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Papadopoulos G, Giannousi E, Avdi AP, Velliou RI, Nikolakopoulou P, Chatzigeorgiou A. Τ cell-mediated adaptive immunity in the transition from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343806. [PMID: 38774646 PMCID: PMC11106433 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the progressed version of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, but also a pathophysiological "hub" that favors the emergence of liver malignancies. Current research efforts aim to identify risk factors, discover disease biomarkers, and aid patient stratification in the context of MASH-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent cancer among MASLD patients. To investigate the tumorigenic transition in MASH-induced HCC, researchers predominantly exploit preclinical animal-based MASH models and studies based on archived human biopsies and clinical trials. Recapitulating the immune response during tumor development and progression is vital to obtain mechanistic insights into MASH-induced HCC. Notably, the advanced complexity behind MASLD and MASH pathogenesis shifted the research focus towards innate immunity, a fundamental element of the hepatic immune niche that is usually altered robustly in the course of liver disease. During the last few years, however, there has been an increasing interest for deciphering the role of adaptive immunity in MASH-induced HCC, particularly regarding the functions of the various T cell populations. To effectively understand the specific role of T cells in MASH-induced HCC development, scientists should urgently fill the current knowledge gaps in this field. Pinpointing the metabolic signature, sketching the immune landscape, and characterizing the cellular interactions and dynamics of the specific T cells within the MASH-HCC liver are essential to unravel the mechanisms that adaptive immunity exploits to enable the emergence and progression of this cancer. To this end, our review aims to summarize the current state of research regarding the T cell functions linked to MASH-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Papadopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Giannousi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini P. Avdi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rallia-Iliana Velliou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences (AIMES), Karolinska Institute and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Suda N, Bartolomé A, Liang J, Son J, Yagishita Y, Siebel C, Accili D, Ding H, Pajvani UB. β-cell Jagged1 is sufficient but not necessary for islet Notch activity and insulin secretory defects in obese mice. Mol Metab 2024; 81:101894. [PMID: 38311286 PMCID: PMC10877406 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Notch signaling, re-activated in β cells from obese mice and causal to β cell dysfunction, is determined in part by transmembrane ligand availability in a neighboring cell. We hypothesized that β cell expression of Jagged1 determines the maladaptive Notch response and resultant insulin secretory defects in obese mice. METHODS We assessed expression of Notch pathway components in high-fat diet-fed (HFD) or leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice, and performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) in islets from patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). We generated and performed glucose tolerance testing in inducible, β cell-specific Jagged1 gain-of- and loss-of-function mice. We also tested effects of monoclonal neutralizing antibodies to Jagged1 in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assays in isolated islets. RESULTS Jag1 was the only Notch ligand that tracked with increased Notch activity in HFD-fed and db/db mice, as well as in metabolically-inflexible β cells enriched in patients with T2D. Neutralizing antibodies to block Jagged1 in islets isolated from HFD-fed and db/db mice potentiated GSIS ex vivo. To demonstrate if β cell Jagged1 is sufficient to cause glucose tolerance in vivo, we generated inducible β cell-specific Jag1 transgenic (β-Jag1TG) and loss-of-function (iβ-Jag1KO) mice. While forced Jagged1 impaired glucose intolerance due to reduced GSIS, loss of β cell Jagged1 did not protect against HFD-induced insulin secretory defects. CONCLUSIONS Jagged1 is increased in islets from obese mice and in patients with T2D, and neutralizing Jagged1 antibodies lead to improved GSIS, suggesting that inhibition of Jagged1-Notch signaling may have therapeutic benefit. However, genetic loss-of-function experiments suggest that β cells are not a likely source of the Jagged1 signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Suda
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jiani Liang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jinsook Son
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yoko Yagishita
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Siebel
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Domenico Accili
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hongxu Ding
- Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Utpal B Pajvani
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Liang J, Chen T, Xu H, Wang T, Gong Q, Li T, Liu X, Wang J, Wang Y, Xiong L. Echinacoside Exerts Antihepatic Fibrosis Effects in High-Fat Mice Model by Modulating the ACVR2A-Smad Pathway. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300553. [PMID: 38366962 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an increasingly common chronic liver disease in which hepatic fibrosis is the major pathological change. The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/mall mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) signaling is the main effector of fibrosis. Although the antifibrotic effect of echinacoside (Ech) on the liver has been indicated previously, the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate both in vivo and in vitro antifibrotic properties of Ech. METHODS AND RESULTS Cell viability and scratch/wound assays show that Ech significantly inhibits the proliferation, migration, and activation of human hepatic stellate LX-2 cells. In mice with high-fat diet-induced hepatic fibrosis, Ech treatment attenuates the progression of liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis and subsequent functional validation demonstrate that Ech achieves antifibrotic effects by the activin receptor type-2A (ACVR2A)-mediated TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway; ultimately, ACVR2A is demonstrated to be an important target for hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting and inducing the expression of ACVR2A in LX-2 cells. CONCLUSION Ech exerts potent antifibrotic effects by inhibiting the ACVR2A-mediated TGF-β1/Smad signaling axis and may serve as an alternative treatment for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liang
- Department of Medicine, Linfen Vocational and Technical College, Linfen, Shanxi, 041000, China
| | - Ting Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Honglei Xu
- Medical Security Center, The No. 983th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Forces of Chinese PLA, Tianjin, 300142, China
| | - Tingfang Wang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Qi Gong
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Tingting Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Yun Wang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Liyan Xiong
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
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Wang X, Zhang L, Dong B. Molecular mechanisms in MASLD/MASH-related HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00739. [PMID: 38349726 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths and ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer type globally. NAFLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and its more severe manifestation, NASH or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), pose a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 20%-25% of the population. The increased prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and MASH is parallel to the increasing rates of obesity-associated metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver diseases. MASH can progress to MASH-related HCC (MASH-HCC) in about 2% of cases each year, influenced by various factors such as genetic mutations, carcinogen exposure, immune microenvironment, and microbiome. MASH-HCC exhibits distinct molecular and immune characteristics compared to other causes of HCC and affects both men and women equally. The management of early to intermediate-stage MASH-HCC typically involves surgery and locoregional therapies, while advanced HCC is treated with systemic therapies, including anti-angiogenic therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this comprehensive review, we consolidate previous research findings while also providing the most current insights into the intricate molecular processes underlying MASH-HCC development. We delve into MASH-HCC-associated genetic variations and somatic mutations, disease progression and research models, multiomics analysis, immunological and microenvironmental impacts, and discuss targeted/combined therapies to overcome immune evasion and the biomarkers to recognize treatment responders. By furthering our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying MASH-HCC, our goal is to catalyze the advancement of more potent treatment strategies, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bingning Dong
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Peng K, Chen X, Pei K, Wang X, Ma X, Liang C, Dong Q, Liu Z, Han M, Liu G, Yang H, Zheng M, Liu G, Gao M. Lipodystrophic gene Agpat2 deficiency aggravates hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in Ldlr -/- mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166850. [PMID: 37591406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Dysfunction of adipose tissue increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It was well established that obesity aggravates atherosclerosis, but the effect of adipose tissue loss on atherosclerosis has been less studied. AGPAT2 is the first causative gene of congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL), but the role of AGPAT2 on atherosclerosis has not been reported. Hypertriglyceridemia is one of the clinical manifestations of CGL patients, but it is usually absent in CGL mouse model on a normal diet. This study will investigate the effect of Agpat2 on hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, Agpat2 knockout (Agpat2-/-) mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas system, which showed severe loss of adipose tissue and fatty liver, consistent with previous reports. Agpat2-/- mice were then crossed with hypercholesterolemic and atherosclerotic prone LDL receptor knockout (Ldlr-/-) mice to obtain double knockout mouse model (Agpat2-/-Ldlr-/-). Plasma lipid profile, insulin resistance, fatty liver, and atherosclerotic lesions were observed after 12 weeks of the atherogenic high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. We found that compared with Ldlr-/- mice, Agpat2-/-Ldlr-/- mice showed significantly higher plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides after HFD feeding. Agpat2-/-Ldlr-/- mice also developed hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, with increased pancreatic islet area. The liver weight of Agpat2-/-Ldlr-/- mice was about 4 times higher than that of Ldlr-/- mice. The liver lipid deposition was severe and Sirius red staining showed liver fibrosis. In addition, in Agpat2-/-Ldlr-/- mice, the area of atherosclerotic lesions in aortic arch and aortic root was significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that Agpat2 deficiency led to more severe hyperlipidemia, liver fibrosis and aggravation of atherosclerosis in Ldlr-/- mice. This study provided additional insights into the role of adipose tissue in hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenan Peng
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China; Laboratory Department of Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050031, China
| | - Kexin Pei
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050031, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Xindi Ma
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Chenxi Liang
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Qianqian Dong
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Ziwei Liu
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Mei Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - George Liu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyuan Yang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mingqi Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050031, China.
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050031, China.
| | - Mingming Gao
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China.
