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Basalova N, Alexandrushkina N, Grigorieva O, Kulebyakina M, Efimenko A. Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha (FAPα) in Fibrosis: Beyond a Perspective Marker for Activated Stromal Cells? Biomolecules 2023; 13:1718. [PMID: 38136590 PMCID: PMC10742035 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of tissue fibrosis is a complex process involving the interaction of multiple cell types, which makes the search for antifibrotic agents rather challenging. So far, myofibroblasts have been considered the key cell type that mediated the development of fibrosis and thus was the main target for therapy. However, current strategies aimed at inhibiting myofibroblast function or eliminating them fail to demonstrate sufficient effectiveness in clinical practice. Therefore, today, there is an unmet need to search for more reliable cellular targets to contribute to fibrosis resolution or the inhibition of its progression. Activated stromal cells, capable of active proliferation and invasive growth into healthy tissue, appear to be such a target population due to their more accessible localization in the tissue and their high susceptibility to various regulatory signals. This subpopulation is marked by fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα). For a long time, FAPα was considered exclusively a marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts. However, accumulating data are emerging on the diverse functions of FAPα, which suggests that this protein is not only a marker but also plays an important role in fibrosis development and progression. This review aims to summarize the current data on the expression, regulation, and function of FAPα regarding fibrosis development and identify promising advances in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Basalova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Educational Centre, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia (O.G.); (A.E.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Natalya Alexandrushkina
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Educational Centre, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia (O.G.); (A.E.)
| | - Olga Grigorieva
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Educational Centre, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia (O.G.); (A.E.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Maria Kulebyakina
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anastasia Efimenko
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Educational Centre, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia (O.G.); (A.E.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia;
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He W, Huang Y, Shi X, Wang Q, Wu M, Li H, Liu Q, Zhang X, Huang C, Li X. Identifying a distinct fibrosis subset of NAFLD via molecular profiling and the involvement of profibrotic macrophages. J Transl Med 2023; 21:448. [PMID: 37415134 PMCID: PMC10326954 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are emerging studies suggesting that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a heterogeneous disease with multiple etiologies and molecular phenotypes. Fibrosis is the key process in NAFLD progression. In this study, we aimed to explore molecular phenotypes of NAFLD with a particular focus on the fibrosis phenotype and also aimed to explore the changes of macrophage subsets in the fibrosis subset of NAFLD. METHODS To assess the transcriptomic alterations of key factors in NAFLD and fibrosis progression, we included 14 different transcriptomic datasets of liver tissues. In addition, two single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets were included to construct transcriptomic signatures that could represent specific cells. To explore the molecular subsets of fibrosis in NAFLD based on the transcriptomic features, we used a high-quality RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) dataset of liver tissues from patients with NAFLD. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was used to analyze the molecular subsets of NAFLD based on the gene set variation analysis (GSVA) enrichment scores of key molecule features in liver tissues. RESULTS The key transcriptomic signatures on NAFLD including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) signature, fibrosis signature, non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) signature, liver aging signature and TGF-β signature were constructed by liver transcriptome datasets. We analyzed two liver scRNA-seq datasets and constructed cell type-specific transcriptomic signatures based on the genes that were highly expressed in each cell subset. We analyzed the molecular subsets of NAFLD by NMF and categorized four main subsets of NAFLD. Cluster 4 subset is mainly characterized by liver fibrosis. Patients with Cluster 4 subset have more advanced liver fibrosis than patients with other subsets, or may have a high risk of liver fibrosis progression. Furthermore, we identified two key monocyte-macrophage subsets which were both significantly correlated with the progression of liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. CONCLUSION Our study revealed the molecular subtypes of NAFLD by integrating key information from transcriptomic expression profiling and liver microenvironment, and identified a novel and distinct fibrosis subset of NAFLD. The fibrosis subset is significantly correlated with the profibrotic macrophages and M2 macrophage subset. These two liver macrophage subsets may be important players in the progression of liver fibrosis of NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei He
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Yinxiang Huang
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiulin Shi
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingxuan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Menghua Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiuhong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaofang Zhang
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Caoxin Huang
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China.
| | - Xuejun Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China.
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China.
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Xing Y, Zhong W, Peng D, Han Z, Zeng H, Wang Y, Feng L, Huang J, Xu L, Chen M, Zhou D, Jiang K, Deng X, Zhou H, Tong G. Chinese Herbal Formula Ruangan Granule Enhances the Efficacy of Entecavir to Reverse Advanced Liver Fibrosis/Early Cirrhosis in Patients with Chronic HBV Infection: A Multicenter, Randomized Clinical Trial. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106737. [PMID: 36940891 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nucleotide analogs treatment can reverse liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, it has limited effect on fibrosis resolution in patients with CHB, particularly in preventing progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ruangan granule (RG), a Chinese herbal formula, has proven to produce a therapeutic effect against liver fibrosis in animal experiment. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of our Chinese herbal formula (RG) combined with entecavir (ETV) to reverse advanced liver fibrosis/early cirrhosis from CHB. METHODS A total of 240 CHB patients with histologically confirmed advanced liver fibrosis/early cirrhosis from 12 centers were randomly and blindly allocated to consume either ETV (0.5mg/day) plus RG (2 times/day) or control (ETV) for 48 weeks (wk) treatment. Changes in histopathology, serology and imageology were observed. Liver fibrosis reversion, defined as a reduction in the Knodell HAI score by ≥2 points and Ishak score by ≥1 grade, was assessed. RESULTS The rate of fibrosis regression and inflammation remission after 48 wk of treatment in histopathology was significantly higher in the ETV + RG group (38.73% vs. 23.94%, P=0.031). The ultrasonic semiquantitative scores decreased by ≥2 points and were 41 (28.87%) and 15 (21.13%) in the ETV+RG and ETV groups, respectively (P=0.026). The ETV+RG group had a significantly lower Fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) index (P=0.028). There was a significant difference between the ETV+RG and ETV groups in the liver function normalization rate (P <0.01). Moreover, ETV plus RG combination treatment further reduced the risk of HCC in median 55-month follow-up (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study illustrates that the Chinese herbal formula RG with ETV can improve advanced liver fibrosis/early cirrhosis regression in patients with CHB, further reducing the risk of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Xing
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weichao Zhong
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Deti Peng
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhiyi Han
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua Zeng
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lian Feng
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinzhen Huang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Linyi Xu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mingtai Chen
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Daqiao Zhou
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kaiping Jiang
- Department of Hepatology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xin Deng
- The First Department of Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Guangdong Tong
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
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Yang XM, Wu Z, Wang X, Zhou Y, Zhu L, Li D, Nie HZ, Wang YH, Li J, Ma X. Disulfiram inhibits liver fibrosis in rats by suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation and viability. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 23:54. [PMID: 35864505 PMCID: PMC9306139 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00583-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to chronic injury, featuring with excess accumulation of extracellular matrix secreted by the activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Disulfiram (DSF), also known as Antabuse, has been used for the treatment of alcohol addiction and substance abuse. Recently, overwhelming studies had revealed anti-cancer effects of DSF in multiple cancers, including liver cancer. But the actual effects of DSF on liver fibrosis and liver function remain unknown. Methods In this study, we evaluated the effects of low-dose DSF in CCl4- and Bile Duct Ligation (BDL)—induced hepatic fibrosis rat models. Cell proliferation was detected by using the Cell-Light™ EdU Apollo®567 Cell Tracking Kit. Cell apoptosis was analyzed using a TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) kit, viability was measured with Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK8). Relative mRNA expression of pro-fibrogenic was assessed using quantitative RT-PCR. The degree of liver fibrosis, activated HSCs, were separately evaluated through Sirius Red-staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and asparagine aminotransferase (AST) activities were detected with ALT and AST detecting kits using an automated analyzer. Results Liver fibrosis was distinctly attenuated while liver functions were moderately ameliorated in the DSF-treated group. Activation and proliferation of primary rat HSCs isolated from rat livers were significantly suppressed by low-dose DSF. DSF also inhibited the viability of in vitro cultured rat or human HSC cells dose-dependently but had no repressive role on human immortalized hepatocyte THLE-2 cells. Interestingly, upon DSF treatment, the viability of LX-2 cells co-cultured with THLE-2 was significantly inhibited, while that of THLE-2 co-cultured with LX-2 was increased. Further study indicated that HSCs apoptosis was increased in DSF/CCl4-treated liver samples. These data indicated that DSF has potent anti-fibrosis effects and protective effects toward hepatocytes and could possibly be repurposed as an anti-fibrosis drug in the clinic. Conclusions DSF attenuated ECM remodeling through suppressing the transformation of quiet HSCs into proliferative, fibrogenic myofibroblasts in hepatic fibrosis rat models. DSF provides a novel approach for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Mei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Dongchuan Road, NO. 800, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Dongchuan Road, NO. 800, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated to School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Dongchuan Road, NO. 800, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yaoqi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Dongchuan Road, NO. 800, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Dongchuan Road, NO. 800, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Dongxue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Dongchuan Road, NO. 800, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hui-Zhen Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Dongchuan Road, NO. 800, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ya-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Dongchuan Road, NO. 800, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Dongchuan Road, NO. 800, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Xueyun Ma
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China.
