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Khan MF, Parveen S, Sultana M, Zhu P, Xu Y, Safdar A, Shafique L. Evolution and Comparative Genomics of the Transforming Growth Factor-β-Related Proteins in Nile Tilapia. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01263-x. [PMID: 39240458 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01263-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
The members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family of cell signaling polypeptides have garnered a great deal of interest due to its capacity from nematodes to mammals to regulate cell-based activities which control the growth of embryos and sustain tissue homeostasis. The current study designed a computational analysis of the TGF-β protein family for understanding these proteins at the molecular level. This study determined the genomic structure of TGF-β gene family in Nile tilapia for the first time. We chose 33 TGF-β genes for identification and divided them into two subgroups, TGF-like and BMP-like. Moreover, the subcellular localization of the Nile tilapia TGF-β proteins have showed that majority of the members of TGF-β proteins family are present into extracellular matrix and plasma except BMP6, BMP7, and INHAC. All TGF-β proteins were thermostable excluding BMP1. Each protein exhibited basic nature, excluding of BMP1, BMP2, BMP7, BMP10, GDF2, GDF8, GDF11, AMH, INHA, INHBB, and NODAL M. All proteins gave impression of being unstable depending on the instability index, having values exceeding 40 excluding BMP1 and BMP2. Each TGF-β protein was found to be hydrophobic with lowered values of GRAVY. Moreover, every single one of the discovered TGF-β genes had a consistent evolutionary pattern. The TGF-β gene family had eight segmental duplications, and the Ka/Ks ratio demonstrated that purifying selection had an impact on the duplicated gene pairs which have experienced selection pressure. This study highlights important functionality of TGF-β and depicts the demand for further investigation to better understand the role and mechanism of transforming growth factor β in fishes and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Farhan Khan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Guangxi, 535011, People's Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, 29050, Pakistan
| | - Shakeela Parveen
- Department of Zoology, Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Mehwish Sultana
- Department of Zoology, Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Peng Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Guangxi, 535011, People's Republic of China
| | - Youhou Xu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Guangxi, 535011, People's Republic of China
| | - Areeba Safdar
- Department of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Laiba Shafique
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Guangxi, 535011, People's Republic of China.
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Wang J, Zhang X, Han J, Zhou P, Yu X, Shen Z, Mao R, Lu M, Huang Y, Zhang J. MicroRNA-124 expression in Kupffer cells modulates liver injury by targeting IL-6/STAT3 signaling. Antiviral Res 2023; 211:105510. [PMID: 36581048 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) is related to liver injury due to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). However, the mechanism whereby miR-124 regulates liver inflammation remains unknown. In this study, we show that serum miR-124 serves as a compensatory predictive factor for organ failure and the 28-day prognosis of patients with HBV-ACLF. Moreover, within a mouse model of concanavalin A-induced acute liver injury, miR-124 is highly expressed in Kupffer cells. Overexpression of miR-124 significantly decreases interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion, and relieves pathological liver necrosis to a great extent. Mechanistically, miR-124 directly targets the 3'-untranslated region of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and inhibits IL-6/STAT3 signaling, which reduces pro-inflammatory Kupffer cell polarization. Collectively, our findings suggest that miR-124 can potentially serve as a predictive biomarker for HBV-ACLF prognosis and may represent a promising therapeutic target for relieving severe liver injury resulting from cytokine storms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyun Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajia Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pu Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueping Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongliang Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Richeng Mao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Yuxian Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Hepatology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An Branch of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health (MOH&MOE), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Molecular Characterization of TGF-Beta Gene Family in Buffalo to Identify Gene Duplication and Functional Mutations. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081302. [PMID: 35893038 PMCID: PMC9331672 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β superfamily is ubiquitously distributed from invertebrates to vertebrates with diverse cellular functioning such as cell adhesion, motility, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. The present study aimed to characterize the TGF-β gene superfamily in buffalo through evolutionary, structural, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) analyses to find the functional effect of SNPs in selected genes. We detected 32 TGF-β genes in buffalo genome and all TGF-β proteins exhibited basic nature except INHA, INHBC, MSTN, BMP10, and GDF2, which showed acidic properties. According to aliphatic index, TGF-β proteins were thermostable but unstable in nature. Except for GDF1 and AMH, TGF-β proteins depicted hydrophilic nature. Moreover, all the detected buffalo TGF-β genes showed evolutionary conserved nature. We also identified eight segmental and one tandem duplication event TGF-β gene family in buffalo, and the ratio of Ka/Ks demonstrated that all the duplicated gene pairs were under selective pressure. Comparative amino acid analysis demonstrated higher variation in buffalo TGF-β gene family, as a total of 160 amino acid variations in all the buffalo TGF-β proteins were detected. Mutation analysis revealed that 13 mutations had an overall damaging effect that might have functional consequences on buffalo growth, folliculogenesis, or embryogenesis.
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Luo Z, Yao X, Li M, Fang D, Fei Y, Cheng Z, Xu Y, Zhu B. Modulating tumor physical microenvironment for fueling CAR-T cell therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114301. [PMID: 35439570 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved unprecedented clinical success against hematologic malignancies. However, the transition of CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors is limited by heterogenous antigen expression, immunosuppressive microenvironment (TME), immune adaptation of tumor cells and impeded CAR-T-cell infiltration/transportation. Recent studies increasingly reveal that tumor physical microenvironment could affect various aspects of tumor biology and impose profound impacts on the antitumor efficacy of CAR-T therapy. In this review, we discuss the critical roles of four physical cues in solid tumors for regulating the immune responses of CAR-T cells, which include solid stress, interstitial fluid pressure, stiffness and microarchitecture. We highlight new strategies exploiting these features to enhance the therapeutic potency of CAR-T cells in solid tumors by correlating with the state-of-the-art technologies in this field. A perspective on the future directions for developing new CAR-T therapies for solid tumor treatment is also provided.