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Lan T, Geng XJ, Zhang SJ, Zeng XX, Ying JJ, Xu Y, Liu SY, Li P, Tong YH, Wang W, Mao ZJ, Wang SW. Si-Ni-San inhibits hepatic Fasn expression and lipid accumulation in MAFLD mice through AMPK/p300/SREBP-1c axis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155209. [PMID: 37984123 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155209] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soothing the liver and regulating qi is one of the core ideas of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of fatty liver. Si-Ni-San (SNS) is a well-known herbal formula in TCM for liver soothing and qi regulation in fatty liver treatment. However, its efficacy lacks modern scientific evidence. PURPOSE This study was aimed to investigate the impact of SNS on metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in mice and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly its effects on lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. METHODS The therapeutic effect of SNS was evaluated using in vivo and in vitro models of high-fat/high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet-induced mice and palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatocytes, respectively. Molecular biological techniques such as RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), and western blotting were employed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of SNS in regulating lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. RESULTS Our findings revealed that SNS effectively reduced lipid accumulation in the livers of HFHC diet-induced mice and PA-induced hepatocytes. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that SNS significantly down-regulated the expression of fatty acid synthase (Fasn) in the livers of HFHC-fed mice. Mechanistically, SNS inhibited Fasn expression and lipid accumulation by activating adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Activation of AMPK suppressed the activity of the transcriptional coactivator p300 and modulated the protein stability of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). Importantly, p300 was required for the inhibition of Fasn expression and lipid accumulation by SNS. Furthermore, SNS activated AMPK by decreasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in hepatocytes. CONCLUSION This study provided novel evidence on the regulatory mechanisms underlying the effects of SNS on Fasn expression. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that SNS exerts suppressive effects on Fasn expression through modulation of the AMPK/p300/SREBP-1c axis. Consequently, this regulatory pathway mitigates excessive lipid accumulation and ameliorates MAFLD in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lan
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Geng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Si-Jia Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xi-Xi Zeng
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Jun-Jie Ying
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Yi Xu
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Shi-Yu Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ping Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yu-Hua Tong
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Preventive Treatment Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Affiliated Four-provinces Marginal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Quzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Quzhou 324000, China.
| | - Zhu-Jun Mao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China.
| | - Si-Wei Wang
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China.
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Dutta RK, Jun J, Du K, Diehl AM. Hedgehog Signaling: Implications in Liver Pathophysiology. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:418-428. [PMID: 37802119 DOI: 10.1055/a-2187-3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge about the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in liver homeostasis and disease. Hedgehog is a morphogenic signaling pathway that is active in development. In most healthy tissues, pathway activity is restricted to stem and/or stromal cell compartments, where it enables stem cell self-renewal and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant over-activation of Hedgehog signaling occurs in many cancers, including hepatocellular and cholangio-carcinoma. The pathway is also activated transiently in stromal cells of injured tissues and orchestrates normal wound healing responses, including inflammation, vascular remodeling, and fibrogenesis. In liver, sustained Hedgehog signaling in stromal cells plays a major role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis. Hedgehog signaling was thought to be silenced in healthy hepatocytes. However, recent studies show that targeted disruption of the pathway in hepatocytes dysregulates lipid, cholesterol, and bile acid metabolism, and promotes hepatic lipotoxicity, insulin resistance, and senescence. Hepatocytes that lack Hedgehog activity also produce a secretome that activates Hedgehog signaling in cholangiocytes and neighboring stromal cells to induce inflammatory and fibrogenic wound healing responses that drive progressive fibrosis. In conclusion, Hedgehog signaling must be precisely controlled in adult liver cells to maintain liver health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - JiHye Jun
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kuo Du
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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Hu Y, Wang R, Liu J, Wang Y, Dong J. Lipid droplet deposition in the regenerating liver: A promoter, inhibitor, or bystander? Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0267. [PMID: 37708445 PMCID: PMC10503682 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver regeneration (LR) is a complex process involving intricate networks of cellular connections, cytokines, and growth factors. During the early stages of LR, hepatocytes accumulate lipids, primarily triacylglycerol, and cholesterol esters, in the lipid droplets. Although it is widely accepted that this phenomenon contributes to LR, the impact of lipid droplet deposition on LR remains a matter of debate. Some studies have suggested that lipid droplet deposition has no effect or may even be detrimental to LR. This review article focuses on transient regeneration-associated steatosis and its relationship with the liver regenerative response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelei Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- Department of Cadre’s Wards Ultrasound Diagnostics. Ultrasound Diagnostic Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahong Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Talamantes S, Lisjak M, Gilglioni EH, Llamoza-Torres CJ, Ramos-Molina B, Gurzov EN. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes mellitus as growing aetiologies of hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100811. [PMID: 37575883 PMCID: PMC10413159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity-related complications such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are well-established risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review provides insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie the role of steatosis, hyperinsulinemia and hepatic inflammation in HCC development and progression. We focus on recent findings linking intracellular pathways and transcription factors that can trigger the reprogramming of hepatic cells. In addition, we highlight the role of enzymes in dysregulated metabolic activity and consequent dysfunctional signalling. Finally, we discuss the potential uses and challenges of novel therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat NAFLD/T2D-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Talamantes
- Signal Transduction and Metabolism Laboratory, Laboratoire de Gastroentérologie Expérimental et Endotools, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, Brussels, 1070, Belgium
| | - Michela Lisjak
- Signal Transduction and Metabolism Laboratory, Laboratoire de Gastroentérologie Expérimental et Endotools, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, Brussels, 1070, Belgium
| | - Eduardo H. Gilglioni
- Signal Transduction and Metabolism Laboratory, Laboratoire de Gastroentérologie Expérimental et Endotools, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, Brussels, 1070, Belgium
| | - Camilo J. Llamoza-Torres
- Department of Hepatology, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, 30120, Spain
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, 30120, Spain
| | - Bruno Ramos-Molina
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, 30120, Spain
| | - Esteban N. Gurzov
- Signal Transduction and Metabolism Laboratory, Laboratoire de Gastroentérologie Expérimental et Endotools, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, Brussels, 1070, Belgium
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, 30120, Spain
- WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Avenue Pasteur 6, Wavre, 1300, Belgium
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10
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Wang Z, Qin H, Yang Q, Jia J, Yang L, Zhong S, Yuan G. Identification of Basement Membrane Genes and Related Molecular Subtypes in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Horm Metab Res 2023; 55:546-554. [PMID: 37268001 DOI: 10.1055/a-2081-1098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Basement membranes (BMs) are widely distributed and highly specialized extracellular matrix (ECM). The goal of this study was to explore novel genes associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from the perspective of BMs. Sequencing results of 304 liver biopsy samples about NAFLD were systematically obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Biological changes during NAFLD progression and hub BM-associated genes were investigated by differential gene analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), respectively. The nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) subgroups were identified based on hub BM-associated genes expression, as well as the differences in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways and immune microenvironment between different subgroups were compared. Extracellular matrix (ECM) seems to play an important role in the development of NAFLD. Three representative BM-associated genes (ADAMTS2, COL5A1, and LAMC3) were finally identified. Subgroup analysis results suggested that there were significant changes in KEGG signaling pathways related to metabolism, extracellular matrix, cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. There were also changes in macrophage polarization, neutrophils, and dendritic cells abundance, and so on. In conclusion, the present study identified novel potential BM-associated biomarkers and further explored the heterogeneity of NASH that might provide new insights into the diagnosis, assessment, management, and personalized treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxiang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Huijuan Qin
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qichao Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu University Affiliated Wujin Hospital, Changzhou, China
| | - Jue Jia
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shao Zhong
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Guoyue Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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11
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Chen F, Schönberger K, Tchorz JS. Distinct hepatocyte identities in liver homeostasis and regeneration. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100779. [PMID: 37456678 PMCID: PMC10339260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of metabolic liver zonation is spontaneously established by assigning distributed tasks to hepatocytes along the porto-central blood flow. Hepatocytes fulfil critical metabolic functions, while also maintaining hepatocyte mass by replication when needed. Recent technological advances have enabled us to fine-tune our understanding of hepatocyte identity during homeostasis and regeneration. Subsets of hepatocytes have been identified to be more regenerative and some have even been proposed to function like stem cells, challenging the long-standing view that all hepatocytes are similarly capable of regeneration. The latest data show that hepatocyte renewal during homeostasis and regeneration after liver injury is not limited to rare hepatocytes; however, hepatocytes are not exactly the same. Herein, we review the known differences that give individual hepatocytes distinct identities, recent findings demonstrating how these distinct identities correspond to differences in hepatocyte regenerative capacity, and how the plasticity of hepatocyte identity allows for division of labour among hepatocytes. We further discuss how these distinct hepatocyte identities may play a role during liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Jan S. Tchorz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Cheng C, Wang Q, Huang Y, Xue Q, Wang Y, Wu P, Liao F, Miao C. Gandouling inhibits hepatic fibrosis in Wilson's disease through Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116445. [PMID: 37015279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116445] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGIC SIGNIFICANCE Wilson's disease (WD) hepatic fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury induced by Cu2+ deposition in the liver. Gandouling (GDL) is a hospital preparation of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine. Previous studies have found that GDL can play an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, and promote Cu2+ excretion, which has a clear anti-WD effect. AIM OF THE STUDY We found that Wnt-1 was significantly up-regulated in the liver tissue of toxic-milk (TX) mouse in the WD gene mutant model, and the monomer components of GDL could combine well with Wnt-1. Therefore, in this work, we used RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and related methods to study the effects of GDL on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and Wnt-1/β-catenin pathway in TX mice to clarify the effect of GDL on WD hepatic fibrosis. RESULTS GDL could alleviate hepatic fibrosis, improve liver function, and inhibit the activation of HSC in TX mice. Network pharmacology predicted that the Wnt-1/β-catenin was the target of GDL, and molecular dynamics further revealed that GDL has a good binding ability with Wnt-1 and inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through Wnt-1. Furthermore, we found that GDL blocked the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway in the liver of TX mice in vivo. In vitro, serum containing GDL blocked the Cu2+ ion-induced Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway in LX-2 cells. Therefore, GDL blocked the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway, inhibited HSC activation, and improved WD hepatic fibrosis by binding to Wnt-1. CONCLUSION GDL improves hepatic fibrosis in WD model mice by blocking the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway, and Wnt-1 may be a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of WD. This reveals a new mechanism of GDL against WD, and promotes the clinical promotion of GDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, School of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China.
