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Qin J, Zhou L, Yu L, Ye J, Wang F, Zhou J, Gu Y, Chen G, Chen X. Exosomes derived from HUVECs alleviate ischemia-reperfusion induced inflammation in neural cells by upregulating KLF14 expression. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1365928. [PMID: 38756375 PMCID: PMC11096520 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1365928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays a key role in the progression of secondary brain injury after ischemic stroke, and exosomes have been increasingly recognized to eliminate inflammatory responses through various mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the effect and possible mechanism of human umbilical vein endothelial cells derived exosomes (H-EXOs) on neuroinflammation. We established a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (tMCAO/R) in male rats and oxygen-glucose-deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in cultured neurons to mimic secondary brain injury after ischemic stroke in vivo. H-EXOs were administered at the same time of reperfusion. Results showed that the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) were significantly increased both in rat brain tissue and cultured neural cells after ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury. H-EXOs treatment significantly improved the cultured cell viability, reduced infarct sizes, mitigated neurobehavioral defects, and alleviated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with the control group, indicating that H-EXOs exerted anti-inflammatory effect against I/R injury. Further studies revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect of H-EXOs could be weakened by small-interfering RNA (siKLF4) transfection. KLF14 was a protective factor produced during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. In conclusion, H-EXOs protect neurons from inflammation after I/R injury by enhancing KLF14 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Qin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lihong Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jingwen Ye
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Nantong Xingzhong Cell Engineering Co. Ltd, Nantong, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Nantong Xingzhong Cell Engineering Co. Ltd, Nantong, China
| | - Yunjuan Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Yuce K, Ozkan AI. The kruppel-like factor (KLF) family, diseases, and physiological events. Gene 2024; 895:148027. [PMID: 38000704 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148027] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
The Kruppel-Like Factor family of regulatory proteins, which has 18 members, is transcription factors. This family contains zinc finger proteins, regulates the activation and suppression of transcription, and binds to DNA, RNA, and proteins. Klfs related to the immune system are Klf1, Klf2, Klf3, Klf4, Klf6, and Klf14. Klfs related to adipose tissue development and/or glucose metabolism are Klf3, Klf7, Klf9, Klf10, Klf11, Klf14, Klf15, and Klf16. Klfs related to cancer are Klf3, Klf4, Klf5, Klf6, Klf7, Klf8, Klf9, Klf10, Klf11, Klf12, Klf13, Klf14, Klf16, and Klf17. Klfs related to the cardiovascular system are Klf4, Klf5, Klf10, Klf13, Klf14, and Klf15. Klfs related to the nervous system are Klf4, Klf7, Klf8, and Klf9. Klfs are associated with diseases such as carcinogenesis, oxidative stress, diabetes, liver fibrosis, thalassemia, and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this review is to provide information about the relationship of Klfs with some diseases and physiological events and to guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Yuce
- Selcuk University, Medicine Faculty, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology, Konya, Turkiye.
| | - Ahmet Ismail Ozkan
- Artvin Coruh University, Medicinal-Aromatic Plants Application and Research Center, Artvin, Turkiye.
