1
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Jin C, Jiang P, Zhang Z, Han Y, Wen X, Zheng L, Kuang W, Lian J, Yu G, Qian X, Ren Y, Lu M, Xu L, Chen W, Chen J, Zhou Y, Xin J, Wang B, Jin X, Qian P, Yang Y. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the pro-inflammatory roles of liver-resident Th1-like cells in primary biliary cholangitis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8690. [PMID: 39375367 PMCID: PMC11458754 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53104-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease characterized by multilineage immune dysregulation, which subsequently causes inflammation, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis of liver. Due to the limitation of traditional assays, the local hepatic immunopathogenesis of PBC has not been fully characterized. Here, we utilize single-cell RNA sequencing technology to depict the immune cell landscape and decipher the molecular mechanisms of PBC patients. We reveal that cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells are involved in liver inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, Kupffer cells show increased levels of inflammatory factors and decreased scavenger function related genes, while T cells exhibit enhanced levels of inflammatory factors and reduced cytotoxicity related genes. Interestingly, we identify a liver-resident Th1-like population with JAK-STAT activation in the livers of both PBC patients and murine PBC model. Finally, blocking the JAK-STAT pathway alleviates the liver inflammation and eliminates the liver-resident Th1-like cells in the murine PBC model. In conclusion, our comprehensive single-cell transcriptome profiling expands the understanding of pathological mechanisms of PBC and provides potential targets for the treatment of PBC in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciliang Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Penglei Jiang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoru Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingli Han
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Wen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Kuang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiangshan Lian
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guodong Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Qian
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Ren
- Depratment of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Lu
- Depratment of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Xu
- Depratment of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weixin Chen
- Depratment of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiyang Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuwei Zhou
- Depratment of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinxia Xin
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ben Wang
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Depratment of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Pengxu Qian
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yida Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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2
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Alisi A, McCaughan G, Grønbæk H. Role of gut microbiota and immune cells in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease: clinical impact. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:861-872. [PMID: 38995341 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10674-6] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
In 2020, a revised definition of fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MAFLD) was proposed to replace non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD). Liver steatosis and at least one of the three metabolic risk factors, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, or signs of metabolic dysregulation, are used to diagnose MAFLD. MAFLD, similarly to NAFLD, is characterized by a spectrum of disease ranging from simple steatosis to advanced metabolic steatohepatitis with or without fibrosis, and may progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer, including increased risk of other critical extrahepatic diseases. Even though the pathophysiology of MAFLD and potential therapeutic targets have been explored in great detail, there is yet no Food and Drug Administration approved treatment. Recently, gut microbiome-derived products (e.g., endotoxins and metabolites) involved in intestinal barrier disruption, systemic inflammation, and modification of intrahepatic immunity have been associated with MAFLD development and progression. Therefore, different strategies could be adopted to modify the gut microbiome to improve outcomes in early and progressive MAFLD. Here, we provide an overview of mechanisms that may link the gut microbiome and immune response during the onset of liver steatosis and progression to steatohepatitis and fibrosis in patients with MAFLD. Finally, gut microbiota-based approaches are discussed as potential personalized treatments against MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Alisi
- Research Unit of Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesu' Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Geoffrey McCaughan
- A.W Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital and Clinical Institute, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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3
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Taranto D, Kloosterman DJ, Akkari L. Macrophages and T cells in metabolic disorder-associated cancers. Nat Rev Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41568-024-00743-1. [PMID: 39354070 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00743-1] [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] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
Cancer and metabolic disorders have emerged as major global health challenges, reaching epidemic levels in recent decades. Often viewed as separate issues, metabolic disorders are shown by mounting evidence to heighten cancer risk and incidence. The intricacies underlying this connection are still being unraveled and encompass a complex interplay between metabolites, cancer cells and immune cells within the tumour microenvironment (TME). Here, we outline the interplay between metabolic and immune cell dysfunction in the context of three highly prevalent metabolic disorders, namely obesity; two associated liver diseases, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH); and type 2 diabetes. We focus primarily on macrophages and T cells, the critical roles of which in dictating inflammatory response and immune surveillance in metabolic disorder-associated cancers are widely reported. Moreover, considering the ever-increasing number of patients prescribed with metabolism disorder-altering drugs and diets in recent years, we discuss how these therapies modulate systemic and local immune phenotypes, consequently impacting cancer malignancy. Collectively, unraveling the determinants of metabolic disorder-associated immune landscape and their role in fuelling cancer malignancy will provide a framework essential to therapeutically address these highly prevalent diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Taranto
