulk mRNA next-generation sequencing (NGS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Nanda
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah K. Schröder
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Claus Steinlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva M. Buhl
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Domink G. Grimm
- Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability & Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Technical University of Munich, D-94315 Straubing, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)241-808-8683
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10
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Hao R, Gao J, Liu H, Zhang C, Huang J, Fan J, Wei J. Preventive Effect and Mechanism of Anthocyanins from Aronia Melanocarpa Elliot on Hepatic Fibrosis Through TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway. Cell Biochem Biophys 2022; 80:737-745. [PMID: 36038789 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-022-01079-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In order to explore the effect and mechanism of Aornia mealnocarpa Elliot anthocyanins (AMA) at the cellular level on hepatic fibrosis (HF), molecular docking, RT-PCR and Western Blotting were used to explore the molecular mechanism and the effects of different doses AMA on HSC-T6 cells by TGF-β1 induction. The results showed that the binding energy of anthocyanins on TGF-β1 (PDB ID: 3KFD) was in the range of -9.5 to 8.6 kcal/mol, with good low energy parameters and binding positions. AMA could effectively inhibit the expressions of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total serum bilirubin (TSB), and improved the expressions of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB). RT-PCR and Western bloting results showed that AMA could inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2, and inhibit the expression of TGF-β1, P-Smad2, α-SMA and Collagen I in TGF-β /Smad signaling pathway. This study revealed the AMA's inhibition effects and mechanism of malignant biological behavior of HSC-T6 cells, in order to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of HF by Aronia melanocarpa Elliot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruobing Hao
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Liaoning Forestry Academy, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Hongwei Liu
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, China
| | - Chenjuan Zhang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, China
| | - Jinpeng Huang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, China
| | - Jungang Fan
- Liaoning Forestry Academy, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jie Wei
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, China.
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11
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Nanda I, Steinlein C, Haaf T, Buhl EM, Grimm DG, Friedman SL, Meurer SK, Schröder SK, Weiskirchen R. Genetic Characterization of Rat Hepatic Stellate Cell Line HSC-T6 for In Vitro Cell Line Authentication. Cells 2022; 11:1783. [PMID: 35681478 PMCID: PMC9179542 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immortalized hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) established from mouse, rat, and humans are valuable in vitro models for the biomedical investigation of liver biology. These cell lines are homogenous, thereby providing consistent and reproducible results. They grow more robustly than primary HSCs and provide an unlimited supply of proteins or nucleic acids for biochemical studies. Moreover, they can overcome ethical concerns associated with the use of animal and human tissue and allow for fostering of the 3R principle of replacement, reduction, and refinement proposed in 1959 by William M. S. Russell and Rex L. Burch. Nevertheless, working with continuous cell lines also has some disadvantages. In particular, there are ample examples in which genetic drift and cell misidentification has led to invalid data. Therefore, many journals and granting agencies now recommend proper cell line authentication. We herein describe the genetic characterization of the rat HSC line HSC-T6, which was introduced as a new in vitro model for the study of retinoid metabolism. The consensus chromosome markers, outlined primarily through multicolor spectral karyotyping (SKY), demonstrate that apart from the large derivative chromosome 1 (RNO1), at least two additional chromosomes (RNO4 and RNO7) are found to be in three copies in all metaphases. Additionally, we have defined a short tandem repeat (STR) profile for HSC-T6, including 31 species-specific markers. The typical features of these cells have been further determined by electron microscopy, Western blotting, and Rhodamine-Phalloidin staining. Finally, we have analyzed the transcriptome of HSC-T6 cells by mRNA sequencing (mRNA-Seq) using next generation sequencing (NGS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Nanda
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany; (I.N.); (C.S.); (T.H.)
| | - Claus Steinlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany; (I.N.); (C.S.); (T.H.)
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany; (I.N.); (C.S.); (T.H.)
| | - Eva M. Buhl
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Institute of Pathology, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Domink G. Grimm
- TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich & Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, D-94315 Straubing, Germany;
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Steffen K. Meurer
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.M.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Sarah K. Schröder
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.M.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.M.); (S.K.S.)
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12
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Genetic and Molecular Characterization of the Immortalized Murine Hepatic Stellate Cell Line GRX. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091504. [PMID: 35563813 PMCID: PMC9102025 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The murine cell line GRX has been introduced as an experimental tool to study aspects of hepatic stellate cell biology. It was established from livers of C3H/HeN mice that were infected with cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni. Although these cells display a myofibroblast phenotype, they can accumulate intracellular lipids and acquire a fat-storing lipocyte phenotype when treated with retinol, insulin, and indomethacin. We have performed genetic characterization of GRX and established a multi-loci short tandem repeat (STR) signature for this cell line that includes 18 mouse STR markers. Karyotyping further revealed that this cell line has a complex genotype with various chromosomal aberrations. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that GRX cells produce large quantities of viral particles belonging to the gammaretroviral genus of the Retroviridae family as assessed by next generation mRNA sequencing and Western blot analysis. Rolling-circle-enhanced-enzyme-activity detection (REEAD) revealed the absence of retroviral integrase activity in cell culture supernatants, most likely as a result of tetherin-mediated trapping of viral particles at the cell surface. Furthermore, staining against schistosome gut-associated circulating anodic antigens and cercarial O- and GSL-glycans showed that the cell line lacks S. mansoni-specific glycostructures. Our findings will now help to fulfill the recommendations for cellular authentications required by many granting agencies and scientific journals when working with GRX cells. Moreover, the definition of a characteristic STR profile will increase the value of GRX cells in research and provides an important benchmark to identify intra-laboratory cell line heterogeneity, discriminate between different mouse cell lines, and to avoid misinterpretation of experimental findings by usage of misidentified or cross-contaminated cells.
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Tang YX, Liu M, Liu L, Zhen BR, Wang TT, Li N, Lv N, Zhu Z, Sun G, Wang X, Chen S. Lipophilic Constituents in Salvia miltiorrhiza Inhibit Activation of the Hepatic Stellate Cells by Suppressing the JAK1/STAT3 Signaling Pathway: A Network Pharmacology Study and Experimental Validation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:770344. [PMID: 35517817 PMCID: PMC9065469 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.770344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is currently a global health challenge with no approved therapy, with the activation of hepatic stellate cells being a principal factor. Lipophilic constituents in Salvia miltiorrhiza (LS) have been reported to improve liver function and reduce the indicators of liver fibrosis for patients with chronic hepatitis B induced hepatic fibrosis. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of LS on liver fibrosis have not been clarified. In this study, 71 active compounds, 342 potential target proteins and 22 signaling pathways of LS were identified through a network pharmacology strategy. Through text mining and data analysis, the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway was representatively selected for further experimental validation. We firstly confirmed the protective effect of LS on liver fibrosis in vivo by animal experiments. Hepatic stellate cells, which proliferated and displayed a fibroblast-like morphology similar to activated primary stellate cells, were applied to evaluate its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that LS could inhibit the cell viability, promote the cell apoptosis, decrease the expression of liver fibrosis markers, and downregulate the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that LS could exert anti-liver-fibrosis effects by inhibiting the activation of HSCs and regulating the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway, which is expected to benefit its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- GongQing Institute of Science and Technology, Gong Qing, China
| | - Mingming Liu
- Lianyungang Second People’s Hospital, Lianyungang, China
| | - Long Liu
- GongQing Institute of Science and Technology, Gong Qing, China
| | - Bo-Rui Zhen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Tian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nanning Lv
- Lianyungang Second People’s Hospital, Lianyungang, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoquan Sun
- Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guoquan Sun, ; Xiaobo Wang, ; Si Chen,
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- The 967th Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Guoquan Sun, ; Xiaobo Wang, ; Si Chen,
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guoquan Sun, ; Xiaobo Wang, ; Si Chen,
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Ma H, Wang X, Liu X, Wang C, Gao X, Niu J. miR-654-5p Contributes to the Activation and Proliferation of Hepatic Stellate Cells by Targeting RXRα. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:841248. [PMID: 35465330 PMCID: PMC9019757 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.841248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is a major disease that threatens human health. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) contribute directly to LF via extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion. Moreover, RXRα is an important nuclear receptor that plays a key regulatory role in HSC activation. Meanwhile, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as significant regulators of LF development. In particular, miR-654-5p is involved in cellular migration and proliferation, and via bioinformatics analysis, has been identified as a potential factor that targets RXRα in humans and in mice. However, the precise relationship between miR-654-5p and RXRα in the context of LF, remains unknown and is the primary focus of the current study. To establish in vitro activated cell model human primary HSCs were cultured in vitro and LX-2 cells were stimulated with recombinant human TGF-β1. mRNA and protein levels of RXRα, miR-654-5p and fibrogenic genes were compared in quiescent and activated HSCs. Moreover, after transfected with miR-654-5p mimics, the expression changes of above related genes in LX-2 cells were estimated. Meanwhile, cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected in miR-654-5p overexpressed LX-2 cells. Simultaneously, the targeted binding between miR-654-5p and RXRα was verified in LX-2 cells. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model with liver fibrosis was use to research the role of the miR-654-5p in vitro. Our results show that miR-654-5p expression levels increased in activated human HSCs and TGFβ-treated LX-2 cells. Moreover, miR-654-5p mimics markedly promoted LX-2 cell proliferation while inhibiting their apoptosis. Accordingly, the expression levels of RXRα are decreased in activated HSCs and LX-2 cells. Additionally, dual-luciferase reporter assay results reveal direct targeting of RXRα by miR-654-5p. Similarly, in vivo miR-654-5p overexpression aggravates LF in mice that are intraperitoneally injected with CCl4. Taken together, our findings elucidated a novel molecular mechanism with potential use for treatment of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heming Ma