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Fibrogenic Pathways in Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136996. [PMID: 35805998 PMCID: PMC9266719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently also re-defined as metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is rapidly increasing, affecting ~25% of the world population. MALFD/NAFLD represents a spectrum of liver pathologies including the more benign hepatic steatosis and the more advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is associated with enhanced risk for liver fibrosis and progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation underlies NASH-related fibrosis. Here, we discuss the profibrogenic pathways, which lead to HSC activation and fibrogenesis, with a particular focus on the intercellular hepatocyte–HSC and macrophage–HSC crosstalk.
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The prophylactic and anti-fibrotic activity of phthalimido-thiazole derivatives in schistosomiasis mansoni. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2111-2120. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07533-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Liu Z, Xiang H, Xiang D, Xiao S, Xiang H, Xiao J, Ren H, Hu P, Liu H, Peng M. Revealing potential anti-fibrotic mechanism of Ganxianfang formula based on RNA sequence. Chin Med 2022; 17:23. [PMID: 35180857 PMCID: PMC8855591 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00579-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ganxianfang (GXF) formula as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is used for liver fibrosis in clinical practice while its mechanism is unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the molecular mechanism of GXF against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rats. Methods Detected the main compounds of GXF by UPLC-MS/MS. Evaluated the efficacy of GXF (1.58, 3.15, 4.73 g/kg/day) and Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY, positive control, 0.47 g/kg/day) through serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and histopathological changes. Explored the underlying mechanisms by integrating our total liver RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data with recent liver single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies. Verified potential pharmacodynamic substances of GXF by hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-T6 line. Results Main compounds were identified in GXF by UPLC-MS/MS, including baicalin, wogonoside and matrine etc. With GXF-high dose treatment, the elevation of ALT and AST induced by CCl4 were significantly reduced, and the protective effect of GXF-high dose treatment was better than FZHY. Liver histopathological changes were alleviated by GXF-high dose treatment, the ISHAK scoring showed the incidence of liver cirrhosis (F5/F6) decreased from 76.5 to 55.6%. The results of liver hydroxyproline content were consistent with the histopathological changes. RNA-seq analysis revealed the differential genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in ECM-receptor interaction and chemokine signaling pathway. GXF effectively inhibited collagen deposition and significantly downregulated CCL2 to inhibit the recruitment of macrophages in liver tissue. Integrating scRNA-seq data revealed that GXF effectively inhibited the expansion of scar-associated Trem2+CD9+ macrophages subpopulation and PDGFRα+PDGFRβ+ scar-producing myofibroblasts in the damaged liver, and remodeled the fibrotic niche via regulation of ligand-receptor interactions including TGFβ/EGFR, PDGFB/PDGFRα, and TNFSF12/TNFRSF12a signaling. In vitro experiments demonstrated that baicalin, matrine and hesperidin in GXF inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Conclusions This study clarified the potential anti-fibrotic effects and molecular mechanism of GXF in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rats, which deserves further promotion and application. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00579-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Huanyu Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Dejuan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Shuang Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hongyan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Huabao Liu
- Department of Liver Diseases, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400021, China.
| | - Mingli Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Therapeutic Targeting of Intestinal Fibrosis in Crohn's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030429. [PMID: 35159238 PMCID: PMC8834168 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is one of the most threatening complications of Crohn’s disease. It occurs in more than a third of patients with this condition, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and surgery often represents the only available therapeutic option. The mechanisms underlying intestinal fibrosis are partly known. Studies conducted so far have shown a relevant pathogenetic role played by mesenchymal cells (especially myofibroblasts), cytokines (e.g., transforming growth factor-β), growth factors, microRNAs, intestinal microbiome, matrix stiffness, and mesenteric adipocytes. Further studies are still necessary to elucidate all the mechanisms involved in intestinal fibrosis, so that targeted therapies can be developed. Although several pre-clinical studies have been conducted so far, no anti-fibrotic therapy is yet available to prevent or reverse intestinal fibrosis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the main therapeutic targets currently identified and the most promising anti-fibrotic therapies, which may be available in the near future.
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Quenum AJI, Shukla A, Rexhepi F, Cloutier M, Ghosh A, Kufer TA, Ramanathan S, Ilangumaran S. NLRC5 Deficiency Deregulates Hepatic Inflammatory Response but Does Not Aggravate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:749646. [PMID: 34712238 PMCID: PMC8546206 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.749646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat-containing receptor (NLR) family protein-5 (NLRC5) controls NF-κB activation and production of inflammatory cytokines in certain cell types. NLRC5 is considered a potential regulator of hepatic fibrogenic response due to its ability to inhibit hepatic stellate activation in vitro. To test whether NLRC5 is critical to control liver fibrosis, we treated wildtype and NLRC5-deficient mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and assessed pathological changes in the liver. Serum alanine transaminase levels and histopathology examination of liver sections revealed that NLRC5 deficiency did not exacerbate CCl4-induced liver damage or inflammatory cell infiltration. Sirius red staining of collagen fibers and hydroxyproline content showed comparable levels of liver fibrosis in CCl4-treated NLRC5-deficient and control mice. Myofibroblast differentiation and induction of collagen genes were similarly increased in both groups. Strikingly, the fibrotic livers of NLRC5-deficient mice showed reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Mmp3) and tissue inhibitor of MMPs-1 (Timp1) but not Mmp2 or Timp2. Fibrotic livers of NLRC5-deficient mice had increased expression of TNF but similar induction of TGFβ compared to wildtype mice. CCl4-treated control and NLRC5-deficient mice displayed similar upregulation of Cx3cr1, a monocyte chemoattractant receptor gene, and the Cd68 macrophage marker. However, the fibrotic livers of NLRC5-deficient mice showed increased expression of F4/80 (Adgre1), a marker of tissue-resident macrophages. NLRC5-deficient livers showed increased phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunit p65 that remained elevated following fibrosis induction. Taken together, NLRC5 deficiency deregulates hepatic inflammatory response following chemical injury but does not significantly aggravate the fibrogenic response, showing that NLRC5 is not a critical regulator of liver fibrosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akouavi Julite I. Quenum
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Akhil Shukla
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Fjolla Rexhepi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Maryse Cloutier
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Amit Ghosh
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Thomas A. Kufer
- Department of Immunology (180b), Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CR-CHUS), Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CR-CHUS), Sherbrooke, Canada
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The mechanism and role of intracellular α-ketoglutarate reduction in hepatic stellate cell activation. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222269. [PMID: 32124915 PMCID: PMC7069903 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20193385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a central role in liver fibrosis. α-ketoglutarate is a natural metabolite and previous studies have shown that increase in intracellular α-ketoglutarate can inhibit HSC activation. Aim: The aim of the present study is to determine the changes and role of intracellular α-ketoglutarate in HSC activation and clarify its mechanism of action. Methods: A human HSC cell line (LX-2) and the primary mouse HSC were used in the present study. We detected the changes of intracellular α-ketoglutarate levels and the expression of enzymes involved in the metabolic processes during HSC activation. We used siRNA to determine the role of intracellular α-ketoglutarate in HSC activation and elucidate the mechanism of the metabolic changes. Results: Our results demonstrated that intracellular α-ketoglutarate levels decreased with an HSC cell line and primary mouse HSC activation, as well as the expression of isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2), an enzyme that catalyzes the production of α-ketoglutarate. In addition, knockdown of IDH2 efficiently promoted the activation of HSCs, which was able to be reversed by introduction of an α-ketoglutarate analogue. Furthermore, we demonstrated that α-ketoglutarate regulated HSC activation is independent of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that decrease in IDH2 expression limits the production of α-ketoglutarate during HSC activation and in turn promotes the activation of HSCs through a TGF-β1 independent pathway. The present study suggests that IDH2 and α-ketoglutarate may be potential new targets for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Ullah A, Chen G, Hussain A, Khan H, Abbas A, Zhou Z, Shafiq M, Ahmad S, Ali U, Usman M, Raza F, Ahmed A, Qiu Z, Zheng M, Liu D. Cyclam-Modified Polyethyleneimine for Simultaneous TGFβ siRNA Delivery and CXCR4 Inhibition for the Treatment of CCl 4-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:4451-4470. [PMID: 34234436 PMCID: PMC8257077 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s314367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease with excessive production of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. PURPOSE This study aimed at the development of a novel derivative of polyethyleneimine (PEI) that can effectively deliver transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) siRNA and inhibit chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) for TGFβ silencing and CXCR4 Inhibition, respectively, to treat CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in a mouse model. METHODS Cyclam-modified PEI (PEI-Cyclam) was synthesized by incorporating cyclam moiety into PEI by nucleophilic substitution reaction. Gel electrophoresis confirmed the PEI-Cyclam polyplex formation and stability against RNAase and serum degradation. Transmission electron microscopy and zeta sizer were employed for the morphology, particle size, and zeta potential, respectively. The gene silencing and CXCR4 targeting abilities of PEI-Cyclam polyplex were evaluated by luciferase and CXCR4 redistribution assays, respectively. The histological and immunohistochemical staining determined the anti-fibrotic activity of PEI-Cyclam polyplex. The TGFβ silencing of PEI-Cyclam polyplex was authenticated by Western blotting. RESULTS The 1H NMR of PEI-Cyclam exhibited successful incorporation of cyclam content onto PEI. The PEI-Cyclam polyplex displayed spherical morphology, positive surface charge, and stability against RNAse and serum degradation. Cyclam modification decreased the cytotoxicity and demonstrated CXCR4 antagonistic and luciferase gene silencing efficiency. PEI-Cyclam/siTGFβ polyplexes decreased inflammation, collagen deposition, apoptosis, and cell proliferation, thus ameliorating liver fibrosis. Also, PEI-Cyclam/siTGFβ polyplex significantly downregulated α-smooth muscle actin, TGFβ, and collagen type III. CONCLUSION Our findings validate the feasibility of using PEI-Cyclam as a siRNA delivery vector for simultaneous TGFβ siRNA delivery and CXCR4 inhibition for the combined anti-fibrotic effects in a setting of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aftab Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Aftab Ullah; Daojun Liu Email ;