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Benedicto A, García-Kamiruaga I, Arteta B. Neuropilin-1: A feasible link between liver pathologies and COVID-19. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:3516-3529. [PMID: 34239266 PMCID: PMC8240058 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i24.3516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has a tremendous impact on the health of millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, those suffering from previous pathological conditions are more vulnerable and tend to develop more severe disease upon infection with the new SARS-CoV-2. This coronavirus interacts with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor to invade the cells. Recently, another receptor, neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), has been reported to amplify the viral infection. Interestingly, NRP-1 is expressed in nonparenchymal liver cells and is related to and upregulated in a wide variety of liver-related pathologies. It has been observed that SARS-CoV-2 infection promotes liver injury through several pathways that may be influenced by the previous pathological status of the patient and liver expression of NRP-1. Moreover, coronavirus disease 2019 causes an inflammatory cascade called cytokine storm in patients with severe disease. This cytokine storm may influence liver sinusoidal-cell phenotype, facilitating viral invasion. In this review, the shreds of evidence linking NRP-1 with liver pathologies such as hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and inflammatory disorders are discussed in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, the involvement of the infection-related cytokine storm in NRP-1 overexpression and the subsequent increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection are also analyzed. This review aims to shed some light on the involvement of liver NRP-1 during SARS-CoV-2 infection and emphasizes the possible involvement this receptor with the observed liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Benedicto
- Department of Cellular Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa 48940, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Iñigo García-Kamiruaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, San Eloy Hospital, Barakaldo 48902, Spain
| | - Beatriz Arteta
- Department of Cellular Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa 48940, Bizkaia, Spain
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Peng F, Tian Y, Ma J, Xu Z, Wang S, Tang M, Lei J, Gong G, Jiang Y. CAT1 silencing inhibits TGF-β1-induced mouse hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro and hepatic fibrosis in vivo. Cytokine 2020; 136:155288. [PMID: 32980687 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary cells that produce ECM in response to hepatic injury, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) has been regarded as the central stimulus responsible for HSC-mediated ECM production. In the present study, we attempted to identify a critical factor in HSC activation and the underlying mechanism. By analyzing online microarray expression profiles, we found that the expression of high-affinity cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1) was upregulated in hepatic fibrosis models and activated HSCs. We isolated and identified mouse HSCs (MHSCs) and found that in these cells, CAT1 was most highly upregulated by TGF-β1 stimulation in both time- and dose-dependent manners. In vitro, CAT1 overexpression further enhanced, while CAT1 silencing inhibited, the effect of TGF-β1 in promoting MHSC activation. In vivo, CAT1 silencing significantly improved the hepatic fibrosis induced by both CCl4 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In summary, CAT1 was significantly upregulated in TGF-β1-activated MHSCs and mice with hepatic fibrosis. CAT1 silencing inhibited TGF-β1-induced MHSC activation in vitro and fibrogenic changes in vivo. CAT1 is a promising target for hepatic fibrosis treatment that requites further investigation in human cells and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Peng
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yi Tian
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Zhenyu Xu
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Sujuan Wang
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Min Tang
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Jianhua Lei
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Guozhong Gong
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yongfang Jiang
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
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7
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Mechanisms of HBV immune evasion. Antiviral Res 2020; 179:104816. [PMID: 32387476 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The concept of immune evasion is a longstanding topic of debate during chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection. The 292 million individuals chronically infected by HBV are clear evidence that the virus avoids elimination by the immune system. The exact mechanisms of immune evasion remain undefined and are distinct, but likely interconnected, between innate and adaptive immunity. There is a significant body of evidence that supports peripheral tolerance and exhaustion of adaptive immunity but our understanding of the role that central tolerance plays is still developing. Innate immunity instructs the adaptive immune response and subversion of its functionality will impact both T and B cell responses. However, literature around the interaction of HBV with innate immunity is inconsistent, with reports suggesting that HBV avoids innate recognition, suppresses innate recognition, or activates innate immunity. This complexity has led to confusion and controversy. This review will discuss the mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance/exhaustion of adaptive immunity in the context of chronic HBV infection. We also cover the interaction of HBV with cells of the innate immune system and propose concepts for the heterogeneity of responses in chronically infected patients.
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Possible Involvement of Liver Resident Macrophages (Kupffer Cells) in the Pathogenesis of Both Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic Inflammation. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2017:2896809. [PMID: 28804705 PMCID: PMC5539927 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2896809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver resident macrophages designated Kupffer cells (KCs) form the largest subpopulation of tissue macrophages. KCs are involved in the pathogenesis of liver inflammation. However, the role of KCs in the systemic inflammation is still elusive. In this study, we examined whether KCs are involved in not only intrahepatic inflammation but also extrahepatic systemic inflammation. Administration of clodronate liposomes resulted in the KC deletion and in the suppression of liver injury in T cell-mediated hepatitis by ConA as a local acute inflammation model, while the treatment did not influence dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis featured by weight loss, intestinal shrink, and pathological observation as an ectopic local acute inflammation model. In contrast, KC deletion inhibited collagen-induced arthritis as a model of extrahepatic, systemic chronical inflammation. KC deleted mice showed weaker arthritic scores, less joint swelling, and more joint space compared to arthritis-induced control mice. These results strongly suggest that KCs are involved in not only intrahepatic inflammatory response but also systemic (especially) chronic inflammation.