- Division of Tumour Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J Kloosterman
- Division of Tumour Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leila Akkari
- Division of Tumour Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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4
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Matchett KP, Paris J, Teichmann SA, Henderson NC. Spatial genomics: mapping human steatotic liver disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:646-660. [PMID: 38654090 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00915-2] [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] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. MASLD can progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) with subsequent liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma formation. The advent of current technologies such as single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing have transformed our understanding of the liver in homeostasis and disease. The next frontier is contextualizing this single-cell information in its native spatial orientation. This understanding will markedly accelerate discovery science in hepatology, resulting in a further step-change in our knowledge of liver biology and pathobiology. In this Review, we discuss up-to-date knowledge of MASLD development and progression and how the burgeoning field of spatial genomics is driving exciting new developments in our understanding of human liver disease pathogenesis and therapeutic target identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie P Matchett
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jasmin Paris
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah A Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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5
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Reuveni D, Assi S, Gore Y, Brazowski E, Leung PSC, Shalit T, Gershwin ME, Zigmond E. Conventional type 1 dendritic cells are essential for the development of primary biliary cholangitis. Liver Int 2024; 44:2063-2074. [PMID: 38700427 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15961] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a progressive-cholestatic autoimmune liver disease. Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells and their prominent presence around damaged bile ducts of PBC patients are documented. cDC1 is a rare subset of DC known for its cross-presentation abilities and interleukin 12 production. Our aim was to assess the role of cDC1 in the pathogenesis of PBC. METHODS We utilized an inducible murine model of PBC and took advantage of the DC reporter mice Zbtb46gfp and the Batf3-/- mice that specifically lack the cDC1 subset. cDC1 cells were sorted from blood of PBC patients and healthy individuals and subjected to Bulk-MARS-seq transcriptome analysis. RESULTS Histopathology assessment demonstrated peri-portal inflammation in wild type (WT) mice, whereas only minor abnormalities were observed in Batf3-/- mice. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a two-fold reduction in hepatic CD8/CD4 T cells ratio in Batf3-/- mice, suggesting reduced intrahepatic CD8 T cells expansion. Histological evidence of portal fibrosis was detected only in the WT but not in Batf3-/- mice. This finding was supported by decreased expression levels of pro-fibrotic genes in the livers of Batf3-/- mice. Transcriptome analysis of human cDC1, revealed 78 differentially expressed genes between PBC patients and controls. Genes related to antigen presentation, TNF and IFN signalling and mitochondrial dysfunction were significantly increased in cDC1 isolated from PBC patients. CONCLUSION Our data illustrated the contribution the cDC1 subset in the pathogenesis of PBC and provides a novel direction for immune based cell-specific targeted therapeutic approach in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Reuveni
- The Research Center for Digestive Tract and Liver Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Center for Liver Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Siwar Assi
- The Research Center for Digestive Tract and Liver Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Gore
- The Research Center for Digestive Tract and Liver Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eli Brazowski
- Department of Pathology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Tali Shalit
- The Mantoux Bioinformatics Institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Merrill E Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Ehud Zigmond
- The Research Center for Digestive Tract and Liver Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Center for Liver Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
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6
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Wang B, Yang L, Yuan X, Zhang Y. Roles and therapeutic targeting of dendritic cells in liver fibrosis. J Drug Target 2024; 32:647-654. [PMID: 38682473 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2347365] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common pathological condition marked by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting in irreversible cirrhosis and cancer. Dendritic cells (DCs) act as the crucial component of hepatic immunity and are believed to affect fibrosis by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a key mediator of fibrogenesis, and by interplaying with immune cells in the liver. This review concisely describes the process of fibrogenesis, and the phenotypic and functional characteristics of DCs in the liver. Besides, it focuses on the interaction between DCs and HSCs, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as the dual roles of DCs in liver fibrosis, for the sake of exploring the potential of targeting DCs as a therapeutic strategy for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Wang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Liuxin Yang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Xingxing Yuan
