1
|
Diwan R, Gaytan SL, Bhatt HN, Pena-Zacarias J, Nurunnabi M. Liver fibrosis pathologies and potentials of RNA based therapeutics modalities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:2743-2770. [PMID: 38446352 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs when the liver tissue responds to injury or inflammation by producing excessive amounts of scar tissue, known as the extracellular matrix. This buildup stiffens the liver tissue, hinders blood flow, and ultimately impairs liver function. Various factors can trigger this process, including bloodborne pathogens, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While some existing small-molecule therapies offer limited benefits, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments that can truly cure LF. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising approach, as they can potentially downregulate cytokine levels in cells responsible for liver fibrosis. Researchers are actively exploring various RNA-based therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and oligonucleotides, to assess their efficacy in animal models. Furthermore, targeted drug delivery systems hold immense potential in this field. By utilizing lipid nanoparticles, exosomes, nanocomplexes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, researchers aim to deliver therapeutic agents directly to specific biomarkers or cytokines within the fibrotic liver, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. In conclusion, this review highlights the complex nature of liver fibrosis, its underlying causes, and the promising potential of RNA-based therapeutics and targeted delivery systems. Continued research in these areas could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment options for LF patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Samantha Lynn Gaytan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Himanshu Narendrakumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pena-Zacarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Bao Y, Guo S, Li Y, Fang W, Zhang N, He H. Farnesoid X receptor modulator 12β-( m-methyl-benzoyl)-11,12-dihydro oleanolic acid represses liver fibrosis by inhibiting ERK/p38 signaling pathways. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024; 34:795-802. [PMID: 38685856 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2024.2349551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common pathological process in the progression of several chronic liver diseases to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, the development of medications that can repress the progress of liver fibrosis is essential. We discovered that initially, 12β-(m-methyl-benzoyl)-11,12-dihydro oleanolic acid (12d-OA), a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) modulator, possessed potential anti-fibrotic properties. Through an in-depth study, we revealed that 12d-OA not only inhibited the expression of fibrogenic markers in the LX-2 cells and HSC-T6 cells but also exhibited significant protective effects against liver injury and liver fibrosis in bile duct ligation (BDL) rats. Further exploration of its molecular mechanism indicated that 12d-OA exerted antifibrotic activity by inhibiting the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/stress-activated protein kinase (p38) signaling pathways. Consequently, the great effects of 12d-OA in vitro and in vivo suggest that it may be a good candidate for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyang Bao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Simin Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Weishuo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Ministry of Health Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Setyawati DR, Sekaringtyas FC, Pratiwi RD, Rosyidah A, Azhar R, Gustini N, Syahputra G, Rosidah I, Mardliyati E, Tarwadi, El Muttaqien S. Recent updates in applications of nanomedicine for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 15:1105-1116. [PMID: 39188757 PMCID: PMC11346304 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.15.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Over recent decades, nanomedicine has played an important role in the enhancement of therapeutic outcomes compared to those of conventional therapy. At the same time, nanoparticle drug delivery systems offer a significant reduction in side effects of treatments by lowering the off-target biodistribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredients. Cancer nanomedicine represents the most extensively studied nanotechnology application in the field of pharmaceutics and pharmacology since the first nanodrug for cancer treatment, liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®), has been approved by the FDA. The advancement of cancer nanomedicine and its enormous technological success also included various other target diseases, including hepatic fibrosis. This confirms the versatility of nanomedicine for improving therapeutic activity. In this review, we summarize recent updates of nanomedicine platforms for improving therapeutic efficacy regarding liver fibrosis. We first emphasize the challenges of conventional drugs for penetrating the biological barriers of the liver. After that, we highlight design principles of nanocarriers for achieving improved drug delivery of antifibrosis drugs through passive and active targeting strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damai Ria Setyawati
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Fransiska Christydira Sekaringtyas
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Riyona Desvy Pratiwi
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - A’liyatur Rosyidah
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Rohimmahtunnissa Azhar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Nunik Gustini
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Gita Syahputra
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Idah Rosidah
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Etik Mardliyati
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Tarwadi
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Sjaikhurrizal El Muttaqien
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu Y, Zhang Y, Tian H, Zhong Q, Yi K, Li F, Xue T, Wang H, Lao Y, Xu Y, Li Y, Long L, Li K, Tao Y, Li M. Smart Microneedle Arrays Integrating Cell-Free Therapy and Nanocatalysis to Treat Liver Fibrosis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309940. [PMID: 38874114 PMCID: PMC11336984 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic pathological condition lacking specific clinical treatments. Stem cells, with notable potential in regenerative medicine, offer promise in treating liver fibrosis. However, stem cell therapy is hindered by potential immunological rejection, carcinogenesis risk, efficacy variation, and high cost. Stem cell secretome-based cell-free therapy offers potential solutions to address these challenges, but it is limited by low delivery efficiency and rapid clearance. Herein, an innovative approach for in situ implantation of smart microneedle (MN) arrays enabling precisely controlled delivery of multiple therapeutic agents directly into fibrotic liver tissues is developed. By integrating cell-free and platinum-based nanocatalytic combination therapy, the MN arrays can deactivate hepatic stellate cells. Moreover, they promote excessive extracellular matrix degradation by more than 75%, approaching normal levels. Additionally, the smart MN arrays can provide hepatocyte protection while reducing inflammation levels by ≈70-90%. They can also exhibit remarkable capability in scavenging almost 100% of reactive oxygen species and alleviating hypoxia. Ultimately, this treatment strategy can effectively restrain fibrosis progression. The comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments, supplemented by proteome and transcriptome analyses, substantiate the effectiveness of the approach in treating liver fibrosis, holding immense promise for clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanteng Xu