| | - Gang Chen
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Abid Hussain
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanif Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Azar Abbas
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210028, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhanwei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210028, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, people's Republic of China
| | - Saleem Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, Shantou University Medical College Cancer Hospital, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Usman Ali
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200240, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, people's Republic of China
| | - Faisal Raza
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200240, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Abrar Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200240, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zijie Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210028, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Maochao Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daojun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
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The Effect of Lecithins Coupled Decorin Nanoliposomes on Treatment of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8815904. [PMID: 33415158 PMCID: PMC7752282 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8815904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of bile duct-targeting lecithins- (PC-) coupled decorin (DCN) (PC-DCN) nanoliposomes against liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. We prepared PC-DCN nanoliposomes by using rat astrocytes, HSC-T6, to verify the antifibrosis effect of PC-DCN in vitro. First, we established a rat model of carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrosis. PC-DCN nanoliposomes were then injected into fibrotic rats via the portal vein or bile duct. The EdU assay was performed to analyze cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. Western blot was performed to examine the expression of α-SMA, collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) protein. The levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TBIL) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson trichrome staining were used to determine liver tissue lesions and liver fibrosis. Compared with TGF-β group, PC-DCN treatment could significantly reduce cell proliferation. Western blot analysis indicated that the expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, and TGF-β was downregulated after treatment with PC-DCN in vitro and in vivo. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed that α-SMA expression was reduced by PC-DCN. Furthermore, H&E staining and Masson trichrome staining showed that the administration of PC-DCN nanoliposomes via the bile duct could reduce the extent of liver fibrosis. PCR analysis showed that PC-DCN administration could reduce proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression via the bile duct. The administration of PC-DCN nanoliposomes also significantly downregulated liver function indicators ALT, AST, and TBIL. The results of our study indicated that PC-DCN could effectively reduce the extent of liver fibrosis.
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13
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A mechanical non-enzymatic method for isolation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8881-8890. [PMID: 33130988 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05940-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) accessibility coupled with their simple generation make them as a typical embryonic cell model and feeder layer for in vitro expansion of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). In this study, a mechanical isolation technique was adopted to isolate MEFs and the efficiency of this technique was compared with enzymatic digestion method. The suspended MEFs were prepared either by mechanical method or 0.25% trypsin enzymatic digestion. The effect of tissue processing on cell apoptosis/necrosis, morphology, viable cell yield, population doubling time, surface marker expression, and the capacity to support PSCs were determined. The mechanical method yielded a significantly higher number of viable cells. However, it showed similar morphology and proliferation characteristics as compared to enzymatic digestion. The mechanical method induced slight apoptosis in MEFs; however, it did not exert the necrotic effect of trypsinization. Treatment of tissue slurry with trypsin solution caused cell lysis and subsequently cell clump formation. Mechanically isolated cells exhibited a higher expression of the MEF surface antigens Sca1, CD106, and CD105. The PSCs on mechanically isolated MEFs displayed a higher expression of pluripotency genes, and formed more compact colonies with a stronger tendency to crowding compared with those cultured on cells isolated by enzymatic digestion. The mechanical method based on tissue inter-syringe processing is relatively a rapid and simple method for MEF isolation. Compared to the enzymatic digestion, the cells obtained from this method show higher expression of embryonic fibroblasts markers and a more functional capacity in supporting PSCs culture.
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Feng L, Li W, Chao Y, Huan Q, Lu F, Yi W, Jun W, Binbin C, Na L, Shougang Z. Synergistic Inhibition of Renal Fibrosis by Nintedanib and Gefitinib in a Murine Model of Obstructive Nephropathy. KIDNEY DISEASES 2020; 7:34-49. [PMID: 33614732 DOI: 10.1159/000509670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Our recent studies demonstrated that both nintedanib, an FDA-approved quadruple kinase inhibitor, and gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, protect against obstructive kidney disease. It remains unknown whether they have a synergistic effect. Methods In this study, we investigated the effect of combined administration of nintedanib and gefitinib on renal fibrosis in a murine model of renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Results Combined treatment with nintedanib and gefitinib after UUO resulted in a greater antifibrotic effect compared with their individual application. Mechanistically, administration of nintedanib blocked UUO-induced phosphorylation of multiple kinase receptors associated renal fibrosis, including platelet-derived growth factor receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, and Src family kinase, while gefitinib inhibited EGFR phosphorylation. Their combination also exhibited a more pronounced effect in reducing expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), increasing expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and suppressing renal proinflammatory cytokine expression and macrophage infiltration in the injured kidney. Furthermore, simultaneous administration of nintedanib and gefitinib was more potent in inhibiting UUO-induced renal phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), nuclear factor-κB, and Smad-3 compared with monotherapy. In cultured renal interstitial fibroblasts, cotreatment with these 2 inhibitors also had synergistic effects in abrogating transforming growth factor β1-induced activation of renal fibroblasts and phosphorylation of Akt, STAT3, and Smad3. Conclusions Combined application of nintedanib and gefitinib has a synergistic antifibrotic effect in the kidney and may hold translational potential for the treatment of chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Chao
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Huan
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Yi
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Jun
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui Binbin
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Na
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuang Shougang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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15
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Wu P, Luo X, Wu H, Zhang Q, Dai Y, Sun M. Efficient and targeted chemo-gene delivery with self-assembled fluoro-nanoparticles for liver fibrosis therapy and recurrence. Biomaterials 2020; 261:120311. [PMID: 32911091 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The treatment options of liver fibrosis remain limited except for liver transplantation due to the complexity and slow development in its progression. Besides, liver fibrosis recurrence and intervention time have not been reported as significant indicators to affect the anti-fibrotic efficacy of tested drugs/strategies. Herein, a novel fluoropolymer is developed to achieve high drug loading of sorafenib and efficient delivery of miR155 inhibitor (anti-miR155) for dual-targeting of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and kupffer cells (KCs), and we report a detailed plan on the design of treatment regimen to reveal the relationship between chemogene therapy, intervention time and fibrosis recurrence. Such a combined chemo-gene therapy of sorafenib and anti-miR155 can achieve superior therapeutic efficiency by polarizing the pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 of KCs and inhibiting the proliferation of HSCs. Importantly, efficacy and recurrence prevention of chemogene therapy earlier in the liver fibrosis will be more effective than the treatment at later stage. In conclusion, this work proposes a novel strategy to improve the efficacy and prevent recurrence of liver fibrosis by dual-regulating of KCs and HSCs, and emphasizes the importance of therapy earlier in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengkai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xinping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qingyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuanxin Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Minjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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16
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Xie Z, Qiang J, Pi X, Wang J, Chen Y, Yu Q, Zhang Q. Favorable outcome of adjunctive traditional Chinese medicine therapy in liver cirrhosis: A large cohort study in Southwest China. Complement Ther Med 2020; 51:102446. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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17
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Schwabe RF, Tabas I, Pajvani UB. Mechanisms of Fibrosis Development in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:1913-1928. [PMID: 32044315 PMCID: PMC7682538 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.11.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent liver disease worldwide, affecting 20%-25% of the adult population. In 25% of patients, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progresses to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which increases the risk for the development of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In patients with NASH, liver fibrosis is the main determinant of mortality. Here, we review how interactions between different liver cells culminate in fibrosis development in NASH, focusing on triggers and consequences of hepatocyte-macrophage-hepatic stellate cell (HSC) crosstalk. We discuss pathways through which stressed and dead hepatocytes instigate the profibrogenic crosstalk with HSC and macrophages, including the reactivation of developmental pathways such as TAZ, Notch, and hedgehog; how clearance of dead cells in NASH via efferocytosis may affect inflammation and fibrogenesis; and insights into HSC and macrophage heterogeneity revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Finally, we summarize options to therapeutically interrupt this profibrogenic hepatocyte-macrophage-HSC network in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, New York.