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
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7
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Miao Y, Li Z, Feng J, Lei X, Shan J, Qian C, Li J. The Role of CD4 +T Cells in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6895. [PMID: 39000005 PMCID: PMC11240980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136895] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide; annually, approximately 830,000 deaths related to liver cancer are diagnosed globally. Since early-stage HCC is clinically asymptomatic, traditional treatment modalities, including surgical ablation, are usually not applicable or result in recurrence. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), provides new hope for cancer therapy; however, immune evasion mechanisms counteract its efficiency. In addition to viral exposure and alcohol addiction, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a major cause of HCC. Owing to NASH-related aberrant T cell activation causing tissue damage that leads to impaired immune surveillance, NASH-associated HCC patients respond much less efficiently to ICB treatment than do patients with other etiologies. In addition, abnormal inflammation contributes to NASH progression and NASH-HCC transition, as well as to HCC immune evasion. Therefore, uncovering the detailed mechanism governing how NASH-associated immune cells contribute to NASH progression would benefit HCC prevention and improve HCC immunotherapy efficiency. In the following review, we focused our attention on summarizing the current knowledge of the role of CD4+T cells in NASH and HCC progression, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies involving the targeting of CD4+T cells for the treatment of NASH and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadi Miao
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Ziyong Li
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Juan Feng
- Center for Precision Medicine of Cancer, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Xia Lei
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Juanjuan Shan
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Center for Precision Medicine of Cancer, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Center for Precision Medicine of Cancer, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jiatao Li
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Center for Precision Medicine of Cancer, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
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8
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Ding X, Pang Y, Liu Q, Zhang H, Wu J, Lei J, Zhang T. GO-PEG Represses the Progression of Liver Inflammation via Regulating the M1/M2 Polarization of Kupffer Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306483. [PMID: 38229561 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
As a highly promising nanomaterial, exploring the impact of the liver, a vital organ, stands out as a crucial focus in the examination of its biological effects. Kupffer cells (KCs) are one of the first immune cells to contact with exotic-substances in liver. Therefore, this study investigates the immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of polyethylene glycol-modified graphene oxide (GO-PEG) on KCs. Initial RNA-seq and KEGG pathway analyses reveal the inhibition of the TOLL-like receptor, TNF-α and NOD-like receptor pathways in continually stimulated KCs exposed to GO-PEG. Subsequent biological experiments validate that a 48-hour exposure to GO-PEG alleviates LPS-induced KCs immune activation, characterized by a shift in polarization from M1 to M2. The underlying mechanism involves the absorption of double-stranded RNA/single-stranded RNA, inhibiting the activation of TLR3 and TLR7 in KCs. Employing a Kupffer/AML12 cell co-culture model and animal studies, it is observed that GO-PEG indirectly inhibit oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in AML12 cells, partially mitigating systemic inflammation and preserving liver tissue/function. This effect is attributed to the paracrine interaction between KCs and hepatocytes. These findings suggest a meaningful and effective strategy for treating liver inflammation, particularly when combined with anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Ding
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yanting Pang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Haopeng Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiawei Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jialin Lei
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Jiangsu key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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9
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Popov J, Despot T, Avelar Rodriguez D, Khan I, Mech E, Khan M, Bojadzija M, Pai N. Implications of Microbiota and Immune System in Development and Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. Nutrients 2024; 16:1668. [PMID: 38892602 PMCID: PMC11175128 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent type of liver disease worldwide. The exact pathophysiology behind MASLD remains unclear; however, it is thought that a combination of factors or "hits" act as precipitants for disease onset and progression. Abundant evidence supports the roles of diet, genes, metabolic dysregulation, and the intestinal microbiome in influencing the accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes and subsequent progression to inflammation and fibrosis. Currently, there is no cure for MASLD, but lifestyle changes have been the prevailing cornerstones of management. Research is now focusing on the intestinal microbiome as a potential therapeutic target for MASLD, with the spotlight shifting to probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. In this review, we provide an overview of how intestinal microbiota interact with the immune system to contribute to the pathogenesis of MASLD and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We also summarize key microbial taxa implicated in the disease and discuss evidence supporting microbial-targeted therapies in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Popov
- Boston Combined Residency Program, Boston Children’s Hospital & Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Tijana Despot
- College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland; (T.D.); (I.K.)
| | - David Avelar Rodriguez
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1E8, Canada;
| | - Irfan Khan
- College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland; (T.D.); (I.K.)
