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Dong QQ, Yang Y, Tao H, Lu C, Yang JJ. m6A epitranscriptomic and epigenetic crosstalk in liver fibrosis: Special emphasis on DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Cell Signal 2024; 122:111302. [PMID: 39025344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111302] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process caused by a variety of chronic liver diseases. Currently, therapeutic options for liver fibrosis are very limited, highlighting the urgent need to explore new treatment approaches. Epigenetic modifications and epitranscriptomic modifications, as reversible regulatory mechanisms, are involved in the development of liver fibrosis. In recent years, researches in epitranscriptomics and epigenetics have opened new perspectives for understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Exploring the epigenetic mechanisms of liver fibrosis may provide valuable insights into the development of new therapies for chronic liver diseases. This review primarily focus on the regulatory mechanisms of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation in organ fibrosis. It discusses the interactions between m6A modification and DNA methylation, as well as between m6A modification and non-coding RNA, providing a reference for understanding the interplay between epitranscriptomics and epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Qi Dong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou 215153, China
| | - Hui Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Chao Lu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China.
| | - Jing-Jing Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China.
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2
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Younesi FS, Miller AE, Barker TH, Rossi FMV, Hinz B. Fibroblast and myofibroblast activation in normal tissue repair and fibrosis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:617-638. [PMID: 38589640 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The term 'fibroblast' often serves as a catch-all for a diverse array of mesenchymal cells, including perivascular cells, stromal progenitor cells and bona fide fibroblasts. Although phenotypically similar, these subpopulations are functionally distinct, maintaining tissue integrity and serving as local progenitor reservoirs. In response to tissue injury, these cells undergo a dynamic fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, marked by extracellular matrix secretion and contraction of actomyosin-based stress fibres. Importantly, whereas transient activation into myofibroblasts aids in tissue repair, persistent activation triggers pathological fibrosis. In this Review, we discuss the roles of mechanical cues, such as tissue stiffness and strain, alongside cell signalling pathways and extracellular matrix ligands in modulating myofibroblast activation and survival. We also highlight the role of epigenetic modifications and myofibroblast memory in physiological and pathological processes. Finally, we discuss potential strategies for therapeutically interfering with these factors and the associated signal transduction pathways to improve the outcome of dysregulated healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Sadat Younesi
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew E Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Thomas H Barker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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3
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Yin NN, Chen X, Sun YY, Yang L, Zhang YF, Niu XN, Song H, Huang C, Li J. PSTPIP2 protects against alcoholic liver injury and invokes STAT3-mediated suppression of apoptosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116334. [PMID: 38824967 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116334] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver injury (ALI) stands as a prevalent affliction within the spectrum of complex liver diseases. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can pave the way for liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent findings have unveiled the protective role of proline serine-threonine phosphatase interacting protein 2 (PSTPIP2) in combating liver ailments. However, the role of PSTPIP2 in ALI remains mostly unknown. This study aimed to determine the expression profile of PSTPIP2 in ALI and to uncover the mechanism through which PSTPIP2 affects the survival and apoptosis of hepatocytes in ALI, using both ethyl alcohol (EtOH)-fed mice and an EtOH-induced AML-12 cell model. We observed a consistent decrease in PSTPIP2 expression both in vivo and in vitro. Functionally, we assessed the impact of PSTPIP2 overexpression on ALI by administering adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-PSTPIP2 into mice. The results demonstrated that augmenting PSTPIP2 expression significantly shielded against liver parenchymal distortion and curbed caspase-dependent hepatocyte apoptosis in EtOH-induced ALI mice. Furthermore, enforcing PSTPIP2 expression reduced hepatocyte apoptosis in a stable PSTPIP2-overexpressing AML-12 cell line established through lentivirus-PSTPIP2 transfection in vitro. Mechanistically, this study also identified signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) as a direct signaling pathway regulated by PSTPIP2 in ALI. In conclusion, our findings provide compelling evidence that PSTPIP2 has a regulatory role in hepatocyte apoptosis via the STAT3 pathway in ALI, suggesting PSTPIP2 as a promising therapeutic target for ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Na Yin
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Pharmacology, The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Huoshan County, Luan 237200, Anhui, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying-Yin Sun
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Ya-Fei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Xue-Ni Niu
- Department of Pharmacology, Infection Hospital of Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei Infectious Disease Hospital, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Heng Song
- Office of Huoshan Vocational School, Luan 237200, Anhui, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China.
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4
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He X, Liang J, Li X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Chen D, Wu L, Wang S. Dahuang zhechong pill ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by regulating gut microbiota and metabolites. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117402. [PMID: 37967779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE DHZCP is a traditional Chinese medicinal formula in "The Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber" that has been often used in the treatment of hepatic disorders, gynecopathy and atherosclerosis. However, its underlying mechanisms in preventing hepatic fibrosis remain incompletely understood. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of DHZCP in a CCL4-induced experimental hepatic fibrosis rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS DHZCP was orally administered at doses of 0.168, 0.084 and 0.042 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1 in a CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis model using SD rats. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis, ELISA, Flow cytometry, WB, RT-PCR, 16 S rRNA, and untargeted metabolomic analysis were used to determine the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of DHZCP in the treatment of CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis. RESULTS Pharmacodynamically, DHZCP inhibited ALT and AST, improved liver function, decreased NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6 in liver tissue, indicating its role in inhibiting CCL4-induced liver inflammation. Most importantly, it reduces the level of fibrosis in serum and liver tissue. Histological analysis also showed that DHZCP could effectively inhibit inflammatory cytokine infiltration and excessive collagen deposition. Mechanistically, DHZCP regulates gut microbiota, improves the proportion of firmicutes and bacteroidota at the phylum level, and increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria at the genus level, such as muribagulaceae unclassified, prevotella, alloprevotella, closteriales unclassified, lachnospiraceae unclassified and phascolarctobacterium. Instead, it reduced the abundance of two harmful bacteria, desulfovibrio and colidextribacter. Four types of metabolites such as hydrocarbons, organic nitrogen compounds, organic oxygen compounds, and organosulfur compounds were added. Furthermore, DHZCP was found to reduce the damage of intestinal barrier caused by changes in gut microbiota and metabolites. CONCLUSION DHZCP is an effective inhibitor of hepatic fibrosis by regulating gut microbiota and metabolites, improving the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan He
- College of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China
| | - Jingtao Liang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610036, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China
| | - Yao Wang
- College of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China
| | - Dayi Chen
- College of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China.
| | - Lijuan Wu
- College of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China.
| | - Shiyu Wang
- College of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China.
