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de Jong IEM, Wells RG. In Utero Extrahepatic Bile Duct Damage and Repair: Implications for Biliary Atresia. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024:10935266241247479. [PMID: 38762769 DOI: 10.1177/10935266241247479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a cholangiopathy affecting the extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) of newborns. The etiology and pathophysiology of BA are not fully understood; however, multiple causes of damage and obstruction of the neonatal EHBD have been identified. Initial damage to the EHBD likely occurs before birth. We discuss how different developmental stages in utero and birth itself could influence the susceptibility of the fetal EHBD to damage and a damaging wound-healing response. We propose that a damage-repair response of the fetal and neonatal EHBD involving redox stress and a program of fetal wound healing could-regardless of the cause of the initial damage-lead to either obstruction and BA or repair of the duct and recovery. This overarching concept should guide future research targeted toward identification of factors that contribute to recovery as opposed to progression of injury and fibrosis. Viewing BA through the lens of an in utero damage-repair response could open up new avenues for research and suggests exciting new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris E M de Jong
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca G Wells
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Gupta K, Xu JP, Diamond T, de Jong IEM, Glass A, Llewellyn J, Theise ND, Waisbourd-Zinman O, Winkler JD, Behrens EM, Mesaros C, Wells RG. Low-dose biliatresone treatment of pregnant mice causes subclinical biliary disease in their offspring: Evidence for a spectrum of neonatal injury. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301824. [PMID: 38578745 PMCID: PMC10997102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Biliary atresia is a neonatal disease characterized by damage, inflammation, and fibrosis of the liver and bile ducts and by abnormal bile metabolism. It likely results from a prenatal environmental exposure that spares the mother and affects the fetus. Our aim was to develop a model of fetal injury by exposing pregnant mice to low-dose biliatresone, a plant toxin implicated in biliary atresia in livestock, and then to determine whether there was a hepatobiliary phenotype in their pups. Pregnant mice were treated orally with 15 mg/kg/d biliatresone for 2 days. Histology of the liver and bile ducts, serum bile acids, and liver immune cells of pups from treated mothers were analyzed at P5 and P21. Pups had no evidence of histological liver or bile duct injury or fibrosis at either timepoint. In addition, growth was normal. However, serum levels of glycocholic acid were elevated at P5, suggesting altered bile metabolism, and the serum bile acid profile became increasingly abnormal through P21, with enhanced glycine conjugation of bile acids. There was also immune cell activation observed in the liver at P21. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to low doses of an environmental toxin can cause subclinical disease including liver inflammation and aberrant bile metabolism even in the absence of histological changes. This finding suggests a wide potential spectrum of disease after fetal biliary injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapish Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jimmy P Xu
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Tamir Diamond
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Iris E M de Jong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Andrew Glass
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jessica Llewellyn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Neil D Theise
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Orith Waisbourd-Zinman
- Institute for Gastroenterology, Nutrition and Liver Diseases, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Jeffrey D Winkler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Edward M Behrens
- Division of Rheumatology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Clementina Mesaros
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rebecca G Wells
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Grama A, Mititelu A, Sîrbe C, Benţa G, Pop TL. Immune-mediated cholangiopathies in children: the need to better understand the pathophysiology for finding the future possible treatment targets. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1206025. [PMID: 37928553 PMCID: PMC10623351 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1206025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiopathies are defined as focal or extensive damage of the bile ducts. According to the pathogenetic mechanism, it may be immune-mediated or due to genetic, infectious, toxic, vascular, and obstructive causes. Their chronic evolution is characterized by inflammation, obstruction of bile flow, cholangiocyte proliferation, and progression toward fibrosis and cirrhosis. Immune-mediated cholangiopathies comprise primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), autoimmune cholangitis and IgG4-associated cholangitis in adults and biliary atresia (BA), neonatal sclerosing cholangitis (NSC) in children. The main purpose of this narrative review was to highlight the similarities and differences among immune-mediated cholangiopathies, especially those frequent in children in which cholangiocyte senescence plays a key role (BA, NSC, and PSC). These three entities have many similarities in terms of clinical and histopathological manifestations, and the distinction between them can be hard to achieve. In BA, bile duct destruction occurs due to aggression of the biliary cells due to viral infections or toxins during the intrauterine period or immediately after birth. The consequence is the activation of the immune system leading to severe inflammation and fibrosis of the extrahepatic biliary tract, lumen stenosis, and impairment of the biliary flow. PSC is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, leading to secondary biliary cirrhosis. It is a multifactorial disease that occurs because of genetic predisposition [human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA haplotypes], autoimmunity (cellular immune response, autoantibodies, association with inflammatory bowel disease), environmental factors (infections or toxic bile), and host factors (intestinal microbiota). NSC seems to be a distinct subgroup of childhood PSC that appears due to the interaction between genetic predisposition (HLA B8 and DR3) and the disruption of the immune system, validated by elevated IgG levels or specific antibodies [antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA)]. Currently, the exact mechanism of immune cholangiopathy is not fully understood, and further data are required to identify individuals at high risk of developing these conditions. A better understanding of the immune mechanisms and pathophysiology of BA, NSC, and PSC will open new perspectives for future treatments and better methods of preventing severe evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Grama
- 2Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2Pediatric Clinic and Center of Expertise in Pediatric Liver Rare Disorders, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mititelu
- 2Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2Pediatric Clinic and Center of Expertise in Pediatric Liver Rare Disorders, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudia Sîrbe
- 2Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2Pediatric Clinic and Center of Expertise in Pediatric Liver Rare Disorders, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Benţa
- 2Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2Pediatric Clinic and Center of Expertise in Pediatric Liver Rare Disorders, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tudor Lucian Pop
- 2Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2Pediatric Clinic and Center of Expertise in Pediatric Liver Rare Disorders, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Shimizu N, Shiraishi H, Hanada T. Zebrafish as a Useful Model System for Human Liver Disease. Cells 2023; 12:2246. [PMID: 37759472 PMCID: PMC10526867 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, thereby necessitating extensive research to understand their intricate complexities and to develop effective treatments. In this context, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a valuable model organism for studying various aspects of liver disease. The zebrafish liver has striking similarities to the human liver in terms of structure, function, and regenerative capacity. Researchers have successfully induced liver damage in zebrafish using chemical toxins, genetic manipulation, and other methods, thereby allowing the study of disease mechanisms and the progression of liver disease. Zebrafish embryos or larvae, with their transparency and rapid development, provide a unique opportunity for high-throughput drug screening and the identification of potential therapeutics. This review highlights how research on zebrafish has provided valuable insights into the pathological mechanisms of human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Shimizu
- Department of Cell Biology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Oita, Japan;
| | | | - Toshikatsu Hanada
- Department of Cell Biology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Oita, Japan;
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Gupta K, Chen D, Wells RG. Microcystin-RR is a biliary toxin selective for neonatal cholangiocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.09.552661. [PMID: 37609158 PMCID: PMC10441435 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Biliary atresia is a fibrosing cholangiopathy affecting neonates that is thought to be caused by a prenatal environmental insult to the bile duct. Biliatresone, a plant toxin with an α-methylene ketone group, was previously implicated in toxin-induced biliary atresia in Australian livestock, but is found in a limited location and is highly unlikely to be a significant human toxin. We hypothesized that other molecules with α-methylene ketone groups, some with the potential for significant human exposure, might also be biliary toxins. APPROACH AND RESULTS We focused on the family of microcystins, cyclic peptide toxins from blue-green algae that have an α-methylene ketone group and are found worldwide, particularly during harmful algal blooms. We found that microcystin-RR, but not 6 other microcystins, caused damage to cell spheroids made using cholangiocytes isolated from 2-3-day-old mice, but not from adult mice. We also found that microcystin-RR caused occlusion of extrahepatic bile duct explants from 2-day-old mice, but not 18-day-old mice. Microcystin-RR caused elevated reactive oxygen species in neonatal cholangiocytes, and treatment with N-acetyl cysteine partially prevented microcystin-RRinduced lumen closure, suggesting a role for redox homeostasis in its mechanism of action. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the potential for environmental toxins to cause neonatal biliary disease and identifies microcystin-RR acting via increased redox stress as a possible neonatal bile duct toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapish Gupta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dongning Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca G. Wells
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Schmidt HC, Hagens J, Schuppert P, Appl B, Raluy LP, Trochimiuk M, Philippi C, Li Z, Reinshagen K, Tomuschat C. Biliatresone induces cholangiopathy in C57BL/6J neonates. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10574. [PMID: 37386088 PMCID: PMC10310722 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37354-z] [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: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to plant toxins or microbiota that are able to digest common food ingredients to toxic structures might be responsible for biliary atresia (BA). An isoflavonoid, biliatresone is known to effectively alter the extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) development in BALB/c mice. Biliatresone causes a reduction of Glutathione (GSH) levels, SOX17 downregulation and is effectively countered with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine treatment in vitro. Therefore, reversing GSH-loss appears to be a promising treatment target for a translational approach. Since BALB/c mice have been described as sensitive in various models, we evaluated the toxic effect of biliatresone in robust C57BL/6J mice and confirmed its toxicity. Comparison between BALB/c and C57BL/6J mice revealed similarity in the toxic model. Affected neonates exhibited clinical symptoms of BA, such as jaundice, ascites, clay-colored stools, yellow urine and impaired weight gain. The gallbladders of jaundiced neonates were hydropic and EHBD were twisted and enlarged. Serum and histological analysis proved cholestasis. No anomalies were seen in the liver and EHBD of control animals. With our study we join a chain of evidence confirming that biliatresone is an effective agent for cross-lineage targeted alteration of the EHBD system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Christian Schmidt