| | - Yurong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiuyun Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Faxue Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Chenggui Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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13
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Du K, Maeso-Díaz R, Oh SH, Wang E, Chen T, Pan C, Xiang K, Dutta RK, Wang XF, Chi JT, Diehl AM. Targeting YAP-mediated HSC death susceptibility and senescence for treatment of liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2023; 77:1998-2015. [PMID: 36815382 PMCID: PMC10416614 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver fibrosis results from the accumulation of myofibroblasts (MFs) derived from quiescent HSCs, and yes-associated protein (YAP) controls this state transition. Although fibrosis is also influenced by HSC death and senescence, whether YAP regulates these processes and whether this could be leveraged to treat liver fibrosis are unknown. APPROACH AND RESULTS YAP activity was manipulated in MF-HSCs to determine how YAP impacts susceptibility to pro-apoptotic senolytic agents or ferroptosis. Effects of senescence on YAP activity and susceptibility to apoptosis versus ferroptosis were also examined. CCl 4 -treated mice were treated with a ferroptosis inducer or pro-apoptotic senolytic to determine the effects on liver fibrosis. YAP was conditionally disrupted in MFs to determine how YAP activity in MF-HSC affects liver fibrosis in mouse models. Silencing YAP in cultured MF-HSCs induced HSC senescence and vulnerability to senolytics, and promoted ferroptosis resistance. Conversely, inducing HSC senescence suppressed YAP activity, increased sensitivity to senolytics, and decreased sensitivity to ferroptosis. Single-cell analysis of HSCs from fibrotic livers revealed heterogeneous sensitivity to ferroptosis, apoptosis, and senescence. In mice with chronic liver injury, neither the ferroptosis inducer nor senolytic improved fibrosis. However, selectively depleting YAP in MF-HSCs induced senescence and decreased liver injury and fibrosis. CONCLUSION YAP determines whether MF-HSCs remain activated or become senescent. By regulating this state transition, Yap controls both HSC fibrogenic activity and susceptibility to distinct mechanisms for cell death. MF-HSC-specific YAP depletion induces senescence and protects injured livers from fibrosis. Clarifying determinants of HSC YAP activity may facilitate the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Du
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Raquel Maeso-Díaz
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Seh Hoon Oh
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ergang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tianyi Chen
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher Pan
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kun Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Xiao-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jen-Tsan Chi
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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14
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Chen L, Wang Y. Interdisciplinary advances reshape the delivery tools for effective NASH treatment. Mol Metab 2023; 73:101730. [PMID: 37142161 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe systemic and inflammatory subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, eventually develops into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma with few options for effective treatment. Currently potent small molecules identified in preclinical studies are confronted with adverse effects and long-term ineffectiveness in clinical trials. Nevertheless, highly specific delivery tools designed from interdisciplinary concepts may address the significant challenges by either effectively increasing the concentrations of drugs in target cell types, or selectively manipulating the gene expression in liver to resolve NASH. SCOPE OF REVIEW We focus on dissecting the detailed principles of the latest interdisciplinary advances and concepts that direct the design of future delivery tools to enhance the efficacy. Recent advances have indicated that cell and organelle-specific vehicles, non-coding RNA research (e.g. saRNA, hybrid miRNA) improve the specificity, while small extracellular vesicles and coacervates increase the cellular uptake of therapeutics. Moreover, strategies based on interdisciplinary advances drastically elevate drug loading capacity and delivery efficiency and ameliorate NASH and other liver diseases. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The latest concepts and advances in chemistry, biochemistry and machine learning technology provide the framework and strategies for the design of more effective tools to treat NASH, other pivotal liver diseases and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linshan Chen
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yibing Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health.
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15
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Akl MG, Li L, Baccetto R, Phanse S, Zhang Q, Trites MJ, McDonald S, Aoki H, Babu M, Widenmaier SB. Complementary gene regulation by NRF1 and NRF2 protects against hepatic cholesterol overload. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112399. [PMID: 37060561 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic cholesterol overload promotes steatohepatitis. Insufficient understanding of liver stress defense impedes therapy development. Here, we elucidate the role of stress defense transcription factors, nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-1 (NRF1) and -2 (NRF2), in counteracting cholesterol-linked liver stress. Using a diet that increases liver cholesterol storage, expression profiles and phenotypes of liver from mice with hepatocyte deficiency of NRF1, NRF2, or both are compared with controls, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing is undertaken to identify target genes. Results show NRF1 and NRF2 co-regulate genes that eliminate cholesterol and mitigate inflammation and oxidative damage. Combined deficiency, but not deficiency of either alone, results in severe steatohepatitis, hepatic cholesterol overload and crystallization, altered bile acid metabolism, and decreased biliary cholesterol. Moreover, therapeutic effects of NRF2-activating drug bardoxolone require NRF1 and are supplemented by NRF1 overexpression. Thus, we discover complementary gene programming by NRF1 and NRF2 that counteract cholesterol-associated fatty liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- May G Akl
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Raquel Baccetto
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Sadhna Phanse
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Qingzhou Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Michael J Trites
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Sherin McDonald
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Hiroyuki Aoki
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Mohan Babu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Scott B Widenmaier
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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16
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Tacke F, Puengel T, Loomba R, Friedman SL. An integrated view of anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic targets for the treatment of NASH. J Hepatol 2023:S0168-8278(23)00218-0. [PMID: 37061196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Successful development of treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been challenging. Because NASH and fibrosis lead to NAFLD progression towards cirrhosis and to clinical outcomes, approaches have either sought to attenuate metabolic dysregulation and cell injury, or directly target the inflammation and fibrosis that ensue. Targets for reducing the activation of inflammatory cascades include nuclear receptor agonists (thyroid hormone receptor-beta, e.g. resmetirom, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [PPAR], e.g. lanifibranor, farnesoid X receptor [FXR], e.g. obeticholic acid), modulators of lipotoxicity (e.g. aramchol, acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors) or modification of genetic variants (e.g. PNPLA3 gene silencing). Extrahepatic inflammatory signals from circulation, adipose tissue or gut are targets of hormonal agonists (e.g. glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] like semaglutide, fibroblast growth factor [FGF]-19 or FGF21), microbiota or lifestyle (weight loss, diet, exercise) interventions. Stress signals and hepatocyte death activate immune responses engaging innate (macrophages, lymphocytes) and adaptive (auto-aggressive T-cells) mechanisms. Therapies seek to blunt immune cell activation, recruitment (chemokine receptor inhibitors) and responses (e.g. galectin 3 inhibition, anti-platelet drugs). The disease-driving pathways of NASH converge to elicit fibrosis, which is reversible. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into matrix-producing myofibroblasts can be inhibited by antagonizing soluble factors (e.g. integrins, cytokines), cellular crosstalk (e.g. with macrophages), and agonizing nuclear receptor signaling (e.g. FXR or PPAR agonists). In advanced fibrosis, cell therapy with restorative macrophages or reprogrammed T-cells (e.g., CAR T) may accelerate repair through HSC deactivation or killing, or by enhancing matrix degradation. Heterogeneity of disease - either due to genetics or divergent disease drivers - is an obstacle to defining effective drugs for all patients with NASH that will be incrementally overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tobias Puengel
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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17
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Elghannam MT, Hassanien MH, Ameen YA, Turky EA, Elattar GM, ElRay AA, Eltalkawy MD. Oral microbiota and liver diseases. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2023; 54:68-72. [PMID: 36963900 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.12.030] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in our health and particularly liver diseases, including NAFLD, cirrhosis, and HCC. Oral microbiome and its role in health and disease represent an active field of research. Several lines of evidence have suggested that oral microbiota dysbiosis represents a major factor contributing to the occurrence and progression of many liver diseases. The human microbiome is valuable to the diagnosis of cancer and provides a novel strategy for targeted therapy of HCC. The most studied liver disease in relation to oral-gut-liver axis dysbiosis includes MAFLD; however, other diseases include Precancerous liver disease as viral liver diseases, liver cirrhosis, AIH and liver carcinoma (HCC). It seems that restoring populations of beneficial organisms and correcting dysbiosis appears to improve outcomes in liver disorders. We discuss the possible role of oral microbiota in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maged Tharwat Elghannam
- TBRI, Warak ALHadar, P.O. Box 30 Imbaba, Cairo, Egypt; Hepatogastroenterology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | | | | | | | | | - Ahmed Aly ElRay
- Hepatogastroenterology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
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18
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Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma: pathogenesis and treatment. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:10.1038/s41575-023-00754-7. [PMID: 36932227 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00754-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including its more severe manifestation, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), has a global prevalence of 20-25% and is a major public health problem. Its incidence is increasing in parallel to the rise in obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Progression from NASH to NASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (~2% of cases per year) is influenced by many factors, including the tissue and immune microenvironment, germline mutations in PNPLA3, and the microbiome. NASH-HCC has unique molecular and immune traits compared with other aetiologies of HCC and is equally prevalent in men and women. Comorbidities associated with NASH, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus, can prevent the implementation of potentially curative therapies in certain patients; nonetheless, outcomes are similar in patients who receive treatment. NASH-HCC at the early to intermediate stages is managed with surgery and locoregional therapies, whereas advanced HCC is treated with systemic therapies, including anti-angiogenic therapies and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In this Review, we present the latest knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms and clinical management of NASH-HCC. We discuss data highlighting the controversy over varying responses to immune-checkpoint inhibitors according to underlying aetiology and suggest that the future of NASH-HCC management lies in improved surveillance, targeted combination therapies to overcome immune evasion, and identifying biomarkers to recognize treatment responders.