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Chen SY, Chen X, Zhu S, Xu JJ, Li XF, Yin NN, Xiao YY, Huang C, Li J. miR-324-3p Suppresses Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Hepatic Fibrosis Via Regulating SMAD4 Signaling Pathway. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01078-w. [PMID: 38407690 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01078-w] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
In hepatic fibrosis (HF), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) form the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the pathological accumulation of ECM in the liver leads to inflammation. Our previous research found that miR-324-3p was down-regulated in culture-activated human HSCs. However, the precise effect of miR-324-3p on HF has not been elucidated. In this study, the HF mouse models were induced through directly injecting carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) into mice; the HF cell models were constructed using TGF-β1-treated LX-2 cells. Next, real-time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were applied to assess the expression levels of miR-324-3p, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin or SMAD4; hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson' s trichrome and Sirius red staining to evaluate the liver injury; luciferase reporter assay to verify the targeting relationship between miR-324-3p and SMAD4; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST); and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry to evaluate the effects of miR-324-3p on cell proliferation and cycle/apoptosis, respectively. The experimental results showed a reduction in miR-324-3p level in CCl4-induced HF mice as well as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-activated HSCs. Interestingly, the miR-324-3p level was rescued following the HF recovery process. In HF mice induced by CCl4, miR-324-3p overexpression inhibited liver tissue damage, decreased serum ALT and AST levels, and inhibited fibrosis-related biomarkers (α-SMA, Vimentin) expression, thereby inhibiting HF. Similarly, miR-324-3p overexpression up-regulated α-SMA and Vimentin levels in HF cells, while knockdown of miR-324-3p had the opposite effect. Besides, miR-324-3p played an antifibrotic role through inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocytes. Further experiments confirmed that miR-324-3p targeted and down-regulated SMAD4 expression. SMAD4 was highly expressed in HF cells, and silencing SMAD4 significantly decreased the α-SMA and Vimentin levels in HF cells. Collectively, the miR-324-3p may suppress the activation of HSCs and HF by targeting SMAD4. Therefore, miR-324-3p is identified as a potential and novel therapeutic target for HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Hefei BOE Hospital, Intersection of Dongfang Avenue and Wenzhong Road, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jin-Jin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Na-Na Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yan-Yan Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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6
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Chuecos MA, Lagor WR. Liver directed adeno-associated viral vectors to treat metabolic disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:22-40. [PMID: 37254440 PMCID: PMC10687323 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the metabolic center of the body and an ideal target for gene therapy of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors can deliver transgenes to the liver with high efficiency and specificity and a favorable safety profile. Recombinant AAV vectors contain only the transgene cassette, and their payload is converted to non-integrating circular double-stranded DNA episomes, which can provide stable expression from months to years. Insights from cellular studies and preclinical animal models have provided valuable information about AAV capsid serotypes with a high liver tropism. These vectors have been applied successfully in the clinic, particularly in trials for hemophilia, resulting in the first approved liver-directed gene therapy. Lessons from ongoing clinical trials have identified key factors affecting efficacy and safety that were not readily apparent in animal models. Circumventing pre-existing neutralizing antibodies to the AAV capsid, and mitigating adaptive immune responses to transduced cells are critical to achieving therapeutic benefit. Combining the high efficiency of AAV delivery with genome editing is a promising path to achieve more precise control of gene expression. The primary safety concern for liver gene therapy with AAV continues to be the small risk of tumorigenesis from rare vector integrations. Hepatotoxicity is a key consideration in the safety of neuromuscular gene therapies which are applied at substantially higher doses. The current knowledge base and toolkit for AAV is well developed, and poised to correct some of the most severe IMDs with liver-directed gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A. Chuecos
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - William R. Lagor
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
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7
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Liu Y, Liu T, Zhang F, Gao Y. Unraveling the Complex Interplay between Epigenetics and Immunity in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4811-4830. [PMID: 37781509 PMCID: PMC10539712 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.87975] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of immune dysfunction in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) have garnered growing research interest in recent times. Alcohol-mediated immune dysfunction has been implicated as a potential cause of ALD-associated microbial infection and inflammatory response. The immune microenvironment of an organism is essentially a complex network of interactions between immune cells, cytokines, extracellular matrix, and other immune-related molecules. This microenvironment is highly adaptive and responsive to environmental cues. Epigenetic reprogramming of the immune microenvironment has recently emerged as a key driver of ALD progression, particularly in the context of endotoxin tolerance and immune disorders. Although epigenetic modifications are known to play an important role in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in ALD, the specific mechanisms and molecular processes by which this regulation is achieved are yet to be fully understood. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the effects of alcohol consumption on epigenetics, with special focus on summarizing the data on the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms involved in the effects of alcohol consumption on the immune microenvironment. In addition, this paper aims to present a review of the epigenetic modifications involved in different forms of ALD. This review is expected to offer new perspectives for the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prognostic assessment of ALD from an epigenetic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
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8
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Chen X, Zhu S, Li HD, Wang JN, Sun LJ, Xu JJ, Hui YR, Li XF, Li LY, Zhao YX, Suo XG, Xu CH, Ji ML, Sun YY, Huang C, Meng XM, Zhang L, Lv XW, Ye DQ, Li J. N 6-methyladenosine-modified circIRF2, identified by YTHDF2, suppresses liver fibrosis via facilitating FOXO3 nuclear translocation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 248:125811. [PMID: 37467831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) has been implicated in liver fibrosis and modulated by multiple elusive molecular mechanisms, while the effects of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification on circRNA are still elusive. Herein, we identify circIRF2 from our circRNA sequencing data, which decreased in liver fibrogenesis stage and restored in resolution stage, indicating that dysregulated circIRF2 may be closely associated with liver fibrosis. Gain/loss-of-function analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of circIRF2 on liver fibrosis at both the fibrogenesis and resolution in vivo. Ectopic expression of circIRF2 attenuated liver fibrogenesis and HSCs activation at the fibrogenesis stage, whereas downregulation of circIRF2 impaired mouse liver injury repair and inflammation resolution. Mechanistically, YTHDF2 recognized m6A-modified circIRF2 and diminished circIRF2 stability, partly accounting for the decreased circIRF2 in liver fibrosis. Microarray was applied to investigate miRNAs regulated by circIRF2, our data elucidate cytoplasmic circIRF2 may directly harbor miR-29b-1-5p and competitively relieve its inhibitory effect on FOXO3, inducing FOXO3 nuclear translocation and accumulation. Clinically, circIRF2 downregulation was prevalent in liver fibrosis patients compared with healthy individuals. In summary, our findings offer a novel insight into m6A modification-mediated regulation of circRNA and suggest that circIRF2 may be an exploitable prognostic marker and/or therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Hai-Di Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Li-Jiao Sun
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jin-Jin Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ya-Ru Hui
- Department of Graduate Student Affairs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Liang-Yun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu-Xin Zhao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Guo Suo
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chuan-Hui Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ming-Lu Ji
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying-Yin Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiong-Wen Lv
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Dong-Qing Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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9
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Feng Y, Guo S, Zhao Y, Dong H, Qian J, Hu Y, Wu L, Jia Y, Zhao R. DNA 5mC and RNA m 6A modification successively facilitates the initiation and perpetuation stages of HSC activation in liver fibrosis progression. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:1211-1220. [PMID: 36841889 PMCID: PMC10154415 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01130-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are key effector cells in liver fibrosis. Upon stimulation, the quiescent HSC undergoes complex morphological and functional changes to transdifferentiate into activated collagen-producing myofibroblasts. DNA/RNA methylations (5mC/m6A) are both implicated to participate in hepatic fibrosis, yet their respective roles and specific targets in HSC activation remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that 5mC is indispensable for the initiation stage of HSC activation (myofibroblast transdifferentiation), whereas m6A is essential for the perpetuation stage of HSC activation (excessive ECM production). Mechanistically, DNA 5mC hypermethylation on the promoter of SOCS3 and PPARγ genes leads to STAT3-mediated metabolic reprogramming and lipid loss in the initiation stage. RNA m6A hypermethylation on the transcripts of major collagen genes enhances the mRNA stability in a YTHDF1-dependent manner, which contributes to massive ECM production. Vitamin A-coupled YTHDF1 siRNA alleviates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice through HSC-specific inhibition of collagen production. HIF-1α, which is transactivated by STAT3, serves as a bridge linking the initiation and the perpetuation stages through transactivating YTHDF1. These findings indicate successive roles of DNA 5mC and RNA m6A modification in the progression of HSC activation, which provides new drug targets for epigenetic therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Feng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shihui Guo
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yulan Zhao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Haibo Dong
- Center for Translational Biomedical Research, UNCG, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Jiayu Qian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yun Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Lei Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yimin Jia
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ruqian Zhao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
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10
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Feng LL, Liu RY, An K, Tang S, Wu J, Yang Q. TET3 as a non-invasive screening tool for the detection of fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6382. [PMID: 37076545 PMCID: PMC10115894 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33564-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation protein 3 (TET3) is one of the key enzymes in DNA demethylation which can be expressed in liver tissues. However, the clinical value of TET3 for diagnosis and treatment of chronic liver disease have not been reported previously. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of serum TET3 as a non-invasive screening tool for liver fibrosis. 212 patients with chronic liver disease from were enrolled in this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of TET3. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were determined to examine the diagnostic accuracy of TET3 and combination model for diagnosis fibrosis. Serum TET3 level in fibrosis cases was significantly higher than that in non-fibrosis and controls, respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of the TET3 and fibrosis-4 index for liver fibrosis were 0.863 and 0.813, and 0.916 and 0.957 for liver cirrhosis. The combination of TET3 and fibrosis-4 index had a highly promising positive predictive value for detecting liver fibrosis and cirrhosis different stages of (93.5% and 100%) as compared with each diagnostic tool alone. TET3 is related to the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The TET3-fibrosis-4 model enhances discriminatory power and represents a promising non-invasive tool for the diagnosis and screening of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Feng
- Academic Research, Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou Province, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research On Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ran-Yang Liu
- Academic Research, Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Kun An
- Hepatopathy Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shuang Tang
- Academic Research, Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Hepatopathy Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Academic Research, Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
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11
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Lyu SY, Xiao W, Cui GZ, Yu C, Liu H, Lyu M, Kuang QY, Xiao EH, Luo YH. Role and mechanism of DNA methylation and its inhibitors in hepatic fibrosis. Front Genet 2023; 14:1124330. [PMID: 37056286 PMCID: PMC10086238 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1124330] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a repair response to injury caused by various chronic stimuli that continually act on the liver. Among them, the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and their transformation into a myofibroblast phenotype is a key event leading to liver fibrosis, however the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. The molecular basis of HSC activation involves changes in the regulation of gene expression without changes in the genome sequence, namely, via epigenetic regulation. DNA methylation is a key focus of epigenetic research, as it affects the expression of fibrosis-related, metabolism-related, and tumor suppressor genes. Increasing studies have shown that DNA methylation is closely related to several physiological and pathological processes including HSC activation and liver fibrosis. This review aimed to discuss the mechanism of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, explore DNA methylation inhibitors as potential therapies for liver fibrosis, and provide new insights on the prevention and clinical treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yi Lyu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wang Xiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guang-Zu Cui
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Lyu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qian-Ya Kuang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - En-Hua Xiao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong-Heng Luo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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12
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Liu Y, Wen D, Ho C, Yu L, Zheng D, O'Reilly S, Gao Y, Li Q, Zhang Y. Epigenetics as a versatile regulator of fibrosis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:164. [PMID: 36864460 PMCID: PMC9983257 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a process caused by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), is a common cause and outcome of organ failure and even death. Researchers have made many efforts to understand the mechanism of fibrogenesis and to develop therapeutic strategies; yet, the outcome remains unsatisfactory. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, including chromatin remodeling, histone modification, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA), have provided more insights into the fibrotic process and have suggested the possibility of novel therapy for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current research on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis and their possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangdan Liu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chiakang Ho
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Danning Zheng
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | | | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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13
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Distler JHW, Riemekasten G, Denton CP. The Exciting Future for Scleroderma. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:445-462. [PMID: 37028846 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence shows that a complex interplay between cells and mediators and extracellular matrix factors may underlie the development and persistence of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Similar processes may determine vasculopathy. This article reviews recent progress in understanding how fibrosis becomes profibrotic and how the immune system, vascular, and mesenchymal compartment affect disease development. Early phase trials are informing about pathogenic mechanisms in vivo and reverse translation for observational and randomized trials is allowing hypotheses to be developed and tested. In addition to repurposing already available drugs, these studies are paving the way for the next generation of targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck 23562, Germany
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, London, UK.