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Inflammation-induced CD69 + Kupffer cell feedback inhibits T cell proliferation via membrane-bound TGF-β1. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2016; 59:1259-1269. [PMID: 27933593 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-0357-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Kupffer cells, tissue-resident macrophage lineage cell, are enriched in vertebrate liver. The mouse F4/80+ Kupffer cells have been subclassified into two subpopulations according to their phenotype and function: CD68+ subpopulation with potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and phagocytic capacities, and CD11b+ subpopulation with a potent capacity to produce T helper 1 cytokines. In addition, CD11b+ Kupffer cells/macrophages may be migrated from the bone marrow or spleen, especially in inflammatory conditions of the liver. For analyzing diverse Kupffer cell subsets, we infected mice with Listeria monocytogenes and analyzed the phenotype variations of hepatic Kupffer cells. During L. monocytogenes infection, hepatic CD69+ Kupffer cells were significantly induced and expanded, and CD69+ Kupffer cells expressed higher level of CD11b, and particularly high level of membrane-bound TGF-β1 (mTGF-β1) but lower level of F4/80. We also found that clodronate liposome administration did not eliminate hepatic CD69+ Kupffer cell subset. We consider the hepatic CD69+ Kupffer cell population corresponds to CD11b+ Kupffer cells, the bone marrow-derived population. Hepatic CD69+ Kupffer cells suppressed Ag-nonspecific and OVA-specific CD4 T cell proliferation through mTGF-β1 both in vitro and in vivo, meanwhile, they did not interfere with activation of CD4 T cells. Thus, we have identified a new subset of inflammation-induced CD69+ Kupffer cells which can feedback inhibit CD4 T cell response via cell surface TGF-β1 at the late stage of immune response against infection. CD69+ Kupffer cells may contribute to protect host from pathological injure by preventing overactivation of immune response.
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Zheng Z, Zhang X, Wang J, Dandekar A, Kim H, Qiu Y, Xu X, Cui Y, Wang A, Chen LC, Rajagopalan S, Sun Q, Zhang K. Exposure to fine airborne particulate matters induces hepatic fibrosis in murine models. J Hepatol 2015; 63:1397-404. [PMID: 26220751 PMCID: PMC5003300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatic fibrosis, featured by the accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix in liver tissue, is associated with metabolic disease and cancer. Inhalation exposure to airborne particulate matter in fine ranges (PM2.5) correlates with pulmonary dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of PM2.5 exposure on hepatic fibrogenesis. METHODS Both inhalation exposure of mice and in vitro exposure of specialized cells to PM2.5 were performed to elucidate the effect of PM2.5 exposure on hepatic fibrosis. Histological examinations, gene expression analyses, and genetic animal models were utilized to determine the effect and mechanism by which PM2.5 exposure promotes hepatic fibrosis. RESULTS Inhalation exposure to concentrated ambient PM2.5 induces hepatic fibrosis in mice under the normal chow or high-fat diet. Mice after PM2.5 exposure displayed increased expression of collagens in liver tissues. Exposure to PM2.5 led to activation of the transforming growth factor β-SMAD3 signaling, suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and expression of collagens in hepatic stellate cells. NADPH oxidase plays a critical role in PM2.5-induced liver fibrogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to PM2.5 exerts discernible effects on promoting hepatic fibrogenesis. NADPH oxidase mediates the effects of PM2.5 exposure on promoting hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Zheng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Xuebao Zhang
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Jiemei Wang
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Aditya Dandekar
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Hyunbae Kim
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Yining Qiu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Xiaohua Xu
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yuqi Cui
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aixia Wang
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lung Chi Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University, Tuxedo, NY 10987, USA
| | - Sanjay Rajagopalan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Qinghua Sun
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kezhong Zhang
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Pawlak M, Baugé E, Bourguet W, De Bosscher K, Lalloyer F, Tailleux A, Lebherz C, Lefebvre P, Staels B. The transrepressive activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha is necessary and sufficient to prevent liver fibrosis in mice. Hepatology 2014; 60:1593-606. [PMID: 24995693 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly prevalent and strongly associated with central obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. According to the multiple-hit model of NAFLD pathogenesis, lipid accumulation drives nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) initiation by triggering oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, and subsequent activation of hepatic inflammatory responses that may progress, in predisposed individuals, to fibrosis and cirrhosis. While there is an unmet therapeutical need for NASH and fibrosis, recent preclinical studies showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α agonism can efficiently oppose these symptoms. To dissect the relative contribution of antisteatotic versus anti-inflammatory PPAR-α activities in counteracting dietary-induced liver fibrosis, we used a PPAR-α mutant lacking its DNA-binding-dependent activity on fatty acid metabolism. Liver-specific expression of wild-type or a DNA-binding-deficient PPAR-α in acute and chronic models of inflammation were used to study PPAR-α's anti-inflammatory versus metabolic activities in NASH and fibrosis. Pharmacologically activated PPAR-α inhibited hepatic inflammatory responses and the transition from steatosis toward NASH and fibrosis through a direct, anti-inflammatory mechanism independent of its lipid handling properties. CONCLUSION The transrepression activity of PPAR-α on chronic liver inflammation is sufficient to prevent progression of NASH to liver fibrosis. Dissociated PPAR-α agonists, selectively modulating PPAR-α transrepression activity, could thus be an option to prevent NASH and fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Pawlak
- European Genomic Institute for Diabetes, Lille, France; INSERM UMR1011, F-59000, Lille, France; University Lille 2, Lille, France; Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
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12
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Yang P, Markowitz GJ, Wang XF. The hepatitis B virus-associated tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Natl Sci Rev 2014; 1:396-412. [PMID: 25741453 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwu038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to a majority of cancer types, the initiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is intimately associated with a chronically diseased liver tissue, with one of the most prevalent etiological factors being hepatitis B virus (HBV). Transformation of the liver in HBV-associated HCC often follows from or accompanies long-term symptoms of chronic hepatitis, inflammation and cirrhosis, and viral load is a strong predictor for both incidence and progression of HCC. Besides aiding in transformation, HBV plays a crucial role in modulating the accumulation and activation of both cellular components of the microenvironment, such as immune cells and fibroblasts, and non-cellular components of the microenvironment, such as cytokines and growth factors, markedly influencing disease progression and prognosis. This review will explore some of these components and mechanisms to demonstrate both underlying themes and the inherent complexity of these interacting systems