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19
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Zhao Q, Liang L, Zhai F, Ling G, Xiang R, Jiang X. A bibliometric and visualized analysis of liver fibrosis from 2002 to 2022. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:359-369. [PMID: 36459993 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis of the liver is a degenerative alteration that occurs in the majority of chronic liver disorders. Further progression can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which can seriously affect the health and lives of patients. The field of liver fibrosis research has flourished in the last 20 years, with approximately 9000 articles retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database alone. In order to identify future research hotspots and potential paths in a thorough and scientifically reliable manner, it is important to organize and visualize the research on this topic from a holistic and very general perspective. This study used bibliometric analysis with CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to provide a quantitative analysis, hotspot mining, and commentary of articles published in the field of liver fibrosis over the last 20 years. This bibliometric analysis contains a total of 8994 articles with 45667 authors from 6872 institutions in 97 countries, published in 1371 journals and citing 156 309 references. The literature volume has steadily increased over the last 20 years. Research has focused on gastroenterology and hepatology, pharmacology and pharmacy, and medicine, research, and experimental areas. We found that the pathological mechanisms, diagnostic and quantitative methods, etiology, and antifibrotic strategies constitute the knowledge structure of liver fibrosis. Finding mechanisms for liver fibrosis regression, identifying precise noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and creating efficient liver fibrosis patient treatments are the main goals of current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Luhua Liang
- School of Medical Equipment, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Fei Zhai
- School of Medical Equipment, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Guixia Ling
- School of Medical Equipment, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Rongwu Xiang
- School of Medical Equipment, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.,Liaoning Professional Technology Innovation Center on Medical Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Xiwei Jiang
- School of Medical Equipment, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
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20
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Yang X, Batmanov K, Hu W, Zhu K, Tom AY, Guan D, Jiang C, Cheng L, McCright SJ, Yang EC, Lanza MR, Liu Y, Hill DA, Lazar MA. Hepatocytes demarcated by EphB2 contribute to the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadc9653. [PMID: 36753562 PMCID: PMC10234568 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adc9653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Current therapeutic strategies for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have failed to alleviate liver fibrosis, which is a devastating feature leading to hepatic dysfunction. Here, we integrated single-nucleus transcriptomics and epigenomics to characterize all major liver cell types during NASH development in mice and humans. The bifurcation of hepatocyte trajectory with NASH progression was conserved between mice and humans. At the nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) stage, hepatocytes exhibited metabolic adaptation, whereas at the NASH stage, a subset of hepatocytes was enriched for the signatures of cell adhesion and migration, which were mainly demarcated by receptor tyrosine kinase ephrin type B receptor 2 (EphB2). EphB2, acting as a downstream effector of Notch signaling in hepatocytes, was sufficient to induce cell-autonomous inflammation. Knockdown of Ephb2 in hepatocytes ameliorated inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of NASH. Thus, EphB2-expressing hepatocytes contribute to NASH progression and may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kirill Batmanov
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wenxiang Hu
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangdong 510005, China
| | - Kun Zhu
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Y. Tom
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dongyin Guan
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunjie Jiang
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lan Cheng
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sam J. McCright
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA19104, USA
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104, USA
| | - Eric C. Yang
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew R. Lanza
- University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yifan Liu
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David A. Hill
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104, USA
| | - Mitchell A. Lazar
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Lead Contact
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21
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Berasain C, Arechederra M, Argemí J, Fernández-Barrena MG, Avila MA. Loss of liver function in chronic liver disease: An identity crisis. J Hepatol 2023; 78:401-414. [PMID: 36115636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adult hepatocyte identity is constructed throughout embryonic development and fine-tuned after birth. A multinodular network of transcription factors, along with pre-mRNA splicing regulators, define the transcriptome, which encodes the proteins needed to perform the complex metabolic and secretory functions of the mature liver. Transient hepatocellular dedifferentiation can occur as part of the regenerative mechanisms triggered in response to acute liver injury. However, persistent downregulation of key identity genes is now accepted as a strong determinant of organ dysfunction in chronic liver disease, a major global health burden. Therefore, the identification of core transcription factors and splicing regulators that preserve hepatocellular phenotype, and a thorough understanding of how these networks become disrupted in diseased hepatocytes, is of high clinical relevance. In this context, we review the key players in liver differentiation and discuss in detail critical factors, such as HNF4α, whose impairment mediates the breakdown of liver function. Moreover, we present compelling experimental evidence demonstrating that restoration of core transcription factor expression in a chronically injured liver can reset hepatocellular identity, improve function and ameliorate structural abnormalities. The possibility of correcting the phenotype of severely damaged and malfunctional livers may reveal new therapeutic opportunities for individuals with cirrhosis and advanced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Berasain
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Maria Arechederra
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Josepmaria Argemí
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; Liver Unit, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite G Fernández-Barrena
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matías A Avila
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.
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22
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Wang TT, Wu LL, Wu J, Zhang LS, Shen WJ, Zhao YH, Liu JN, Fu B, Wang X, Li QG, Bai XY, Wang LQ, Chen XM. 14-3-3ζ inhibits maladaptive repair in renal tubules by regulating YAP and reduces renal interstitial fibrosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:381-392. [PMID: 35840657 PMCID: PMC9889378 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00946-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) refers to a group of common clinical syndromes characterized by acute renal dysfunction, which may lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and this process is called the AKI-CKD transition. The transcriptional coactivator YAP can promote the AKI-CKD transition by regulating the expression of profibrotic factors, and 14-3-3 protein zeta (14-3-3ζ), an important regulatory protein of YAP, may prevent the AKI-CKD transition. We established an AKI-CKD model in mice by unilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and overexpressed 14-3-3ζ in mice using a fluid dynamics-based gene transfection technique. We also overexpressed and knocked down 14-3-3ζ in vitro. In AKI-CKD model mice, 14-3-3ζ expression was significantly increased at the AKI stage. During the development of chronic disease, the expression of 14-3-3ζ tended to decrease, whereas active YAP was consistently overexpressed. In vitro, we found that 14-3-3ζ can combine with YAP, promote the phosphorylation of YAP, inhibit YAP nuclear translocation, and reduce the expression of fibrosis-related proteins. In an in vivo intervention experiment, we found that the overexpression of 14-3-3ζ slowed the process of renal fibrosis in a mouse model of AKI-CKD. These findings suggest that 14-3-3ζ can affect the expression of fibrosis-related proteins by regulating YAP, inhibit the maladaptive repair of renal tubular epithelial cells, and prevent the AKI-CKD transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Tian Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ling-Ling Wu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Li-Sheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wan-Jun Shen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ying-Hua Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jiao-Na Liu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Bo Fu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qing-Gang Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xue-Yuan Bai
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Li-Qiang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Xiang-Mei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China.
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23
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Ohue-Kitano R, Nonaka H, Nishida A, Masujima Y, Takahashi D, Ikeda T, Uwamizu A, Tanaka M, Kohjima M, Igarashi M, Katoh H, Tanaka T, Inoue A, Suganami T, Hase K, Ogawa Y, Aoki J, Kimura I. Medium-chain fatty acids suppress lipotoxicity-induced hepatic fibrosis via the immunomodulating receptor GPR84. JCI Insight 2023; 8:165469. [PMID: 36480287 PMCID: PMC9977302 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.165469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which consist of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), are unique forms of dietary fat with various health benefits. G protein-coupled 84 (GPR84) acts as a receptor for MCFAs (especially C10:0 and C12:0); however, GPR84 is still considered an orphan receptor, and the nutritional signaling of endogenous and dietary MCFAs via GPR84 remains unclear. Here, we showed that endogenous MCFA-mediated GPR84 signaling protected hepatic functions from diet-induced lipotoxicity. Under high-fat diet (HFD) conditions, GPR84-deficient mice exhibited nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the progression of hepatic fibrosis but not steatosis. With markedly increased hepatic MCFA levels under HFD, GPR84 suppressed lipotoxicity-induced macrophage overactivation. Thus, GPR84 is an immunomodulating receptor that suppresses excessive dietary fat intake-induced toxicity by sensing increases in MCFAs. Additionally, administering MCTs, MCFAs (C10:0 or C12:0, but not C8:0), or GPR84 agonists effectively improved NASH in mouse models. Therefore, exogenous GPR84 stimulation is a potential strategy for treating NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Ohue-Kitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies and,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hazuki Nonaka
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akari Nishida
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Masujima
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies and
| | - Daisuke Takahashi
- Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takako Ikeda
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies and,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akiharu Uwamizu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyako Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Metabolism, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Kohjima