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14
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Zhang L, Wu F, Fan C, Huang S, Ma Y, Chen S, Zhang J, Jiang H. Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis of mice with liver fibrosis by DIA mass spectrometry analysis with PRM verification. J Proteomics 2023; 271:104768. [PMID: 36336261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF), commonly associated with chronic liver diseases, is a major public health problem worldwide. Protein phosphorylation is not only an important form of protein modification in organisms but also the most important mechanism to regulate and control the activity and function of proteins, affecting the occurrence and development of many diseases. However, comprehensive phosphoproteomic profiling in LF has not been fully elucidated. In this study, data-independent acquisition (DIA) was used to analyse the phosphoproteomics of mice with LF. A total of 553 phosphopeptides (representing 440 phosphoproteins) had significant phosphorylation levels. Among these phosphoproteins, 49 were upregulated and 401 were downregulated, and 5 phosphoserine (P-Ser) motifs and 2 phosphothreonine (P-Thr) motifs were conserved in LF. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses identified 769 significant GO terms and 49 significant KEGG pathways. Four phosphorylated proteins were selected for parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) verification, and the results were consistent with DIA data. Together, there were significantly different phosphoproteomic profiles in LF, suggesting that protein phosphorylation was related to the occurrence and progression of LF, which could pave the way for further investigation into the related regulatory mechanisms. SIGNIFICANCE: LF is a necessary stage in the development of chronic liver disease to liver cirrhosis and has attracted wide attention. To the best of our knowledge, there are few reports on the phosphorylated proteomics of LF. In this study, DIA and PRM techniques were used to study the liver tissue of mice induced by CCl4. The results showed that phosphorylation had a significant effect on the activity and function of proteins, and the PRM results were consistent with the trend observed in DIA analysis. This study will help to better reveal the relationship of phosphorylated proteins in LF and lay a foundation for further study of related regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Furong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Chang Fan
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Shaopeng Huang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Yanzhen Ma
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Sen Chen
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Jiafu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Hui Jiang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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15
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Sarangi R, Mishra S, Das S, Mishra A. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and MicroRNAs: A Weighty Consideration. BIOMEDICAL AND BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH JOURNAL (BBRJ) 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_319_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
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16
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Yan J, Feng Y, Fang X, Cui X, Xia X, Li F, Luo W, Liang J, Feng J, Yu K. Anti-liver fibrosis effects of the total flavonoids of litchi semen on CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in rats associated with the upregulation of retinol metabolism. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:1264-1277. [PMID: 35787093 PMCID: PMC9262366 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2086584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The litchi semen are traditional medications for treating liver fibrosis (LF) in China. The mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the anti-liver fibrotic mechanism of the total flavonoids of litchi semen (TFL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced LF were treated with TFL (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. The anti-liver fibrotic effects of TFL were evaluated and the underlying mechanisms were investigated via histopathological analysis, proteomic analysis and molecular biology technology. RESULTS Significant anti-LF effects were observed in the high-TFL-dose group (TFL-H, p < 0.05). Five hundred and eighty-five and 95 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the LF rat model (M group) and TFL-H group, respectively. The DEPs were significantly enriched in the retinol metabolism pathway (p < 0.0001). The content of 9-cis-retinoic acid (0.93 ± 0.13 vs. 0.66 ± 0.10, p < 0.05, vs. the M group) increased significantly in the TFL-H group. The upregulation of RXRα (0.50 ± 0.05 vs. 0.27 ± 0.13 protein, p < 0.05), ALDH2 (1.24 ± 0.09 vs. 1.04 ± 0.08 protein, p < 0.05), MMP3 (0.89 ± 0.02 vs. 0.61 ± 0.12 protein, p < 0.05), Aldh1a7 (0.20 ± 0.03 vs. 0.03 ± 0.00 mRNA, p < 0.05) and Aox3 (0.72 ± 0.14 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01 mRNA, p < 0.05) after TFL treatment was verified. CONCLUSIONS TFL exhibited good anti-liver fibrotic effects, which may be related to the upregulation of the retinol metabolism pathway. TFL may be promising anti-LF agents with potential clinical application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongyi Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- School of Health, Wuzhou Vocational College, Wuzhou, China
| | - Yinyi Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xuewan Fang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaojuan Cui
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xing Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Fang Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Weisheng Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jianqin Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jianfang Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Kai Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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17
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Ye Z, Jiang Y, Wu J. DNMT3B attenuated the inhibition of TET3 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition in TGF-β1-induced ovarian cancer by methylating the TET3 promoter. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100701. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Myc-mediated circular RNA circMcph1/miR-370-3p/Irak2 axis is a progressive regulator in hepatic fibrosis. Life Sci 2022; 312:121182. [PMID: 36435226 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Treating hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a major challenge worldwide. However, the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of circular RNAs (circRNAs) remain unclear in HF. The present study aimed to elucidate the novel role of circMcph1 in HF. MAIN METHODS HF mouse model was established by injecting CCl4 intraperitoneally and validated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and serological tests in vivo. RAW264.7 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in vitro inflammatory damage model. Gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, RNase R and actinomycin D treatment, random 6 primers and oligo dT primers assay, nuclear and cytoplasmic fractionation assay, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed to identify the characteristics of circMcph1. Functional assays such as ELISA, flow cytometry, and adeno-associated virus administration in vivo and liposome delivery gene therapy in vitro were used to determine the functional effects of circMcph1/miR-370-3p/interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 2 (Irak2) axis. Mechanistic assays such as luciferase reporter analysis, and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed the molecular mechanism of the Myc/circMcph1/miR-370-3p/Irak2 axis in HF. KEY FINDINGS CircMcph1 expression was upregulated in liver tissues and primary Kupffer cells of CCl4-induced HF mice, as well as in LPS and IFN-γ-treated RAW264.7 cells. Knockdown of circMcph1 ameliorated liver fibrogenesis and inflammatory damage in HF mice and reduced the inflammatory response in LPS and IFN-γ-treated RAW264.7 cells. Mechanically, circMcph1 mediated by Myc regulated the expression of Irak2 by sponging miR-370-3p in HF. SIGNIFICANCE The study findings suggested that the Myc/circMcph1/miR-370-3p/Irak2 axis might be a novel identifier and therapeutic target for HF.