in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of HBV-positive HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyuan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA ; CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Geoffrey J Markowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Xiao-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Boltjes A, Movita D, Boonstra A, Woltman AM. The role of Kupffer cells in hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections. J Hepatol 2014; 61:660-71. [PMID: 24798624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Globally, over 500 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). These chronic infections cause liver inflammation, and may result in fibrosis/cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Albeit that HBV and HCV differ in various aspects, clearance, persistence, and immunopathology of either infection depends on the interplay between the innate and adaptive responses in the liver. Kupffer cells, the liver-resident macrophages, are abundantly present in the sinusoids of the liver. These cells have been shown to be crucial players to maintain homeostasis, but also contribute to pathology. However, it is important to note that especially during pathology, Kupffer cells are difficult to distinguish from infiltrating monocytes/macrophages and other myeloid cells. In this review we discuss our current understanding of Kupffer cells, and assess their role in the regulation of anti-viral immunity and disease pathogenesis during HBV and HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan Boltjes
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dowty Movita
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André Boonstra
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea M Woltman
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Van Wettere AJ, Law JM, Hinton DE, Kullman SW. Anchoring hepatic gene expression with development of fibrosis and neoplasia in a toxicant-induced fish model of liver injury. Toxicol Pathol 2012. [PMID: 23197195 DOI: 10.1177/0192623312464308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fish have been used as laboratory models to study hepatic development and carcinogenesis but not for pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. In this study, a dimethylnitrosamine-induced fish model of hepatic injury was developed in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) and gene expression was anchored with the development of hepatic fibrosis and neoplasia. Exposed livers exhibited mild hepatocellular degenerative changes 2 weeks' postexposure. Within 6 weeks, hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis was evident with development of neoplasia by 10 weeks. Stellate cell activation and development of fibrosis was associated with upregulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 (tgfb1), tgfb receptor 2, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (smad3a), smad3b, beta-catenin (ctnnb1), myc, matrix metalloproteinase (mmp2), mmp14a, mmp14b, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (timp) 2a, timp2b, timp3, collagen type I alpha 1a (col1a1a), and col1a1b and a less pronounced increase in mmp13 and col4a1 expression. Tgfb receptor I expression was unchanged. Immunohistochemistry suggested that biliary epithelial cells and stellate cells were the main producers of TGF-β1. This study identified a group of candidate genes likely to be involved in the development of hepatic fibrosis and demonstrated that the TGF-β pathway likely plays a major role in the pathogenesis. These results support the medaka as a viable fish model of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud J Van Wettere
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA.
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15
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Movita D, Kreefft K, Biesta P, van Oudenaren A, Leenen PJM, Janssen HLA, Boonstra A. Kupffer cells express a unique combination of phenotypic and functional characteristics compared with splenic and peritoneal macrophages. J Leukoc Biol 2012; 92:723-33. [PMID: 22685319 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1111566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunostimulatory role of Kupffer cells in various inflammatory liver diseases is still not fully understood. In this study, phenotypic and functional aspects of Kupffer cells from healthy C57BL/6 mice were analyzed and compared with those of splenic and peritoneal macrophages to generate a blueprint of the cells under steady-state conditions. In the mouse liver, only one population of Kupffer cells was identified as F4/80(high)CD11b(low) cells. We observed that freshy isolated Kupffer cells are endocytic and show a relatively high basal ROS content. Interestingly, despite expression of TLR mRNA on Kupffer cells, ligation of TLR4, TLR7/8, and TLR9 resulted in a weak induction of IL-10, low or undetectable levels of IL-12p40 and TNF, and up-regulation of CD40 on the surface. Kupffer cells and splenic macrophages show functional similarities, in comparison with peritoneal macrophages, as reflected by comparable levels of TLR4, TLR7/8, and TLR9 mRNA and low or undetectable levels of TNF and IL-12p40 produced upon TLR ligation. The unique, functional characteristics of Kupffer cells, demonstrated in this study, suggest that Kupffer cells under steady-state conditions are specialized as phagocytes to clear and degrade particulates and only play a limited immunoregulatory role via the release of soluble mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dowty Movita
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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López-Navarrete G, Ramos-Martínez E, Suárez-Álvarez K, Aguirre-García J, Ledezma-Soto Y, León-Cabrera S, Gudiño-Zayas M, Guzmán C, Gutiérrez-Reyes G, Hernández-Ruíz J, Camacho-Arroyo I, Robles-Díaz G, Kershenobich D, Terrazas LI, Escobedo G. Th2-associated alternative Kupffer cell activation promotes liver fibrosis without inducing local inflammation. Int J Biol Sci 2011; 7:1273-86. [PMID: 22110380 PMCID: PMC3221364 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.7.1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 10/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is the final outcome of liver fibrosis. Kupffer cell-mediated hepatic inflammation is considered to aggravate liver injury and fibrosis. Alternatively-activated macrophages are able to control chronic inflammatory events and trigger wound healing processes. Nevertheless, the role of alternative Kupffer cell activation in liver harm is largely unclear. Thus, we evaluated the participation of alternatively-activated Kupffer cells during liver inflammation and fibrosis in the murine model of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage. To stimulate alternative activation in Kupffer cells, 20 Taenia crassiceps (Tc) larvae were inoculated into BALBc/AnN female mice. Six weeks post-inoculation, carbon tetrachloride or olive oil were orally administered to Tc-inoculated and non-inoculated mice twice per week during other six weeks. The initial exposure of animals to T. crassiceps resulted in high serum concentrations of IL-4 accompanied by a significant increase in the hepatic mRNA levels of Ym-1, with no alteration in iNOS expression. In response to carbon tetrachloride, recruitment of inflammatory cell populations into the hepatic parenchyma was 5-fold higher in non-inoculated animals than Tc-inoculated mice. In contrast, carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis was significantly less in non-inoculated animals than in the Tc-inoculated group. The latter showed elevated IL-4 serum levels and low IFN-γ concentrations during the whole experiment, associated with hepatic expression of IL-4, TGF-β, desmin and α-sma, as well as increased mRNA levels of Arg-1, Ym-1, FIZZ-1 and MMR in Kupffer cells. These results suggest that alternative Kupffer cell activation is favored in a Th2 microenvironment, whereby such liver resident macrophages could exhibit a dichotomic role during chronic hepatic damage, being involved in attenuation of the inflammatory response but at the same time exacerbation of liver fibrosis.