| | - Eugene Mech
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 C1P1 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Mahrukh Khan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada;
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Milan Bojadzija
- Department of Internal Medicine, Subotica General Hospital, 24000 Subotica, Serbia;
| | - Nikhil Pai
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada;
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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10
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Xie Y, Huang Y, Li ZY, Jiang W, Shi NX, Lu Y, Cao G, Yin Z, Lin XJ. Interleukin-21 receptor signaling promotes metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis-driven hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing immunosuppressive IgA + B cells. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:95. [PMID: 38720319 PMCID: PMC11077880 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02001-2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of immune surveillance is tightly linked to the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)-driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to determine the role of interleukin-21 receptor (IL-21R) in MASH-driven HCC. METHODS The clinical significance of IL-21R was assessed in human HCC specimens using immunohistochemistry staining. Furthermore, the expression of IL-21R in mice was assessed in the STAM model. Thereafter, two different MASH-driven HCC mouse models were applied between IL-21R-deficient mice and wild type controls to explore the role of IL-21R in MASH-driven HCC. To further elucidate the potential mechanisms by which IL-21R affected MASH-driven HCC, whole transcriptome sequencing, flow cytometry and adoptive lymphocyte transfer were performed. Finally, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescent staining, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and western blotting were conducted to explore the mechanism by which IL-21R induced IgA+ B cells. RESULTS HCC patients with high IL-21R expression exhibited poor relapse-free survival, advanced TNM stage and severe steatosis. Additionally, IL-21R was demonstrated to be upregulated in mouse liver tumors. Particularly, ablation of IL-21R impeded MASH-driven hepatocarcinogenesis with dramatically reduction of lipid accumulation. Moreover, cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte activation was enhanced in the absence of IL-21R due to the reduction of immunosuppressive IgA+ B cells. Mechanistically, the IL-21R-STAT1-c-Jun/c-Fos regulatory axis was activated in MASH-driven HCC and thus promoted the transcription of Igha, resulting in the induction of IgA+ B cells. CONCLUSIONS IL-21R plays a cancer-promoting role by inducing IgA+ B cells in MASH-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. Targeting IL-21R signaling represents a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- B-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/etiology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fatty Liver/metabolism
- Fatty Liver/pathology
- Fatty Liver/etiology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Immunoglobulin A/metabolism
- Interleukin-21 Receptor alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Interleukin-21 Receptor alpha Subunit/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/etiology
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-21/metabolism
- Receptors, Interleukin-21/genetics
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xie
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yu Huang
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Li
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Weihua Jiang
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Nan-Xi Shi
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yuanzhi Lu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Guangchao Cao
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
| | - Xue-Jia Lin
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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11
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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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12
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Tzeng HT, Lee WC. Impact of Transgenerational Nutrition on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Development: Interplay between Gut Microbiota, Epigenetics and Immunity. Nutrients 2024; 16:1388. [PMID: 38732634 PMCID: PMC11085251 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent pediatric liver disorder, primarily attributed to dietary shifts in recent years. NAFLD is characterized by the accumulation of lipid species in hepatocytes, leading to liver inflammation that can progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Risk factors contributing to NAFLD encompass genetic variations and metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Moreover, transgenerational influences, resulting in an imbalance of gut microbial composition, epigenetic modifications, and dysregulated hepatic immune responses in offspring, play a pivotal role in pediatric NAFLD development. Maternal nutrition shapes the profile of microbiota-derived metabolites in offspring, exerting significant influence on immune system regulation and the development of metabolic syndrome in offspring. In this review, we summarize recent evidence elucidating the intricate interplay between gut microbiota, epigenetics, and immunity in fetuses exposed to maternal nutrition, and its impact on the onset of NAFLD in offspring. Furthermore, potential therapeutic strategies targeting this network are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Tai Tzeng
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Chia Lee
- Division of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33332, Taiwan
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13
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Zhang W, Yu L, Yang Q, Zhang J, Wang W, Hu X, Li J, Zheng G. Smilax China L. polysaccharide prevents HFD induced-NAFLD by regulating hepatic fat metabolism and gut microbiota. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 127:155478. [PMID: 38452696 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155478] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has urged the development of new therapeutics. NAFLD is intimately linked to gut microbiota due to the hepatic portal system, and utilizing natural polysaccharides as prebiotics has become a prospective strategy for preventing NAFLD. Smilax china L. polysaccharide (SCP) possesses excellent hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity. However, its protective effects on NAFLD remains unclear. PURPOSE The goal of this study was to explore the protective effects of SCP on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mice by regulating hepatic fat metabolism and gut microbiota. METHODS Extraction and isolation from Smilax china L. rhizome to obtain SCP. C57BL/6 J mice were distributed to six groups: Control (normal chow diet), HFD-fed mice were assigned to HFD, simvastatin (SVT), and low-, medium-, high-doses of SCP for 12 weeks. The body, liver, and different adipose tissues weights were detected, and lipids in serum and liver were assessed. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the hepatic fat metabolism-related genes and proteins. Gut microbiota of cecum contents was profiled through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS SCP effectively reversed HFD-induced increase weights of body, liver, and different adipose tissues. Lipid levels of serum and liver were also significantly reduced after SCP intervention. According to the results of RT-PCR and western blot analysis, SCP treatment up-regulated the genes and proteins related to lipolysis were up-regulated, while lipogenesis-related genes and proteins were down-regulated. Furthermore, the HFD-induced dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota was similarly repaired by SCP intervention, including enriching beneficial bacteria and depleting harmful bacteria. CONCLUSION SCP could effectively prevent HFD-induced NAFLD, might be considered as a prebiotic agent due to its excellent effects on altering hepatic fat metabolism and maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Zhang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Functional Food, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Longhui Yu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Functional Food, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Qinru Yang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Functional Food, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Zhang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Functional Food, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Functional Food, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Xinru Hu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Functional Food, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Jingen Li
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Functional Food, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, PR China.
| | - Guodong Zheng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Functional Food, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, PR China.