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Miki Igarashi
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Katoh
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies and,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Medical School, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Suganami
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Metabolism, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Koji Hase
- Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.,International Research and Development Center for Mucosal Vaccines, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo (IMSUT), Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Junken Aoki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuo Kimura
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies and,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
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24
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Inaba Y, Hashiuchi E, Watanabe H, Kimura K, Oshima Y, Tsuchiya K, Murai S, Takahashi C, Matsumoto M, Kitajima S, Yamamoto Y, Honda M, Asahara SI, Ravnskjaer K, Horike SI, Kaneko S, Kasuga M, Nakano H, Harada K, Inoue H. The transcription factor ATF3 switches cell death from apoptosis to necroptosis in hepatic steatosis in male mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:167. [PMID: 36690638 PMCID: PMC9871012 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35804-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular death increases with hepatic steatosis aggravation, although its regulation remains unclear. Here we show that hepatic steatosis aggravation shifts the hepatocellular death mode from apoptosis to necroptosis, causing increased hepatocellular death. Our results reveal that the transcription factor ATF3 acts as a master regulator in this shift by inducing expression of RIPK3, a regulator of necroptosis. In severe hepatic steatosis, after partial hepatectomy, hepatic ATF3-deficient or -overexpressing mice display decreased or increased RIPK3 expression and necroptosis, respectively. In cultured hepatocytes, ATF3 changes TNFα-dependent cell death mode from apoptosis to necroptosis, as revealed by live-cell imaging. In non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mice, hepatic ATF3 deficiency suppresses RIPK3 expression and hepatocellular death. In human NASH, hepatocellular damage is correlated with the frequency of hepatocytes expressing ATF3 or RIPK3, which overlap frequently. ATF3-dependent RIPK3 induction, causing a modal shift of hepatocellular death, can be a therapeutic target for steatosis-induced liver damage, including NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Inaba
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Unit, Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Physiology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Emi Hashiuchi
- Department of Physiology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Watanabe
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Unit, Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kumi Kimura
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yu Oshima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kohsuke Tsuchiya
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shin Murai
- Department of Biochemistry, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiaki Takahashi
- Division of Oncology and Molecular Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Michihiro Matsumoto
- Department of Molecular Metabolic Regulation, Diabetes Research Center, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigetaka Kitajima
- Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masao Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichiro Asahara
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kim Ravnskjaer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
- Center for Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS), University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Shin-Ichi Horike
- Research Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shuichi Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masato Kasuga
- The Institute of Medical Science, Asahi Life Foundation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Nakano
- Department of Biochemistry, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Departments of Human Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Inoue
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Unit, Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
- Department of Physiology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
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25
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IL-1β neutralization prevents diastolic dysfunction development, but lacks hepatoprotective effect in an aged mouse model of NASH. Sci Rep 2023; 13:356. [PMID: 36611037 PMCID: PMC9825403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26896-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a key mediator of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a chronic liver disease, and of systemic inflammation-driven aging. IL-1β contributes to cardio-metabolic decline, and may promote hepatic oncogenic transformation. Therefore, IL-1β is a potential therapeutic target in these pathologies. We aimed to investigate the hepatic and cardiac effects of an IL-1β targeting monoclonal antibody in an aged mouse model of NASH. 24 months old male C57Bl/6J mice were fed with control or choline deficient (CDAA) diet and were treated with isotype control or anti-IL-1β Mab for 8 weeks. Cardiac functions were assessed by conventional-and 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. Liver samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. Echocardiography revealed improved cardiac diastolic function in anti-IL-1β treated mice with NASH. Marked hepatic fibrosis developed in CDAA-fed group, but IL-1β inhibition affected fibrosis only at transcriptomic level. Hepatic inflammation was not affected by the IL-1β inhibitor. PCNA staining revealed intensive hepatocyte proliferation in CDAA-fed animals, which was not influenced by neutralization of IL-1β. IL-1β inhibition increased hepatic expression of Pd-1 and Ctla4, while Pd-l1 expression increased in NASH. In conclusion, IL-1β inhibition improved cardiac diastolic function, but did not ameliorate features of NASH; moreover, even promoted hepatic immune checkpoint expression, with concomitant NASH-related hepatocellular proliferation.
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26
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Finney AC, Das S, Kumar D, McKinney MP, Cai B, Yurdagul A, Rom O. The interplay between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1116861. [PMID: 37200978 PMCID: PMC10185914 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1116861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches that lower circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol significantly reduced the burden of cardiovascular disease over the last decades. However, the persistent rise in the obesity epidemic is beginning to reverse this decline. Alongside obesity, the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has substantially increased in the last three decades. Currently, approximately one third of world population is affected by NAFLD. Notably, the presence of NAFLD and particularly its more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), serves as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), thus, raising interest in the relationship between these two diseases. Importantly, ASCVD is the major cause of death in patients with NASH independent of traditional risk factors. Nevertheless, the pathophysiology linking NAFLD/NASH with ASCVD remains poorly understood. While dyslipidemia is a common risk factor underlying both diseases, therapies that lower circulating LDL-cholesterol are largely ineffective against NASH. While there are no approved pharmacological therapies for NASH, some of the most advanced drug candidates exacerbate atherogenic dyslipidemia, raising concerns regarding their adverse cardiovascular consequences. In this review, we address current gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms linking NAFLD/NASH and ASCVD, explore strategies to simultaneously model these diseases, evaluate emerging biomarkers that may be useful to diagnose the presence of both diseases, and discuss investigational approaches and ongoing clinical trials that potentially target both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C. Finney
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Sandeep Das
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Dhananjay Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - M. Peyton McKinney
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Bishuang Cai
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, United States
| | - Arif Yurdagul
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Correspondence: Arif Yurdagul Oren Rom
| | - Oren Rom
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Correspondence: Arif Yurdagul Oren Rom
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27
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Petri BJ, Piell KM, Wahlang B, Head KZ, Andreeva K, Rouchka EC, Cave MC, Klinge CM. Polychlorinated biphenyls alter hepatic m6A mRNA methylation in a mouse model of environmental liver disease. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114686. [PMID: 36341798 PMCID: PMC10120843 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been associated with liver injury in human cohorts and with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice fed a high fat diet (HFD). N (6)-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNA regulates transcript fate, but the contribution of m6A modification on the regulation of transcripts in PCB-induced steatosis and fibrosis is unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that PCB and HFD exposure alters the levels of m6A modification in transcripts that play a role in NASH in vivo. Male C57Bl6/J mice were fed a HFD (12 wks) and administered a single oral dose of Aroclor1260, PCB126, or Aroclor1260 + PCB126. Genome-wide identification of m6A peaks was accomplished by m6A mRNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (m6A-RIP) and the mRNA transcriptome identified by RNA-seq. Exposure of HFD-fed mice to Aroclor1260 decreased the number of m6A peaks and m6A-containing genes relative to PCB vehicle control whereas PCB126 or the combination of Aroclor1260 + PCB126 increased m6A modification frequency. ∼41% of genes had one m6A peak and ∼49% had 2-4 m6A peaks. 117 m6A peaks were common in the four experimental groups. The Aroclor1260 + PCB126 exposure group showed the highest number (52) of m6A-peaks. qRT-PCR confirmed enrichment of m6A-containing fragments of the Apob transcript with PCB exposure. A1cf transcript abundance, m6A peak count, and protein abundance was increased with Aroclor1260 + PCB126 co-exposure. Irrespective of the PCB type, all PCB groups exhibited enriched pathways related to lipid/lipoprotein metabolism and inflammation through the m6A modification. Integrated analysis of m6A-RIP-seq and mRNA-seq identified 242 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with increased or reduced number of m6A peaks. These data show that PCB exposure in HFD-fed mice alters the m6A landscape offering an additional layer of regulation of gene expression affecting a subset of gene responses in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda J Petri
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Kellianne M Piell
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Banrida Wahlang
- University of Louisville Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences (CIEHS), USA; University of Louisville Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, USA; The University of Louisville Superfund Research Center, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, USA
| | - Kimberly Z Head
- University of Louisville Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, USA
| | - Kalina Andreeva
- KY INBRE Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Eric C Rouchka
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA; KY INBRE Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, USA
| | - Matthew C Cave
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, USA
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA; University of Louisville Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences (CIEHS), USA.