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiuzhu Gao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuzhu Gao, ; Junqi Niu,
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuzhu Gao, ; Junqi Niu,
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15
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Yu X, Elfimova N, Müller M, Bachurski D, Koitzsch U, Drebber U, Mahabir E, Hansen HP, Friedman SL, Klein S, Dienes HP, Hösel M, Buettner R, Trebicka J, Kondylis V, Mannaerts I, Odenthal M. Autophagy-Related Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells Reduces Cellular miR-29a by Promoting Its Vesicular Secretion. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1701-1716. [PMID: 35219894 PMCID: PMC9046234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver fibrosis arises from long-term chronic liver injury, accompanied by an accelerated wound healing response with interstitial accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the main source for ECM production. MicroRNA29a (miR-29a) is a crucial antifibrotic miRNA that is repressed during fibrosis, resulting in up-regulation of collagen synthesis. METHODS Intracellular and extracellular miRNA levels of primary and immortalized myofibroblastic HSC in response to profibrogenic stimulation by transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) or platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) or upon inhibition of vesicular transport and autophagy processes were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Autophagy flux was studied by electron microscopy, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemistry. Hepatic and serum miR-29a levels were quantified by using both liver tissue and serum samples from a cohort of chronic hepatitis C virus patients and a murine CCl4 induced liver fibrosis model. RESULTS In our study, we show that TGFβ and PDGF-BB resulted in decrease of intracellular miR-29a and a pronounced increase of vesicular miR-29a release into the supernatant. Strikingly, miR-29a vesicular release was accompanied by enhanced autophagic activity and up-regulation of the autophagy marker protein LC3. Moreover, autophagy inhibition strongly prevented miR-29a secretion and repressed its targets' expression such as Col1A1. Consistently, hepatic miR-29a loss and increased LC3 expression in myofibroblastic HSC were associated with increased serum miR-29a levels in CCl4-treated murine liver fibrosis and specimens of hepatitis C virus patients with chronic liver disease. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence that activation-associated autophagy in HSC induces release of miR-29a, whereas inhibition of autophagy represses fibrogenic gene expression in part through attenuated miR-29a secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Yu
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Natalia Elfimova
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marion Müller
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Bachurski
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrike Koitzsch
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Uta Drebber
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center of Integrative Oncology, University Clinic of Cologne and Bonn, Germany
| | - Esther Mahabir
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich P Hansen
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center of Integrative Oncology, University Clinic of Cologne and Bonn, Germany
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Sabine Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hans Peter Dienes
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marianna Hösel
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Buettner
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center of Integrative Oncology, University Clinic of Cologne and Bonn, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure - EF CLIF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vangelis Kondylis
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Inge Mannaerts
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Margarete Odenthal
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center of Integrative Oncology, University Clinic of Cologne and Bonn, Germany.
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16
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Ramos MJ, Bandiera L, Menolascina F, Fallowfield JA. In vitro models for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Emerging platforms and their applications. iScience 2022; 25:103549. [PMID: 34977507 PMCID: PMC8689151 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a global healthcare challenge, affecting 1 in 4 adults, and death rates are predicted to rise inexorably. The progressive form of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, no medical treatments are licensed for NAFLD-NASH. Identifying efficacious therapies has been hindered by the complexity of disease pathogenesis, a paucity of predictive preclinical models and inadequate validation of pharmacological targets in humans. The development of clinically relevant in vitro models of the disease will pave the way to overcome these challenges. Currently, the combined application of emerging technologies (e.g., organ-on-a-chip/microphysiological systems) and control engineering approaches promises to unravel NAFLD biology and deliver tractable treatment candidates. In this review, we will describe advances in preclinical models for NAFLD-NASH, the recent introduction of novel technologies in this space, and their importance for drug discovery endeavors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimenez Ramos
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lucia Bandiera
- Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.,Synthsys - Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Filippo Menolascina
- Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.,Synthsys - Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Jonathan Andrew Fallowfield
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Ramos MJ, Bandiera L, Menolascina F, Fallowfield JA. In vitro models for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Emerging platforms and their applications. iScience 2022; 25:103549. [PMID: 34977507 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a global healthcare challenge, affecting 1 in 4 adults, and death rates are predicted to rise inexorably. The progressive form of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, no medical treatments are licensed for NAFLD-NASH. Identifying efficacious therapies has been hindered by the complexity of disease pathogenesis, a paucity of predictive preclinical models and inadequate validation of pharmacological targets in humans. The development of clinically relevant in vitro models of the disease will pave the way to overcome these challenges. Currently, the combined application of emerging technologies (e.g., organ-on-a-chip/microphysiological systems) and control engineering approaches promises to unravel NAFLD biology and deliver tractable treatment candidates. In this review, we will describe advances in preclinical models for NAFLD-NASH, the recent introduction of novel technologies in this space, and their importance for drug discovery endeavors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimenez Ramos
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lucia Bandiera
- Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Synthsys - Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Filippo Menolascina
- Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Synthsys - Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Jonathan Andrew Fallowfield
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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18
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Heme Oxygenase-1 Inhibits the Proliferation of Hepatic Stellate Cells by Activating PPARγ and Suppressing NF-κB. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8920861. [PMID: 35047060 PMCID: PMC8763483 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8920861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are reported to play significant roles in the development of liver fibrosis. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a key rate-limiting enzyme, which could decrease collagen synthesis and liver damage. Nevertheless, it was yet elusive towards the function and mechanism of HO-1. Methods An HO-1 inducer Hemin or an HO-1 inhibitor ZnPP-IX was used to treat the activated HSC-T6, respectively. MTT assay was adopted to detect cell proliferation. Immunocytochemical staining was employed to test the levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) levels in HSC-T6. HO-1, PPARγ, and NF-κB expression levels were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. ELISA was then used to detect the levels of transforming growth factor- (TGF-) beta 1 (TGF-β1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum hyaluronic acid (HA), and serum type III procollagen aminopeptide (PIIIP). Results HSC-T6 proliferation was inhibited in Hemin-treated HSCs. The levels of α-SMA, HA, and PIIIP and the production of ECM were lower in Hemin-treated HSCs, whereas those could be rescued by ZnPP-IX. NF-κB activation was decreased, but PPARγ expression was increased after HO-1 upregulation. Furthermore, the levels of TGF-β1 and IL-6, which were downstream of activated NF-κB in HSC-T6, were reduced. The PPAR-specific inhibitor GW9662 could block those mentioned effects. Conclusions Our data demonstrated that HO-1 induction could inhibit HSC proliferation and activation by regulating PPARγ expression and NF-κB activation directly or indirectly, which makes it a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Wu TH, Wang PW, Lin TY, Yang PM, Li WT, Yeh CT, Pan TL. Antioxidant properties of red raspberry extract alleviate hepatic fibrosis via inducing apoptosis and transdifferentiation of activated hepatic stellate cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112284. [PMID: 34626932 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a wound-healing process caused by prolonged liver damage and often occurs due to hepatic stellate cell activation in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Red raspberry has been found to attenuate oxidative stress, mainly because it is rich in bioactive components. In the current study, we investigated the inhibitory effects and associated molecular mechanisms of red raspberry extract (RBE) upon activated hepatic stellate cell (aHSC) in cellular and rat models. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased in the dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-applied samples, whereas treatment of RBE significantly suppressed the activities of these enzymes. In addition, a histopathological analysis demonstrated that RBE could substantially diminish the hepatic collagen content and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression induced by DMN. Administration of 250 μg/mL RBE could also arrest the growth and enhance the apoptosis of activated HSC-T6 cells, which was accompanied with elevated levels of activated caspases and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Particularly, RBE application remarkably abolished oxidative damage within the cells and reduced the carbonylation of proteins, which was attributed to the upregulation of catalase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Moreover, the knockdown of Nrf2 together with the RBE treatment synergistically abrogated the expression of α-SMA and promoted the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), suggesting that RBE could mitigate the transdifferentiation of HSC in a Nrf2-independent manner. These findings implied that the application of RBE could effectively remove oxidative stress and relieve the activation of HSC via modulating the caspase/PARP, Nrf2/HO-1 and PPAR-γ pathways, which may allow the development of novel therapeutic strategies against chemical-caused liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Ho Wu