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14
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Werner W, Kuzminskaya M, Lurje I, Tacke F, Hammerich L. Overcoming Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Liver Cancer with Combination Therapy: Stronger Together? Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:159-179. [PMID: 38806159 PMCID: PMC11245330 DOI: 10.1055/a-2334-8311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, represented mainly by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is one of the most common and deadliest tumors worldwide. While surgical resection or liver transplantation are the best option in early disease stages, these tumors often present in advanced stages and systemic treatment is required to improve survival time. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has had a positive impact especially on the treatment of advanced cancers, thereby establishing immunotherapy as part of first-line treatment in HCC and CCA. Nevertheless, low response rates reflect on the usually cold or immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment of primary liver cancer. In this review, we aim to summarize mechanisms of resistance leading to tumor immune escape with a special focus on the composition of tumor microenvironment in both HCC and CCA, also reflecting on recent important developments in ICI combination therapy. Furthermore, we discuss how combination of ICIs with established primary liver cancer treatments (e.g. multikinase inhibitors and chemotherapy) as well as more complex combinations with state-of-the-art therapeutic concepts may reshape the tumor microenvironment, leading to higher response rates and long-lasting antitumor immunity for primary liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Werner
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Kuzminskaya
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabella Lurje
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Zhang L, Shi Y, Liang B, Li X. An overview of the cholesterol metabolism and its proinflammatory role in the development of MASLD. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0434. [PMID: 38696365 PMCID: PMC11068152 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000434] [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] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential lipid molecule in mammalian cells. It is not only involved in the formation of cell membranes but also serves as a raw material for the synthesis of bile acids, vitamin D, and steroid hormones. Additionally, it acts as a covalent modifier of proteins and plays a crucial role in numerous life processes. Generally, the metabolic processes of cholesterol absorption, synthesis, conversion, and efflux are strictly regulated. Excessive accumulation of cholesterol in the body is a risk factor for metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In this review, we first provide an overview of the discovery of cholesterol and the fundamental process of cholesterol metabolism. We then summarize the relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and the risk of developing MASLD, and also the animal models of MASLD specifically established with a cholesterol-containing diet. In the end, the role of cholesterol-induced inflammation in the initiation and development of MASLD is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqiang Zhang
- Institute of Life Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongqiong Shi
- Institute of Life Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Liang
- Center for Life Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xi Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Wu S, Ren W, Hong J, Yang Y, Lu Y. Ablation of histone methyltransferase Suv39h2 in hepatocytes attenuates NASH in mice. Life Sci 2024; 343:122524. [PMID: 38401627 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122524] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by aberrant lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. We investigated the involvement of a histone H3K9 methyltransferase Suv39h2 in the pathogenesis of NASH. METHODS AND MATERIALS NASH is induced by feeding the mice with a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet or a high-fat choline-deficient amino acid defined (HFD-CDAA) diet. The Suv39h2f/f mice were crossbred with the Alb-Cre mice to specifically delete Suv39h2 in hepatocytes. KEY FINDINGS Ablation of Suv39h2 in hepatocytes improved insulin sensitivity of the mice fed either the HFHC diet or the CDAA-HFD diet. Importantly, Suv39h2 deletion significantly ameliorated NAFLD as evidenced by reduced lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver. RNA-seq uncovered Vanin-1 (Vnn1) as a novel transcriptional target for Suv39h2. Mechanistically, Suv39h2 repressed Vnn1 transcription in hepatocytes exposed to free fatty acids. Consistently, Vanin-1 knockdown normalized lipid accumulation in Suv39h2-null hepatocytes. Importantly, a significant correlation between Suv39h2, Vanin-1, and hepatic triglyceride levels was identified in NASH patients. SIGNIFICANCE Our study uncovers a novel mechanism whereby Suv39h2 may contribute to NASH pathogenesis and suggests that targeting the Suv39h2-Vanin-1 axis may yield novel therapeutic solutions against NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqiang Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjing Ren
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiameng Hong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yunjie Lu
- Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China; Africa Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Consortium, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA.