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17
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Expression of mRNA isoforms of latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein-1 in coronary atherosclerosis and human tissues. Biochem Genet 2010; 49:213-25. [PMID: 21161366 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-010-9400-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2010] [Accepted: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein-1 (LTBP1) has been implicated in the control of secretion, localization, and activation of TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β). We developed a quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR) assay using an RNA internal standard to examine the expression of three alternatively spliced isoforms of LTBP1 (LTBP1Δ41, LTBP1Δ53, and LTBP1Δ55) in a variety of human tissues. The assays were also used to determine the expression of LTBP1L and LTBP1S isoforms and total LTBP1. The Q-RT-PCR assays were highly reproducible and showed that in most tissues LTBP1Δ55 and LTBP1L were minor components of LTBP1. The proportion of LTBP1Δ41 ranged from 2% of total LTBP1 mRNA in early coronary atherosclerotic lesions to 54% in advanced lesions.
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Voumvouraki A, Koulentaki M, Tzardi M, Sfakianaki O, Manousou P, Notas G, Kouroumalis E. Increased ΤGF-β3 in primary biliary cirrhosis: an abnormality related to pathogenesis? World J Gastroenterol 2010; 16:5057-64. [PMID: 20976842 PMCID: PMC2965282 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i40.5057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Revised: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) isoforms in the peripheral and hepatic venous blood of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients. METHODS We examined TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), in 27 stage IV PBC patients (27 peripheral and 15 hepatic vein sera), 35 early (I-II) PBC and 60 healthy controls. As disease controls 28 hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis (28 peripheral and 17 hepatic vein serum), 44 chronic HCV hepatitis and 38 HCV-related hepatocellular carcinomas were included. We also tested liver tissue by immunohistochemistry to identify localization of TGF isoforms. RESULTS TGF-β1 was significantly decreased in all cirrhotics (PBC III-IV: median 13.4 ng/mL; range, 7.4-26.2, HCV cirrhosis: 11.6 ng/mL; range, 5.0-33.8), compared to controls (30.9 ng/mL; range, 20.9-37.8). TGF-β2 was increased in viral cirrhosis but not in PBC and chronic hepatitis. TGF-β3 (47.2 pg/mL; range, 27.0-79.7 in healthy controls) was increased in early and late PBC (I-II: 94.3 pg/mL; range, 41.5-358.6; III-IV: 152.8 pg/mL; range, 60.4-361.2; P < 0.001) and decreased in viral cirrhosis (37.4 pg/mL; range, 13.3-84.0; P < 0.05). Hepatic vein TGF-β levels were analogous to those in peripheral blood. Immunohistochemistry identified all isoforms in portal tract lymphocytes, sinusoidal cells and cholangiocytes. TGF-β3 was additionally overexpressed in hepatocytes in PBC patients. CONCLUSION The serum profile of TGF-β isoforms is different in cirrhotics. Increased TGF-β3 is characteristic of PBC. These findings may be related to the immunological abnormalities of PBC.
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19
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Bartolomé N, Arteta B, Martínez MJ, Chico Y, Ochoa B. Kupffer cell products and interleukin 1beta directly promote VLDL secretion and apoB mRNA up-regulation in rodent hepatocytes. Innate Immun 2009; 14:255-66. [PMID: 18669611 DOI: 10.1177/1753425908094718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma VLDL accumulation in Gram-negative sepsis is partly ascribed to an increased hepatic VLDL production driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines. We previously showed that hepatocytes of the Kupffer cell (KC)-rich periportal area are major contributors to enhanced VLDL production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected rats. However, it remains to be established whether KC generated products directly affect the number (apoB) and composition of secreted VLDL. Using rat primary cells, we show here that hepatocytes respond to stimulation by soluble mediators released by LPS-stimulated Kupffer cells with enhanced secretion of apoB and triglycerides in phospholipid-rich VLDL particles. Unstimulated KC products also augmented the secretion of normal VLDL, doubling apoB mRNA abundance. IL-1beta treatment resulted in concentration-dependent increases of hepatocyte apoB mRNA and protein secretion, increases that were greater, but not additive, when combined with IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Lipid secretion and MTP mRNA levels were unaffected by cytokines. In summary: (i) enhanced secretion of phospholipid-rich VLDL particles is a net hepatocyte response to LPS-stimulated KC products, which gives a clue about the local role of Kupffer cells in septic dyslipidemia induction; and (ii) pro-inflammatory cytokines act redundantly to enhance apoB secretion involving translational apoB up-regulation, but other humoral components or KC mediators are necessary to accomplish increased lipid association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Bartolomé
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
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20
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Usynin IF, Panin LE. Mechanisms determining phenotypic heterogeneity of hepatocytes. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2008; 73:367-80. [PMID: 18457566 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297908040019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes results of biochemical and immunohistochemical studies indicating the existence of functional heterogeneity of hepatocytes depending on their localization in the hepatic acinus; this determines characteristic features of metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and xenobiotics. The physiological significance of hepatocyte heterogeneity is discussed. According to the proposed model of intercellular communication, the metabolic specialization of hepatocytes is determined by secretory activity of hepatic resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) localized mainly in the periportal zone of the liver acinus. Macrophages participate in secretion of a wide spectrum of intercellular mediators (cytokines, prostaglandins, growth factors) and also in metabolism of numerous blood metabolites and biologically active substances (hormones, lipoproteins, etc.). In the sinusoid and in the space of Disse (also known as perisinusoidal space) they form a concentration gradient of regulatory factors and metabolites inducing the phenotypic differences between hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- I F Usynin
- Institute of Biochemistry, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia.