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19
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Bu FT, Jia PC, Zhu Y, Yang YR, Meng HW, Bi YH, Huang C, Li J. Emerging therapeutic potential of adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy in liver fibrosis. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:191-206. [PMID: 35859692 PMCID: PMC9271983 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response that results from various chronic damages. If the causes of damage are not removed or effective treatments are not given in a timely manner, it will progress to cirrhosis, even liver cancer. Currently, there are no specific medical therapies for liver fibrosis. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy, one of the frontiers of modern medicine, has gained more attention in many fields due to its high safety profile, low immunogenicity, long-term efficacy in mediating gene expression, and increasingly known tropism. Notably, increasing evidence suggests a promising therapeutic potential for AAV-mediated gene therapy in different liver fibrosis models, which helps to correct abnormally changed target genes in the process of fibrosis and improve liver fibrosis at the molecular level. Moreover, the addition of cell-specific promoters to the genome of recombinant AAV helps to limit gene expression in specific cells, thereby producing better therapeutic efficacy in liver fibrosis. However, animal models are considered to be powerless predictive of tissue tropism, immunogenicity, and genotoxic risks in humans. Thus, AAV-mediated gene therapy will face many challenges. This review systemically summarizes the recent advances of AAV-mediated gene therapy in liver fibrosis, especially focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms of transferred genes, and presents prospective challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Tian Bu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Jia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Ru Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hong-Wu Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-Hui Bi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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20
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Riemekasten G, Distler JH. A broad look into the future of systemic sclerosis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2022; 14:1759720X221109404. [PMID: 35966183 PMCID: PMC9373175 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x221109404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease with the key features of inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis. This article focussed on emerging fields based on the authors' current work and expertise. The authors provide a hierarchical structure into the studies of the pathogenesis of SSc starting with the contribution of environmental factors. Regulatory autoantibodies (abs) are discussed, which are parts of the human physiology and are specifically dysregulated in SSc. Abs against the angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 (AT1R) and the endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) are discussed in more detail. Extracellular vesicles are another novel player to possess disease processes. Fibroblasts are a key effector cell in SSc. Therefore, the current review will provide an overview about their plasticity in the phenotype and function. Promising nuclear receptors as key regulators of transcriptional programmes will be introduced as well as epigenetic modifications, which are pivotal to maintain the profibrotic fibroblast phenotype independent of external stimuli. Fibroblasts from SSc patients exhibit a specific signalling and reactivate developmental pathways and stem cell maintenance such as by employing hedgehog and WNT, which promote fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and extracellular matrix generation. Pharmacological interventions, although for other indications, are already in clinical use to address pathologic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Riemekasten
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical
Immunology, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein and University
of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jörg H.W. Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3,
Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University
(FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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21
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Chen X, Zhu S, Chen SY, Wang JN, Sun LJ, Tao SM, Li XF, Li HD, Sun YY, Xu CH, Suo XG, Ji ML, Huang C, Meng XM, Li J. miR-301a-3p promotes hepatic stellate cells activation and liver fibrogenesis via regulating PTEN/PDGFR-β. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109034. [PMID: 35834952 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is an essential pathology of multiple chronicliverdiseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-301a-3p in hepatic fibrosis. We found that miR-301a-3p was upregulated in hepatic fibrosis patients and in culture-activated human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Interestingly, miR-301a-3p expression was increased in hepatic fibrosis progression mice while decreased in hepatic fibrosis recovery mice, indicating that miR-301a-3p may participate in the hepatic fibrosis pathology. Functionally, the effects of miR-301a-3p both on hepatic fibrosis progression and regression were assessed in vivo. Inhibiting miR-301a-3p amelioratedmouse liver fibrogenesis and collagen deposition and suppressed HSC activation and fibrogenic factor expression. Whereas, in hepatic fibrosis regression, upregulating miR-301a-3p impaired mouse hepatic fibrosis recovery by inducing HSC activation and triggering inflammation. Consistently, gain-of-function and loss-of-function analysis of miR-301a-3p were performed to evaluate its effects on human HSCs LX-2 cell. We found that suppressing miR-301a-3p inhibited LX-2 cell activation and proliferation, and induced LX-2 cell apoptosis, accompaniedby decreased fibrotic mediators expression. Collectively, these findings suggest miR-301a-3p drives liver fibrogenesis and HSC activation in hepatic fibrosis. Mechanistically, we demonstrated miR-301a-3p binds directly to phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) by luciferase reporter analysis, pull-down, and RIP assay. Indicating that miR-301a-3p plays a critical rolein promotingliverfibrogenesis viamodulating the PTEN/platelet derived growth factor β (PDGFR-β) pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that miR-301a-3p expression is closely correlated with hepatic fibrosis pathology, and that enhancing miR-301a-3p maintains the HSC profibrogenic phenotype, triggers inflammatoryresponses, promotes fibrogenic factor production, and further exacerbates liver fibrogenesis. These findings suggest that miR-301a-3p may serve as a promising diagnostic and prognosis biomarker for hepatic fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Li-Jiao Sun
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shan-Min Tao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hai-Di Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying-Yin Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chuan-Hui Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Guo Suo
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ming-Lu Ji
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The KeyLaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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22
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Meng H, Niu R, Huang C, Li J. Circular RNA as a Novel Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for HCC. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121948. [PMID: 35741077 PMCID: PMC9222032 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) is a kind of endogenous non-coding RNA (ncRNA), which is produced by the reverse splicing of precursor mRNA (pre mRNA). It is widely expressed in a variety of biological cells. Due to the special formation mode, circRNA does not have a 5′ terminal cap and 3′ poly (A) tail structure. Compared with linear RNA, circRNA is more stable to exonuclease and ribonuclease. In addition, circRNA is structurally conserved, has a stable sequence and is tissue-specific. With the development of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics technology, more and more circRNAs have been found. CircRNA plays an important pathophysiological role in the occurrence and development of alcoholic liver injury (ALI), hepatic fibrosis (HF), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and other liver diseases. Our group has been committed to the research of liver disease diagnosis and treatment targets. We review the function and mechanism of circRNA in ALI, HF and HCC, expecting to provide new ideas for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwu Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China;
| | - Ruowen Niu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China;
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China;
- Correspondence: (C.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China;
- Correspondence: (C.H.); (J.L.)
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23
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Habash NW, Sehrawat TS, Shah VH, Cao S. Epigenetics of alcohol-related liver diseases. JHEP REPORTS : INNOVATION IN HEPATOLOGY 2022; 4:100466. [PMID: 35462859 PMCID: PMC9018389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is a primary cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. Despite advances in the diagnosis and management of ARLD, it remains a major public health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality, emphasising the need to adopt novel approaches to the study of ARLD and its complications. Epigenetic changes are increasingly being recognised as contributing to the pathogenesis of multiple disease states. Harnessing the power of innovative technologies for the study of epigenetics (e.g., next-generation sequencing, DNA methylation assays, histone modification profiling and computational techniques like machine learning) has resulted in a seismic shift in our understanding of the pathophysiology of ARLD. Knowledge of these techniques and advances is of paramount importance for the practicing hepatologist and researchers alike. Accordingly, in this review article we will summarise the current knowledge about alcohol-induced epigenetic alterations in the context of ARLD, including but not limited to, DNA hyper/hypo methylation, histone modifications, changes in non-coding RNA, 3D chromatin architecture and enhancer-promoter interactions. Additionally, we will discuss the state-of-the-art techniques used in the study of ARLD (e.g. single-cell sequencing). We will also highlight the epigenetic regulation of chemokines and their proinflammatory role in the context of ARLD. Lastly, we will examine the clinical applications of epigenetics in the diagnosis and management of ARLD.
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Key Words
- 3C, chromosome conformation capture
- 4C, chromosome conformation capture-on-chip
- AH, alcohol-related hepatitis
- ARLD, alcohol-related liver disease
- ASH, alcohol-related steatohepatitis
- ATAC, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin
- Acetylation
- Alcohol liver disease
- BET, bromodomain and extraterminal motif
- BETi, BET inhibitor
- BRD, bromodomain
- CCL2, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2
- CTCF, CCCTC-binding factor
- CXCL, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand
- Chromatin architecture
- Computational biology
- DNA methylation
- DNMT, DNA methyltransferase
- E-P, enhancer-promoter
- Epidrugs
- Epigenetics
- FKBP5, FK506-binding protein 5
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HDAC, histone deacetylase
- HIF1α, hypoxia inducible factor-1α
- HMGB1, high-mobility group box protein 1
- HNF4α, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- Hi-C, chromosome capture followed by high-throughput sequencing
- Histones
- IL, interleukin
- LPS, lipopolysaccharide
- MALAT1, metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1
- MECP2, methyl-CpG binding protein 2
- NAFLD, non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease
- PPARG, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ
- SAA, salvianolic acid A
- SIRT, sirtuin
- SREBPs, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins
- Single cell epigenome
- TAD, topologically associating domain
- TEAD, TEA domain transcription factor
- TLR, Toll-like receptor
- TNF, tumour necrosis factor
- YAP, Yes-associated protein
- lncRNA, long non-coding RNA
- miRNA, microRNA
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vijay H. Shah
- Corresponding authors. Address: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Tel. 507-255-6028, fax: 507-255-6318.
| | - Sheng Cao
- Corresponding authors. Address: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Tel. 507-255-6028, fax: 507-255-6318.
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Xu JJ, Zhu L, Li HD, Du XS, Li JJ, Yin NN, Meng XM, Huang C, Li J. DNMT3a-mediated methylation of PSTPIP2 enhances inflammation in alcohol-induced liver injury via regulating STAT1 and NF-κB pathway. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106125. [PMID: 35149186 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol-induced liver injury (ALI) is associated with inflammatory responses regulated by macrophages. Activation of macrophages plays a crucial role in ALI while DNA methylation-regulated gene silencing is associated with inflammation processes in macrophages. Proline-Serine-Threonine Phosphatase Interacting Protein 2 (PSTPIP2), which belongs to the Fes/CIP4 homology-Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs domain family of proteins and plays a role in macrophages. Previous studies have shown that Pstpip2 can be methylated. Herein, its expression was found to be significantly downregulated in primary liver macrophages isolated from EtOH-fed mice and EtOH-induced RAW264.7 cells. Overexpression of PSTPIP2 using liver-specific recombinant AAV serotype 9 (rAAV9)-PSTPIP2 in EtOH-fed mice dramatically alleviated liver injury and inflammatory responses. In addition, silencing of PSTPIP2 aggravated the alcohol-induced inflammatory response in vitro. Mechanistically, PSTPIP2 might affect macrophage-induced inflammatory responses by regulating the STAT1 and NF-κB signaling pathways. The downregulation of PSTPIP2 in ALI may be associated with DNA methylation. Methylation-specific PCR and western blotting analyses showed that EtOH induced abnormal DNA methylation patterns and increased the protein expression levels of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that DNMT3a could directly bind to the Pstpip2 promoter and act as a principal regulator of PSTPIP2 expression. Moreover, silencing of DNMT3a significantly restored the EtOH-induced low expression of PSTPIP2 and inhibited EtOH-induced inflammation. Overall, these findings provide a detailed understanding of the possible functions and mechanisms of PSTPIP2 in ALI, thus providing new substantive research to elucidate the pathogenesis of ALI and investigate potential targeted treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Jie Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hai-Di Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Sa Du
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, China
| | - Juan-Juan Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, China
| | - Na-Na Yin
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, China.