| | - Ira Tabas
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, New York; Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Utpal B Pajvani
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, New York
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18
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Zhu K, Huang W, Wang W, Liao L, Li S, Yang S, Xu J, Li L, Meng M, Xie Y, He S, Tang W, Zhou H, Liang L, Gao H, Zhao Y, Hou Z, Tan J, Li R. Up-regulation of S100A4 expression by HBx protein promotes proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its correlation with clinical survival. Gene 2020; 749:144679. [PMID: 32330536 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide. HBV-related HCC has characteristics of faster progression and worse prognosis. Previous studies have confirmed that HBx protein plays numbers of important roles in development of HBV-HCC. However, the molecular mechanism of carcinogenicity of HBx is still not well documented. METHODS Firstly, a HCC cell line over-expressing HBx was established and its function was verified. Subsequently, the differentially expressed genes were detected by transcriptome sequencing technology and use the Western Blot technology to detect the up-regulated genes in HBx overexpressed cells, and the functional correlation of the genes was analyzed. Finally, tissue microarray was used to correlate up-regulated gene with clinical follow-up data to verify correlation with clinical prognosis. RESULTS Over-expression of HBx could promote cell proliferation, and over-expression of HBx could up-regulate the expression of S100A4 protein. ShRNA experiments showed that HBx promoted cell proliferation by upregulating the expression of S100A4. IFN-α2b can down-regulate the expression of S100A4 and inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells. The expression of S100A4 in cancer was significantly up-regulated compared with adjacent tissues, and was also significantly associated with tumors volume, the expression of PD-L1 and the survival time of patients with HCC. CONCLUSION In general, S100A4 may be an effective therapeutic target for HBV-HCC. And the connection between S100A4 and HBV are not clear yet. This study may play a guiding role in the future clinical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhu
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenwen Huang
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenju Wang
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Liwei Liao
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Shuo Li
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Songlin Yang
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Jingyi Xu
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Lin Li
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Mingyao Meng
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Yanhua Xie
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Shan He
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Haodong Zhou
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Luxin Liang
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Yiyi Zhao
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Zongliu Hou
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Tan
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China.
| | - Ruhong Li
- Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China.
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Eissa M, Elarabany N, Hyder A. In vitro efficacy of liver microenvironment in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2020; 56:341-348. [PMID: 32270392 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-020-00436-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) represent an interesting alternative to liver or hepatocyte transplantation to treat liver injuries. Many studies have reported that MSCs can treat several diseases, including liver damage, just by injection into the bloodstream, without evidence of differentiation. The improvements were attributed to the organotrophic factors, low immunogenicity, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects of MSCs, rather than their differentiation. The aim of the present study was to answer the question of whether the presence of BM-MSCs in the hepatic microenvironment will lead to their differentiation to functional hepatocyte-like cells. The hepatic microenvironment was mimicked in vitro by culture for 21 d with liver extract. The resulted cells expressed marker genes of the hepatic lineage including AFP, CK18, and Hnf4a. Functionally, they were able to detoxify ammonia into urea, to store glycogen as observed by PAS staining, and to synthesize glucose from pyruvate/lactate mixture. Phenotypically, the expression of MSC surface markers CD90 and CD105 decreased by differentiation. This evidenced differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells was accompanied by a downregulation of the stem cell marker genes sox2 and Nanog and the cell cycle regulatory genes ANAPC2, CDC2, Cyclin A1, and ABL1. The present results suggest a clear differentiation of BM-MSCs into functional hepatocyte-like cells by the extracted liver microenvironment. This differentiation is confirmed by a decrease in the stemness and mitotic activities. Tracking transplanted BM-MSCs and proving their in vivo differentiation remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manar Eissa
- Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, 34517, Egypt
| | - Naglaa Elarabany
- Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, 34517, Egypt
| | - Ayman Hyder
- Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, 34517, Egypt.
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Complex Cell Type-Specific Roles of Autophagy in Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9030225. [PMID: 32197543 PMCID: PMC7157207 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9030225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The lysosomal degradation pathway, or autophagy, plays a fundamental role in cellular, tissue, and organismal homeostasis. A correlation between dysregulated autophagy and liver fibrosis (including end-stage disease, cirrhosis) is well-established. However, both the up and downregulation of autophagy have been implicated in fibrogenesis. For example, the inhibition of autophagy in hepatocytes and macrophages can enhance liver fibrosis, whereas autophagic activity in hepatic stellate cells and reactive ductular cells is permissive towards fibrogenesis. In this review, the contributions of specific cell types to liver fibrosis as well as the mechanisms underlying the effects of autophagy are summarized. In view of the functional effects of multiple cell types on the complex process of hepatic fibrogenesis, integrated approaches that consider the role of autophagy in each liver cell type should be a focus of future research.
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Li X, Chen R, Kemper S, Brigstock DR. Dynamic Changes in Function and Proteomic Composition of Extracellular Vesicles from Hepatic Stellate Cells during Cellular Activation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020290. [PMID: 31991791 PMCID: PMC7072607 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) undergo activation and are the principal cellular source of collagenous scar. In this study, we found that activation of mouse HSC (mHSC) was associated with a 4.5-fold increase in extracellular vesicle (EV) production and that fibrogenic gene expression (CCN2, Col1a1) was suppressed in Passage 1 (P1; activated) mHSC exposed to EVs from Day 4 (D4; relatively quiescent) mHSC but not to EVs from P1 mHSC. Conversely, gene expression (CCN2, Col1a1, αSMA) in D4 mHSC was stimulated by EVs from P1 mHSC but not by EVs from D4 mHSC. EVs from Day 4 mHSC contained only 46 proteins in which histones and keratins predominated, while EVs from P1 mHSC contained 337 proteins and these were principally associated with extracellular spaces or matrix, proteasome, collagens, vesicular transport, metabolic enzymes, ribosomes and chaperones. EVs from the activated LX-2 human HSC (hHSC) line also promoted fibrogenic gene expression in D4 mHSC in vitro and contained 524 proteins, many of which shared identity or had functional overlap with those in P1 mHSC EVs. The activation-associated changes in production, function and protein content of EVs from HSC likely contribute to the regulation of HSC function in vivo and to the fine-tuning of fibrogenic pathways in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Li
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (X.L.); (R.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Ruju Chen
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (X.L.); (R.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Sherri Kemper
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (X.L.); (R.C.); (S.K.)
| | - David R Brigstock
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (X.L.); (R.C.); (S.K.)
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-614-355-2824; Fax: +1-614-722-5892
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22
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de Souza VCA, Moura DMN, de Castro MCAB, Bozza PT, de Almeida Paiva L, Fernandes CJB, Leão RLC, Lucena JP, de Araujo RE, de Melo Silva AJ, Figueiredo RCBQ, de Oliveira SA. Adoptive Transfer of Bone Marrow-Derived Monocytes Ameliorates Schistosoma mansoni -Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6434. [PMID: 31015492 PMCID: PMC6478942 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42703-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are a major health problem worldwide leading to high mortality rates and causing a considerable economic burden in many countries. Cellular therapies as potential treatments for liver diseases have proven beneficial in most of the conditions. In recent years, studies involving therapy with bone marrow cells have been implemented to promote liver regeneration and to reduce hepatic fibrosis, however identifying the cell population present in the bone marrow that is responsible for hepatic improvement after therapy is still necessary. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of monocytes obtained from bone marrow in fibrosis resulting from S. mansoni infection in C57BL/6 mice. Monocytes were isolated by immunomagnetic separation and administered to the infected animals. The effects of treatment were evaluated through morphometric, biochemical, immunological and molecular analyzes. Monocyte therapy promoted reduction of liver fibrosis induced by S. mansoni infection, associated with a decrease in production of inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic mediators. In addition, monocyte infusion caused downregulation of factors associated with the M1 activation profile, as well as upregulation of M2reg markers. The findings altogether reinforce the hypothesis that the predominance of M2reg macrophages, producers of immunosuppressive cytokines, may favor the improvement of hepatic fibrosis in a preclinical model, through fibrous tissue remodeling, modulation of the inflammatory response and fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Patrícia Torres Bozza
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ligia de Almeida Paiva
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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23
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Liu Y, Bi Y, Mo C, Zeng T, Huang S, Gao L, Sun X, Lv Z. Betulinic acid attenuates liver fibrosis by inducing autophagy via the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway. J Nat Med 2018; 73:179-189. [PMID: 30377904 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-018-1262-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the effects of betulinic acid on human hepatic stellate cells in vitro and C57BL/6 mice in vivo, as well as the signaling pathways involved. In this study, we explored the effects of betulinic acid on expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and autophagy-related proteins. Betulinic acid reduced pathological damage associated with liver fibrosis, as well as serum platelet-derived growth factor and serum hydroxyproline levels. Furthermore, betulinic acid downregulated the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and type I collagen in mouse liver and upregulated the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B and autophagy-related gene 7 at the gene and protein levels. LC3II expression was increased and alpha smooth muscle actin expression was decreased in betulinic acid-treated hepatic stellate cells. Interventions with bafilomycin A1 and mCherry-GFP-LC3 adenoviruses promoted the formation of autophagosomes in hepatic stellate cells and the development of autophagic flow. Our study found that mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase may be involved in the effects of betulinic acid on liver fibrosis. The present study suggests that betulinic acid has anti-hepatic fibrosis activity by inducing autophagy and could serve as a promising new agent for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanmeng Bi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chan Mo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sha Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuegang Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhiping Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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24
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Bitto N, Liguori E, La Mura V. Coagulation, Microenvironment and Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2018; 7:E85. [PMID: 30042349 PMCID: PMC6115868 DOI: 10.3390/cells7080085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the main consequence of any kind of chronic liver damage. Coagulation and thrombin generation are crucial in the physiological response to tissue injury; however, the inappropriate and uncontrolled activation of coagulation cascade may lead to fibrosis development due to the involvement of several cellular types and biochemical pathways in response to thrombin generation. In the liver, hepatic stellate cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells orchestrate fibrogenic response to chronic damage. Thrombin interacts with these cytotypes mainly through protease-activated receptors (PARs), which are expressed by endothelium, platelets and hepatic stellate cells. This review focuses on the impact of coagulation in liver fibrogenesis, describes receptors and pathways involved and explores the potential antifibrotic properties of drugs active in hemostasis in studies with cells, animal models of liver damage and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Bitto
- Medicina Interna, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Donato, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20097 San Donato Milanese (MI), Italy.