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28
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Chen T, Dalton G, Oh SH, Maeso-Diaz R, Du K, Meyers RA, Guy C, Abdelmalek MF, Henao R, Guarnieri P, Pullen SS, Gregory S, Locker J, Brown JM, Diehl AM. Hepatocyte Smoothened Activity Controls Susceptibility to Insulin Resistance and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:949-970. [PMID: 36535507 PMCID: PMC9957752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a leading cause of cirrhosis, strongly associates with the metabolic syndrome, an insulin-resistant proinflammatory state that disrupts energy balance and promotes progressive liver degeneration. We aimed to define the role of Smoothened (Smo), an obligatory component of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, in controlling hepatocyte metabolic homeostasis and, thereby, susceptibility to NASH. METHODS We conditionally deleted Smo in hepatocytes of healthy chow-fed mice and performed metabolic phenotyping, coupled with single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), to characterize the role of hepatocyte Smo in regulating basal hepatic and systemic metabolic homeostasis. Liver RNA-seq datasets from 2 large human cohorts were also analyzed to define the relationship between Smo and NASH susceptibility in people. RESULTS Hepatocyte Smo deletion inhibited the Hedgehog pathway and promoted fatty liver, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. We identified a plausible mechanism whereby inactivation of Smo stimulated the mTORC1-SREBP1c signaling axis, which promoted lipogenesis while inhibiting the hepatic insulin cascade. Transcriptomics of bulk and single Smo-deficient hepatocytes supported suppression of insulin signaling and also revealed molecular abnormalities associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Analysis of human bulk RNA-seq data revealed that Smo expression was (1) highest in healthy livers, (2) lower in livers with NASH than in those with simple steatosis, (3) negatively correlated with markers of insulin resistance and liver injury, and (4) declined progressively as fibrosis severity worsened. CONCLUSIONS The Hedgehog pathway controls insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis in adult livers. Loss of hepatocyte Hedgehog activity induces hepatic and systemic metabolic stress and enhances susceptibility to NASH by promoting hepatic lipoxicity and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Chen
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - George Dalton
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Seh-Hoon Oh
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Kuo Du
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rachel A Meyers
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Cynthia Guy
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Ricardo Henao
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Paolo Guarnieri
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Steven S Pullen
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Simon Gregory
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Joseph Locker
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - J Mark Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
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29
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Ohkubo R, Mu WC, Wang CL, Song Z, Barthez M, Wang Y, Mitchener N, Abdullayev R, Lee YR, Ma Y, Curtin M, Srinivasan S, Zhang X, Yang F, Sudmant PH, Pisco AO, Neff N, Haynes CM, Chen D. The hepatic integrated stress response suppresses the somatotroph axis to control liver damage in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111803. [PMID: 36516757 PMCID: PMC9825120 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be ameliorated by calorie restriction, which leads to the suppressed somatotroph axis. Paradoxically, the suppressed somatotroph axis is associated with patients with NAFLD and is correlated with the severity of fibrosis. How the somatotroph axis becomes dysregulated and whether the repressed somatotroph axis impacts liver damage during the progression of NAFLD are unclear. Here, we identify a regulatory branch of the hepatic integrated stress response (ISR), which represses the somatotroph axis in hepatocytes through ATF3, resulting in enhanced cell survival and reduced cell proliferation. In mouse models of NAFLD, the ISR represses the somatotroph axis, leading to reduced apoptosis and inflammation but decreased hepatocyte proliferation and exacerbated fibrosis in the liver. NAD+ repletion reduces the ISR, rescues the dysregulated somatotroph axis, and alleviates NAFLD. These results establish that the hepatic ISR suppresses the somatotroph axis to control cell fate decisions and liver damage in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Ohkubo
- Metabolic Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Wei-Chieh Mu
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Endocrinology Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Chih-Ling Wang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Zehan Song
- Metabolic Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Marine Barthez
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Yifei Wang
- Metabolic Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nathaniel Mitchener
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rasul Abdullayev
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Yeong Rim Lee
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Endocrinology Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Yuze Ma
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Megan Curtin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Suraj Srinivasan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Xingjia Zhang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Fanghan Yang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Endocrinology Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Peter H Sudmant
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Norma Neff
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cole M Haynes
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, UMass-Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Danica Chen
- Metabolic Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Endocrinology Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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30
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Li Y, Xiu W, Xu J, Chen X, Wang G, Duan J, Sun L, Liu B, Xie W, Pu G, Wang Q, Wang C. Increased CHCHD2 expression promotes liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis via Notch/osteopontin signaling. JCI Insight 2022; 7:162402. [PMID: 36477358 PMCID: PMC9746920 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.162402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is closely related to liver fibrosis. The role of coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain-containing 2 (CHCHD2) in NASH remains unknown. CHCHD2's functions as a transcription factor have received much less attention than those in mitochondria. Herein, we systematically characterized the role of CHCHD2 as a transcription factor by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and found its target genes were enriched in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Overall, CHCHD2 expression was found to be increased in the livers of patients with NAFLD and those of NASH mice. In line with these findings, CHCHD2 deficiency ameliorated NASH- and thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis, whereas hepatocyte-specific CHCHD2 overexpression promoted liver fibrosis in NASH mice via Notch signaling. Specifically, CHCHD2-overexpressing hepatocytes activated hepatic stellate cells by upregulating osteopontin levels, a downstream mediator of Notch signals. Moreover, Notch inhibition attenuated CHCHD2 overexpression-induced liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Then we found lipopolysaccharide-induced CHCHD2 expression in hepatocytes was reverted by verteporfin, an inhibitor that disrupts the interaction between Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional enhanced associate domains (TEADs). In addition, CHCHD2 levels were positively correlated with those of TEAD1 in human samples. In conclusion, CHCHD2 is upregulated via YAP/TAZ-TEAD in NASH livers and consequently promotes liver fibrosis by activating the Notch pathway and enhancing osteopontin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Xiu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingwen Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinjie Duan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ben Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyin Pu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunjiong Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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31
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Engelbrecht E, Kooistra T, Knipe RS. The Vasculature in Pulmonary Fibrosis. CURRENT TISSUE MICROENVIRONMENT REPORTS 2022; 3:83-97. [PMID: 36712832 PMCID: PMC9881604 DOI: 10.1007/s43152-022-00040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The current paradigm of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) pathogenesis involves recurrent injury to a sensitive alveolar epithelium followed by impaired repair responses marked by fibroblast activation and deposition of extracellular matrix. Multiple cell types are involved in this response with potential roles suggested by advances in single-cell RNA sequencing and lung developmental biology. Notably, recent work has better characterized the cell types present in the pulmonary endothelium and identified vascular changes in patients with IPF. Recent Findings Lung tissue from patients with IPF has been examined at single-cell resolution, revealing reductions in lung capillary cells and expansion of a population of vascular cells expressing markers associated with bronchial endothelium. In addition, pre-clinical models have demonstrated a fundamental role for aging and vascular permeability in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Summary Mounting evidence suggests that the endothelium undergoes changes in the context of fibrosis, and these changes may contribute to the development and/or progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Additional studies will be needed to further define the functional role of these vascular changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tristan Kooistra
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Rachel S. Knipe
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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32
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Yu J, Pajvani UB. Tumorigenesis from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2022; 2:544-546. [PMID: 37724256 PMCID: PMC10471092 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with metabolic syndrome is increasing to be a main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism of tumorigenesis in NASH induced HCC is still not clear. In this perspective, we will discuss the recent progress that has been made to understand the genetic change and the immune microenvironment of HCC, and the remaining questions. Based on the current study, NASH-HCC is likely to have novel mechanism, which needs more investigation in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Yu
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Utpal B. Pajvani
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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33
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Mitten EK, Baffy G. Mechanotransduction in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1642-1656. [PMID: 36063966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is a domain of interdisciplinary research that aims to explore the impact of physical force, applied externally or internally, on cell and tissue function, including development, growth, and differentiation. Mechanotransduction is a term that describes how cells sense physical forces (such as compression, stretch, and shear stress), convert them into biochemical signals, and mount adaptive responses integrated by the nucleus. There is accumulating evidence that mechanical forces extensively inform the biological behaviour of liver cells in health and disease. Recent research has elucidated many cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in this process including the pleiotropic control and diverse effects of the paralogous transcription co-activators YAP/TAZ, which play a prominent role in mechanotransduction. The liver sinusoids represent a unique microenvironment in which cells are exposed to mechanical cues originating in the cytoskeleton and at interfaces with adjacent cells, the extracellular matrix, and vascular or interstitial fluids. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatocellular lipid accumulation and ballooning, activation of inflammatory responses, dysfunction of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells into a pro-contractile and pro-fibrotic phenotype have been associated with aberrant cycles of mechanosensing and mechanoresponses. The downstream consequences of disrupted mechanical homeostasis likely contribute to the progression of NAFLD and promote the development of portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Identification of molecular targets involved in pathogenic mechanotransduction will allow for the development of novel strategies to prevent the progression of liver disease in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie K Mitten
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - György Baffy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston MA, USA.
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34
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Liu B, Tian Y, He J, Gu Q, Jin B, Shen H, Li W, Shi L, Yu H, Shan G, Cai X. The potential of mecciRNA in hepatic stellate cell to regulate progression of nonalcoholic hepatitis. J Transl Med 2022; 20:393. [PMID: 36058953 PMCID: PMC9441041 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03595-1] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) occupies a substantial proportion of chronic liver disease worldwide, of which pathogenesis needs further research. Recent studies have demonstrated the significant roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in NASH, while the function of a novel type of circRNAs, namely mitochondria-encoded circRNAs (mecciRNAs), remains elusive. Therefore, we aimed to investigate their potential to regulate the progression of NASH in this study. METHODS GSE134146 was used to screen for differentially expressed mecciRNAs in NASH, while GSE46300 was used to identify NASH-related genes. To establish the mecciRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks, circMINE and miRNet databases were used for predicting downstream targets. Then, consensus clustering analysis was used to determine immune subtypes of NASH. Finally, we successfully validated our findings in vitro (LPS-treated hepatic stellate cells [HSCs]) and in vivo (MCD-diet mice) NASH models. RESULTS We confirmed that circRNomics balance is disrupted in HSCs of NASH, while two mecciRNAs (hsa_circ_0089761 and hsa_circ_0089763) could function as competing for endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to regulate fibrosis-related signals. Furthermore, we constructed two ceRNA networks based on mecciRNAs for the first time. Cell and animal NASH models validated our findings that c-MYC and SMAD2/3 were upregulated in HSCs, while THBS1 and p-STAT3 were upregulated in hepatocytes. Moreover, we identified 21 core genes by overlapping the differentially expressed genes (NASH vs. Normal) with mecciRNA-targeted genes. According to their expression profiles, NASH patients could be divided in 2 different clusters, in which proinflammatory signals (TNF and IL-17 pathways) are significantly activated in Cluster 1. CONCLUSION We successfully established two novel mecciRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks in HSCs and hepatocytes, which were further confirmed by in vitro and in vivo models. Meanwhile, the novel immunotyping model revealed the heterogeneity of NASH, thereby might guiding treatment options. Altogether, our study brought a distinct perspective on the relationship between mecciRNAs and NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boqiang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Yuanshi Tian
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound & Echocardiography, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Qiuxia Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Binghan Jin
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Hao Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Weiqi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Ge Shan
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China. .,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of the USTC, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (UTSC), Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China.