- Research Laboratory W23, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Johanna Hagens
- Research Laboratory W23, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Schuppert
- Research Laboratory W23, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Appl
- Research Laboratory W23, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laia Pagerols Raluy
- Research Laboratory W23, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Trochimiuk
- Research Laboratory W23, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clara Philippi
- Research Laboratory W23, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Zhongwen Li
- Research Laboratory W23, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Konrad Reinshagen
- Research Laboratory W23, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Tomuschat
- Research Laboratory W23, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Zhu JJ, Yang YF, Dong R, Zheng S. Biliatresone: progress in biliary atresia study. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:417-424. [PMID: 36166189 PMCID: PMC10149470 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00619-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary atresia (BA) is one of the main causes of neonatal end-stage liver disease. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, most children with BA will develop irreversible liver fibrosis within the first two months. While current theorized causes of BA include viral infection, immune disorders, and genetic defects, the comprehensive etiology is still largely unknown. Recently, biliatresone attracted much interest for its ability to induce BA in both zebrafish and mice, so we summarized the latest progress of biliatresone research in BA and tried to answer the question of whether it could provide further clues to the etiology of human BA. DATA SOURCES We conducted a PubMed search for any published articles related to the topic using search terms including "biliary atresia", "biliatresone", "GSH", and "HSP90". Relevant data were extracted from the original text or supplementary materials of the corresponding articles. RESULTS Biliatresone had shown its unique toxicity in multiple species such as zebrafish and mice, and pathogenic factors involved included glutathione (GSH), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and the related pathways. In combination with epidemiological evidence and recent studies on the intestinal flora in biliary atresia, a new pathogenic hypothesis that the occurrence of biliary atresia is partly due to biliatresone or its structure-like compounds depositing in human body via vegetables or/and the altered intestinal flora structure can be tentatively established. CONCLUSIONS Based on the existing evidence, we emphasized that GSH and HSP90 are involved in the development of BA, and the maternal diet, especially higher vegetable intake of Asian women of childbearing age, accompanied by the altered intestinal flora structure, may contribute to the occurrence of biliary atresia and the higher incidence in the Asia group. However, the evidence from large sample epidemiological research is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jie Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wan Yuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Yi-Fan Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wan Yuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wan Yuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wan Yuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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Incidence of Isolated Biliary Atresia during the COVID Lockdown in Europe: Results from a Collaborative Project by RARE-Liver. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030775. [PMID: 36769422 PMCID: PMC9918263 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030775] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare cholangiopathy where one of the proposed aetiological mechanisms is an infectious viral trigger. Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID) lockdown restrictions were implemented to reduce the transmission of infections. Strictness of lockdown varied across European countries. This study aimed to investigate if there was an association between strictness of lockdown and change in isolated BA (IBA) incidence in Europe. METHODS We approached European centres involved in the European Reference Network RARE-LIVER. We included IBA patients born between 2015 and June 2020. We calculated the number of IBA patients born per centre per month. The Stringency Index (SI) was used as lockdown strictness indicator. The association between percentage change of mean number of IBA patients born per month and the SI was assessed. RESULTS We included 412 IBA patients from thirteen different centres. The median number of patients per month did not change: 6 (1-15) pre-lockdown and 7 (6-9) during lockdown (p = 0.34). There was an inverse association between SI and percentage change in IBA (B = -0.73, p = 0.03). Median age at Kasai portoenterostomy (days) did not differ between time periods (51 (9-179) vs. 53 (19-126), p = 0.73). CONCLUSION In this European study, a stricter COVID-lockdown was seemingly accompanied by a simultaneous larger decrease in the number of IBA patients born per month in the lockdown. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the assumptions and limitations of the analysis.