- Surgical Critical Care division of Critical care department, Cardiovascular division of Surgical department, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Wen Wang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yi Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ming Yang
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tai Li
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Long Pan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine and Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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20
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Königshofer P, Brusilovskaya K, Petrenko O, Hofer BS, Schwabl P, Trauner M, Reiberger T. Nuclear Receptors in Liver Fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166235. [PMID: 34339839 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate gene expression of a variety of key molecular signals involved in liver fibrosis. The primary cellular driver of liver fibrogenesis are activated hepatic stellate cells. Different NRs regulate the hepatic expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic cytokines that promote the transformation of hepatic stellate cells into fibrogenic myofibroblasts. Importantly, nuclear receptors regulate gene expression circuits that promote hepatic fibrogenesis and/or allow liver fibrosis regression. In this review, we highlight the direct and indirect influence of nuclear receptors on liver fibrosis, with a focus on hepatic stellate cells, and discuss potential therapeutic effects of nuclear receptor modulation in regard to anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Further research on nuclear receptors-related signaling may lead to the clinical development of effective anti-fibrotic therapies for patients with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ksenia Brusilovskaya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oleksandr Petrenko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Silvester Hofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
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21
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Liang J, Yuan H, Xu L, Wang F, Bao X, Yan Y, Wang H, Zhang C, Jin R, Ma L, Zhang J, Huri L, Su X, Xiao R, Ma Y. Study on the effect of Mongolian medicine Qiwei Qinggan Powder on hepatic fibrosis through JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2021; 85:775-785. [PMID: 33686395 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This research aimed to evaluate the antihepatic fibrosis effect and explore the mechanism of Qiwei Qinggan Powder (QGS-7) in vivo and in vitro. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were used. QGS-7 treatment significantly improved the liver function of rats as indicated by decreased serum enzymatic activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. Meanwhile, the hydroxyproline of liver was significantly decreased. Histopathological results indicated that QGS-7 alleviated liver damage and reduced the formation of fibrosis septa. Moreover, QGS-7 significantly attenuated expressions of Alpha smooth muscle actin, Collagen I, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phosphorylation-JAK2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphorylation-STAT3 in the rat hepatic fibrosis model. QGS-7 inhibited HSC proliferation and promoted it apoptosis. QGS-7 may affect hepatic fibrosis through JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway so as to play an antihepatic fibrosis role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hongwei Yuan
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Liping Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiaomei Bao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yuxin Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Haisheng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Rong Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lijie Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jianyu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lebagen Huri
- School of Mongolian Medicine and Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiaoli Su
- Functional Science laboratory, Institute of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Rui Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology Inner, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuehong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
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22
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Li B, Cai SY, Boyer JL. The role of the retinoid receptor, RAR/RXR heterodimer, in liver physiology. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166085. [PMID: 33497820 PMCID: PMC11152086 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Activated by retinoids, metabolites of vitamin A, the retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and the retinoid X receptors (RXRs) play important roles in a wide variety of biological processes, including embryo development, homeostasis, cell proliferation, differentiation and death. In this review, we summarized the functional roles of nuclear receptor RAR/RXR heterodimers in liver physiology. Specifically, RAR/RXR modulate the synthesis and metabolism of lipids and bile acids in hepatocytes, regulate cholesterol transport in macrophages, and repress fibrogenesis in hepatic stellate cells. We have also listed the specific genes that carry these functions and how RAR/RXR regulate their expression in liver cells, providing a mechanistic view of their roles in liver physiology. Meanwhile, we pointed out many questions regarding the detailed signaling of RAR/RXR in regulating the expression of liver genes, and hope future studies will address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baixue Li
- Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States; College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China.
| | - Shi-Ying Cai
- Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.
| | - James L Boyer
- Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.
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23
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Park JW, Kim MJ, Kim SE, Kim HJ, Jeon YC, Shin HY, Park SJ, Jang MK, Kim DJ, Park CK, Choi EK. Increased Expression of S100B and RAGE in a Mouse Model of Bile Duct Ligation-induced Liver Fibrosis. J Korean Med Sci 2021; 36:e90. [PMID: 33847081 PMCID: PMC8042478 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is defined as the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and scar formation. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been demonstrated to participate in fibrogenesis. S100B is a ligand of RAGE and exerts extracellular functions by inducing a series of signal transduction cascades. However, the involvement of S100B and RAGE in cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated S100B and RAGE expression during liver fibrosis in mice that underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL). METHODS BDL was performed in 10-week-old male C57BL/6J mice with sham control (n = 26) and BDL (n = 26) groups. Expression levels of S100B, RAGE and fibrotic markers in the livers from both groups at week 1 and 3 after BDL were examined by western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Liver fibrotic changes were examined by histological and ultrastructural analysis. RESULTS Histological staining with Sirius Red and the evaluation of the messenger RNA expression of fibrotic markers showed noticeable periportal fibrosis and bile duct proliferation. S100B was mainly present in bile duct epithelial cells, and its expression was upregulated in proportion to the ductular reaction during fibrogenesis by BDL. RAGE expression was also increased, and interestingly, triple immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that both S100B and RAGE were expressed in proliferating bile duct epithelial cells and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of the BDL livers. In addition, in rat HSCs (HSC-T6), treatment with recombinant S100B protein significantly increased fibrotic markers in a dose-dependent manner, and RAGE small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed S100B-stimulated upregulation of fibrotic markers compared with cells treated with scramble siRNA and S100B. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the increased expression of S100B and RAGE and the interaction between S100B and RAGE may play an important role in ductular reaction and liver fibrosis induced by BDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Won Park
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Anyang, Korea
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Mo Jong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Sung Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Anyang, Korea
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hee Jun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Yong Chul Jeon
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Hae Young Shin
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Se Jin Park
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Myoung Kuk Jang
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital of Hallym University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital of Hallym University Medical Center, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Choong Kee Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Anyang, Korea
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Choi
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea.
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24
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β-arrestin2 deficiency protects against hepatic fibrosis in mice and prevents synthesis of extracellular matrix. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:389. [PMID: 32439968 PMCID: PMC7242363 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2596-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a disease of the wound-healing response following chronic liver injury, and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. β-arrestin2 functions as a multiprotein scaffold to coordinate complex signal transduction networks. Although β-arrestin2 transduces diverse signals in cells, little is known about its involvement in the regulation of liver fibrosis. Our current study utilized a porcine serum-induced liver fibrosis model and found increased expression of β-arrestin2 in hepatic tissues with the progression of hepatic fibrosis, which was positively correlated with collagen levels. Furthermore, changes in human fibrotic samples were also observed. We next used β-arrestin2−/− mice to demonstrate that β-arrestin2 deficiency ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and decreases collagen deposition. The in vitro depletion and overexpression experiments showed that decreased β-arrestin2 inhibited HSCs collagen production and elevated TβRIII expression, thus downregulating the TGF-β1 pathway components Smad2, Smad3 and Akt. These findings suggest that β-arrestin2 deficiency ameliorates liver fibrosis in mice, and β-arrestin2 may be a potential treatment target in hepatic fibrosis.