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25
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New advances of DNA/RNA methylation modification in liver fibrosis. Cell Signal 2021; 92:110224. [PMID: 34954394 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a complex pathological process caused by multiple pathogenic factors,such as ethanol, viruses, toxins, drugs or cholestasis, and it can eventually develop into liver cirrhosis without effective treatment. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a pivotal cellular event in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. However, the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. DNA/RNA methylation can regulate gene expression without alteration in its sequence, and numerous studies have shown the involvement of DNA methylation in the activation of HSCs and then promote the progression of liver fibrosis. In addition, RNA methylation has recently been reported to play a regulatory role in this process. In this review, we focus on the aberrant DNA/RNA methylation of selected genes and explore their functional mechanism in regulating HSCs activation and liver fibrogenesis. All of these findings will enhance our understanding of DNA/RNA methylation and their roles in liver fibrosis and provide the basis to identify effective therapeutic targets.
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26
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Zhang J, Liu Q, He J, Li Y. Novel Therapeutic Targets in Liver Fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:766855. [PMID: 34805276 PMCID: PMC8602792 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.766855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is end-stage liver disease that can be rescued. If irritation continues due to viral infection, schistosomiasis and alcoholism, liver fibrosis can progress to liver cirrhosis and even cancer. The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs that act directly against liver fibrosis. The only treatments currently available are drugs that eliminate pathogenic factors, which show poor efficacy; and liver transplantation, which is expensive. This highlights the importance of clarifying the mechanism of liver fibrosis and searching for new treatments against it. This review summarizes how parenchymal, nonparenchymal cells, inflammatory cells and various processes (liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell activation, cell death and proliferation, deposition of extracellular matrix, cell metabolism, inflammation and epigenetics) contribute to liver fibrosis. We highlight discoveries of novel therapeutic targets, which may provide new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhang Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinhui Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinhan He
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
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27
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Wiśniewska J, Sadowska A, Wójtowicz A, Słyszewska M, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A. Perspective on Stem Cell Therapy in Organ Fibrosis: Animal Models and Human Studies. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101068. [PMID: 34685439 PMCID: PMC8538998 DOI: 10.3390/life11101068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components that result from the disruption of regulatory processes responsible for ECM synthesis, deposition, and remodeling. Fibrosis develops in response to a trigger or injury and can occur in nearly all organs of the body. Thus, fibrosis leads to severe pathological conditions that disrupt organ architecture and cause loss of function. It has been estimated that severe fibrotic disorders are responsible for up to one-third of deaths worldwide. Although intensive research on the development of new strategies for fibrosis treatment has been carried out, therapeutic approaches remain limited. Since stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show remarkable self-renewal, differentiation, and immunomodulatory capacity, they have been intensively tested in preclinical studies and clinical trials as a potential tool to slow down the progression of fibrosis and improve the quality of life of patients with fibrotic disorders. In this review, we summarize in vitro studies, preclinical studies performed on animal models of human fibrotic diseases, and recent clinical trials on the efficacy of allogeneic and autologous stem cell applications in severe types of fibrosis that develop in lungs, liver, heart, kidney, uterus, and skin. Although the results of the studies seem to be encouraging, there are many aspects of cell-based therapy, including the cell source, dose, administration route and frequency, timing of delivery, and long-term safety, that remain open areas for future investigation. We also discuss the contemporary status, challenges, and future perspectives of stem cell transplantation for therapeutic options in fibrotic diseases as well as we present recent patents for stem cell-based therapies in organ fibrosis.
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28
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Xue T, Qiu X, Liu H, Gan C, Tan Z, Xie Y, Wang Y, Ye T. Epigenetic regulation in fibrosis progress. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105910. [PMID: 34562602 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, a common process of chronic inflammatory diseases, is defined as a repair response disorder when organs undergo continuous damage, ultimately leading to scar formation and functional failure. Around the world, fibrotic diseases cause high mortality, unfortunately, with limited treatment means in clinical practice. With the development and application of deep sequencing technology, comprehensively exploring the epigenetic mechanism in fibrosis has been allowed. Extensive remodeling of epigenetics controlling various cells phenotype and molecular mechanisms involved in fibrogenesis was subsequently verified. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in organ fibrosis, focusing on heart, liver, lung and kidney. Additionally, we emphasize the diversity of epigenetics in the cellular and molecular mechanisms related to fibrosis. Finally, the potential and prospect of targeted therapy for fibrosis based on epigenetic is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xingyu Qiu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zui Tan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China.
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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29
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Peng XF, Huang SF, Chen LJ, Xu L, Ye WC. Targeting epigenetics and lncRNAs in liver disease: From mechanisms to therapeutics. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105846. [PMID: 34438063 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Early onset and progression of liver diseases can be driven by aberrant transcriptional regulation. Different transcriptional regulation processes, such as RNA/DNA methylation, histone modification, and ncRNA-mediated targeting, can regulate biological processes in healthy cells, as well also under various pathological conditions, especially liver disease. Numerous studies over the past decades have demonstrated that liver disease has a strong epigenetic component. Therefore, the epigenetic basis of liver disease has challenged our knowledge of epigenetics, and epigenetics field has undergone an important transformation: from a biological phenomenon to an emerging focus of disease research. Furthermore, inhibitors of different epigenetic regulators, such as m6A-related factors, are being explored as potential candidates for preventing and treating liver diseases. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge of five distinct but interconnected and interdependent epigenetic processes in the context of hepatic diseases: RNA methylation, DNA methylation, histone methylation, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic implications and future challenges and ongoing research in the field. Our review also provides a perspective for identifying therapeutic targets and new hepatic biomarkers of liver disease, bringing precision research and disease therapy to the modern era of epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fei Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shi-Feng Huang
- Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ling-Juan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lingqing Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen-Chu Ye
- Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China.
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30
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You H, Wang L, Bu F, Meng H, Pan X, Li J, Zhang Y, Wang A, Yin N, Huang C, Li J. The miR-455-3p/HDAC2 axis plays a pivotal role in the progression and reversal of liver fibrosis and is regulated by epigenetics. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21700. [PMID: 34105828 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002319rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs), especially HDAC2, play a role in alleviating liver fibrosis; however, the specific upstream regulation mechanism is unknown. Herein, TargetScan was used to predict the potential upstream targets of HDAC2, and the role of miR-455-3p was explored. The dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-455-3p binds to the 3' UTR of HDAC2 mRNA. Additionally, miR-455-3p was downregulated in the liver tissues of patients with cirrhosis and mice with liver fibrosis, as well as in primary HSCs isolated from fibrotic mouse livers and TGF-β-treated LX-2 cells. In contrast, it is highly expressed in the reversal stage of hepatic fibrosis and MDI-cultured LX-2 cells. Our functional analyses showed that miR-455-3p overexpression facilitated apoptosis and reduced the expression of pro-fibrotic markers and the proliferation of activated LX-2 cells. On the contrary, miR-455-3p inhibition converted inactivated LX-2 cells into activated, proliferative, fibrogenic cells. Interestingly, restoration of HDAC2 expression partially blocked the function of miR-455-3p. Downregulated miR-455-3p expression can be restored by DNA methyltransferases in activated LX-2 cells. Methylation-specific PCR, bisulfite sequencing PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that the methylation level of miR-455-3p promoter CpG islands was elevated in TGF-β-treated LX-2 cells and that miR-455-3p was downregulated in activated LX-2 cells by DNA hypermethylation, which is mediated by DNMT3b and DNMT1. In conclusion, miR-455-3p acts as a liver fibrosis suppressor by targeting HDAC2, and its deficiency further aggravates the reversal phase of fibrosis. Thus, the epigenetics mediated miR-455-3p/HDAC2 axis may serve as a novel potential therapeutic target for clinical treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei You
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fangtian Bu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongwu Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xueyin Pan
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Juanjuan Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ao Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Nana Yin
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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31
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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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Wang F, Malnassy G, Qiu W. The Epigenetic Regulation of Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:653037. [PMID: 33791228 PMCID: PMC8005717 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.653037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal and complex malignancy strongly influenced by the surrounding tumor microenvironment. The HCC microenvironment comprises hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), stromal and endothelial cells, and the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). Emerging evidence demonstrates that epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in altering numerous components of the HCC tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of the microenvironment in HCC. We review recent studies demonstrating how specific epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone regulation, and non-coding RNAs mediated regulation) in HSCs, TAMs, and ECM, and how they contribute to HCC development, so as to gain new insights into the treatment of HCC via regulating epigenetic regulation in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Greg Malnassy
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States
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33