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35
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Fang ZQ, Ruan B, Liu JJ, Duan JL, Yue ZS, Song P, Xu H, Ding J, Xu C, Dou GR, Wang L. Notch-triggered maladaptation of liver sinusoidal endothelium aggravates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis through endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Hepatology 2022; 76:742-758. [PMID: 35006626 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although NASH can lead to severe clinical consequences, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, no effective treatment is currently available for this disease. Increasing evidence indicates that LSECs play a critical role in NASH pathogenesis; however, the mechanisms involved in LSEC-mediated NASH remain to be fully elucidated. APPROACH AND RESULTS In the current study, we found that LSEC homeostasis was disrupted and LSEC-specific gene profiles were altered in methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH mouse models. Importantly, Notch signaling was found to be activated in LSECs of NASH mice. To then investigate the role of endothelial Notch in NASH progression, we generated mouse lines with endothelial-specific Notch intracellular domain (NICD) overexpression or RBP-J knockout to respectively activate or inhibit Notch signaling in endothelial cells. Notably, endothelial-specific overexpression of the NICD accelerated LSEC maladaptation and aggravated NASH, whereas endothelial cell-specific inhibition of Notch signaling restored LSEC homeostasis and improved NASH phenotypes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that endothelial-specific Notch activation exacerbated NASH by inhibiting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) transcription, whereas administration of the pharmacological eNOS activator YC-1 alleviated hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation resulting from Notch activation. Finally, to explore the therapeutic potential of using Notch inhibitors in NASH treatment, we applied two gamma-secretase inhibitors-DAPT and LY3039478-in an MCD diet-induced mouse model of NASH, and found that both inhibitors effectively ameliorated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial-specific Notch activation triggered LSEC maladaptation and exacerbated NASH phenotypes in an eNOS-dependent manner. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of Notch signaling effectively restored LSEC homeostasis and ameliorated NASH progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bai Ruan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine & Department of Aviation Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing-Jing Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juan-Li Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen-Sheng Yue
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guo-Rui Dou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Lu C, Zhu H, Zhao D, Zhang J, Yang K, Lv Y, Peng M, Xu X, Huang J, Shao Z, Xiao M, Li X. Oral-Gut Microbiome Analysis in Patients With Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease Having Different Tongue Image Feature. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:787143. [PMID: 35846747 PMCID: PMC9277304 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.787143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to identify the biological correlation between the tongue coating color and oral and gut micro-characteristics in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) patients. Method The characteristics of the tongue coating were examined using an automatic tongue diagnosis system. Tongue coating and stool samples were collected from 38 MAFLD patients, and 16S rDNA full-length assembly sequencing technology (16S-FAST) was used for bioinformatic analysis. Results Twenty-two and 16 subjects were included in two distinct clusters according to the white/yellow color of the tongue coating, which was assessed by the L*a*b* values of the image. Upon analyzing the microorganisms in the tongue coating, 66 and 62 pathognomonic bacterial genera were found in the White and Yellow Coating Groups, respectively. The abundance of Stomatobaculumis positively correlated with the a* values of the tongue coating in the White Coating Group, while Fusobacterium, Leptotrichia, and Tannerella abundance was significantly correlated with the b* values in the Yellow Coating Group. Function prediction mainly showed the involvement of protein families related to BRITE hierarchies and metabolism. The MHR (MONO%/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) of the Yellow Coating Group was higher than that of the White Coating Group. Conclusion In MAFLD patients, lower a* values and higher b* values are indicators of a yellow tongue coating. There were also significant differences in the flora of different tongue coatings, with corresponding changes in the intestinal flora, indicating a correlation between carbohydrate metabolism disorders and inflammation in the oral microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxia Lu
- The Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- The Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- The Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Obesity, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of Research and Development, Germountx Company, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Department of Obesity, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- Department of Obesity, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Department of Obesity, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of Obesity, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Zuoyu Shao
- The Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Department of Obesity, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Liver Disease, Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingzhong Xiao
- The Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Department of Obesity, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Liver Disease, Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- The Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Department of Obesity, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Liver Disease, Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
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37
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Gao H, Jin Z, Bandyopadhyay G, Cunha E Rocha K, Liu X, Zhao H, Zhang D, Jouihan H, Pourshahian S, Kisseleva T, Brenner DA, Ying W, Olefsky JM. MiR-690 treatment causes decreased fibrosis and steatosis and restores specific Kupffer cell functions in NASH. Cell Metab 2022; 34:978-990.e4. [PMID: 35700738 PMCID: PMC9262870 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a liver disease associated with significant morbidity. Kupffer cells (KCs) produce endogenous miR-690 and, via exosome secretion, shuttle this miRNA to other liver cells, such as hepatocytes, recruited hepatic macrophages (RHMs), and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). miR-690 directly inhibits fibrogenesis in HSCs, inflammation in RHMs, and de novo lipogenesis in hepatocytes. When an miR-690 mimic is administered to NASH mice in vivo, all the features of the NASH phenotype are robustly inhibited. During the development of NASH, KCs become miR-690 deficient, and miR-690 levels are markedly lower in mouse and human NASH livers than in controls. KC-specific KO of miR-690 promotes NASH pathogenesis. A primary target of miR-690 is NADK mRNA, and NADK levels are inversely proportional to the cellular miR-690 content. These studies show that KCs play a central role in the etiology of NASH and raise the possibility that miR-690 could emerge as a therapeutic for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Gao
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhongmou Jin
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gautam Bandyopadhyay
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Karina Cunha E Rocha
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Huayi Zhao
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dinghong Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hani Jouihan
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Soheil Pourshahian
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wei Ying
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Jerrold M Olefsky
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Wang Z, Zhao Z, Xia Y, Cai Z, Wang C, Shen Y, Liu R, Qin H, Jia J, Yuan G. Potential biomarkers in the fibrosis progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1379-1392. [PMID: 35226336 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01773-y] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fibrosis is the only histological feature reflecting the severity and prognosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We aim to explore novel genes associated with fibrosis progression in NASH. METHODS Two human RNA-seq datasets were downloaded from the public database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify their co-expressed modules and further bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify hub genes within the modules. Finally, based on two single-cell RNA-seq datasets from mice and one microarray dataset from human, we further observed the expression of hub genes in different cell clusters and liver tissues. RESULTS 7 hub genes (SPP1, PROM1, SOX9, EPCAM, THY1, CD34 and MCAM) associated with fibrosis progression were identified. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed that those hub genes were expressed by different cell clusters such as cholangiocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We also found that SPP1 and CD34 serve as markers of different HSCs clusters, which are associated with inflammatory response and fibrogenesis, respectively. Further study suggested that SPP1, SOX9, MCAM and THY1 might be related to NASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the high expression of these genes could well predict the occurrence of HCC. At the same time, there were significant differences in metabolism-related pathway changes between different HCC subtypes, and SOX9 may be involved in these changes. CONCLUSIONS The present study identified novel genes associated with NASH fibrosis and explored their effects on fibrosis from a single-cell perspective that might provide new ideas for the early diagnosis, monitoring, evaluation, and prediction of fibrosis progression in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Z Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Xia
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Z Cai
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Shen
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - R Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - H Qin
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - J Jia
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - G Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China.
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Watkins RD, Buckarma EH, Tomlinson JL, McCabe CE, Yonkus JA, Werneburg NW, Bayer RL, Starlinger PP, Robertson KD, Wang C, Gores GJ, Smoot RL. SHP2 inhibition enhances Yes-associated protein mediated liver regeneration in murine partial hepatectomy models. JCI Insight 2022; 7:159930. [PMID: 35763355 PMCID: PMC9462473 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.159930] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Disrupted liver regeneration following hepatectomy represents an “undruggable” clinical challenge associated with poor patient outcomes. Yes-associated protein (YAP), a transcriptional coactivator that is repressed by the Hippo pathway, is instrumental in liver regeneration. We have previously described an alternative, Hippo-independent mechanism of YAP activation mediated by downregulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 11 (PTPN11, also known as SHP2) inhibition. Herein, we examined the effects of YAP activation with a selective SHP1/SHP2 inhibitor, NSC-87877, on liver regeneration in murine partial hepatectomy models. In our studies, NSC-87877 led to accelerated hepatocyte proliferation, improved liver regeneration, and decreased markers of injury following partial hepatectomy. The effects of NSC-87877 were lost in mice with hepatocyte-specific Yap/Taz deletion, and this demonstrated dependence on these molecules for the enhanced regenerative response. Furthermore, administration of NSC-87877 to murine models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was associated with improved survival and decreased markers of injury after hepatectomy. Evaluation of transcriptomic changes in the context of NSC-87877 administration revealed reduction in fibrotic signaling and augmentation of cell cycle signaling. Cytoprotective changes included downregulation of Nr4a1, an apoptosis inducer. Collectively, the data suggest that SHP2 inhibition induces a pro-proliferative and cytoprotective enhancement of liver regeneration dependent on YAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Watkins
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - EeeLN H Buckarma
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | | | - Chantal E McCabe
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A Yonkus
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Nathan W Werneburg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Rachel L Bayer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | | | - Keith D Robertson
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Rory L Smoot
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
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40
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Fibrogenic Pathways in Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136996. [PMID: 35805998 PMCID: PMC9266719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently also re-defined as metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is rapidly increasing, affecting ~25% of the world population. MALFD/NAFLD represents a spectrum of liver pathologies including the more benign hepatic steatosis and the more advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is associated with enhanced risk for liver fibrosis and progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation underlies NASH-related fibrosis. Here, we discuss the profibrogenic pathways, which lead to HSC activation and fibrogenesis, with a particular focus on the intercellular hepatocyte–HSC and macrophage–HSC crosstalk.