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25
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Buniatian GH, Weiskirchen R, Weiss TS, Schwinghammer U, Fritz M, Seferyan T, Proksch B, Glaser M, Lourhmati A, Buadze M, Borkham-Kamphorst E, Gaunitz F, Gleiter CH, Lang T, Schaeffeler E, Tremmel R, Cynis H, Frey WH, Gebhardt R, Friedman SL, Mikulits W, Schwab M, Danielyan L. Antifibrotic Effects of Amyloid-Beta and Its Loss in Cirrhotic Liver. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020452. [PMID: 32089540 PMCID: PMC7072823 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The function and regulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in healthy and diseased liver remains unexplored. Because Aβ reduces the integrity of the blood-brain barrier we have examined its potential role in regulating the sinusoidal permeability of normal and cirrhotic liver. Aβ and key proteins that generate (beta-secretase 1 and presenilin-1) and degrade it (neprilysin and myelin basic protein) were decreased in human cirrhotic liver. In culture, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) internalized Aβ more efficiently than astrocytes and HSC degraded Aβ leading to suppressed expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen 1 and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Aβ also upregulated sinusoidal permeability marker endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and decreased TGFβ in cultured human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (hLSEC). Liver Aβ levels also correlate with the expression of eNOS in transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mice and in human and rodent cirrhosis/fibrosis. These findings suggest a previously unexplored role of Aβ in the maintenance of liver sinusoidal permeability and in protection against cirrhosis/fibrosis via attenuation of HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayane Hrachia Buniatian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), Yerevan 0014, Armenia;
- Correspondence: (G.H.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.W.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Thomas S. Weiss
- Children’s University Hospital (KUNO), University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Ute Schwinghammer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Fritz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Torgom Seferyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), Yerevan 0014, Armenia;
| | - Barbara Proksch
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Michael Glaser
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Ali Lourhmati
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Marine Buadze
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.W.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Frank Gaunitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Christoph H. Gleiter
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Thomas Lang
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (T.L.); (E.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Elke Schaeffeler
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (T.L.); (E.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Roman Tremmel
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (T.L.); (E.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle, Germany;
| | - William H. Frey
- Center for Memory & Aging, HealthPartners Neuroscience Center, St. Paul, MN 55130, USA;
| | - Rolf Gebhardt
- Rudolf-Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA;
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria;
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (T.L.); (E.S.); (R.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
| | - Lusine Danielyan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
- Correspondence: (G.H.B.); (L.D.)
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26
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Du G, Wang J, Zhang T, Ding Q, Jia X, Zhao X, Dong J, Yang X, Lu S, Zhang C, Liu Z, Zeng Z, Safadi R, Qi R, Zhao X, Hong Z, Lu Y. Targeting Src family kinase member Fyn by Saracatinib attenuated liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:118. [PMID: 32051399 PMCID: PMC7016006 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that Src family kinase (SFK) plays important roles in systemic sclerosis and pulmonary fibrosis. However, how SFKs contributed to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of Fyn, a member of SFK, in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis, and evaluated the anti-fibrotic effects of Saracatinib, a clinically proven safe Fyn inhibitor. Fyn activation was examined in human normal and fibrotic liver tissues. The roles of Fyn in HSC activation and liver fibrosis were evaluated in HSC cell lines by using Fyn siRNA and in Fyn knockout mice. The effects of Saracatinib on HSC activation and liver fibrosis were determined in primary HSCs and CCl4 induced liver fibrosis model. We showed that the Fyn was activated in the liver of human fibrosis patients. TGF-β induced the activation of Fyn in HSC cell lines. Knockdown of Fyn significantly blocked HSC activation, proliferation, and migration. Fyn deficient mice were resistant to CCl4 induced liver fibrosis. Saracatinib treatment abolished the activation of Fyn, downregulated the Fyn/FAK/N-WASP signaling in HSCs, and subsequently prevented the activation of HSCs. Saracatinib treatment significantly reduced the severity liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice. In conclusions, our findings supported the critical role of Fyn in HSC activation and development of liver fibrosis. Fyn could serve as a promising drug target for liver fibrosis treatment. Fyn inhibitor Saracatinib significantly inhibited HSC activation and attenuated liver fibrosis in mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifang Du
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Xiaodong Jia
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xueke Zhao
- Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jinke Dong
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Xinrui Yang
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Lu
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cuihong Zhang
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ze Liu
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rifaat Safadi
- Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ruizhao Qi
- Department of Hepatobiliary surgery, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary surgery, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixian Hong
- Department of Hepatobiliary surgery, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yinying Lu
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China. .,Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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27
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Cai B, Dongiovanni P, Corey KE, Wang X, Shmarakov IO, Zheng Z, Kasikara C, Davra V, Meroni M, Chung RT, Rothlin CV, Schwabe RF, Blaner WS, Birge RB, Valenti L, Tabas I. Macrophage MerTK Promotes Liver Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Cell Metab 2020; 31:406-421.e7. [PMID: 31839486 PMCID: PMC7004886 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is emerging as a leading cause of chronic liver disease. However, therapeutic options are limited by incomplete understanding of the mechanisms of NASH fibrosis, which is mediated by activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In humans, human genetic studies have shown that hypomorphic variations in MERTK, encoding the macrophage c-mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) receptor, provide protection against liver fibrosis, but the mechanisms remain unknown. We now show that holo- or myeloid-specific Mertk targeting in NASH mice decreases liver fibrosis, congruent with the human genetic data. Furthermore, ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 (ADAM17)-mediated MerTK cleavage in liver macrophages decreases during steatosis to NASH transition, and mice with a cleavage-resistant MerTK mutant have increased NASH fibrosis. Macrophage MerTK promotes an ERK-TGFβ1 pathway that activates HSCs and induces liver fibrosis. These data provide insights into the role of liver macrophages in NASH fibrosis and provide a plausible mechanism underlying MERTK as a genetic risk factor for NASH fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishuang Cai
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Paola Dongiovanni
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione Ca' Granda IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano 20122, Italy
| | - Kathleen E Corey
- Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Igor O Shmarakov
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ze Zheng
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Canan Kasikara
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Viralkumar Davra
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Marica Meroni
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione Ca' Granda IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano 20122, Italy
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carla V Rothlin
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert F Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - William S Blaner
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Raymond B Birge
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Luca Valenti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20122, Italy; Translational Medicine - Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione Ca' Granda IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano 20122, Italy
| | - Ira Tabas
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology and Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Moon MY, Kim HJ, Kim MJ, Uhm S, Park JW, Suk KT, Park JB, Kim DJ, Kim SE. Rap1 regulates hepatic stellate cell migration through the modulation of RhoA activity in response to TGF‑β1. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:491-502. [PMID: 31173168 PMCID: PMC6605627 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the migration of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is important for hepatic fibrosis, the regulation of this migration is poorly understood. Notably, transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β1 induces monocyte migration to sites of injury or inflammation during the early phase, but inhibits cell migration during the late phase. In the present study, the role of transforming protein RhoA signaling in TGF‑β1‑induced HSC migration was investigated. TGF‑β1 was found to increase the protein and mRNA levels of smooth muscle actin and collagen type I in HSC‑T6 cells. The level of RhoA‑GTP in TGF‑β1‑stimulated cells was significantly higher than that in control cells. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of cofilin and formation of filamentous actin (F‑actin) were more marked in TGF‑β1‑stimulated cells than in control cells. Additionally, TGF‑β1 induced the activation of nuclear factor‑κB, and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins and several cytokines in HSC‑T6 cells. The active form of Rap1 (Rap1 V12) suppressed RhoA‑GTP levels, whereas the dominant‑negative form of Rap1 (Rap1 N17) augmented RhoA‑GTP levels. Therefore, the data confirmed that Rap1 regulated the activation of RhoA in TGF‑β1‑stimulated HSC‑T6 cells. These findings suggest that TGF‑β1 regulates Rap1, resulting in the suppression of RhoA, activation of and formation of F‑actin during the migration of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Young Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi 14066, Republic of Korea