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Chen X, Shi W, Xie Y, Wang Y, Yao Q, Ke H, Xu X, Liu H, Liu P, Zhou X. Hepatic Krüppel-like factor 14 regulates lipid metabolism in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23070. [PMID: 37389939 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300448r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Excessive lipid accumulation is a critical characteristic in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The underlying molecular mechanism, however, is unclear. In this study, we explored whether and how Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) affects hepatic lipid metabolism in NASH. KLF14 expression was detected in NASH patients and mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD). Adeno-associated viruses and adenoviruses were used to alter hepatic KLF14 expression in vivo or in vitro to investigate how KLF14 functions in lipid regulation. The molecular mechanisms were explored using RNA-seq, luciferase reporter, and ChIP assays. The fatty liver phenotype was analyzed histopathologically, and serum and hepatocyte biochemical parameters were measured. The NASH mouse model developed quickly in C57BL/6J mice fed a CDAHFD for 8 weeks. We found that KLF14 expression was decreased in NASH patients and CDAHFD mice. Oleic acid and palmitic acid treatment also reduced KLF14 levels in hepatocytes. KLF14 knockdown downregulated the genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, promoting the progression of hepatic steatosis. In contrast, hepatic KLF14 overexpression alleviated lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in CDAHFD mice. These effects resulted from direct activation of the PPARα signaling pathway. PPARα inhibition diminished the KLF14 overexpression-reduced protective effects against steatosis in OA&PA-treated MPHs and AAV-KLF14-infected CDAHFD mice. These data reveal that hepatic KLF14 regulates lipid accumulation and oxidative stress through the KLF14-PPARα pathway as NASH progresses. KLF14 may be a novel therapeutic target for hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenjie Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yong Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Yunwu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qian Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Huajing Ke
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Pi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The People's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaojiang Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Liu L, Yuan Y, Zhou Y, Yao L, Li J, Chen F. The transcription factor KLF14 attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury by ameliorating apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells in mice. Mol Immunol 2022; 152:67-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Chen J, Li X, Zeng P, Zhang X, Bi K, Lin C, Jiang J, Diao H. Lamina propria interleukin 17 A aggravates natural killer T-cell activation in autoimmune hepatitis. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22346. [PMID: 35583908 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101734rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is an interface hepatitis characterized by the progressive destruction of the liver parenchyma, the cause of which is still obscure. Interleukin (IL)-17A is a major driver of autoimmunity, which can be produced by innate immune cells against several intracellular pathogens. Here, we investigated the involvement of IL-17A in a mice model of immune-mediated hepatitis with the intestine exposed to Salmonella typhimurium. Our results showed more severe Concanavalin (Con) A-induced liver injury and gut microbiome dysbiosis when the mice were treated with a gavage of S. typhimurium. Then, the natural killer (NK) T cells were overactivated by the accumulated IL-17A in the liver in the Con A and S. typhimurium administration group. IL-17A could activate NKT cells by inducing CD178 expression via IL-4/STAT6 signaling. Furthermore, via the portal tract, the laminae propria mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT)-cell-derived IL-17A could be the original driver of NKT cell overactivation in intragastric administration of S. typhimurium and Con A injection. In IL-17A-deficient mice, Con A-induced liver injury and NKT cell activation were alleviated. However, when AAV-sh-mIL-17a was used to specifically knock down IL-17A in liver, it seemed that hepatic IL-17a knock down did not significantly influence the liver injury. Our results suggested that, under Con A-induction, laminae propria MAIT-derived IL-17A activated hepatic NKT, and this axis could be a therapeutic target in autoimmune liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuehui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xujun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kefan Bi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenhong Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Diao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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6
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Yuan Y, Fan G, Liu Y, Liu L, Zhang T, Liu P, Tu Q, Zhang X, Luo S, Yao L, Chen F, Li J. The transcription factor KLF14 regulates macrophage glycolysis and immune function by inhibiting HK2 in sepsis. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:504-515. [PMID: 34983946 PMCID: PMC8976055 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00806-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a heterogeneous syndrome induced by a dysregulated host response to infection. Glycolysis plays a role in maintaining the immune function of macrophages, which is crucial for severely septic patients. However, how the pathways that link glycolysis and macrophages are regulated is still largely unknown. Here, we provide evidence to support the function of KLF14, a novel Krüppel-like transcription factor, in the regulation of glycolysis and the immune function of macrophages during sepsis. KLF14 deletion led to significantly increased mortality in lethal models of murine endotoxemia and sepsis. Mechanistically, KLF14 decreased glycolysis and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages by inhibiting the transcription of HK2. In addition, we confirmed that the expression of KLF14 was upregulated in septic patients. Furthermore, pharmacological activation of KLF14 conferred protection against sepsis in mice. These findings uncover a key role of KLF14 in modulating the inflammatory signaling pathway and shed light on the development of KLF14-targeted therapeutics for sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Guangjian Fan