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17
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Pinto AT, Lukacs-Kornek V. The role of dendritic cells in MASH: friends or foes? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379225. [PMID: 38650949 PMCID: PMC11033439 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379225] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are major antigen-presenting cells that connect innate and adaptive immunity. Hepatic DCs are less activated and contribute to maintain the tolerogenic environment of the liver under steady state. Several studies indicated DCs in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), representing a substantial burden on healthcare systems due to its association with liver-related morbidity and mortality. Studies highlighted the potential disease-promoting role of liver DCs in the development of MASH while other experimental systems suggested their protective role. This review discusses this controversy and the current understanding of how DCs affect the pathogenesis of MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronika Lukacs-Kornek
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
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18
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Boccatonda A, Del Cane L, Marola L, D’Ardes D, Lessiani G, di Gregorio N, Ferri C, Cipollone F, Serra C, Santilli F, Piscaglia F. Platelet, Antiplatelet Therapy and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:473. [PMID: 38672744 PMCID: PMC11051088 DOI: 10.3390/life14040473] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is not only related to traditional cardiovascular risk factors like type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, but it is also an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. MASLD has been shown to be independently related to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. MASLD is characterized by a chronic proinflammatory response that, in turn, may induce a prothrombotic state. Several mechanisms such as endothelial and platelet dysfunction, changes in the coagulative factors, lower fibrinolytic activity can contribute to induce the prothrombotic state. Platelets are players and addresses of metabolic dysregulation; obesity and insulin resistance are related to platelet hyperactivation. Furthermore, platelets can exert a direct effect on liver cells, particularly through the release of mediators from granules. Growing data in literature support the use of antiplatelet agent as a treatment for MASLD. The use of antiplatelets drugs seems to exert beneficial effects on hepatocellular carcinoma prevention in patients with MASLD, since platelets contribute to fibrosis progression and cancer development. This review aims to summarize the main data on the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of MASLD and its main complications such as cardiovascular events and the development of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, we will examine the role of antiplatelet therapy not only in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular events but also as a possible anti-fibrotic and anti-tumor agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Boccatonda
- Internal Medicine, Bentivoglio Hospital, AUSL Bologna, 40010 Bentivoglio, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Lorenza Del Cane
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences and Internal Medicine, University of L’Aquila, ASL Avezzano-Sulmona-L’Aquila, San Salvatore Hospital, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.D.C.); (L.M.); (N.d.G.); (C.F.)
| | - Lara Marola
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences and Internal Medicine, University of L’Aquila, ASL Avezzano-Sulmona-L’Aquila, San Salvatore Hospital, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.D.C.); (L.M.); (N.d.G.); (C.F.)
| | - Damiano D’Ardes
- Institute of “Clinica Medica”, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy (F.C.)
| | | | - Nicoletta di Gregorio
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences and Internal Medicine, University of L’Aquila, ASL Avezzano-Sulmona-L’Aquila, San Salvatore Hospital, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.D.C.); (L.M.); (N.d.G.); (C.F.)
| | - Claudio Ferri
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences and Internal Medicine, University of L’Aquila, ASL Avezzano-Sulmona-L’Aquila, San Salvatore Hospital, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.D.C.); (L.M.); (N.d.G.); (C.F.)
| | - Francesco Cipollone
- Institute of “Clinica Medica”, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Carla Serra
- Interventional, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Ultrasound Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Francesca Santilli
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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19
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Herrera-Marcos LV, Martínez-Beamonte R, Arnal C, Barranquero C, Puente-Lanzarote JJ, Lou-Bonafonte JM, Gonzalo-Romeo G, Mocciaro G, Jenkins B, Surra JC, Rodríguez-Yoldi MJ, Alastrué-Vera V, Letosa J, García-Gil A, Güemes A, Koulman A, Osada J. Lipidomic signatures discriminate subtle hepatic changes in the progression of porcine nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2024; 326:G411-G425. [PMID: 38375587 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00264.2023] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Recently, the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in common strains of pigs has been achieved using a diet high in saturated fat, fructose, cholesterol, and cholate and deficient in choline and methionine. The aim of the present work was to characterize the hepatic and plasma lipidomic changes that accompany the progression of NASH and its reversal by switching pigs back to a chow diet. One month of this extreme steatotic diet was sufficient to induce porcine NASH. The lipidomic platform using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyzed 467 lipid species. Seven hepatic phospholipids [PC(30:0), PC(32:0), PC(33:0), PC(33:1), PC(34:0), PC(34:3) and PC(36:2)] significantly discriminated the time of dietary exposure, and PC(30:0), PC(33:0), PC(33:1) and PC(34:0) showed rapid adaptation in the reversion period. Three transcripts (CS, MAT1A, and SPP1) showed significant changes associated with hepatic triglycerides and PC(33:0). Plasma lipidomics revealed that these species [FA 16:0, FA 18:0, LPC(17:1), PA(40:5), PC(37:1), TG(45:0), TG(47:2) and TG(51:0)] were able to discriminate the time of dietary exposure. Among them, FA 16:0, FA 18:0, LPC(17:1) and PA(40:5) changed the trend in the reversion phase. Plasma LDL-cholesterol and IL12P40 were good parameters to study the progression of NASH, but their capacity was surpassed by hepatic [PC(33:0), PC(33:1), and PC(34:0)] or plasma lipid [FA 16:0, FA 18:0, and LPC(17:1)] species. Taken together, these lipid species can be used as biomarkers of metabolic changes in the progression and regression of NASH in this model. The lipid changes suggest that the development of NASH also affects peripheral lipid metabolism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A NASH stage was obtained in crossbred pigs. Hepatic [PC(33:0), PC(33:1) and PC(34:0)] or plasma [FA 16:0, FA 18:0 and LPC(17:1)] species were sensitive parameters to detect subtle changes in development and regression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). These findings may delineate the liquid biopsy to detect subtle changes in progression or in treatments. Furthermore, phospholipid changes according to the insult-inducing NASH may play an important role in accepting or rejecting fatty livers in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis V Herrera-Marcos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Roberto Martínez-Beamonte
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Arnal
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Barranquero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Puente-Lanzarote
- Servicio de Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José M Lou-Bonafonte
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacología, Fisiología, Medicina Legal y Forense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Gonzalo-Romeo
- Servicio General de Apoyo a la Investigación, División de Experimentación Animal, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Gabriele Mocciaro
- Core Metabolomics and Lipidomics Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Jenkins
- Core Metabolomics and Lipidomics Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joaquín C Surra
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Huesca, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Rodríguez-Yoldi
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacología, Fisiología, Medicina Legal y Forense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Letosa
- Industrial Zootécnica Aragonesa S.L. (INZAR, S.L.), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Agustín García-Gil
- Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Güemes
- Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Albert Koulman
- Core Metabolomics and Lipidomics Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jesús Osada
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Mladenić K, Lenartić M, Marinović S, Polić B, Wensveen FM. The "Domino effect" in MASLD: The inflammatory cascade of steatohepatitis. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2149641. [PMID: 38314819 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149641] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly common complication of obesity, affecting over a quarter of the global adult population. A key event in the pathophysiology of MASLD is the development of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which greatly increases the chances of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The underlying cause of MASH is multifactorial, but accumulating evidence indicates that the inflammatory process in the hepatic microenvironment typically follows a pattern that can be roughly divided into three stages: (1) Detection of hepatocyte stress by tissue-resident immune cells including γδ T cells and CD4-CD8- double-negative T cells, followed by their secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, most notably IL-17A. (2) Recruitment of pro-inflammatory cells, mostly of the myeloid lineage, and initiation of inflammation through secretion of effector-type cytokines such as TNF, TGF-β, and IL-1β. (3) Escalation of the inflammatory response by recruitment of lymphocytes including Th17, CD8 T, and B cells leading to chronic inflammation, hepatic stellate cell activation, and fibrosis. Here we will discuss these three stages and how they are consecutively linked like falling domino tiles to the pathophysiology of MASH. Moreover, we will highlight the clinical potential of inflammation as a biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlo Mladenić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Maja Lenartić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sonja Marinović
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Personalized Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bojan Polić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Felix M Wensveen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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21
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Li Z, Wang S, Xu Q, Su X, Wang Y, Wang L, Zhang Y. The double roles of T cell-mediated immune response in the progression of MASLD. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116333. [PMID: 38479177 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116333] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD), has become a major cause of chronic liver disease and a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, which poses a huge burden on global public health and economy. MASLD includes steatotic liver disease, steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis, and the latter two cause great harm to human health and life, even complicated with liver cancer. Immunologic mechanism plays a major role in promoting its development into hepatitis and cirrhosis. Now more and more evidences show that T cells play an important role in the progression of MASLD. In this review, we discuss the double roles of T cells in MASLD from the perspective of T cell response pathways, as well as new evidences regarding the possible application of immunomodulatory therapy in MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Shujun Wang
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Qinchen Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Xin Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250021, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Third Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250031, China.