| | - Mo-Jong Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi 14066, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunho Uhm
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Won Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Tae Suk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon 24253, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Bong Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon 24253, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi 14068, Republic of Korea
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Shin GM, Koppula S, Chae YJ, Kim HS, Lee JD, Kim MK, Song M. Anti-hepatofibrosis effect of Allium senescens in activated hepatic stellate cells and thioacetamide-induced fibrosis rat model. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2018; 56:632-642. [PMID: 31070527 PMCID: PMC6282452 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2018.1529801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Allium senescens Linn. (Liliaceae) (ASL) has been traditionally used in Korea and other Asian countries for improving digestive and liver functions. OBJECTIVE The anti-hepatofibrosis effect of ASL ethanol extract in cellular and experimental fibrosis rat model was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were studied using MTT assay, flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Thioacetamide (TAA; 200 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced liver fibrosis model using Sprague Dawley rats (n = 10) was developed in vivo by injecting TAA twice per week for 13 weeks. ASL (25 and 100 mg/kg) and silymarin (50 mg/kg) were administered through oral gavage 2 times per week from 7th to 13th week. Specific fibrotic-related biomarkers such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), glutathione and hydroxyproline levels in serum were analyzed by spectrophotometer using commercial kits. Morphological, histopathological and fibrotic-related gene expression such as TGF-β, Col1α1 and α-SMA in liver tissues was estimated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Picrosirius red stain and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS ASL (0.1 mg/mL) and silymarin (0.05 mg/mL) treatment induced apoptosis (4.06% and 8.67%) in activated HSC-T6 cells, compared with control group (3.7%). The altered morphology in activated primary HSCs was also restored by ASL (0.1 mg/mL) treatment. Further, ASL (100 and 25 mg/kg) ameliorated the TAA-induced altered fibrotic-related biomarkers, histopathological changes and fibrotic-related gene expression significantly (p < 0.05 ∼ p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS ASL can potentially be developed as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwang-Mo Shin
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, Chungju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Sushruta Koppula
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jin Chae
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, Chungju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Su Kim
- Daesowon Food, Chungju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Dong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Myong-Ki Kim
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Seowon University, Cheongju, Chingbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - MinDong Song
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, Chungju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
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El-Lakkany NM, El-Maadawy WH, Seif El-Din SH, Saleh S, Safar MM, Ezzat SM, Mohamed SH, Botros SS, Demerdash Z, Hammam OA. Antifibrotic effects of gallic acid on hepatic stellate cells: In vitro and in vivo mechanistic study. J Tradit Complement Med 2018; 9:45-53. [PMID: 30671365 PMCID: PMC6335492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies reported the antifibrotic effects of gallic acid (GA) despite its known hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. Accordingly, this study investigated the antifibrotic effects of GA through clarifying its mechanisms on hepatic stellate cells' (HSCs) activation, proliferation and/or apoptosis. In vitro effects of GA on HSC-T6 activation/proliferation, morphology and safety on hepatocytes were assessed. In vivo, hepatic fibrosis was induced via chronic thioacetamide (TAA)-intoxication. TAA-intoxicated rats were treated with silyamrin or GA. At end of experiment, liver functions, hepatic MDA, GSH, PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, TIMP-1 and hydroxyproline were determined. Histological analysis and Sirius red staining of hepatic sections, expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 were examined. In vitro, GA resulted in a concentration and time-dependent inhibition in HSCs activation, proliferation (IC50= 45 and 19 μg/mL at 24 and 48 h respectively); restored the quiescent morphology of some activated HSCs plus its safety on hepatocytes. In vivo, GA reduced ALT, AST, MDA, PDGF-BB levels, collagen deposition and fibrosis score (S1 vs S4); increased caspase-3 expression and restored GSH stores, TGF-β1 level, α-SMA and PCNA expressions. In conclusion, GA counteracted the progression of hepatic fibrosis through reduction of HSCs proliferation/activation mutually with their apoptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Walaa H El-Maadawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Sayed H Seif El-Din
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Samira Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Safar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Suez Desert Road, P.O. Box 43, ElSherouk City, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Shahira M Ezzat
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October, Giza 12566, Egypt
| | - Salwa H Mohamed
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Sanaa S Botros
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Zeinab Demerdash
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
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Zhao Z, Li Y, Jain A, Chen Z, Liu H, Jin W, Cheng K. Development of a peptide-modified siRNA nanocomplex for hepatic stellate cells. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2018; 14:51-61. [PMID: 28890106 PMCID: PMC5742024 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) is overexpressed in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and therefore can be utilized for HSC-specific drug delivery. We recently discovered an IGF2R-specific peptide using a novel biopanning. Here, we adopted biotin-conjugated IGF2R-specific peptide, cholesterol, and vitamin A as the targeting ligands for the neutravidin-based siRNA nanocomplex to deliver PCBP2 siRNA, a potentially antifibrotic agent, to HSCs. Compared to vitamin A and cholesterol, the IGF2R-specific peptide exhibited the highest targeting effect to human LX-2 HSC, rat HSC-T6 cell line, and activated primary rat HSCs. Accordingly, the IGF2R-specific peptide coupled nanocomplex demonstrated higher silencing activity of PCBP2 and better inhibition on the migration of activated HSCs. Compared to free siRNA and the nanocomplexes coupled with vitamin A and cholesterol, the IGF2R-specific peptide coupled nanocomplex showed the highest uptake in the liver and lowest uptake in the lung and kidney of the rats with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhao
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Yuanke Li
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Akshay Jain
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Zhijin Chen
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Hao Liu
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Wei Jin
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA.
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Liver myofibroblasts of murine origins express mesothelin: Identification of novel rat mesothelin splice variants. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184499. [PMID: 28898276 PMCID: PMC5595315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver myofibroblasts are specialized effector cells that drive hepatic fibrosis, a hallmark process of chronic liver diseases, leading to progressive scar formation and organ failure. Liver myofibroblasts are increasingly recognized as heterogeneous with regards to their origin, phenotype, and functions. For instance, liver myofibroblasts express cell markers that are universally represented such as, ItgαV and Pdgfrβ, or restricted to a given subpopulation such as, Lrat exclusively expressed in hepatic stellate cells, and Gpm6a in mesothelial cells. To study liver myofibroblasts in vitro, we have previously generated and characterized a SV40-immortalized polyclonal rat activated portal fibroblast cell line called RGF-N2 expressing multiple mesothelin mRNA transcripts. Mesothelin, a cell-surface molecule expressed in normal mesothelial cells and overexpressed in several cancers such as, mesothelioma and cholangiocarcinoma, was recently identified as a key regulator of portal myofibroblast proliferation, and fibrosis progression in the setting of chronic cholestatic liver disease. Here, we identify novel mesothelin splice variants expressed in rat activated portal fibroblasts. RGF-N2 portal fibroblast cDNA was used as template for insertion of hemagglutinin tag consensus sequence into the complete open reading frame of rat mesothelin variant coding sequences by extension PCR. Purified amplicons were subsequently cloned into an expression vector for in vitro translation and transfection in monkey COS7 fibroblasts, before characterization of fusion proteins by immunoblot and immunofluorescence. We show that rat activated portal fibroblasts, hepatic stellate cells, and cholangiocarcinoma cells express wild-type mesothelin and additional splice variants, while mouse activated hepatic stellate cells appear to only express wild-type mesothelin. Notably, rat mesothelin splice variants differ from the wild-type isoform by their protein properties and cellular distribution in transfected COS7 fibroblasts. We conclude that mesothelin is a marker of activated murine liver myofibroblasts. Mesothelin gene expression and regulation may be critical in liver myofibroblasts functions and fibrosis progression.