| | - Eleonora Liguori
- Medicina Interna, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Donato, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20097 San Donato Milanese (MI), Italy.
| | - Vincenzo La Mura
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, UOC Medicina Generale-Emostasi e Trombosi, 20122 Milano, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy.
- A. M. and A. Migliavacca per lo studio delle Malattie del Fegato, 20122 Milano, Italy.
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25
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Caveolin-1 Scaffolding Domain Peptides Alleviate Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad Signaling in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061729. [PMID: 29891777 PMCID: PMC6032240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common pathological process characterized by activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM). Caveolin-1 (Cav1), the principal component of caveolae, is regarded as an important inhibitor of multiple signaling molecules including transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) signaling. To evaluate the role of Cav1 in liver fibrosis, Cav1 deficient (Cav1−/−) and wild type (WT) mice were subjected to liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Results indicated no significant difference between Cav1−/− and WT mice in inflammation or collagen content before CCl4 treatment. After CCl4 administration, Cav1−/− mice showed enhanced TGF-β1 signaling, as reflected by a significantly greater amount of phosphorylation of Smad2 and collagen deposition in livers over WT animals. Qualitative and quantitative analysis indicated that inflammatory injury to the liver was markedly aggravated, accompanied by increased degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes, higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST), TGF-α and IL-1β levels in Cav1−/− animals. The mRNA and protein levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen α1(I), and Collagen α1(III) were further enhanced in Cav1−/− animals. We also observed a significant decrease in collagen content in Cav1−/− and WT animals administrated with Cav1 scaffolding domain peptides (CSD). In vitro study indicated that phosphorylation of Smad2 was inhibited after CSD treatment, accompanied by decreased protein levels of α-SMA, Collagen α1(I), and Collagen α1(III) in HSCs. We conclude that Cav1 is an important inhibitor of TGF-β1/Smad signaling in HSCs activation and collagen production, which might make it a promising target for therapy of liver fibrosis.
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26
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Schuppan D, Ashfaq-Khan M, Yang AT, Kim YO. Liver fibrosis: Direct antifibrotic agents and targeted therapies. Matrix Biol 2018; 68-69:435-451. [PMID: 29656147 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis and in particular cirrhosis are the major causes of morbidity and mortality of patients with chronic liver disease. Their prevention or reversal have become major endpoints in clinical trials with novel liver specific drugs. Remarkable progress has been made with therapies that efficiently address the cause of the underlying liver disease, as in chronic hepatitis B and C. Highly effective antiviral therapy can prevent progression or even induce reversal in the majority of patients, but such treatment remains elusive for the majority of liver patients with advanced alcoholic or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, genetic or autoimmune liver diseases. Moreover, drugs that would speed up fibrosis reversal are needed for patients with cirrhosis, since even with effective causal therapy reversal is slow or the disease may further progress. Therefore, highly efficient and specific antifibrotic agents are needed that can address advanced fibrosis, i.e., the detrimental downstream result of all chronic liver diseases. This review discusses targeted antifibrotic therapies that address molecules and mechanisms that are central to fibrogenesis or fibrolysis, including strategies that allow targeting of activated hepatic stellate cells and myofibroblasts and other fibrogenic effector cells. Focus is on collagen synthesis, integrins and cells and mechanisms specific including specific downregulation of TGFbeta signaling, major extracellular matrix (ECM) components, ECM-crosslinking, and ECM-receptors such as integrins and discoidin domain receptors, ECM-crosslinking and methods for targeted delivery of small interfering RNA, antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules to increase potency and reduce side effects. With an increased understanding of the biology of the ECM and liver fibrosis and an improved preclinical validation, the translation of these approaches to the clinic is currently ongoing. Application to patients with liver fibrosis and a personalized treatment is tightly linked to the development of noninvasive biomarkers of fibrosis, fibrogenesis and fibrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
| | - Muhammad Ashfaq-Khan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ai Ting Yang
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yong Ook Kim
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
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27
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Brg1 promotes liver fibrosis via activation of hepatic stellate cells. Exp Cell Res 2018; 364:191-197. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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28
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Feng R, Yuan X, Shao C, Ding H, Liebe R, Weng HL. Are we any closer to treating liver fibrosis (and if no, why not)? J Dig Dis 2018; 19:118-126. [PMID: 29389083 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.12584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review provides a personal view on anti-fibrosis therapy in the liver. The worst clinical consequence of liver fibrosis is the development of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Etiology is a decisive factor which determines patterns of fibrous septa and subsequent vascular remodeling, which is essential for the development of portal hypertension. Removing or controlling the disease-causing agent, i.e. anti-viral treatment for hepatitis, is the essential first step for treating chronic liver diseases and can reverse fibrosis in some settings. However, removing etiology is not always sufficient to prevent fibrosis from progressing towards cirrhosis and portal hypertension. In liver diseases such as severe alcoholic hepatitis and massive parenchymal loss, the formation of vascular anastomoses between portal to central veins based on bridging fibrosis results in cirrhosis and portal hypertension. For these patients, anti-fibrotic treatment is crucial and urgent. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding how fibrosis contributes to vascular remodeling caused by and combined with a lack of suitable experimental models that recapitulate human liver diseases, has hampered the development of successful anti-fibrotic drugs for clinical use to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rilu Feng
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Xiaodong Yuan
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Chen Shao
- Department of Pathology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiguo Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Roman Liebe
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Hong-Lei Weng
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Sung YC, Liu YC, Chao PH, Chang CC, Jin PR, Lin TT, Lin JA, Cheng HT, Wang J, Lai CP, Chen LH, Wu AY, Ho TL, Chiang T, Gao DY, Duda DG, Chen Y. Combined delivery of sorafenib and a MEK inhibitor using CXCR4-targeted nanoparticles reduces hepatic fibrosis and prevents tumor development. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:894-905. [PMID: 29463989 PMCID: PMC5817100 DOI: 10.7150/thno.21168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver damage and fibrosis are precursors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In HCC patients, sorafenib—a multikinase inhibitor drug—has been reported to exert anti-fibrotic activity. However, incomplete inhibition of RAF activity by sorafenib may also induce paradoxical activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in malignant cells. The consequence of this effect in non-malignant disease (hepatic fibrosis) remains unknown. This study aimed to examine the effects of sorafenib on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and develop effective therapeutic approaches to treat liver fibrosis and prevent cancer development. Methods: We first examined the effects of sorafenib in combination with MEK inhibitors on fibrosis pathogenesis in vitro and in vivo. To improve the bioavailability and absorption by activated HSCs, we developed CXCR4-targeted nanoparticles (NPs) to co-deliver sorafenib and a MEK inhibitor to mice with liver damage. Results: We found that sorafenib induced MAPK activation in HSCs, and promoted their myofibroblast differentiation. Combining sorafenib with a MEK inhibitor suppressed both paradoxical MAPK activation and HSC activation in vitro, and alleviated liver fibrosis in a CCl4-induced murine model of liver damage. Furthermore, treatment with sorafenib/MEK inhibitor-loaded CXCR4-targeted NPs significantly suppressed hepatic fibrosis progression and further prevented fibrosis-associated HCC development and liver metastasis. Conclusions: Our results show that combined delivery of sorafenib and a MEK inhibitor via CXCR4-targeted NPs can prevent activation of ERK in activated HSCs and has anti-fibrotic effects in the CCl4-induced murine model. Targeting HSCs represents a promising strategy to prevent the development and progression of fibrosis-associated HCC.