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yuqi Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261000, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Qing Tu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Shiyuan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Liangfang Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - Jingbao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
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7
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Du Z, Liu M, Wang Z, Lin Z, Feng Y, Tian D, Xia L. EZH2-mediated inhibition of KLF14 expression promotes HSCs activation and liver fibrosis by downregulating PPARγ. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13072. [PMID: 34031939 PMCID: PMC8249795 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Induction of deactivation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are principal therapeutic strategies for liver fibrosis. Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) regulates various biological processes, however, roles, mechanisms and implications of KLF14 in liver fibrosis are unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS KLF14 expression was detected in human, rat and mouse fibrotic models, and its effects on HSCs were assessed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were utilized to investigate the binding of KLF14 to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) promoter, and the binding of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) to KLF14 promoter. In vivo, KLF14-overexpressing adenovirus was injected via tail vein to thioacetamide (TAA)-treated rats to investigate the role of KLF14 in liver fibrosis progression. EZH2 inhibitor EPZ-6438 was utilized to treat TAA-induced rat liver fibrosis. RESULTS KLF14 expression was remarkably decreased in human, rat and mouse fibrotic liver tissues. Overexpression of KLF14 increased LD accumulation, inhibited HSCs activation, proliferation, migration and induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, KLF14 transactivated PPARγ promoter activity. Inhibition of PPARγ blocked the suppressive role of KLF14 overexpression in HSCs. Downregulation of KLF14 in activated HSCs was mediated by EZH2-regulated histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation. Adenovirus-mediated KLF14 overexpression ameliorated TAA-induced rat liver fibrosis in PPARγ-dependent manner. Furthermore, EPZ-6438 dramatically alleviated TAA-induced rat liver fibrosis. Importantly, KLF14 expression was decreased in human with liver fibrosis, which was significantly correlated with EZH2 upregulation and PPARγ downregulation. CONCLUSIONS KLF14 exerts a critical anti-fibrotic role in liver fibrosis, and targeting the EZH2/KLF14/PPARγ axis might be a novel therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuoying Lin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangyang Feng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dean Tian
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Chen X, Shi W, Zhang H. The role of KLF14 in multiple disease processes. Biofactors 2020; 46:276-282. [PMID: 31925990 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kruppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) is a newly identified member of the KLF family. Expression of KLF14 is induced by TGF-β in intrauterine and ectodermal tissue. Initial researches on KLF14 focused on its role in lipid and glucose metabolism. In recent years, however, the role of KLF14 in regulating cell signaling pathways, cell proliferation and differentiation has been explored. Moreover, the research has gradually extended into the field of tumorigenesis and immune regulation. This paper aims to briefly review the functions of KLF14 in physiologyical and pathological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wang H, Feng X, Han P, Lei Y, Xia Y, Tian D, Yan W. The JAK inhibitor tofacitinib ameliorates immune‑mediated liver injury in mice. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:4883-4892. [PMID: 31638166 PMCID: PMC6854585 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of immune-mediated liver diseases such as autoimmune liver disease or viral hepatitis has increased in recent years, and the side effects of pre-existing treatments are a worldwide problem. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells play important roles in the development of immune-mediated hepatitis and may serve as potential therapeutic targets. Tofacitinib, a new Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, is under investigation for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; it is also helpful in treating ulcerative colitis and psoriasis. The roles of tofacitinib were investigated in conferring protection against immune-mediated liver injury in mice. T cell-mediated hepatitis was induced by concanavalin A (ConA). The mice in the treatment groups were administered with tofacitinib intragastrically before the ConA injection. Histopathological examination was performed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the serum transaminase and inflammatory cytokine levels were determined using an automatic biochemistry analysis apparatus or cytometric bead array (CBA) kits. Flow cytometric analysis was used to detect Tregs and Th17 cells. Tofacitinib significantly decreased the hepatic injury induced by ConA and prominently decreased the liver transaminase level. The secretion of several anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10 was upregulated in mice from the treatment group, compared to that in mice treated with ConA alone, while the expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) decreased. Tofacitinib treatment increased the number of Tregs and reduced the number of Th17 cells. Furthermore, tofacitinib could relieve liver fibrosis under conditions of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The present results indicated that tofacitinib improved immune-mediated hepatitis and restored the impaired Treg/Th17 cell ratio, which suggests that it may serve as a novel treatment approach for immune-mediated liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xinxia Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yujia Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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