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Bai GP, Yan GH, Wang GJ, Wan P, Liu XF, Wang H, Zhang RH. Effects of lentiviral vector‑mediated shRNA silencing of TGFβ1 on the expression of Col1a1 in rat hepatic stellate cells. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:2785-2790. [PMID: 28713909 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to construct a lentiviral RNA interference (RNAi) vector targeting the transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) gene of rats, in order to examine its effect on silencing of the TGFβ1 gene and on the expression of collagen type 1 α1 (Col1a1) in HSC‑T6 rat hepatic stellate cells. Three RNAi sites of the TGFβ1 gene were selected according to its CDs sequence. Three pairs of small interfering RNA (siRNA) of these RNAi sites were synthesized and then transfected into HSC‑T6 cells, respectively, to confirm the optimal siRNA sequence via reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction analysis. Subsequently, shRNA targeting the sequence of the optimal siRNA was designed, synthesized and annealed to form a double‑stranded structure. The annealed oligonucleotide fragment was cloned into pGreenPuro plasmids to establish the pGreenPuro/TGFβ1 shRNA lentiviral vector, which was then transfected into 293T cells, following identification by restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing for the production of lentiviral particles exhibiting high reactivity. These particles were used to infect HSC‑T6 cells, following which the expression of GFP in the transfected cells was observed under an inverted microscope. The effects on TGFβ1 gene silencing and the expression levels of Colla1 were detected at the mRNA and protein levels. The results provided confirmation of the optimal siRNA sequence. Enzyme digestion and sequencing verified successful construction of the pGreenPuro/TGFβ1 shRNA lentiviral vector. This lentiviral vector effectively silenced the TGFβ1 gene in the HSC‑T6 cells, and inhibited the expression of Col1a1 at the mRNA and protein levels. Taken together, the lentiviral RNAi vector targeting the TGFβ1 gene of rats was successfully constructed, which effectively silenced the TGFβ1 gene of the HSC‑T6 cells and inhibited the expression of Col1a1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan-Ping Bai
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Guo-He Yan
- Institute of Combined Injuries, The State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, College of Preventive Medicine, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Jian Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Ping Wan
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Fei Liu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Rong-Hua Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
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Peterová E, Podmolíková L, Řezáčová M, Mrkvicová A. Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 Suppresses TGF-β-Mediated Myofibroblastic Differentiation of Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells. ACTA MEDICA (HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ) 2017; 59:124-132. [PMID: 28440215 DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2017.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Myofibroblast expansion is a critical event in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) to myofibroblast (MFB) results in the enhanced production of extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we explored the effect of acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) treatment on a transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) induced MFB conversion. We used HSC-T6 cell line, which represents well-established model of activated HSC. These cells strongly expressed α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN-EDA) after stimulation with TGF-β1, which is a stimulus for MFB differentiation and ECM production. FGF-1 reduced proteins expression to levels comparable with untreated cells. Mild repression of secreted gelatinases was seen in culture media after FGF-1 treatment. The exposure of cells to collagen gel leads to changes in cell morphology and in expression of MFB markers. Lack of α-SMA in cells embedded to collagen gel was detected. When stimulated with TGF-β1, the cells increased expression of FN-EDA, but not α-SMA. Although the cells on plastic and in collagen gel show different properties, FGF-1 reduced expression of FN-EDA in both conditions. Disrupting TGF-β1 signalling pathway represents a potential strategy for the treatment of fibrosis. We showed that FGF-1 could antagonize signals initiated by TGF-β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Peterová
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Podmolíková
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Řezáčová
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Mrkvicová
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
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Hu D, Hu Y, Xu W, Yu H, Yang N, Ni S, Fu R. miR‑203 inhibits the expression of collagen‑related genes and the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells through a SMAD3‑dependent mechanism. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:1248-1254. [PMID: 28586069 PMCID: PMC5561992 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a pivotal event during hepatic fibrogenesis. Activated HSCs are the main source of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and emerging antifibrotic therapies are aimed at preventing ECM synthesis and deposition. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to exert regulatory effects on HSC activation and ECM synthesis. In the present study, the HSC-T6 rat hepatic stellate cell line was transiently transfected with a miRNA (miR)-203 mimic, which is an artificial miRNA that enhances the function of miR-203, with a miR-203 inhibitor or with a scramble miRNA negative control. mRNA and protein expression levels of collagen (COL) 1A1, COL3A1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. The interaction between miR-203 and the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of SMAD3 mRNA was examined using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The proliferative capabilities of activated HSCs were measured using an MTT assay. The present results demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expression levels of COL1A1, COL3A1, α-SMA and SMAD3 were significantly upregulated following transfection of HSC-T6 cells with the miR-203 inhibitor. Conversely, COL1A1, COL3A1, α-SMA, and SMAD3 mRNA and protein expression appeared to be downregulated in rat HSCs transfected with miR-203 mimics. Notably, the inhibition of miR-203 expression was revealed to promote HSC proliferation, whereas increased miR-203 expression suppressed the proliferative capabilities of HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, SMAD3 was revealed to be a direct target of miR-203. The present study suggested that miR-203 may function to prevent the synthesis and deposition of ECM components, including COL1A1, COL3A1 and α-SMA, and to inhibit the proliferation of HSCs through a SMAD3-dependent mechanism. Therefore, it may be hypothesized that miR-203 has potential as a novel target for the development of alternative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with hepatic fibrosis in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danping Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Rui'an, Zhejiang 325200, P.R. China
| | - Yibing Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Rui'an, Zhejiang 325200, P.R. China
| | - Wangwang Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Rui'an, Zhejiang 325200, P.R. China
| | - Huanhuan Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Rui'an, Zhejiang 325200, P.R. China
| | - Naibin Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Shunlan Ni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Rongquan Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Rui'an, Zhejiang 325200, P.R. China
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Liu H, Chen Z, Jin W, Barve A, Wan YJY, Cheng K. Silencing of α-complex protein-2 reverses alcohol- and cytokine-induced fibrogenesis in hepatic stellate cells. LIVER RESEARCH 2017; 1:70-79. [PMID: 28966795 PMCID: PMC5613955 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM α-complex protein-2 (αCP2) encoded by the poly (rC) binding protein 2(PCBP2) gene is responsible for the accumulation of type I collagen in fibrotic livers. In this study, we silenced the PCBP2 gene using a small interfering RNA (siRNA) to reverse alcohol-and cytokine-induced profibrogenic effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS Primary rat HSCs and the HSC-T6 cell line were used as fibrogenic models to mimic the initiation and perpetuation stages of fibrogenesis, respectively. We previously found that a PCBP2 siRNA, which efficiently silences expression of αCP2, reduces the stability of type I collagen mRNA. We investigated the effects of the PCBP2 siRNA on cell proliferation and migration. Expression of type I collagen in HSCs was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. In addition, we evaluated the effects of the PCBP2 siRNA on apoptosis and the cell cycle. RESULTS PCBP2 siRNA reversed multiple alcohol- and cytokine-induced profibrogenic effects on primary rat HSCs and HSC-T6 cells. The PCBP2 siRNA also reversed alcohol- and cytokine-induced accumulation of type I collagen as well as cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, the combination of LY2109761, a transforming growth factor-β1 inhibitor, and the PCBP2 siRNA exerted a synergistic inhibitive effect on the accumulation of type I collagen in HSCs. CONCLUSIONS Silencing of PCBP2 using siRNA could be a potential therapeutic strategy for alcoholic liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Zhijin Chen
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Wei Jin
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Ashutosh Barve
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA,Corresponding author. Kun Cheng, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO, USA. (K. Cheng)
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Khazali AS, Clark AM, Wells A. A Pathway to Personalizing Therapy for Metastases Using Liver-on-a-Chip Platforms. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2017; 13:364-380. [PMID: 28425064 PMCID: PMC5484059 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-017-9735-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for most cancer-related deaths. The majority of solid cancers, including those of the breast, colorectum, prostate and skin, metastasize at significant levels to the liver due to its hemodynamic as well as tumor permissive microenvironmental properties. As this occurs prior to detection and treatment of the primary tumor, we need to target liver metastases to improve patients' outcomes. Animal models, while proven to be useful in mechanistic studies, do not represent the heterogeneity of human population especially in drug metabolism lack proper human cell-cell interactions, and this gap between animals and humans results in costly and inefficient drug discovery. This underscores the need to accurately model the human liver for disease studies and drug development. Further, the occurrence of liver metastases is influenced by the primary tumor type, sex and race; thus, modeling these specific settings will facilitate the development of personalized/targeted medicine for each specific group. We have adapted such all-human 3D ex vivo hepatic microphysiological system (MPS) (a.k.a. liver-on-a-chip) to investigate human micrometastases. This review focuses on the sources of liver resident cells, especially the iPS cell-derived hepatocytes, and examines some of the advantages and disadvantages of these sources. In addition, this review also examines other potential challenges and limitations in modeling human liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Khazali
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, S711 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - A M Clark
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, S711 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - A Wells
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, S711 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Prevention of TGF-β-induced early liver fibrosis by a maleic acid derivative anti-oxidant through suppression of ROS, inflammation and hepatic stellate cells activation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174008. [PMID: 28384213 PMCID: PMC5383026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Current anti-fibrotic effect of antioxidants in vivo is disappointing due probably to the fact that once liver fibrogenesis is established it is too advanced to be reversed by anti-oxidation mechanism. We consider antioxidant may only act on the early phase of fibrogenesis. Thus, we had previously established an early liver fibrosis animal model using an inducible expression vector (pPK9a), which contains TGF-β gene and was hydro-dynamically transferred into mice to induce a transient liver fibrosis. TGF-β1 has been well documented to up-regulate the expression of α2(1) collagen (Col 1A2) gene in the liver via the reactive oxygen species (ROS); the process triggers inflammation, leading to hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation and liver fibrogenesis. Using our animal model and ROS, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and Col 1A2 promoter assays as screening targets, we report here that a maleic acid derivative isolated from the Antrodia camphorata mycelium strongly decreases ROS production, promoter activity of Cox-2 and Col 1A2, intracellular calcium, expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Smad4-p-Smad2/3 co-localization in cell nucleus and the DNA binding activity of Sp1. Our results suggest that the maleic acid derivative prevents liver fibrosis at an early phase both in vitro and in vivo through the inhibition of ROS, inflammation and the activation of HSC.