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Hao Tian
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Department of NeurologyThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Qingguo Zhong
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Ke Yi
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Fenfang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Tiantian Xue
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Yeh‐Hsing Lao
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity at BuffaloThe State University of New YorkBuffaloNY14214USA
| | - Yingying Xu
- Center for Health ResearchGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and HealthChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
- University of China Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yinxiong Li
- Center for Health ResearchGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and HealthChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
- University of China Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Ling Long
- Department of NeurologyThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Kai Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver DiseaseGuangzhou510630China
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Department of UltrasoundThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver DiseaseGuangzhou510630China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang L, Zhou J, Wang J, Wang X, Dong H, Zhao L, Wu J, Peng J. Hepatic Stellate Cell-Targeting Micelle Nanomedicine for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303710. [PMID: 38293743 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303710] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Diagnosing and treating liver fibrosis is a challenging yet crucial endeavor due to its complex pathogenesis and risk of deteriorating into cirrhosis, liver failure, and even hepatic cancer. Herein, a silica cross-linked micelles (SCLMs) based nano-system is developed for both diagnosing and treating liver fibrosis. The SCLMs are first modified with peptide CTCE9908 (CT-SCLMs) and can actively target CXCR4, which is overexpressed in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). To enable diagnosis, an ONOO--responded near-infrared fluorescent probe NOF2 is loaded into the CT-SCLMs. This nano-system can target the aHSCs and diagnose the liver fibrosis particularly in CCl4-induced liver damage, by monitoring the reactive nitrogen species. Furthermore, a step is taken toward treatment by co-encapsulating two anti-fibrosis drugs, silibinin and sorafenib, within the CT-SCLMs. This combined approach results in a significant alleviation of liver injury. Symptoms associated with liver fibrosis, such as deposition of collagen, expression of hydroxyproline, and raised serological indicators show notable improvement. In summary, the CXCR4-targeted nano-system can serve as a promising theragnostic system of early warning and diagnosis for liver fibrosis, offering hope against progression of this serious liver condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jieying Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Xiaotang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Haijuan Dong
- The Public Laboratory Platform, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lingzhi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Junchen Wu
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Juanjuan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cook SA. Understanding interleukin 11 as a disease gene and therapeutic target. Biochem J 2023; 480:1987-2008. [PMID: 38054591 PMCID: PMC10754292 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220160] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 11 (IL11) is an elusive member of the IL6 family of cytokines. While initially thought to be a haematopoietic and cytoprotective factor, more recent data show instead that IL11 is redundant for haematopoiesis and toxic. In this review, the reasons that led to the original misunderstandings of IL11 biology, which are now understandable, are explained with particular attention on the use of recombinant human IL11 in mice and humans. Following tissue injury, as part of an evolutionary ancient homeostatic response, IL11 is secreted from damaged mammalian cells to signal via JAK/STAT3, ERK/P90RSK, LKB1/mTOR and GSK3β/SNAI1 in autocrine and paracrine. This activates a program of mesenchymal transition of epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells to cause inflammation, fibrosis, and stalled endogenous tissue repair, leading to organ failure. The role of IL11 signalling in cell- and organ-specific pathobiology is described, the large unknowns about IL11 biology are discussed and the promise of targeting IL11 signalling as a therapeutic approach is reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A Cook
- MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, U.K
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
O'Reilly S. Interleukin-11 and its eminent role in tissue fibrosis: a possible therapeutic target. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 214:154-161. [PMID: 37724596 PMCID: PMC10714194 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-11 is a cytokine from the IL-6 family of cytokines that includes IL-6 and oncostatin-M. Initially described for its role in platelet generation, it is now appreciated that this cytokine has multiple functions. Recently it has been found that IL-11 is critical in fibrosis in multiple different organ systems and systemically as in the autoimmune disease systemic sclerosis. Animal models of fibrosis have determined that animals with IL-11 receptor deletions have retarded fibrosis and that in wild-type animals IL-11 is found at the organ of fibrosis. Recent evidence suggests that IL-11 may be a master regulator of fibrosis regardless of end target organ. With the development of neutralizing antibodies targeting the cytokine in pre-clinical models this could be a possible therapeutic, in a disease in which no specific therapies exist. This review appraises the evidence of the role of IL-11 in tissue fibrosis, its signalling properties, and therapeutic targeting. The review ends with an appraisal of indications for which IL-11 modulation is targeted.
Collapse
|