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21
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MIKULA M, PROELL V, FISCHER A, MIKULITS W. Activated hepatic stellate cells induce tumor progression of neoplastic hepatocytes in a TGF-beta dependent fashion. J Cell Physiol 2006; 209:560-7. [PMID: 16883581 PMCID: PMC2900580 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The development of hepatocellular carcinomas from malignant hepatocytes is frequently associated with intra- and peritumoral accumulation of connective tissue arising from activated hepatic stellate cells. For both tumorigenesis and hepatic fibrogenesis, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling executes key roles and therefore is considered as a hallmark of these pathological events. By employing cellular transplantation we show that the interaction of neoplastic MIM-R hepatocytes with the tumor microenvironment, containing either activated hepatic stellate cells (M1-4HSCs) or myofibroblasts derived thereof (M-HTs), induces progression in malignancy. Cotransplantation of MIM-R hepatocytes with M-HTs yielded strongest MIM-R generated tumor formation accompanied by nuclear localization of Smad2/3 as well as of beta-catenin. Genetic interference with TGF-beta signaling by gain of antagonistic Smad7 in MIM-R hepatocytes diminished epithelial dedifferentiation and tumor progression upon interaction with M1-4HSCs or M-HTs. Further analysis showed that tumors harboring disrupted Smad signaling are devoid of nuclear beta-catenin accumulation, indicating a crosstalk between TGF-beta and beta-catenin signaling. Together, these data demonstrate that activated HSCs and myofibroblasts directly govern hepatocarcinogenesis in a TGF-beta dependent fashion by inducing autocrine TGF-beta signaling and nuclear beta-catenin accumulation in neoplastic hepatocytes. These results indicate that intervention with TGF-beta signaling is highly promising in liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - W. MIKULITS
- Correspondence to: W. Mikulits, Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschke-Gasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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22
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Mikula M, Proell V, Fischer ANM, Mikulits W. Activated hepatic stellate cells induce tumor progression of neoplastic hepatocytes in a TGF-beta dependent fashion. J Cell Physiol 2006. [PMID: 16883581 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20772.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The development of hepatocellular carcinomas from malignant hepatocytes is frequently associated with intra- and peritumoral accumulation of connective tissue arising from activated hepatic stellate cells. For both tumorigenesis and hepatic fibrogenesis, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling executes key roles and therefore is considered as a hallmark of these pathological events. By employing cellular transplantation we show that the interaction of neoplastic MIM-R hepatocytes with the tumor microenvironment, containing either activated hepatic stellate cells (M1-4HSCs) or myofibroblasts derived thereof (M-HTs), induces progression in malignancy. Cotransplantation of MIM-R hepatocytes with M-HTs yielded strongest MIM-R generated tumor formation accompanied by nuclear localization of Smad2/3 as well as of beta-catenin. Genetic interference with TGF-beta signaling by gain of antagonistic Smad7 in MIM-R hepatocytes diminished epithelial dedifferentiation and tumor progression upon interaction with M1-4HSCs or M-HTs. Further analysis showed that tumors harboring disrupted Smad signaling are devoid of nuclear beta-catenin accumulation, indicating a crosstalk between TGF-beta and beta-catenin signaling. Together, these data demonstrate that activated HSCs and myofibroblasts directly govern hepatocarcinogenesis in a TGF-beta dependent fashion by inducing autocrine TGF-beta signaling and nuclear beta-catenin accumulation in neoplastic hepatocytes. These results indicate that intervention with TGF-beta signaling is highly promising in liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mikula
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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23
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Mehal WZ, Sheikh SZ, Gorelik L, Flavell RA. TGF-β signaling regulates CD8+ T cell responses to high- and low-affinity TCR interactions. Int Immunol 2005; 17:531-8. [PMID: 15824070 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxh233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Absence of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling to T cells in mice results in an increase in T cell numbers, an activated CD44 high, CD69-, CD25- T cell phenotype and a T cell-mediated injury to many organs. It is not known if such T cell activation in the absence of TGF-beta signaling is spontaneous or due to aberrant T cell responses to a physiological stimulus. We used adoptive transfer of CD8+ T cells from mice double transgenic for the OT-1 TCR and the TGF-beta1-dominant negative transgene [OT-dominant-negative receptor (DNR)] to investigate the role of TGF-beta in regulating CD8+ T cell activation in vivo. The activation and expansion of single-transgenic OT and double-transgenic OT-DNR cells to oral antigens, high-affinity and low-affinity peptides were indistinguishable. Activation with high-affinity peptide and CFA however resulted in greater expansion of OT-DNR cells in comparison to OT cells. Low-affinity peptide and adjuvant did not result in OT cell activation or expansion but results in up-regulation of CD44 on OT-DNR cells. These data show that TGF-beta functions in vivo to limit the scale of CD8+ T cell expansion after high-affinity peptide-MHC interactions. TGF-beta also limits T cell activation to the highest affinity peptide-MHC interactions. The increase in T cell number and activation present in TGF-beta-deficient and TGF-beta DNR-expressing mice may be due to the loss of these two phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajahat Z Mehal
- Section of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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24
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Abstract
Alcohol abuse is a major cause of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in developed countries. Before alcoholic liver fibrosis becomes evident, the liver undergoes several stages of alcoholic liver disease including steatosis and steatohepatitis. Although the main mechanisms of fibrogenesis are independent of the etiology of liver injury, alcoholic liver fibrosis is distinctively characterized by a pronounced inflammatory response due to elevated gut-derived endotoxin plasma levels, an augmented generation of oxidative stress with pericentral hepatic hypoxia and the formation of cell-toxic and profibrogenic ethanol metabolites (e.g. acetaldehyde or lipid oxidation products). These factors, based on a complex network of cytokine actions, together result in increased hepatocellular damage and activation of hepatic stellate cells, the key cell type of liver fibrogenesis. Although to date removal of the causative agent, i.e. alcohol, still represents the most effective intervention to prevent the manifestation of alcoholic liver disease, sophisticated molecular approaches are underway, aiming to specifically blunt profibrogenic signaling pathways in liver cells or specifically induce cell death in activated hepatic stellate cells to decrease the scarring of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soren V Siegmund