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Zhou D, Wang J, He LN, Li BH, Ding YN, Chen YW, Fan JG. Prolyl oligopeptidase attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation through induction of Smad7 and PPAR-γ. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:780-786. [PMID: 28352366 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) is a serine endopeptidase widely distributed in vivo with high activity in the liver. However, its biological functions in the liver have remained largely elusive. A previous study by our group has shown that POP produced N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) and thereby exerted an anti-fibrogenic effect on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. It was therefore hypothesized that POP may affect the activation state of HSCs and has an important role in liver fibrosis. The HSC-T6 immortalized rat liver stellate cell line was treated with the POP inhibitor S17092 or transfected with recombinant lentivirus to overexpress POP. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The activation status of HSCs was determined by examination of the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-Smad signaling and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Inhibition by S17092 decreased, whereas lentiviral expression increased the activity of POP and cell proliferation, while neither of the treatments affected cell apoptosis. Of note, S17092 significantly increased, whereas POP overexpression decreased the expression of α-SMA and MCP-1 without affecting the expression of collagen I and TGF-β1. Furthermore, S17092 caused a reduction, whereas POP overexpression caused an upregulation of Smad7 protein and PPAR-γ, but not phosphorylated-Smad2/3 expression. In conclusion, POP attenuated the activation of HSCs through inhibition of TGF-β signaling and induction of PPAR-γ, which may have therapeutic potential in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Nan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Bing-Hang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Nian Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830028, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Wen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Gao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
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Cheng CF, Pan TM. Ankaflavin and Monascin Induce Apoptosis in Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells through Suppression of the Akt/NF-κB/p38 Signaling Pathway. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2016; 64:9326-9334. [PMID: 27960292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b03700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The increased proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is associated with hepatic fibrosis and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM)-protein production. We examined the inhibitory effects of the Monascus purpureus-fermented metabolites, ankaflavin and monascin (15 and 30 μM), on the Akt/nuclear factor (NF)-κB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in HSC-T6 (activated hepatic stellate cell line). Ankaflavin and monascin (30 μM) induced apoptosis and significantly inhibited cell growth (cell viabilities: 80.2 ± 5.43% and 62.8 ± 8.20%, respectively, versus control cells; P < 0.05). Apoptosis and G1 phase arrest (G1 phase percentages: 76.1 ± 2.85% and 79.9 ± 1.80%, respectively, versus control cells 65.9 ± 4.94%; P < 0.05) correlated with increased p53 and p21 levels and caspase 3 activity and decreased cyclin D1 and Bcl-2-family protein levels (P < 0.05, all cases). The apoptotic effects of ankaflavin and monascin were HSC-T6-specific, suggesting their potential in treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Fu Cheng
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University , No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ming Pan
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University , No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
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Chlorogenic acid protects against liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro through inhibition of oxidative stress. Clin Nutr 2016; 35:1366-1373. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Irwin RD, Boorman GA, Cunningham ML, Heinloth AN, Malarkey DE, Paules RS. Application of Toxicogenomics to Toxicology: Basic Concepts in the Analysis of Microarray Data. Toxicol Pathol 2016; 32 Suppl 1:72-83. [PMID: 15209406 DOI: 10.1080/01926230490424752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxicology and the practice of pathology are rapidly evolving in the postgenomic era. Observable treatment related changes have been the hallmark of toxicology studies. Toxicogenomics is a powerful new tool that may show gene and protein changes earlier and at treatment levels below the limits of detection of traditional measures of toxicity. It may also aid in the understanding of toxic mechanisms. It is important to remember that it is only a tool and will provide meaningful results only when properly applied. As is often the case with new experimental tools, the initial utilization is driven more by the technology than application to problem solving. Toxicogenomics is interdisciplinary in nature including at a minimum, pathology, toxicology, and genomics. Most studies will require the input from the disciplines of toxicology, pathology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and others depending on the types of questions being asked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Irwin
- Environmental Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.
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Zhao J, Peng L, Cui R, Guo X, Yan M. Dimethyl α-ketoglutarate reduces CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis through inhibition of autophagy in hepatic stellate cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 481:90-96. [PMID: 27823933 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sustained activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) leads to liver fibrosis. Autophagy fuels the activation of HSCs by generation of ATP. Our previous research demonstrated an inhibitory effect of dimethyl α-ketoglutarate (DMKG) on HSCs activation in vitro. In the current study, we demonstrated that DMKG reduced CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in Wistar rats. Then, with the use of the HSC-T6 cell lines and double immunofluorescent staining of liver sections, we showed that the anti-fibrotic effect occurred through the inhibition of the autophagy of HSCs. Both experiments showed that DMKG could inhibit autophagy and activation of HSCs, and that the activation of HSCs was down-regulated with autophagy. In addition, we showed that DMKG could lead to lipid droplet accumulation and decrease cellular ATP content in HSCs. Furthermore, the mechanism of how DMKG inhibited autophagy of HSCs was explored in vitro with the use of c646 (a competitive inhibitor of acetyl-coenzyme A which binds to the acetyltransferase EP300) and lipoic acid (an alternative acetyl-coenzyme A -replenishing agent to DMKG), and showed that both acetyl-coenzyme A and EP300 were involved. Collectively, our study investigated the possible role of DMKG in preventing liver fibrosis and HSCs activation. We showed that DMKG may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Zhao
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Lei Peng
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Ruibing Cui
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xiaolan Guo
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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He L, Li Z, Zhou D, Ding Y, Xu L, Chen Y, Fan J. Galanin receptor 2 mediates antifibrogenic effects of galanin on hepatic stellate cells. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:3375-3380. [PMID: 27882166 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Galanin is an endogenous factor involved in the negative regulation of the biological effects of leptin in bioenergetic metabolism. Leptin promotes fibrogenic effects in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), however, little is known about the effects of galanin on HSCs. In the present study, the biological functions of galanin and its receptors (GalRs) in HSCs were investigated using cell culture in vitro. It was found that galanin and GalR3 mRNA are expressed in quiescent and activated HSCs. GalR2 expression was undetectable in quiescent HSCs but was markedly induced in activated HSCs. In the HSC-T6 cell line, which is an activated rat HSC cell line, treatment with 100 nmol/l galanin significantly inhibited cell proliferation. It also inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression and upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ expression. Following the knockdown of GalR2 by specific small interfering RNA, the activation of GalR3 by galanin does not influence these effects of galanin on HSCs. However, activation of GalR2 alone by galanin following the knockdown of GalR3 inhibits HSC proliferation and TGF-β1 and α-SMA expression, in addition to inducing PPAR-γ expression. These data suggest that galanin inhibits HSC activation and suppresses the profibrogenic features of these cells, and these effects might be mediated by GalR2. Thus, galanin is a potential endogenous factor in the inhibition of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingnan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Zhenghong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Da Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Yongnian Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830028, P.R. China
| | - Leiming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Yuanwen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Jiangao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