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Xue J, Xiao T, Wei S, Sun J, Zou Z, Shi M, Sun Q, Dai X, Wu L, Li J, Xia H, Tang H, Zhang A, Liu Q. miR-21-regulated M2 polarization of macrophage is involved in arsenicosis-induced hepatic fibrosis through the activation of hepatic stellate cells. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6025-6041. [PMID: 33481270 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Arsenicosis induced by chronic exposure to arsenic is recognized as one of the main damaging effects on public health. Exposure to arsenic can cause hepatic fibrosis, but the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are complex and elusive. It is not known if miRNAs are involved in arsenic-induced liver fibrosis. We found that in the livers of mice exposed to arsenite, there were elevated levels of microRNA-21 (miR-21), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and arginase 1 (Arg1); low levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); and more extensive liver fibrosis. For cultured cells, arsenite-induced miR-21, p-mTOR, and Arg1; decreased PTEN; and promoted M2 polarization of macrophages derived from THP-1 monocytes (THP-M), which caused secretion of fibrogenic cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β1. Coculture of arsenite-treated, THP-M with LX-2 cells induced α-SMA and collagen I in the LX-2 cells and resulted in the activation of these cells. Downregulation of miR-21 in THP-M inhibited arsenite-induced M2 polarization and activation of LX-2 cells, but cotransfection with PTEN siRNA or a miR-21 inhibitor reversed this inhibition. Moreover, knockout of miR-21 in mice attenuated liver fibrosis and M2 polarization compared with WT mice exposed to arsenite. Additionally, LN, PCIII, and HA levels were higher in patients with higher hair arsenic levels, and levels of miR-21 were higher than controls and positively correlated with PCIII, LN, and HA levels. Thus, arsenite induces the M2 polarization of macrophages via miR-21 regulation of PTEN, which is involved in the activation of hepatic stellate cells and hepatic fibrosis. The results establish a previously unknown mechanism for arsenicosis-induced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchao Xue
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tian Xiao
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaofeng Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhonglan Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyu Dai
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Wu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haibo Xia
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huanwen Tang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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34
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Elevated Sad1 and UNC84 Domain Containing 2 (SUN2) level inhibits cell growth and aerobic glycolysis in oral cancer through reducing the expressions of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). J Dent Sci 2020; 16:460-466. [PMID: 33384835 PMCID: PMC7770359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Oral cancer is a malignant tumor accompanied by high morbidity, mortality, and poor prognosis. Therefore, it is urgent to explore the percise regulation mechanisms underlying oral cancer. Sad1 and UNC84 Domain Containing 2 (SUN2) was considered as a tumor suppressor in some cancers. The purpose of the study was to define the role of SUN2 in oral cancer progression. Materials and methods Tumor tissues and paired paracancerous healthy tissues from 56 oral cancer patients were collected. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay. The colony formation assay was applied to determine cell proliferation ability. The mRNA and protein levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results SUN2 expression was decreased in oral cancer tissues and cell models. SUN2 overexpression suppressed the growth of oral cancer cells, while the down-regulation of SUN2 promoted cell growth. SUN2 overexpression restrained the glucose uptake, lactate production, and ATP level of oral cancer cells, whereas down-regulation of SUN2 promoted glycolysis. Besides, elevated SUN2 inhibited the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) levels. However, SUN2 knockdown increased the levels of GLUT1 and LDHA. Conclusion SUN2 was decreased in oral cancer in vivo and in vitro. SUN2 overexpression suppressed cell growth and glycolysis via reducing the levels of GLUT1 and LDHA in oral cancer.
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35
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Yang YR, Bu FT, Yang Y, Li H, Huang C, Meng XM, Zhang L, Lv XW, Li J. LEFTY2 alleviates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Mol Immunol 2020; 126:31-39. [PMID: 32745796 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cell type involved in the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) during the development of hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we revealed that left-right determination factor 2 (LEFTY2), one of the proteins belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) protein superfamily, was remarkedly decreased in human hepatic fibrosis tissues and in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. In addition, TGF-β1 treatment markedly reduced the level of LEFTY2 in HSCs. Importantly, overexpression of LEFTY2 suppressed the activation and proliferation of HSCs. LEFTY2 inhibited the expression of TGF-β1-induced fibrosis-associated genes (α-SMA and COL1a1) in human (LX-2) and rat (HSC-T6) HSC cell lines in vitro. Mechanistically, we demonstrated, for the first time, the role of LEFTY2 in inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling, suggesting that there is a mutual antagonism between LEFTY2 and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling during liver fibrosis. Similarly, we observed that LEFTY2 has a negative effect on its downstream genes, including c-MYC, CDK4, and cyclin D1, in liver fibrosis. Collectively, our data strongly indicated that LEFTY2 plays an important role in controlling the proliferation and activation of HSCs in the progression of liver fibrosis and this could be a potential therapeutic target for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Fang-Tian Bu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiong-Wen Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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36
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Li HD, Chen X, Xu JJ, Du XS, Yang Y, Li JJ, Yang XJ, Huang HM, Li XF, Wu MF, Zhang C, Zhang C, Li Z, Wang H, Meng XM, Huang C, Li J. DNMT3b-mediated methylation of ZSWIM3 enhances inflammation in alcohol-induced liver injury via regulating TRAF2-mediated NF-κB pathway. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1042/cs20200031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The regulation of macrophages during inflammatory responses is a crucial process in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and aberrant macrophage DNA methylation is associated with inflammation. Our preliminary screening results of macrophage methylation in the present study demonstrated the zinc finger SWI2/SNF2 and MuDR (SWIM)-domain containing 3 (ZSWIM3) were hypermethylated in the 5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR) region. ZSWIM3, a novel zinc finger-chelate domain of SWIM, is predicted to function in DNA-binding and protein-binding interactions. Its expression was found to be consistently decreased in macrophages isolated from livers of ethyl alcohol (EtOH)-fed mice and in EtOH+lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Over-expression of ZSWIM3 was found to attenuate chronic+binge ethanol feeding-induced liver injury and inhibit inflammatory responses in vivo. Enforced expression of ZSWIM3 in vitro was also found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Aberrant expression of ZSWIM3 in alcohol-induced liver injury (ALI) was found to be associated with hypermethylation. Analysis of CpG prediction indicated the presence of two methylated sites in the ZSWIM3 promoter region and methylation inhibitor and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)-siRNA transfection were found to restore down-regulated ZSWIM3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and molecular docking affirmed the role of DNMT 3b (DNMT3b) as a principal regulator of ZSWIM3 expression. Mechanistically, ZSWIM3 might affect inflammation by binding with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), which further mediates the activation of the nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. The present study, therefore, provides detailed insights into the possible structure and function of ZSWIM3 and thus, contributes new substantial research in the elucidation of the pathogenesis of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Di Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jie-Jie Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Sa Du
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, U.S.A
| | - Juan-Juan Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hui-Min Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ming-Fei Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Hepatobiliary surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Hepatobiliary surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zeng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Hepatobiliary surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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Li HD, Chen X, Xu JJ, Du XS, Yang Y, Li JJ, Yang XJ, Huang HM, Li XF, Wu MF, Zhang C, Zhang C, Li Z, Wang H, Meng XM, Huang C, Li J. DNMT3b-mediated methylation of ZSWIM3 enhances inflammation in alcohol-induced liver injury via regulating TRAF2-mediated NF-κB pathway. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:1935-1956. [PMID: 32639005 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of macrophages during inflammatory responses is a crucial process in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and aberrant macrophage DNA methylation is associated with inflammation. Our preliminary screening results of macrophage methylation in the present study demonstrated the zinc finger SWI2/SNF2 and MuDR (SWIM)-domain containing 3 (ZSWIM3) were hypermethylated in the 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) region. ZSWIM3, a novel zinc finger-chelate domain of SWIM, is predicted to function in DNA-binding and protein-binding interactions. Its expression was found to be consistently decreased in macrophages isolated from livers of ethyl alcohol (EtOH)-fed mice and in EtOH+lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Over-expression of ZSWIM3 was found to attenuate chronic+binge ethanol feeding-induced liver injury and inhibit inflammatory responses in vivo. Enforced expression of ZSWIM3 in vitro was also found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Aberrant expression of ZSWIM3 in alcohol-induced liver injury (ALI) was found to be associated with hypermethylation. Analysis of CpG prediction indicated the presence of two methylated sites in the ZSWIM3 promoter region and methylation inhibitor and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)-siRNA transfection were found to restore down-regulated ZSWIM3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and molecular docking affirmed the role of DNMT 3b (DNMT3b) as a principal regulator of ZSWIM3 expression. Mechanistically, ZSWIM3 might affect inflammation by binding with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), which further mediates the activation of the nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. The present study, therefore, provides detailed insights into the possible structure and function of ZSWIM3 and thus, contributes new substantial research in the elucidation of the pathogenesis of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Di Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jie-Jie Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Sa Du
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, U.S.A
| | - Juan-Juan Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hui-Min Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ming-Fei Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Hepatobiliary surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Hepatobiliary surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zeng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Hepatobiliary surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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38