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Antala S, Taylor SA. Biliary Atresia in Children: Update on Disease Mechanism, Therapies, and Patient Outcomes. Clin Liver Dis 2022; 26:341-354. [PMID: 35868678 PMCID: PMC9309872 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Biliary atresia is a rare disease but remains the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation as there are no effective medical therapies to slow progression after diagnosis. Variable contribution of genetic, immune, and environmental factors contributes to disease heterogeneity among patients with biliary atresia. Developing a deeper understanding of the disease mechanism will help to develop targeted medical therapies and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Antala
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sarah A. Taylor
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Biliary Atresia Animal Models: Is the Needle in a Haystack? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147838. [PMID: 35887185 PMCID: PMC9324346 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive fibro-obliterative process with a variable degree of inflammation involving the hepatobiliary system. Its consequences are incalculable for the patients, the affected families, relatives, and the healthcare system. Scientific communities have identified a rate of about 1 case per 10,000-20,000 live births, but the percentage may be higher, considering the late diagnoses. The etiology is heterogeneous. BA, which is considered in half of the causes leading to orthotopic liver transplantation, occurs in primates and non-primates. To consolidate any model, (1) more transport and cell membrane studies are needed to identify the exact mechanism of noxa-related hepatotoxicity; (2) an online platform may be key to share data from pilot projects and new techniques; and (3) the introduction of differentially expressed genes may be useful in investigating the liver metabolism to target the most intricate bilio-toxic effects of pharmaceutical drugs and toxins. As a challenge, such methodologies are still limited to very few centers, making the identification of highly functional animal models like finding a "needle in a haystack". This review compiles models from the haystack and hopes that a combinatorial search will eventually be the root for a successful pathway.
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Biliary Atresia: A Complex Hepatobiliary Disease with Variable Gene Involvement, Diagnostic Procedures, and Prognosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020330. [PMID: 35204421 PMCID: PMC8870870 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of biliary atresia is still terrifying at the 3rd decade of the 21st century. In a department of neonatal intensive care unit, parents and physicians face a challenge with a jaundiced baby, who may or may not have a surgically correctable hepatopathy. The approach has been systematically evaluated, but the etiology remains ambiguous. The study of families with recurrent biliary atresia has been undertaken at a molecular level. The primary interest with this disease is to identify the etiology and change the treatment from symptomatic to curative. The occurrence of this obstructive cholangio-hepatopathy in well-known genetic syndromes has suggested just coincidental finding, but the reality can be more intriguing because some of these diseases may have some interaction with the development of the intrahepatic biliary system. Several genes have been investigated thoroughly, including ADD3 and GPC1 shifting the interest from viruses to genetics. In this review, the intriguing complexities of this hepatobiliary disease are highlighted.
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Lendahl U, Lui VCH, Chung PHY, Tam PKH. Biliary Atresia - emerging diagnostic and therapy opportunities. EBioMedicine 2021; 74:103689. [PMID: 34781099 PMCID: PMC8604670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary Atresia is a devastating pediatric cholangiopathy affecting the bile ducts of the liver. In this review, we describe recent progress in the understanding of liver development with a focus on cholangiocyte differentiation and how use of technical platforms, including rodent, zebrafish and organoid models, advances our understanding of Biliary Atresia. This is followed by a description of potential pathomechanisms, such as autoimmune responses, inflammation, disturbed apical-basal cell polarity, primary cilia dysfunction as well as beta-amyloid accumulation. Finally, we describe current and emerging diagnostic opportunities and recent translation breakthroughs for Biliary Atresia in the area of emerging therapy development, including immunomodulation and organoid-based systems for liver and bile duct repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urban Lendahl
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Vincent C H Lui
- Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Patrick H Y Chung
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Paul K H Tam
- Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Nomden M, Beljaars L, Verkade HJ, Hulscher JBF, Olinga P. Current Concepts of Biliary Atresia and Matrix Metalloproteinase-7: A Review of Literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:617261. [PMID: 33409288 PMCID: PMC7779410 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.617261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare cholangiopathy of infancy in which the bile ducts obliterate, leading to profound cholestasis and liver fibrosis. BA is hypothesized to be caused by a viral insult that leads to over-activation of the immune system. Patients with BA are surgically treated with a Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE), which aims to restore bile flow from the liver to the intestines. After KPE, progressive liver fibrosis is often observed in BA patients, even despite surgical success and clearance of their jaundice. The innate immune response is involved during the initial damage to the cholangiocytes and further differentiation of the adaptive immune response into a T-helper 1 cell (Th1) response. Multiple studies have shown that there is continuing elevation of involved cytokines that can lead to the progressive liver fibrosis. However, the mechanism by which the progressive injury occurs is not fully elucidated. Recently, matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) has been investigated to be used as a biomarker to diagnose BA. MMPs are involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, but also have non-ECM related functions. The role of MMP-7 and other MMPs in liver fibrosis is just starting to be elucidated. Multiple studies have shown that serum MMP-7 measurements are able to accurately diagnose BA in a cohort of cholestatic patients while hepatic MMP-7 expression correlated with BA-related liver fibrosis. While the mechanism by which MMP-7 can be involved in the pathophysiology of BA is unclear, MMP-7 has been investigated in other fibrotic pathologies such as renal and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. MMP-7 is involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, reducing cell-to-cell contact by shedding of E-cadherin, amplifying inflammation and fibrosis via osteopontin (OPN) and TNF-α while it also appears to play a role in induction of angiogenesis This review aims to describe the current understandings of the pathophysiology of BA. Subsequently, we describe how MMP-7 is involved in other pathologies, such as renal and pulmonary fibrosis. Then, we propose how MMP-7 can potentially be involved in BA. By doing this, we aim to describe the putative role of MMP-7 as a prognostic biomarker in BA and to provide possible new therapeutic and research targets that can be investigated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Nomden
- Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Leonie Beljaars
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Henkjan J Verkade
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan B F Hulscher
- Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Chusilp S, Lee C, Li B, Lee D, Yamoto M, Ganji N, Vejchapipat P, Pierro A. A novel model of injured liver ductal organoids to investigate cholangiocyte apoptosis with relevance to biliary atresia. Pediatr Surg Int 2020; 36:1471-1479. [PMID: 33084932 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-020-04765-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The fibrogenic process in cholangiopathic diseases such as biliary atresia (BA) involves bile duct injury and apoptosis of cholangiocytes, which leads to the progression of liver fibrosis into liver cirrhosis and can result in end-staged liver disease. Recent advances in the development of organoids or mini-organ structures have allowed us to create an ex vivo injury model of the bile duct that mimics bile duct injury in BA. The aim of this experimental study was to develop a novel model of injured intrahepatic cholangiocytes as this can be relevant to BA. Our new model is important for studying the pathophysiological response of bile ducts to injury and the role of cholangiocytes in initiating the fibrogenic cascade. In addition, it has the potential to be used as a tool for developing new treatment strategies for BA. METHODS Liver ductal organoids were generated from the liver of healthy neonatal mouse pups. Intrahepatic bile duct fragments were isolated and cultured in Matrigel dome. Injury was induced in the organoids by administration of acetaminophen in culture medium. The organoids were then evaluated for fibrogenic cytokines expression, cell apoptosis marker and cell proliferation marker. RESULTS Organoids generated from intrahepatic bile duct fragments organized themselves into single-layer epithelial spheroids with lumen on the inside mimicking in vivo bile ducts. After 24-h exposure to acetaminophen, cholangiocytes in the organoids responded to the injury by increasing expression of fibrogenic cytokines, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). This fibrogenic response of injured organoids was associated with increased cholangiocyte apoptosis and decreased cholangiocyte proliferation. CONCLUSION To our knowledge this is the first description of cholangiocyte injury in the organoids derived from intrahepatic bile ducts. Our injury model demonstrated that cholangiocyte apoptosis and its fibrogenic response may play a role in initiation of the fibrogenic process in cholangiopathic diseases such as BA. These findings are important for the development of novel therapy to reduce cholangiocyte apoptosis and to halt the early fibrogenic cascade in liver fibrogenesis. This novel injury model can prove very valuable for future research in biliary atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinobol Chusilp
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 1526-555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Carol Lee
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 1526-555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Bo Li
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 1526-555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Dorothy Lee
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 1526-555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Masaya Yamoto
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 1526-555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Niloofar Ganji
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 1526-555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Paisarn Vejchapipat
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Agostino Pierro
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 1526-555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.
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