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Li X, Jin Q, Wu YL, Sun P, Jiang S, Zhang Y, Zhang DQ, Zhang YJ, Lian LH, Nan JX. Tetrandrine regulates hepatic stellate cell activation via TAK1 and NF-κB signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 36:263-270. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Ge S, Xie J, Liu F, He J, He J. MicroRNA-19b reduces hepatic stellate cell proliferation by targeting GRB2 in hepatic fibrosis models in vivo and in vitro as part of the inhibitory effect of estradiol. J Cell Biochem 2016; 116:2455-64. [PMID: 25650006 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Estradiol (E2) is a major determinant of gender-based differences in the development of hepatic fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous 19-25 nucleotide, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs that regulate gene expression by blocking the translation or decreasing the stability of mRNAs and play an important role in liver fibrosis. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of miRNAs by E2 remain largely unknown. In this study, miR-19b levels were higher and were associated with lower GRB2 mRNA and protein levels in female rats more than in male rats. We also showed that miR-19b levels were down-regulated, were associated with the up-regulation of GRB2 mRNA and protein levels in PS (porcine serum-induced hepatic fibrosis) versus NS (normal control) groups and were up-regulated when associated with the down-regulation of GRB2 mRNA and protein levels in PS + E2 versus PS and in aHSC + E2 (estradiol treated aHSC) versus aHSC groups. MiR-19b expression inhibited cell proliferation in aHSCs, and also down-regulated GRB2 protein expression. The overexpression of miR-19b inhibited cell growth and suppressed COL1A1 protein levels by decreasing the levels of GRB2. However, the forced expression of GRB2 partly rescued the effect of miR-19b in the cells, attenuated cell proliferation, and suppressed the GRB2 protein level by up-regulating the levels of GRB2. Taken together, these findings will shed light on the role of miR-19b in regulating aHSC proliferation via the miR-19b/GRB2 axis. This newly identified miR-19b/GRB2 interaction provided novel insights into the suppressive effect of E2 on HSC proliferation and might facilitate the development of therapies targeting hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanfei Ge
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianping Xie
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinni He
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinwen He
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Zhang Y, Zhao X, Chang Y, Zhang Y, Chu X, Zhang X, Liu Z, Guo H, Wang N, Gao Y, Zhang J, Chu L. Calcium channel blockers ameliorate iron overload-associated hepatic fibrosis by altering iron transport and stellate cell apoptosis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 301:50-60. [PMID: 27095094 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with iron overload. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can antagonize divalent cation entry into renal and myocardial cells and inhibit fibrogenic gene expression. We investigated the potential of CCBs to resolve iron overload-associated hepatic fibrosis. Kunming mice were assigned to nine groups (n=8 per group): control, iron overload, deferoxamine, high and low dose verapamil, high and low dose nimodipine, and high and low dose diltiazem. Iron deposition and hepatic fibrosis were measured in mouse livers. Expression levels of molecules associated with transmembrane iron transport were determined by molecular biology approaches. In vitro HSC-T6 cells were randomized into nine groups (the same groups as the mice). Changes in proliferation, apoptosis, and metalloproteinase expression in cells were detected to assess the anti-fibrotic effects of CCBs during iron overload conditions. We found that CCBs reduced hepatic iron content, intracellular iron deposition, the number of hepatic fibrotic areas, collagen expression levels, and hydroxyproline content. CCBs rescued abnormal expression of α1C protein in L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (LVDCC) and down-regulated divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT-1) expression in mouse livers. In iron-overloaded HSC-T6 cells, CCBs reduced iron deposition, inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, and elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). CCBs are potential therapeutic agents that can be used to address hepatic fibrosis during iron overload. They resolve hepatic fibrosis probably correlated with regulating transmembrane iron transport and inhibiting HSC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Department of Pathology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanzhong Chang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Chu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Forth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyi Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Physiology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Chu
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang DQ, Sun P, Jin Q, Li X, Zhang Y, Zhang YJ, Wu YL, Nan JX, Lian LH. Resveratrol Regulates Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells by Modulating NF-κB and the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. J Food Sci 2015; 81:H240-5. [DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- De-Quan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Natural Resource of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian Univ; Yanji 133002 Jilin Province China
| | - Peng Sun
- Dept. of Pharmacy; Yanbian Univ. Hospital; Yanji 133000 Jilin Province China
| | - Quan Jin
- Key Laboratory for Natural Resource of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian Univ; Yanji 133002 Jilin Province China
| | - Xia Li
- Key Laboratory for Natural Resource of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian Univ; Yanji 133002 Jilin Province China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Natural Resource of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian Univ; Yanji 133002 Jilin Province China
| | - Yu-Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Natural Resource of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian Univ; Yanji 133002 Jilin Province China
| | - Yan-Ling Wu
- Key Laboratory for Natural Resource of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian Univ; Yanji 133002 Jilin Province China
| | - Ji-Xing Nan
- Key Laboratory for Natural Resource of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian Univ; Yanji 133002 Jilin Province China
| | - Li-Hua Lian
- Key Laboratory for Natural Resource of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian Univ; Yanji 133002 Jilin Province China
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Yoon No D, Lee KH, Lee J, Lee SH. 3D liver models on a microplatform: well-defined culture, engineering of liver tissue and liver-on-a-chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:3822-37. [PMID: 26279012 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00611b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The liver, the largest organ in the human body, is a multi-functional organ with diverse metabolic activities that plays a critical role in maintaining the body and sustaining life. Although the liver has excellent regenerative and recuperative properties, damages caused by chronic liver diseases or viral infection may lead to permanent loss of liver functions. Studies of liver disease mechanism have focused on drug screening and liver tissue engineering techniques, including strategies based on in vitro models. However, conventional liver models are plagued by a number of limitations, which have motivated the development of 'liver-on-a-chip' and microplatform-based bioreactors that can provide well-defined microenvironments. Microtechnology is a promising tool for liver tissue engineering and liver system development, as it can mimic the complex in vivo microenvironment and microlevel ultrastructure, by using a small number of human cells under two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions. These systems provided by microtechnology allow improved liver-specific functions and can be expanded to encompass diverse 3D culture methods, which are critical for the maintenance of liver functions and recapitulation of the features of the native liver. In this review, we provide an overview of microtechnologies that have been used for liver studies, describe biomimetic technologies for constructing microscale 2D and 3D liver models as well as liver-on-a-chip systems and microscale bioreactors, and introduce applications of liver microtechnology and future trends in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Yoon No
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Health Science, Korea University, Anamro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea.
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He Y, Zhu J, Huang Y, Gao H, Zhao Y. Advanced glycation end product (AGE)-induced hepatic stellate cell activation via autophagy contributes to hepatitis C-related fibrosis. Acta Diabetol 2015; 52:959-69. [PMID: 26002589 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-015-0763-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been implicated in pulmonary and renal fibrosis. Herein, we investigated whether AGEs are associated with liver fibrosis and examined the underlying mechanism by focusing on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and autophagy induction. METHODS Liver fibrosis was assessed by transient elastography (FibroScan). Serum AGE levels were determined by ELISA. Rat primary HSCs and HSC-T6 were treated with BSA-AGEs, cell proliferation was examined by WST-1 assay, and cell activation was evaluated by qPCR for transcripts of α-SMA and collagen type Iα1 and by Western blotting. Autophagy was measured by detection of LC3-II lipidation, p62 degradation, and puncta GFP-LC3 formation. Receptor of AGE (RAGE)-blocking antibodies and soluble RAGE were employed to inhibit AGE-RAGE signaling. RESULTS First, elevated AGE levels were observed in CHC patients than patients with chronic hepatitis B, especially in those with insulin resistance. Second, compared to controls, AGE-treated rat primary HSCs displayed an enhanced cell proliferation (1.39-fold), increased transcripts of α-SMA (2.40-fold) and proCOL1A1 (1.76-fold), and a higher level of α-SMA protein (1.85-fold). Moreover, AGE-induced HSC activation improved autophagy flux, as evidenced by significantly more LC3-II lipidation, p62 degradation, as well as GFP-LC3 puncta formations. In addition, our results showed that AGE-induced HSC autophagy and HSC activation could be reduced by RAGEs. CONCLUSION AGEs were found to induce autophagy and activation of HSCs, which subsequently contributes to the fibrosis in CHC patients. Blocking AGE-RAGE signaling may be a promising way to alleviate fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- YingLi He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Teaching Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an JiaoTong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
- Institution of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - JinQiu Zhu
- The School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang, 550003, Guizhou, China.
| | - YaQi Huang
- The School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang, 550003, Guizhou, China
| | - Heng Gao
- Xi'an Health School, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - YingRen Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Teaching Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an JiaoTong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.
- Institution of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.
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