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30
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Mazza G, Al-Akkad W, Rombouts K. Engineering in vitro models of hepatofibrogenesis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 121:147-157. [PMID: 28578016 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide marked by chronic inflammation and fibrosis/scarring, resulting in end-stage liver disease and its complications. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are a dominant contributor to liver fibrosis by producing excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), irrespective of the underlying disease aetiologies, and for many decades research has focused on the development of a number of anti-fibrotic strategies targeting this cell. Despite major improvements in two-dimensional systems (2D) by using a variety of cell culture models of different complexity, an efficient anti-fibrogenic therapy has yet to be developed. The development of well-defined three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models, which mimic ECM structures as found in vivo, have demonstrated the importance of cell-matrix bio-mechanics, the complex interactions between HSCs and hepatocytes and other non-parenchymal cells, and this to improve and promote liver cell-specific functions. Henceforth, refinement of these 3D in vitro models, which reproduce the liver microenvironment, will lead to new objectives and to a possible new era in the search for antifibrogenic compounds.
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Sato-Matsubara M, Matsubara T, Daikoku A, Okina Y, Longato L, Rombouts K, Thuy LTT, Adachi J, Tomonaga T, Ikeda K, Yoshizato K, Pinzani M, Kawada N. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) regulates cytoglobin expression and activation of human hepatic stellate cells via JNK signaling. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:18961-18972. [PMID: 28916723 PMCID: PMC5706471 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.793794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoglobin (CYGB) belongs to the mammalian globin family and is exclusively expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the liver. In addition to its gas-binding ability, CYGB is relevant to hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer because of its anti-oxidative properties; however, the regulation of CYGB gene expression remains unknown. Here, we sought to identify factors that induce CYGB expression in HSCs and to clarify the molecular mechanism involved. We used the human HSC cell line HHSteC and primary human HSCs isolated from intact human liver tissues. In HHSteC cells, treatment with a culture supplement solution that included fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) increased CYGB expression with concomitant and time-dependent α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) down-regulation. We found that FGF2 is a key factor in inducing the alteration in both CYGB and αSMA expression in HHSteCs and primary HSCs and that FGF2 triggered the rapid phosphorylation of both c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and c-JUN. Both the JNK inhibitor PS600125 and transfection of c-JUN-targeting siRNA abrogated FGF2-mediated CYGB induction, and conversely, c-JUN overexpression induced CYGB and reduced αSMA expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that upon FGF2 stimulation, phospho-c-JUN bound to its consensus motif (5'-TGA(C/G)TCA), located -218 to -222 bases from the transcription initiation site in the CYGB promoter. Of note, in bile duct-ligated mice, FGF2 administration ameliorated liver fibrosis and significantly reduced HSC activation. In conclusion, FGF2 triggers CYGB gene expression and deactivation of myofibroblastic human HSCs, indicating that FGF2 has therapeutic potential for managing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tsutomu Matsubara
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | | | | | - Lisa Longato
- the Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom, and
| | - Krista Rombouts
- the Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom, and
| | | | - Jun Adachi
- the Laboratory of Proteome Research, Proteome Research Center, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tomonaga
- the Laboratory of Proteome Research, Proteome Research Center, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Kazuo Ikeda
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | | | - Massimo Pinzani
- the Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom, and
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Therapeutic Effect and Location of GFP-Labeled Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:1798260. [PMID: 28491093 PMCID: PMC5405597 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1798260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Liver fibrosis is a chronic progressive liver disease, but no established effective treatment exists except for liver transplantation. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of human placenta mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) on carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver fibrosis in rats. Methods. Liver fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection with CCl4; hPMSCs were directly transplanted into rats through the caudal vein. The therapeutic efficacy of hPMSCs on liver fibrosis was measured by liver function tests, liver elastography, histopathology, Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining, and immunohistochemical studies. The expression levels of fibrotic markers, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results. We demonstrated that liver fibrosis was significantly dampened in the hPMSC transplantation group according to the Laennec fibrosis scoring system and histological data. The Sirius red-stained collagen area and the elastography score were significantly reduced in the hPMSC-treated group. Meanwhile, hPMSC administration significantly decreased TGF-β1 and α-SMA expression and enhanced liver functions in CCl4-induced fibrotic rats. Conclusion. This study indicates that transplantation of hPMSCs could repair liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats, which may serve as a valuable therapeutic approach to treat liver diseases.
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Noninvasive markers of liver fibrosis: on-treatment changes of serum markers predict the outcome of antifibrotic therapy. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 29:289-296. [PMID: 27906753 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM The utility of noninvasive serum markers to longitudinally monitor liver fibrosis is not established. METHODS A total of 70 patients with chronic hepatitis C who had previously failed antiviral therapy were randomized to receive pegylated interferon with or without silymarin for 24 months. Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) tests (hyularonic acid, terminal peptide of procollagen III, tissue inhibitor of matrix metaloproteinase-1) were performed on patient sera obtained before, during and at the end of the study (0, 12, 24 months) and liver histology obtained before and at the end of the study. RESULTS At 24 months, absolute changes in Ishak fibrosis stage and ELF ranged from -4 to +4 and from -2.41 to +2.68, respectively. Absolute changes in ELF at 12 months were significantly associated with changes in both ELF and histology at 24 months. A model combining both baseline ELF and change of ELF at 12 months could predict the 24-month ELF (R=0.609, P<1×10), a decrease in ELF at 24 months [area under the curve (AUC): 0.80-0.85] and an increase in ELF at 24 months (AUC: 0.81-0.85). Furthermore, a model combining both baseline histologic stage and ELF together with the change of ELF at 12 months could predict 24-month histology (R=0.601, P<1×10, AUC: 0.88-0.92), histologic fibrosis regression (AUC: 0.81-0.84) and progression (AUC: 0.86-0.91). CONCLUSION Our observations suggest that a change in the serum marker ELF predicts changes in liver fibrosis over a longer period. These data support the use of ELF as a surrogate marker of liver fibrosis evolution in monitoring antifibrotic treatments, thus permitting 'response-guided' therapy by the early identification of patients who will benefit from prolonged treatment.
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Verbeek J, Spincemaille P, Vanhorebeek I, Van den Berghe G, Vander Elst I, Windmolders P, van Pelt J, van der Merwe S, Bedossa P, Nevens F, Cammue B, Thevissen K, Cassiman D. Dietary intervention, but not losartan, completely reverses non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in obese and insulin resistant mice. Lipids Health Dis 2017; 16:46. [PMID: 28231800 PMCID: PMC5324232 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-017-0432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dietary intervention is the cornerstone of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) treatment. However, histological evidence of its efficacy is limited and its impact on hepatic pathways involved in NASH is underreported. The efficacy of the angiotensin receptor type 1 blocker losartan is controversial because of varying results in a few animal and human studies. We evaluated the effect of dietary intervention versus losartan on NASH and associated systemic metabolic features in a representative mouse model. Methods Male C57BL/6 J mice with high fat-high sucrose diet (HF-HSD) induced NASH, obesity, insulin resistance and hypercholesterolemia were subjected to dietary intervention (switch from HF-HSD to normal chow diet (NCD)) (n = 9), continuation HF-HSD together with losartan (30 mg/kg/day) (n = 9) or continuation HF-HSD only (n = 9) for 8 weeks. 9 mice received NCD during the entire experiment (20 weeks). We assessed the systemic metabolic effects and performed a detailed hepatic histological and molecular profiling. A P-value of < 0.05, using the group with continuation of HF-HSD only as control, was considered as statistically significant. Results Dietary intervention normalized obesity, insulin resistance, and hypercholesterolemia (for all P < 0.001), and remarkably, completely reversed all histological features of pre-existent NASH (for all P < 0.001), including fibrosis measured by quantification of collagen proportional area (P < 0.01). At the hepatic molecular level, dietary intervention targeted fibrogenesis with a normalization of collagen type I alpha 1, transforming growth factor β1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 mRNA levels (for all P < 0.01), lipid metabolism with a normalization of fatty acid translocase/CD36, fatty acid transport protein 5, fatty acid synthase mRNA levels (P < 0.05) and markers related to mitochondrial function with a normalization of hepatic ATP content (P < 0.05) together with sirtuin1 and uncoupling protein 2 mRNA levels (for both P < 0.001). Dietary intervention abolished p62 accumulation (P < 0.01), suggesting a restoration of autophagic flux. Losartan did not significantly affect obesity, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia or any histological NASH feature. Conclusions Dietary intervention, and not losartan, completely restores the metabolic phenotype in a representative mouse model with pre-existent NASH, obesity, insulin resistance and hypercholesterolemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jef Verbeek
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Pieter Spincemaille
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Vanhorebeek
- Clinical Department and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Division Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greet Van den Berghe
- Clinical Department and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Division Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Vander Elst
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Petra Windmolders
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos van Pelt
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Pierre Bedossa
- Department of Pathology, Hopital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Plant Systems Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Cassiman
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Metabolic Center, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
Fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components due to chronic injury, with collagens as predominant structural components. Liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, which is characterized by a severe distortion of the delicate hepatic vascular architecture, the shunting of the blood supply away from hepatocytes and the resultant functional liver failure. Cirrhosis is associated with a highly increased morbidity and mortality and represents the major hard endpoint in clinical studies of chronic liver diseases. Moreover, cirrhosis is a strong cofactor of primary liver cancer. In vivo models are indispensable tools to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and to develop specific antifibrotic therapies towards clinical translation. Here, we provide a detailed description of select optimized mouse models of liver fibrosis and state-of-the-art fibrosis readouts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ook Kim
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yury Popov
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Nielsen MJ, Karsdal MA, Kazankov K, Grønbaek H, Krag A, Leeming DJ, Schuppan D, George J. Fibrosis is not just fibrosis - basement membrane modelling and collagen metabolism differs between hepatitis B- and C-induced injury. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 44:1242-1252. [PMID: 27696451 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While morphological patterns differ, the molecular phenotype of liver fibrosis is considered a stereotypical response to chronic liver injury. However, with different cellular triggers and networks regulating fibrosis, the molecular responses of the injured liver may not be identical. AIM To investigate whether differences in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition of the liver during fibrogenesis in two seemingly similar types of viral hepatitis could be reflected by differences in ECM turnover. METHODS Utilising a cross-sectional design, we measured specific ECM protein fragments in plasma from 197 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 403 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients matched for inflammation grade and fibrosis stage. Markers of matrix metalloprotease degraded type I, III, IV and VI collagen (C1M, C3M, C4M, C6M) and type III and IV collagen formation (Pro-C3, P4NP7S). RESULTS P4NP7S, C3M, C4M and C6M were significantly elevated in CHB compared to CHC. In contrast, Pro-C3 was significantly elevated in CHC compared to CHB. Pro-C3, C3M and C4M were increased in parallel with inflammation and fibrosis in both cohorts. C6M and P4NP7S were associated with inflammation and fibrosis only in CHC. Basement membrane collagen fragments P4NP7S and C4M were significantly higher in matched activity and fibrosis cohorts within CHB vs CHC. CONCLUSION The main parameters to determine extracellular matrix biomarker levels are inflammation, fibrosis, and type of viral insult. Compared to CHC, CHB appears to induce a higher basement membrane turnover. This suggests that there are aetiology-dependent molecular signatures in liver fibrosis that could have pathogenic and diagnostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Nielsen
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade, Herlev, Denmark
| | - M A Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade, Herlev, Denmark.,University of Southern Denmark, SDU, Odense, Denmark
| | - K Kazankov
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Grønbaek
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A Krag
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - D J Leeming
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade, Herlev, Denmark
| | - D Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Centre for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany.,Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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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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Wu K, Huang R, Wu H, Liu Y, Yang C, Cao S, Hou X, Chen B, DaI J, Wu C. Collagen-binding vascular endothelial growth factor attenuates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4680-4686. [PMID: 27748931 PMCID: PMC5102039 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serves an important role in promoting angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. However, the lack of an effective delivery system that can target this growth factor to the injured site reduces its therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, in the current study, collagen-binding VEGF was constructed by fusing a collagen-binding domain (CBD) to the N-terminal of native VEGF. The CBD-VEGF can specifically bind to collagen which is the major component of the extracellular matrix in fibrotic liver. The anti-fibrotic effects of this novel material were investigated by the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrotic mouse model. Mice were injected with CCl4 intraperitoneally to induce liver fibrosis. CBD-VEGF was injected directly into the liver tissue of mice. The liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for general observation or with Masson's trichrome staining for detection of collagen deposition. The hepatic stellate cell activation, blood vessel formation and hepatocyte proliferation were measured by immunohistochemical staining for α-smooth muscle actin, CD31 and Ki67 in the liver tissue. The fluorescent TUNEL assay was performed to evaluate the hepatocyte apoptosis. The present study identified that the CBD-VEGF injection could significantly promote vascularization of the liver tissue of fibrotic mice and attenuate liver fibrosis. Furthermore, hepatocyte apoptosis and hepatic stellate cell activation were attenuated by CBD-VEGF treatment. CBD-VEGF treatment could additionally promote hepatocyte regeneration in the liver tissue of fibrotic mice. Thus, it was suggested that CBD-VEGF may be used as a novel therapeutic intervention for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Wu
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Chenchen Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Shufeng Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Xianglin Hou
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Bing Chen
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Jianwu DaI
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
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La Mura V, Salerno F. Therapy of the refractory ascites: Total paracentesis vs. TIPS. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2016; 39:477-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2015.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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40
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Mansy SS, Nosseir MM, Othman MM, Zoheiry MA, Guda MF, Yehia HA, Hassanein MH. Spotlight on the three main hepatic fibrogenic cells in HCV-infected patients: Multiple immunofluorescence and ultrastructure study. Ultrastruct Pathol 2016; 40:276-87. [DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2016.1194507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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BCL6B expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and its efficacy in the inhibition of liver damage and fibrogenesis. Oncotarget 2016; 6:20252-65. [PMID: 25970780 PMCID: PMC4653002 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
B cell CLL/lymphoma 6 member B (BCL6B) is expressed in many normal tissues but expressed at very low levels in cancer tissues. It was reported that BCL6B inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastases, but the exact role of BCL6B in HCC remains to be investigated. BCL6B expression was significantly decreased in HCC tissues compared with paired non-cancer tissues. Low BCL6B expression in tumors was correlated with shorter overall survival in patients, and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that BCL6B expression was an independent prognostic factor for human HCC patients. Moreover, a positive correlation between BCL6B expression and hepatic cirrhosis was found in an analysis of HCC clinicopathological characteristics. BCL6B expression was increased in rat fibrotic liver samples in response to liver injury. BCL6B transgenic rats were less susceptible to hepatocellular damage, inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro studies demonstrated that BCL6B inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells though upregulation of hepatocyte growth factor. In addition, transcriptomic microarray analysis was performed to explore the mechanisms in which BCL6B confers protection from tumorigenesis. In conclusion, BCL6B plays a pivotal role as a prognostic biomarker for HCC, and the restoration of BCL6B may be a novel strategy as an anti-fibrogenic therapy for human HCC.
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42
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Liu CH, Chan KM, Chiang T, Liu JY, Chern GG, Hsu FF, Wu YH, Liu YC, Chen Y. Dual-Functional Nanoparticles Targeting CXCR4 and Delivering Antiangiogenic siRNA Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:2253-62. [PMID: 27224003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The progression of liver fibrosis, an intrinsic response to chronic liver injury, is associated with hepatic hypoxia, angiogenesis, abnormal inflammation, and significant matrix deposition, leading to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to the complex pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, antifibrotic drug development has faced the challenge of efficiently and specifically targeting multiple pathogenic mechanisms. Therefore, CXCR4-targeted nanoparticles (NPs) were formulated to deliver siRNAs against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) into fibrotic livers to block angiogenesis during the progression of liver fibrosis. AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist that was incorporated into the NPs, served dual functions: it acted as a targeting moiety and suppressed the progression of fibrosis by inhibiting the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We demonstrated that CXCR4-targeted NPs could deliver VEGF siRNAs to fibrotic livers, decrease VEGF expression, suppress angiogenesis and normalize the distorted vessels in the fibrotic livers in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced mouse model. Moreover, blocking SDF-1α/CXCR4 by CXCR4-targeted NPs in combination with VEGF siRNA significantly prevented the progression of liver fibrosis in CCl4-treated mice. In conclusion, the multifunctional CXCR4-targeted NPs delivering VEGF siRNAs provide an effective antifibrotic therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hung Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kun-Ming Chan
- Chang Gung Transplantation Institute, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine , Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsaiyu Chiang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jia-Yu Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Guann-Gen Chern
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fu-Fei Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica , Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Hsuan Wu
- Chang Gung Transplantation Institute, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine , Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ya-Chi Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yunching Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Kandhi R, Bobbala D, Yeganeh M, Mayhue M, Menendez A, Ilangumaran S. Negative regulation of the hepatic fibrogenic response by suppressor of cytokine signaling 1. Cytokine 2016; 82:58-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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44
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Schon HT, Bartneck M, Borkham-Kamphorst E, Nattermann J, Lammers T, Tacke F, Weiskirchen R. Pharmacological Intervention in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Hepatic Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:33. [PMID: 26941644 PMCID: PMC4764688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into contractile, matrix-producing myofibroblasts (MFBs) are central events in hepatic fibrogenesis. These processes are driven by autocrine- and paracrine-acting soluble factors (i.e., cytokines and chemokines). Proof-of-concept studies of the last decades have shown that both the deactivation and removal of hepatic MFBs as well as antagonizing profibrogenic factors are in principle suitable to attenuate ongoing hepatic fibrosis. Although several drugs show potent antifibrotic activities in experimental models of hepatic fibrosis, there is presently no effective pharmaceutical intervention specifically approved for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Pharmaceutical interventions are generally hampered by insufficient supply of drugs to the diseased liver tissue and/or by adverse effects as a result of affecting non-target cells. Therefore, targeted delivery systems that bind specifically to receptors solely expressed on activated HSCs or transdifferentiated MFBs and delivery systems that can improve drug distribution to the liver in general are urgently needed. In this review, we summarize current strategies for targeted delivery of drugs to the liver and in particular to pro-fibrogenic liver cells. The applicability and efficacy of sequestering molecules, selective protein carriers, lipid-based drug vehicles, viral vectors, transcriptional targeting approaches, therapeutic liver- and HSC-specific nanoparticles, and miRNA-based strategies are discussed. Some of these delivery systems that had already been successfully tested in experimental animal models of ongoing hepatic fibrogenesis are expected to translate into clinically useful therapeutics specifically targeting HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Theo Schon