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
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25
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Cha DR, Kim IS, Kang YS, Han SY, Han KH, Shin C, Ji YH, Kim NH. Urinary concentration of transforming growth factor-beta-inducible gene-h3(beta ig-h3) in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabet Med 2005; 22:14-20. [PMID: 15606685 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2004.01295.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The expression of TGF beta-inducible gene h3(beta ig-h3) has been used to assess the biological activity of TGF beta in the kidney. In this study, we investigated whether the urinary concentration of beta ig-h3 is associated with diabetic nephropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. We also evaluated the relationship between the urinary concentration of beta ig-3 and proteinuria and microalbuminuria (AER) in a normal healthy population and in Type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS Four hundred and seventy-nine Type 2 diabetic patients without non-diabetic kidney diseases and 528 healthy control subjects were enrolled. The study subjects were divided into five groups: a non-diabetic healthy control group with normal ACR (n = 443), a non-diabetic healthy control group with microalbuminuria (n = 85), a normoalbuminuric diabetic group (n = 198), a microalbuminuric diabetic group (n = 155) and an overt proteinuria group (n = 126). Urinary levels of beta ig-h3 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS (i) Urinary excretion of beta ig-h3 was significantly higher in the diabetic groups than in the controls, even in the normoalbuminuric stage (25.02 +/- 8.84 vs. 18.67 +/- 6.56, P = 0.03). In diabetic patients, urinary beta ig-h3 levels increased significantly as diabetic nephropathy advanced (25.02 +/- 8.84 vs. 34.06 +/- 24.55 vs. 169.63 +/- 57.33, P < 0.001). (ii) Proteinuria was found to be significantly correlated with urinary beta ig-h3 (healthy control; r = 0.137, P = 0.019, diabetic patients; r = 0.604, P < 0.001). ACR was also found to be significantly related with urinary beta ig-h3 in diabetic patients (r = 0.383, P = 0.006). (iii) In diabetic patients, urinary beta ig-h3 was significantly related with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure: r = 0.436, P = 0.024; diastolic blood pressure, r = 0.365, P = 0.042), total cholesterol and HbA(1c) (cholesterol: r = 0.169, P = 0.03, HbA(1c); r = 0.387, P = 0.044). Logistic regression analyses showed that urinary beta ig-h3 was associated with a significant increase in the risk of microalbuminuria and proteinuria in diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal monitoring of urinary beta ig-h3 may improve the likelihood of detecting diabetic nephropathy at an earlier stage and beta ig-h3 could be a sensitive marker of diabetic kidney disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Cha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
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26
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Hatch HM, Zheng D, Jorgensen ML, Petersen BE. SDF-1alpha/CXCR4: a mechanism for hepatic oval cell activation and bone marrow stem cell recruitment to the injured liver of rats. CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2003; 4:339-51. [PMID: 12626097 DOI: 10.1089/153623002321025014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stromal derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1alpha) and its receptor CXCR4 have been shown to play a role in the systematic movement of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the fetal and adult stages of hematopoiesis. Under certain physiological conditions liver oval cells can participate in the regeneration of the liver. We have shown that a percentage of oval cells are of hematopoietic origin. Others have shown that bone marrow derived stem cells can participate in liver regeneration as well. In this study we examined the role of SDF-1alpha and its receptor CXCR4 as a possible mechanism for oval cell activation in oval cell aided liver regeneration. In massive liver injury models where oval cell repair is involved hepatocytes up-regulate the expression of SDF-1alpha, a potent chemoattractant for hematopoietic cells. However, when moderate liver injury occurs, proliferation of resident hepatocytes repairs the injury. Under these conditions SDF-1alpha expression is not up-regulated and oval cells are not activated in the liver. In addition, we show that oval cells express CXCR4, the only known receptor for SDF-1alpha. Lastly, in vitro chemotaxis assays demonstrated that oval cells migrate along a SDF-1alpha gradient which suggests that the SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 interaction is a mechanism by which the oval cell compartment could be activated and possibly recruit a second wave of bone marrow stem cells to the injured liver. In conclusion, these experiments begin to shed light on a possible mechanism, which may someday lead to a better understanding of the hepatic and hematopoietic interaction in oval cell aided liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Hatch
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medical, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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27
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Noguera I, Obata H, Gualandris A, Cowin P, Rifkin DB. Molecular cloning of the mouse Ltbp-1 gene reveals tissue specific expression of alternatively spliced forms. Gene 2003; 308:31-41. [PMID: 12711388 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1119(03)00463-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Latent transforming growth factor binding proteins (Ltbp-1, -2, -3 and -4) and fibrillins (Fbn-1 and -2) are structurally related cysteine-rich extracellular matrix proteins that localize to the 10 nm microfibrils. Ltbp-1 is thought to promote the secretion and proper folding of the small latent transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) complex (TGF-beta plus its propeptide) and is implicated in sequestering it in the extracellular matrix. Here we report the isolation of the mouse Ltbp-1 complementary DNA (cDNA) and gene. The longer form of the Ltbp-1 cDNA encodes a predicted 1713 amino acid protein containing 18 epidermal growth factor-like repeats, four 8-cysteine domains and several motifs that suggest interactions with alpha(IV)beta(1) and alpha(9)beta(1) integrins. Northern blotting analyses indicate that long and short Ltbp-1 transcripts are widely expressed in adult mouse tissues and most abundantly expressed in heart. Ltbp-1 is a single copy gene that maps to chromosome 17, band E (1-3) and encompasses more than 212 kb. The Ltbp-1 gene contains 34 exons and shows a similar organization to the LTBP-2 gene, suggesting that these genes originated from a common ancestral gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Noguera