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41
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Dichtel LE, Cordoba-Chacon J, Kineman RD. Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Regulation of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:1812-1824. [PMID: 35172328 PMCID: PMC9202731 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Patients with obesity have a high prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), representing a spectrum of simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), without and with fibrosis. Understanding the etiology of NAFLD is clinically relevant since NAFLD is an independent risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, NASH predisposes patients to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and NASH cirrhosis represents the fastest growing indication for liver transplantation in the United States. It is appreciated that multiple factors are involved in the development and progression of NAFLD. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) regulate metabolic, immune, and hepatic stellate cell function, and alterations in the production and function of GH is associated with obesity and NAFLD/NASH. Therefore, this review will focus on the potential role of GH and IGF1 in the regulation of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Dichtel
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose Cordoba-Chacon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rhonda D Kineman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Research and Development Division, Chicago, IL, USA
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42
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Wallace SJ, Tacke F, Schwabe RF, Henderson NC. Understanding the cellular interactome of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. JHEP REPORTS : INNOVATION IN HEPATOLOGY 2022; 4:100524. [PMID: 35845296 PMCID: PMC9284456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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43
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Chen Y, Gao WK, Shu YY, Ye J. Mechanisms of ductular reaction in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:2088-2099. [PMID: 35664038 PMCID: PMC9134136 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i19.2088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disease spectrum caused in part by insulin resistance and genetic predisposition. This disease is primarily characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in the absence of alcohol abuse and other causes of liver damage. Histologically, NAFLD is divided into several periods: simple steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. With the increasing prevalence of obesity and hyperlipidemia, NAFLD has become the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. As a result, the pathogenesis of this disease is drawing increasing attention. Ductular reaction (DR) is a reactive bile duct hyperplasia caused by liver injury that involves hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and hepatic progenitor cells. Recently, DR is shown to play a pivotal role in simple steatosis progression to NASH or liver fibrosis, providing new research and treatment options. This study reviews several DR signaling pathways, including Notch, Hippo/YAP-TAZ, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, HGF/c-Met, and TWEAK/Fn14, and their role in the occurrence and development of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wen-Kang Gao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yan-Yun Shu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jin Ye
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
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Priest C, Nagari RT, Bideyan L, Lee SD, Nguyen A, Xiao X, Tontonoz P. Brap regulates liver morphology and hepatocyte turnover via modulation of the Hippo pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2201859119. [PMID: 35476518 PMCID: PMC9171358 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2201859119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of hepatocyte proliferation and liver morphology is of critical importance to tissue and whole-body homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie this complex process are incompletely understood. Here, we describe a role for the ubiquitin ligase BRCA1-associated protein (BRAP) in regulation of hepatocyte morphology and turnover via regulation of MST2, a protein kinase in the Hippo pathway. The Hippo pathway has been implicated in the control of liver morphology, inflammation, and fibrosis. We demonstrate here that liver-specific ablation of Brap in mice results in gross and cellular morphological alterations of the liver. Brap-deficient livers exhibit increased hepatocyte proliferation, cell death, and inflammation. We show that loss of BRAP protein alters Hippo pathway signaling, causing a reduction in phosphorylation of YAP and increased expression of YAP target genes, including those regulating cell growth and interactions with the extracellular environment. Finally, increased Hippo signaling in Brap knockout mice alters the pattern of liver lipid accumulation in dietary models of obesity. These studies identify a role for BRAP as a modulator of the hepatic Hippo pathway with relevance to human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Priest
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Rohith T. Nagari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Lara Bideyan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Stephen D. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Alexander Nguyen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Xu Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Peter Tontonoz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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45
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Wang Y, Shi R, Zhai R, Yang S, Peng T, Zheng F, Shen Y, Li M, Li L. Matrix stiffness regulates macrophage polarization in atherosclerosis. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106236. [PMID: 35483516 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and the pathological basis of many fatal cardiovascular diseases. Macrophages, the main inflammatory cells in atherosclerotic plaque, have a paradox role in disease progression. In response to different microenvironments, macrophages mainly have two polarized directions: pro-inflammatory macrophages and anti-inflammatory macrophages. More and more evidence shows that macrophage is mechanosensitive and matrix stiffness regulate macrophage phenotypes in atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanism of matrix stiffness regulating macrophage polarization still lacks in-depth research, which hinders the development of new anti-atherosclerotic therapies. In this review, we discuss the important role of matrix stiffness in regulating macrophage polarization through mechanical signal transduction (Hippo, Piezo, cytoskeleton, and integrin) and epigenetic mechanisms (miRNA, DNA methylation, and histone). We hope to provide a new perspective for atherosclerosis therapy by targeting matrix stiffness and macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ruotong Shi
- Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ran Zhai
- Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shiyan Yang
- Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Tianqi Peng
- Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Fuwen Zheng
- Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - YanNan Shen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Wang G, Duan J, Pu G, Ye C, Li Y, Xiu W, Xu J, Liu B, Zhu Y, Wang C. The Annexin A2-Notch regulatory loop in hepatocytes promotes liver fibrosis in NAFLD by increasing osteopontin expression. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166413. [PMID: 35413401 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying the progression of liver disease from simple hepatic steatosis to advanced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis warrant further investigation. Increased mRNA levels of Annexin A2 protein (Anxa2) have been observed in patients with NASH. However, the role of Anxa2 in NASH remains unclear. METHODS The protein levels of Anxa2 were analyzed in the livers of mice and patients with NASH. Anxa2-knockout and -knockdown mice were generated, and NASH was induced through a high fructose, palmitate, and cholesterol (FPC) diet or methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet. FINDINGS We found elevated expression of Anxa2 in the livers of patients and mice with NASH. Anxa2 knockdown but not knockout ameliorated liver fibrosis in both FPC and MCD diet-fed mice. Liver-specific Anxa2 overexpression increased collagen deposition in mice fed a normal diet. Mechanistically, Anxa2 overexpression in hepatocytes promoted hepatic stellate cell activation in a paracrine manner by increasing osteopontin expression. Notch inhibition suppressed the exogenous overexpression of Anxa2-induced osteopontin and endogenous Anxa2 expression. Additionally, Anxa2 overexpression accelerated the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice fed a high-fat diet. Moreover, Anxa2 levels were higher in NAFLD patients with advanced liver fibrosis than in those with mild liver fibrosis, as determined using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. INTERPRETATION In conclusion, we found increased Anxa2 expression in hepatocytes promoted liver fibrosis in NASH mice by increasing osteopontin expression. The Anxa2-Notch positive regulatory loop contributes to this process and represents a novel target for the treatment of NASH-related liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinjie Duan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangyin Pu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenji Ye
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Xiu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingwen Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ben Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunjiong Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; School of Nursing, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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47
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Notch signaling pathway: architecture, disease, and therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:95. [PMID: 35332121 PMCID: PMC8948217 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 130.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The NOTCH gene was identified approximately 110 years ago. Classical studies have revealed that NOTCH signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway. NOTCH receptors undergo three cleavages and translocate into the nucleus to regulate the transcription of target genes. NOTCH signaling deeply participates in the development and homeostasis of multiple tissues and organs, the aberration of which results in cancerous and noncancerous diseases. However, recent studies indicate that the outcomes of NOTCH signaling are changeable and highly dependent on context. In terms of cancers, NOTCH signaling can both promote and inhibit tumor development in various types of cancer. The overall performance of NOTCH-targeted therapies in clinical trials has failed to meet expectations. Additionally, NOTCH mutation has been proposed as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade therapy in many cancers. Collectively, the NOTCH pathway needs to be integrally assessed with new perspectives to inspire discoveries and applications. In this review, we focus on both classical and the latest findings related to NOTCH signaling to illustrate the history, architecture, regulatory mechanisms, contributions to physiological development, related diseases, and therapeutic applications of the NOTCH pathway. The contributions of NOTCH signaling to the tumor immune microenvironment and cancer immunotherapy are also highlighted. We hope this review will help not only beginners but also experts to systematically and thoroughly understand the NOTCH signaling pathway.
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Ding WX, Sancho-Bru P. SOX9 acts downstream of YAP to decide liver cell fate and tumor types. J Hepatol 2022; 76:503-505. [PMID: 34929213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xing Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA.
| | - Pau Sancho-Bru
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain.
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Wang SW, Lan T, Chen HF, Sheng H, Xu CY, Xu LF, Zheng F, Zhang F. Limonin, an AMPK Activator, Inhibits Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in High Fat Diet Fed Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:833705. [PMID: 35140621 PMCID: PMC8819594 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.833705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
NAFLD is the most prevalent liver disease in human history. The treatment is still limited yet. In the current study, we reported that limonin inhibited hepatic lipid accumulation and fatty acid synthesis in HFD fed mice. Using AMPK inhibitor and AMPK deficient C. elegans, we revealed the effect was dependent on the activation of AMPK. We found that limonin activated AMPK through inhibition of cellular energy metabolism and increasing ADP:ATP ratio. Furthermore, the treatment of limonin induced AMPK mediated suppression of the transcriptional activity of SREBP1/2. Our study suggests that limonin may a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-wei Wang
- Core Facility, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Core Facility, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Hang-fei Chen
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Sheng
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chun-yi Xu
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-feng Xu
- Core Facility, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Fang Zheng
- Core Facility, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Core Facility, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Zhang,
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50
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Wang Z, Yang X, Gui S, Yang F, Cao Z, Cheng R, Xia X, Li C. The Roles and Mechanisms of lncRNAs in Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:779606. [PMID: 34899344 PMCID: PMC8652206 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.779606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can potentially regulate all aspects of cellular activity including differentiation and development, metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, and activation, and benefited from advances in transcriptomic and genomic research techniques and database management technologies, its functions and mechanisms in physiological and pathological states have been widely reported. Liver fibrosis is typically characterized by a reversible wound healing response, often accompanied by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. In recent years, a range of lncRNAs have been investigated and found to be involved in several cellular-level regulatory processes as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that play an important role in the development of liver fibrosis. A variety of lncRNAs have also been shown to contribute to the altered cell cycle, proliferation profile associated with the accelerated development of liver fibrosis. This review aims to discuss the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in the development and regression of liver fibrosis, to explore the major lncRNAs involved in the signaling pathways regulating liver fibrosis, to elucidate the mechanisms mediated by lncRNA dysregulation and to provide new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifa Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoke Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Siyu Gui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fan Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhuo Cao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rong Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaowei Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Chuanying Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, China
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