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Ibrahim SA, Mohamed MZ, El-Tahawy NF, Abdelrahman AM. Antifibrotic effects of bezafibrate and pioglitazone against thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in albino rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 99:313-320. [PMID: 32721217 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2020-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells is a central event in hepatic fibrogenesis that offers multiple potential sites for therapeutic interventions. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are implicated in liver fibrosis. We aimed to evaluate the effect of bezafibrate and pioglitazone on a thioacetamide (TAA) rat model of liver fibrosis and to clarify the possible underlying mechanisms. Rats received intraperitoneal injections of TAA for 6 weeks. Daily oral treatments with bezafibrate or pioglitazone were started with the first day of TAA intoxication. Serum liver function tests, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrite and nitrate (NOx), superoxide dismutase, and hepatic histopathology were assessed to evaluate hepatic damage. Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and caspase-3 were also assessed. The TAA group experienced significant deterioration of liver functions, increased oxidative stress, and increased liver tissue NOx. Administration of bezafibrate or pioglitazone resulted in significant improvement of all liver functions and reduced oxidative stress in hepatic tissues. Only administration of bezafibrate significantly reduced NOx levels. Liver tissues from the TAA-treated group showed disrupted normal architecture. Administration of bezafibrate or pioglitazone attenuated this picture. Stronger α-SMA expression was detected in the TAA group. Treatment with bezafibrate or pioglitazone decreased the α-SMA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa A Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology, Minia University Faculty of Medicine, Minia, Egypt
| | - Mervat Z Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Minia University Faculty of Medicine, Minia, Egypt
| | - Nashwa F El-Tahawy
- Department of Histology & Cell Biology, Minia University Faculty of Medicine, Minia, Egypt
| | - Aly M Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmacology, Minia University Faculty of Medicine, Minia, Egypt
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Li HD, Chen X, Xu JJ, Du XS, Yang Y, Li JJ, Yang XJ, Huang HM, Li XF, Wu MF, Zhang C, Zhang C, Li Z, Wang H, Meng XM, Huang C, Li J. DNMT3b-mediated methylation of ZSWIM3 enhances inflammation in alcohol-induced liver injury via regulating TRAF2-mediated NF-κB pathway. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1042/cs20200031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The regulation of macrophages during inflammatory responses is a crucial process in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and aberrant macrophage DNA methylation is associated with inflammation. Our preliminary screening results of macrophage methylation in the present study demonstrated the zinc finger SWI2/SNF2 and MuDR (SWIM)-domain containing 3 (ZSWIM3) were hypermethylated in the 5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR) region. ZSWIM3, a novel zinc finger-chelate domain of SWIM, is predicted to function in DNA-binding and protein-binding interactions. Its expression was found to be consistently decreased in macrophages isolated from livers of ethyl alcohol (EtOH)-fed mice and in EtOH+lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Over-expression of ZSWIM3 was found to attenuate chronic+binge ethanol feeding-induced liver injury and inhibit inflammatory responses in vivo. Enforced expression of ZSWIM3 in vitro was also found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Aberrant expression of ZSWIM3 in alcohol-induced liver injury (ALI) was found to be associated with hypermethylation. Analysis of CpG prediction indicated the presence of two methylated sites in the ZSWIM3 promoter region and methylation inhibitor and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)-siRNA transfection were found to restore down-regulated ZSWIM3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and molecular docking affirmed the role of DNMT 3b (DNMT3b) as a principal regulator of ZSWIM3 expression. Mechanistically, ZSWIM3 might affect inflammation by binding with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), which further mediates the activation of the nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. The present study, therefore, provides detailed insights into the possible structure and function of ZSWIM3 and thus, contributes new substantial research in the elucidation of the pathogenesis of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Di Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jie-Jie Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Sa Du
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, U.S.A
| | - Juan-Juan Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hui-Min Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ming-Fei Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Hepatobiliary surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Hepatobiliary surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zeng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Hepatobiliary surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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Ma X, Tang M, Lu L, Zheng J, Huang J, Li J, Luo W. Effects of salvianolic acid B on liver fibrosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e21036. [PMID: 32664111 PMCID: PMC7360269 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a pathological change existing in most chronic liver diseases, which leads to abnormal changes in liver tissue structure and affects the normal physiological function of liver. Without effectively control, liver fibrosis can develop into cirrhosis and increase the risk of liver cancer. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is the main active component in the water-soluble extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza, which is a traditional Chinese medicine usually used for treating cardiovascular and liver diseases. It is reported that Sal B shown a good action against liver fibrosis via numerous signaling pathways, which indicate that Sal B is a potential candidate drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis. METHODS We searched the related researches from the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wan fang Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals and VIP Database. All the databases were searched from inception to December 2019. No restriction of language, publication date, or publication status. PICO of this systematic review are shown as flowing: P, preclinical studies which evaluated the effects of Sal B on the animal models of liver fibrosis with controlled studies; I, received Sal B as only treat in any dose; C, received normal saline, distilled water, or no treatment; O, the primary outcome include measure will be the decrease in liver fibrosis score, and the secondary outcomes include the index of liver fibrosis. All the included data will be analyzed with the software of Review Manager 5.2 and STATA 14.2. DISCUSSION The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects on anti-liver fibrosis of Sal B, and this will be contribute to drug development and pathological mechanisms of clinical research. TRIAL REGISTRATION INPLASY202050101, registered on 28/5/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Ma
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Meiwen Tang
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Liying Lu
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Jinghui Zheng
- Department of Geriatrics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Jingjing Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Junhong Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Weisheng Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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The Emerging Role of MicroRNAs in NAFLD: Highlight of MicroRNA-29a in Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Beyond. Cells 2020; 9:cells9041041. [PMID: 32331364 PMCID: PMC7226429 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease and ranges from steatosis to steatohepatitis and to liver fibrosis. Lipotoxicity in hepatocytes, elevated oxidative stress and the activation of proinflammatory mediators of Kupffer cells, and fibrogenic pathways of activated hepatic stellate cells can contribute to the development of NAFLD. MicroRNAs (miRs) play a crucial role in the dysregulated metabolism and inflammatory signaling connected with NAFLD and its progression towards more severe stages. Of note, the protective effect of non-coding miR-29a on liver damage and its versatile action on epigenetic activity, mitochondrial homeostasis and immunomodulation may improve our perception of the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Herein, we review the biological functions of critical miRs in NAFLD, as well as highlight the emerging role of miR-29a in therapeutic application and the recent advances in molecular mechanisms underlying its liver protective effect.
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42
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Chen L, Huang W, Wang L, Zhang Z, Zhang F, Zheng S, Kong D. The effects of epigenetic modification on the occurrence and progression of liver diseases and the involved mechanism. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 14:259-270. [PMID: 32124651 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2020.1736042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Epigenetic modification is a type of gene expression and regulation that does not involve changes in DNA sequences. An increasing number of studies have proven that epigenetic modifications play an important role in the occurrence and progression of liver diseases through the gene regulation and protein expressions of hepatocellular lipid metabolism, inflammatory reaction, cell proliferation, and activation, etc.Areas covered: In this study, we elaborated and analyzed the underlying functional mechanism of epigenetic modification in alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis (LF), viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and research progress of recent years.Expert opinion: The further understanding of epigenetic mechanisms that can regulate gene expression and cell phenotype leads to new insights in epigenetic control of chronic liver disease. Currently, hepatologists are exploring the role of DNA methylation, histone/chromatin modification, and non-coding RNA in specific liver pathology. These findings have led to advances in direct epigenetic biomarker testing of patient tissue or body fluid specimens, as well as quantitative analysis. Based on these findings, drug validation of some targets involved in the epigenetic mechanism of liver disease is gradually being carried out clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Chen
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weifang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integral Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Chen X, Li HD, Bu FT, Li XF, Chen Y, Zhu S, Wang JN, Chen SY, Sun YY, Pan XY, Yin NN, Xu JJ, Huang C, Li J. Circular RNA circFBXW4 suppresses hepatic fibrosis via targeting the miR-18b-3p/FBXW7 axis. Theranostics 2020; 10:4851-4870. [PMID: 32308754 PMCID: PMC7163456 DOI: 10.7150/thno.42423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new form of noncoding RNAs that play crucial roles in various pathological processes. However, the expression profile and function of circRNAs in hepatic fibrosis (HF) remain largely unknown. In this study, we show a novel circFBXW4 mediates HF via targeting the miR-18b-3p/FBXW7 axis. Methods: We investigated the expression profile of circRNAs, microRNAs and mRNAs in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from HF progression and regression mice by circRNAs-seq and microarray analysis. We found a significantly dysregulated circFBXW4 in HF. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function analysis of circFBXW4 were performed to assess the role of circFBXW4 in HF. Furthermore, we confirmed that circFBXW4 directly binds to miR-18b-3p by luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull down and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Results: We found that circFBXW4 downregulated in liver fibrogenesis. Enforcing the expression of circFBXW4 inhibited HSCs activation, proliferation and induced apoptosis, attenuated mouse liver fibrogenesis injury and showed anti-inflammation effect. Mechanistically, circFBXW4 directly targeted to miR-18b-3p to regulate the expression of FBXW7 in HF. Conclusions: circFBXW4 may act as a suppressor of HSCs activation and HF through the circFBXW4/miR-18b-3p/FBXW7 axis. Our findings identify that circFBXW4 serves as a potential biomarker for HF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hai-Di Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Fang-Tian Bu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying-Yin Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xue-Yin Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Na-Na Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jie-Jie Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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Mota EA, do Patrocínio AB, Rodrigues V, da Silva JS, Pereira VC, Guerra-Sá R. Epigenetic and parasitological parameters are modulated in EBi3-/- mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008080. [PMID: 32078636 PMCID: PMC7053770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni adaptive success is related to regulation of replication, transcription and translation inside and outside the intermediate and definitive host. We hypothesize that S. mansoni alters its epigenetic state in response to the mammalian host immune system, reprogramming gene expression and altering the number of eggs. In response, a change in the DNA methylation profile of hepatocytes could occurs, modulating the extent of hepatic granuloma. To investigate this hypothesis, we used the EBi3-/- murine (Mus musculus) model of S. mansoni infection and evaluated changes in new and maintenance DNA methylation profiles in the liver after 55 days of infection. We evaluated expression of epigenetic genes and genes linked to histone deubiquitination in male and female S. mansoni worms. Comparing TET expression with DNMT expression indicated that DNA demethylation exceeds methylation in knockout infected and uninfected mice and in wild-type infected and uninfected mice. S. mansoni infection provokes activation of demethylation in EBi3-/-I mice (knockout infected). EBi3-/-C (knockout uninfected) mice present intrinsically higher DNA methylation than WTC (control uninfected) mice. EBi3-/-I mice show decreased hepatic damage considering volume and reduced number of granulomas compared to WTI mice; the absence of IL27 and IL35 pathways decreases the Th1 response resulting in minor liver damage. S. mansoni males and females recovered from EBi3-/-I mice have reduced expression of a deubiquitinating enzyme gene, orthologs of which target histones and affect chromatin state. SmMBD and SmHDAC1 expression levels are downregulated in male and female parasites recovered from EBi3-/-, leading to epigenetic gene downregulation in S. mansoni. Changes to the immunological background thus induce epigenetic changes in hepatic tissues and alterations in S. mansoni gene expression, which attenuate liver symptoms in the acute phase of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Alves Mota
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andressa Barban do Patrocínio
- Universidade de São Paulo, Medicine Faculty of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology; Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Rodrigues
- Universidade de São Paulo, Medicine Faculty of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology; Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Santana da Silva
- Universidade de São Paulo, Medicine Faculty of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology; Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Carregaro Pereira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Medicine Faculty of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology; Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Guerra-Sá
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Distler JHW, Györfi AH, Ramanujam M, Whitfield ML, Königshoff M, Lafyatis R. Shared and distinct mechanisms of fibrosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2019; 15:705-730. [DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Chen X, Li XF, Chen Y, Zhu S, Li HD, Chen SY, Wang JN, Pan XY, Bu FT, Huang C, Li J. Hesperetin derivative attenuates CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrosis and inflammation by Gli-1-dependent mechanisms. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 76:105838. [PMID: 31473406 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, a common pathological feature and leading cause of various chronic liver diseases, still lacks effective therapy. Hesperetin derivative (HD) is a derivative of Traditional Chinese Medicine monomer isolated from the fruit peel of Citrusaurantium L. (Rutaceae). In the present study, we revealed the anti-fibrotic effects of HD in CCl4-induced mouse hepatic fibrosis model and in TGF-β1-activated LX-2 cells, in vivo and in vitro. Results showed that HD prevented CCl4-induced liver injury and histological damage. Consistently, HD inhibited the up-regulation of liver fibrogenesis markers α-SMA, Col1α1, Col3α1 and TIMP-1 in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and suppressed inflammatory responses in primary liver macrophages from hepatic fibrosis mice. Furthermore, HD promoted the apoptosis of activated HSCs, a key step in the onset of fibrosis regression. Mechanistically, the Hedgehog pathway was involved in HD-treated hepatic fibrosis, and HD specifically contributed to attenuate the aberrant expression of Glioma associated oncogene-1 (Gli-1). Interestingly, blockade of Gli-1 removed the inhibitory effect of HD on activated HSCs, indicating that Gli-1 may play a pivotal role in mediating the anti-fibrotic effect of HD in hepatic fibrosis. Collectively, our results suggest that HD may be a potential anti-fibrotic Traditional Chinese Medicine monomer for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hai-Di Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xue-Yin Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Fang-Tian Bu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Shan L, Liu Z, Ci L, Shuai C, Lv X, Li J. Research progress on the anti-hepatic fibrosis action and mechanism of natural products. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 75:105765. [PMID: 31336335 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the most common pathological feature of most chronic liver diseases, and its continuous deterioration gradually develops into liver cirrhosis and eventually leads to liver cancer. At present, there are many kinds of drugs used to treat liver fibrosis. However, Western drugs tend to only target single genes/proteins and induce many adverse reactions. Most of the mechanisms and active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are not clear, and there is a lack of unified diagnosis and treatment standards. Natural products, which are characterized by structural diversity, low toxicity, and origination from a wide range of sources, have unique advantages and great potential in anti-liver fibrosis. This article summarizes the work done over the previous decade, on the active ingredients in natural products that are reported to have anti-hepatic fibrosis effects. The effective anti-hepatic fibrosis ingredients identified can be generally divided into flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides and alkaloids. Mechanisms of anti-liver fibrosis include inhibition of liver inflammation, anti-lipid peroxidation injury, inhibition of the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), modulation of the synthesis and secretion of pro-fibrosis factors, and regulation of the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This review provides suggestions for the development of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhenni Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Leilei Ci
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Shuai
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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An Emerin LEM-Domain Mutation Impairs Cell Response to Mechanical Stress. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060570. [PMID: 31185657 PMCID: PMC6628311 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerin is a nuclear envelope protein that contributes to genome organization and cell mechanics. Through its N-terminal LAP2-emerin-MAN1 (LEM)-domain, emerin interacts with the DNA-binding protein barrier-to-autointegration (BAF). Emerin also binds to members of the linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. Mutations in the gene encoding emerin are responsible for the majority of cases of X-linked Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (X-EDMD). Most of these mutations lead to an absence of emerin. A few missense and short deletion mutations in the disordered region of emerin are also associated with X-EDMD. More recently, missense and short deletion mutations P22L, ∆K37 and T43I were discovered in emerin LEM-domain, associated with isolated atrial cardiac defects (ACD). Here we reveal which defects, at both the molecular and cellular levels, are elicited by these LEM-domain mutations. Whereas K37 mutation impaired the correct folding of the LEM-domain, P22L and T43I had no impact on the 3D structure of emerin. Surprisingly, all three mutants bound to BAF, albeit with a weaker affinity in the case of K37. In human myofibroblasts derived from a patient's fibroblasts, emerin ∆K37 was correctly localized at the inner nuclear membrane, but was present at a significantly lower level, indicating that this mutant is abnormally degraded. Moreover, SUN2 was reduced, and these cells were defective in producing actin stress fibers when grown on a stiff substrate and after cyclic stretches. Altogether, our data suggest that the main effect of mutation K37 is to perturb emerin function within the LINC complex in response to mechanical stress.
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Pan XY, You HM, Wang L, Bi YH, Yang Y, Meng HW, Meng XM, Ma TT, Huang C, Li J. Methylation of RCAN1.4 mediated by DNMT1 and DNMT3b enhances hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrogenesis through Calcineurin/NFAT3 signaling. Theranostics 2019; 9:4308-4323. [PMID: 31285763 PMCID: PMC6599664 DOI: 10.7150/thno.32710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis is characterized by extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the liver. RCAN1 (regulator of calcineurin 1), an endogenous inhibitor of calcineurin (CaN), is required for ECM synthesis during hypertrophy of various organs. However, the functional role of RCAN1 in liver fibrogenesis has not yet been addressed. Methods: We induced experimental liver fibrosis in mice by intraperitoneal injection of 10 % CCl4 twice a week. To investigate the functional role of RCAN1.4 in the progression of liver fibrosis, we specifically over-expressed RCAN1.4 in mice liver using rAAV8-packaged RCAN1.4 over-expression plasmid. Following the establishment of the fibrotic mouse model, primary hepatic stellate cells were isolated. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of RCAN1.4 on hepatic fibrogenesis, hepatic stellate cell activation, and cell survival. The biological role and signaling events for RCAN1 were analyzed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) was used to predict the methylated CpG islands in the RCAN1.4 gene promoter. We used the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP assay) to investigate DNA methyltransferases which induced decreased expression of RCAN1.4 in liver fibrosis. Results: Two isoforms of RCAN1 protein were expressed in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and HSC-T6 cells cultured with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). RCAN1 isoform 4 (RCAN1.4) was selectively down-regulated in vivo and in vitro. The BSP analysis indicated the presence of two methylated sites in RCAN1.4 promoter and the downregulated RCAN1.4 expression levels could be restored by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-azadC) and DNMTs-RNAi transfection in vitro. ChIP assay was used to demonstrate that the decreased RCAN1.4 expression was associated with DNMT1 and DNMT3b. Furthermore, we established a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model by injecting the recombinant adeno-associated virus-packaged RCAN1.4 (rAAV8-RCAN1.4) over-expression plasmid through the tail vein. Liver- specific-over-expression of RAN1.4 led to liver function recovery and alleviated ECM deposition. The key protein (a member of the NFAT family of proteins) identified on PPI network data was analyzed in vivo and in vitro. Our results demonstrated that RCAN1.4 over-expression alleviates, whereas its knockdown exacerbates, TGF-β1-induced liver fibrosis in vitro in a CaN/NFAT3 signaling-dependent manner. Conclusions: RCAN1.4 could alleviate liver fibrosis through inhibition of CaN/NFAT3 signaling, and the anti-fibrosis function of RCAN1.4 could be blocked by DNA methylation mediated by DNMT1 and DNMT3b. Thus, RCAN1.4 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-yin Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Hong-mei You
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Ling Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Yi-hui Bi
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Yang Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Hong-wu Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Xiao-ming Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Tao-tao Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Cheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Jun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
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