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Paizis G, Gilbert RE, Cooper ME, Murthi P, Schembri JM, Wu LL, Rumble JR, Kelly DJ, Tikellis C, Cox A, Smallwood RA, Angus PW. Effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade on experimental hepatic fibrogenesis. J Hepatol 2001; 35:376-85. [PMID: 11592599 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(01)00146-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate whether in the liver, as in other tissues, there is evidence that angiotensin II, acting via the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-R), plays a role in fibrogenesis. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups; sham, bile duct ligated (BDL) and BDL + AT1-R antagonist, irbesartan. Real time RT-PCR was utilised to assess gene expression of the AT1 receptor, TGF-beta1 and alpha1 (I) collagen in the liver. TGF-beta1 and alpha1 (I) collagen mRNA expression and localisation were also assessed by in situ hybridisation. TGF-beta1 activity was assessed by using the TGF-beta inducible gene product betaig-h3. Fibrosis was assessed by the Knodell scoring system, tissue hydroxyproline content and picro-sirius red staining. RESULTS Real time RT-PCR revealed that there was a 6-fold up-regulation in AT1 receptor expression in BDL animals compared with shams. This was associated with marked increases in TGF-beta1, betaig-h3 and alpha1 (I) collagen gene expression which were attenuated by AT1-RA treatment. However, AT1-RA therapy produced no significant change in liver histology or hydroxyproline content. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that in the liver angiotensin II may play an important role in the fibrogenic response to injury. However, whether treatment with an AT1-RA will be of therapeutic benefit remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Paizis
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre Melbourne, Australia.
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29
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Abstract
Activation, proliferation, and differentiation of a distinct phenotype of cells, called oval cells, are observed after severe hepatic injuries in which the proliferation of existing hepatocytes is inhibited. Under those conditions, oval cells can act as bipotential progenitors of the two types of epithelial cells within the liver, hepatocytes and bile ductular cells. Oval cells are also believed to play a role in the hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma development; although circumstantial data are available, no direct evidence exists to support this theory. Oval cells have usually been thought to be the progeny of an hepatic stem cell, native to the liver. Recently, however, we, as well as others, have obtained clear evidence that in the rodents, hepatic oval cells, or at least a fraction of them, can derive from a precursor cell of bone marrow origin. The rodent data have been supported by recent findings that human bone marrow cells are capable of becoming hepatocytes and cholangiocytes as well. Having shown that oval cells can be derived from an extrahepatic source, we now have the technology to address many unanswered questions in oval cell origin, fate, and physiology through the use of sex-mismatched bone marrow transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Petersen
- Department of Pathology, Stem Cell Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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30
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Abstract
AIM The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of chronic iron overload on Kupffer cell cytokine production. METHODS Kupffer cells were isolated from rats that were fed either a control or iron-supplemented diet for 12 months. Cytokine mRNA and protein levels were determined by using a ribonuclease protection assay and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS Baseline levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta1, interleukin-6 and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor were similar in iron-loaded and control Kupffer cells. Following the addition of lipopolysaccharide to control cells, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1alpha and interleukin-6 mRNA levels increased. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA and protein levels were reduced by 40 and 60%, respectively, in iron-loaded cells compared with controls following the addition of lipopolysaccharide. Interleukin-6 mRNA levels in iron-loaded Kupffer cells were also reduced. Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor mRNA levels remained unchanged in controls, but were significantly elevated in iron-loaded cells. Tumor growth factor-beta1 mRNA and protein levels were similar in control and iron-loaded cells. CONCLUSION Deposition of iron in Kupffer cells in chronic dietary iron overload results in an impaired pro-inflammatory cytokine response to lipopolysaccharide. Our observations may have relevance to the altered immune function observed in chronic iron-overload syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Olynyk
- Department of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands Australia.
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31
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Tani Y, Kamai Y, Yamate K, Mizuno H, Yamamoto H, Hosokawa T, Doi K. Restitutive response of Mini rat liver to injury induced by a single oral administration of thioacetamide. J Toxicol Sci 2001; 26:25-37. [PMID: 11255791 DOI: 10.2131/jts.26.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mini rats are a transgenic rat strain carrying antisense gene for rat growth hormone (GH), resulting in retarded growth and a lower blood GH level (136 +/- 42.0 ng/mL) compared with that of age-matched parental strain Wistar rats (329 +/- 337 ng/mL). Mini rats have been used by several investigators as a GH deficiency model. In this work, we gave a single oral administration of thioacetamide (TAA), a hepatotoxicant, to both Mini rats and Wistar rats to ascertain the influence of GH deficiency on liver response to chemically induced injury and subsequent regeneration. TAA administration caused liver injury in both strains, with a greater extent of injury in Mini rats. Proliferation of bile epithelial cells and so-called oval cells was prominent at Day 3 in Mini rats only, and this change correlated well with serum total bilirubin concentrations. Antibody against Ki-67 antigen revealed that cellular proliferation after TAA-induced liver injury was suppressed but prolonged in the Mini rat liver. Although hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells/macrophages were more abundant in the livers of TAA-treated Mini rats, the hepatic expression patterns of hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor beta 1 were comparable to those of Wistar rats. Insulin-like growth factor-I gene expression was significantly reduced in the Mini rat liver. Our results imply that a lower GH level may exacerbate chemically induced liver injury, enhance infiltration/proliferation of non-parenchymal cells, suppress regeneration of hepatocytes, and induce proliferation of bile epithelial cells and oval cells when the liver is injured by TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Tani
- Medicinal Safety Research Laboratories, Sankyo Co., Ltd., 1-2-58 Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8710, Japan
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