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Jacob Nattermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn Bonn, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
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45
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Gui WJ, Wu SK, Song SL, Huang TX. Clinical effects of entecavir combined with Qianggan pills in chronic hepatitis B patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:583-588. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i4.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the clinical effects of entecavir combined with Qianggan pills in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients with compensated liver cirrhosis
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 98 chronic hepatitis B patients with compensated liver cirrhosis treated at Hubei Armed Police Corps Hospital from October 2013 to October 2014. According to the treatment method, the patients were divided into three groups (A, B, and C) and treated for 48 wk. Group A (35 cases) was given entecavir combined with Qianggan pills, group B (30 cases) was given entecavir alone, and group C (33 cases) was given entecavir combined with compound Biejia Ruangan pills. HBV DNA, liver function, liver fibrosis markers (HA, LN, and IV-C), abdominal ultrasonographic measurements (portal vein diameter, thickness of spleen, and splenic vein width) and liver Fibroscan value (FS value) were observed.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences in liver fibrosis index, liver function or liver FS values between the three groups before treatment (P > 0.05); after treatment, HA, IV-C, LN, portal vein diameter, spleen thickness, splenic vein width and FS value of group A were significantly lower than those of group B (134.6 ng/mL ± 27.3 ng/mL vs 153.2 ng/mL ± 26.3 ng/mL, 118.4 ng/mL ± 15.7 ng/mL vs 129.0 ng/mL ± 17.1 ng/mL, 67.8 ng/mL ± 28.4 ng/mL vs 80.2 ng/mL ± 23.1 ng/mL; 12.8 mm ± 2.8 mm vs 15.0 mm ± 2.4 mm, 35.9 mm ± 10.0 mm vs 40.7 mm ± 11.2 mm, 6.4 mm ± 2.4 mm vs 8.1 mm ± 2.7 mm; 13.20 kpa ± 4.80 kpa vs 16.35 kpa ± 6.90 kpa, P < 0.05); there were no significant difference between groups A and C (P > 0.05). After treatment, there were no significant differences in HBV DNA or liver function among the three groups (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Entecavir combined with Qianggan pills can effectively inhibit hepatitis B virus replication, improve liver function and significantly reduce the degree of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients with compensated liver cirrhosis
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Povero D, Feldstein AE. Novel Molecular Mechanisms in the Development of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Diabetes Metab J 2016; 40:1-11. [PMID: 26912150 PMCID: PMC4768045 DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2016.40.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in adults and children worldwide. NAFLD has become a severe health issue and it can progress towards a more severe form of the disease, the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A combination of environmental factors, host genetics, and gut microbiota leads to excessive accumulation of lipids in the liver (steatosis), which may result in lipotoxicity and trigger hepatocyte cell death, liver inflammation, fibrosis, and pathological angiogenesis. NASH can further progress towards liver cirrhosis and cancer. Over the last few years, cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as effective cell-to-cell messengers that transfer several bioactive molecules in target cells, modulating the pathogenesis and progression of NASH. In this review, we focused on recently highlighted aspects of molecular pathogenesis of NASH, mediated by EVs via their bioactive components. The studies included in this review summarize the state of art regarding the role of EVs during the progression of NASH and bring novel insight about the potential use of EVs for diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Povero
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Rady's Children Hospital, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ariel E Feldstein
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Rady's Children Hospital, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Louka ML, Ramzy MM. Involvement of fibroblast-specific protein 1 (S100A4) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in CCl4-induced reversible liver fibrosis. Gene 2015; 579:29-33. [PMID: 26721462 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The intense basic research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of liver fibrosis regression intends to translate these findings into new therapies targeting such pathways in human liver disease. Fibrosis regression is rapidly initiated in mouse models of fibrosis within days after termination of the cause, so in this study, we investigated the expression of S100A4 and MMP-13 during liver fibrogenesis and remodeling. METHODS Thirty rats were divided into three groups: control group, fibrotic group, and fibrotic resolution group (10 each). The rats were sacrificed 48h and 96h after cessation of CCL-4, respectively. Liver tissue levels of S100A4 mRNA and S100A4 protein, MMP-13 mRNA and serum levels of serum TGF-β1, ALT and AST were determined. RESULTS Expression of S100A4 was increased during fibrotic stage and declined during resolution which was in correlation with the pro-fibrotic marker TGF-β1 with concordance about 90%, while MMP-13 expression increased in both stages reaching to 40 fold during resolution. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that S100A4 level in the liver tissue was related positively with liver fibrosis making it a good marker for liver fibrogenesis and also a good target for novel antifibrotic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal L Louka
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maggie M Ramzy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Mouse embryonic fibroblasts exhibit extensive developmental and phenotypic diversity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 113:122-7. [PMID: 26699463 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1522401112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of embryonic fibroblasts from GFP reporter mice indicates that the fibroblast cell type harbors a large collection of developmentally and phenotypically heterogeneous subtypes. Some of these cells exhibit multipotency, whereas others do not. Multiparameter flow cytometry analysis shows that a large number of distinct populations of fibroblast-like cells can be found in cultures initiated from different embryonic organs, and cells sorted according to their surface phenotype typically retain their characteristics on continued propagation in culture. Similarly, surface phenotypes of individual cloned fibroblast-like cells exhibit significant variation. The fibroblast cell class appears to contain a very large number of denumerable subtypes.
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Farrar CT, DePeralta DK, Day H, Rietz TA, Wei L, Lauwers GY, Keil B, Subramaniam A, Sinskey AJ, Tanabe KK, Fuchs BC, Caravan P. 3D molecular MR imaging of liver fibrosis and response to rapamycin therapy in a bile duct ligation rat model. J Hepatol 2015; 63:689-96. [PMID: 26022693 PMCID: PMC4543390 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver biopsy, the gold standard for assessing liver fibrosis, suffers from limitations due to sampling error and invasiveness. There is therefore a critical need for methods to non-invasively quantify fibrosis throughout the entire liver. The goal of this study was to use molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Type I collagen to non-invasively image liver fibrosis and assess response to rapamycin therapy. METHODS Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by bile duct ligation (BDL). MRI was performed 4, 10, or 18 days following BDL. Some BDL rats were treated daily with rapamycin starting on day 4 and imaged on day 18. A three-dimensional (3D) inversion recovery MRI sequence was used to quantify the change in liver longitudinal relaxation rate (ΔR1) induced by the collagen-targeted probe EP-3533. Liver tissue was subjected to pathologic scoring of fibrosis and analyzed for Sirius Red staining and hydroxyproline content. RESULTS ΔR1 increased significantly with time following BDL compared to controls in agreement with ex vivo measures of increasing fibrosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated the ability of ΔR1 to detect liver fibrosis and distinguish intermediate and late stages of fibrosis. EP-3533 MRI correctly characterized the response to rapamycin in 11 out of 12 treated rats compared to the standard of collagen proportional area (CPA). 3D MRI enabled characterization of disease heterogeneity throughout the whole liver. CONCLUSIONS EP-3533 allowed for staging of liver fibrosis, assessment of response to rapamycin therapy, and demonstrated the ability to detect heterogeneity in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian T. Farrar
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 Thirteenth St., Suite 2301, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States
| | - Danielle K. DePeralta
- Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, WRN 401, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Helen Day
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 Thirteenth St., Suite 2301, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States
| | - Tyson A. Rietz
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 Thirteenth St., Suite 2301, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States
| | - Lan Wei
- Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, WRN 401, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Gregory Y. Lauwers
- Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, WRN 2, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Boris Keil
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 Thirteenth St., Suite 2301, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States
| | - Arun Subramaniam
- Sanofi Genzyme, 49 New York Ave, Framingham, MA 01701, United States
| | - Anthony J. Sinskey
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, WRN 401, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Bryan C. Fuchs
- Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, WRN 401, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114, United States, Corresponding authors: Tel: + 1 617 643 0193; fax: + 1 617 726 2422. (P. Caravan) or Tel: + 1 617 726 4174; fax: 617-726-4442. (B.C. Fuchs)
| | - Peter Caravan
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 Thirteenth St., Suite 2301, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States.
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Schuppan D. Liver fibrosis: Common mechanisms and antifibrotic therapies. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2015; 39 Suppl 1:S51-9. [PMID: 26189980 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis and in particular cirrhosis have become major endpoints in clinical trials of patients with chronic liver diseases. Here, viral hepatitis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis have become the major etiologies. We have made great progress in our understanding of the mechanisms and the cell biology of liver fibrosis and have already made the transition from preclinical testing of antifibrotic agents and strategies towards clinical translation. There continues to be an urgent need for specific antifibrotic therapies, despite the advent of highly potent antiviral agents that can even induce regression of advanced fibrosis. This review addresses central mechanisms and cells to be targeted, current antifibrotic drug trials, and the state of non-invasive biomarker development that is key to rapid clinical progress and to a personalized treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
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