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22
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Schwärzler J, Grabherr F, Grander C, Adolph TE, Tilg H. The pathophysiology of MASLD: an immunometabolic perspective. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:375-386. [PMID: 38149354 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2294046] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolic-associated liver diseases have emerged pandemically across the globe and are clinically related to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The new nomenclature and definition (i.e. metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease - MASLD; metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis - MASH) reflect the nature of these complex systemic disorders, which are characterized by inflammation, gut dysbiosis and metabolic dysregulation. In this review, we summarize recent advantages in understanding the pathophysiology of MASLD, which we parallel to emerging therapeutic concepts. AREAS COVERED We summarize the pathophysiologic concepts of MASLD and its transition to MASH and subsequent advanced sequelae of diseases. Furthermore, we highlight how dietary constituents, microbes and associated metabolites, metabolic perturbations, and immune dysregulation fuel lipotoxicity, hepatic inflammation, liver injury, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation. Deciphering the intricate pathophysiologic processes that contribute to the development and progression of MASLD is essential to develop targeted therapeutic approaches to combat this escalating burden for health-care systems. EXPERT OPINION The rapidly increasing prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease challenges health-care systems worldwide. Understanding pathophysiologic traits is crucial to improve the prevention and treatment of this disorder and to slow progression into advanced sequelae such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Schwärzler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Felix Grabherr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Grander
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Timon E Adolph
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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23
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Xue M, Dong L, Zhang H, Li Y, Qiu K, Zhao Z, Gao M, Han L, Chan AKN, Li W, Leung K, Wang K, Pokharel SP, Qing Y, Liu W, Wang X, Ren L, Bi H, Yang L, Shen C, Chen Z, Melstrom L, Li H, Timchenko N, Deng X, Huang W, Rosen ST, Tian J, Xu L, Diao J, Chen CW, Chen J, Shen B, Chen H, Su R. METTL16 promotes liver cancer stem cell self-renewal via controlling ribosome biogenesis and mRNA translation. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:7. [PMID: 38302992 PMCID: PMC10835888 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01526-9] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation, progression, recurrence, and treatment resistance, the mechanism underlying liver CSC self-renewal remains elusive. We aim to characterize the role of Methyltransferase 16 (METTL16), a recently identified RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase, in HCC development/maintenance, CSC stemness, as well as normal hepatogenesis. METHODS Liver-specific Mettl16 conditional KO (cKO) mice were generated to assess its role in HCC pathogenesis and normal hepatogenesis. Hydrodynamic tail-vein injection (HDTVi)-induced de novo hepatocarcinogenesis and xenograft models were utilized to determine the role of METTL16 in HCC initiation and progression. A limiting dilution assay was utilized to evaluate CSC frequency. Functionally essential targets were revealed via integrative analysis of multi-omics data, including RNA-seq, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-seq, and ribosome profiling. RESULTS METTL16 is highly expressed in liver CSCs and its depletion dramatically decreased CSC frequency in vitro and in vivo. Mettl16 KO significantly attenuated HCC initiation and progression, yet only slightly influenced normal hepatogenesis. Mechanistic studies, including high-throughput sequencing, unveiled METTL16 as a key regulator of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) maturation and mRNA translation and identified eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit a (eIF3a) transcript as a bona-fide target of METTL16 in HCC. In addition, the functionally essential regions of METTL16 were revealed by CRISPR gene tiling scan, which will pave the way for the development of potential inhibitor(s). CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the crucial oncogenic role of METTL16 in promoting HCC pathogenesis and enhancing liver CSC self-renewal through augmenting mRNA translation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Xue
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 7539, USA
| | - Honghai Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Yangchan Li
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Kangqiang Qiu
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Zhicong Zhao
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Min Gao
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Li Han
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Anthony K N Chan
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Keith Leung
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Kitty Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Sheela Pangeni Pokharel
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Ying Qing
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Xueer Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Lili Ren
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Hongjie Bi
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Chao Shen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Zhenhua Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Laleh Melstrom
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Hongzhi Li
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Nikolai Timchenko
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Xiaolan Deng
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Wendong Huang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Graduate School of Biological Science, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Steven T Rosen
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jingyan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Clinical Trial Center, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 7539, USA
| | - Jiajie Diao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA.
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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Meng Z, Zhou L, Hong S, Qiu X, Chen Z, Liu T, Inoki K, Lin JD. Myeloid-specific ablation of Basp1 ameliorates diet-induced NASH in mice by attenuating pro-inflammatory signaling. Hepatology 2024; 79:409-424. [PMID: 37505219 PMCID: PMC10808272 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS NASH represents a severe stage of fatty liver disease characterized by hepatocyte injury, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. Myeloid-derived innate immune cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, play an important role in host defense and disease pathogenesis. Despite this, the nature of transcriptomic reprogramming of myeloid cells in NASH liver and its contribution to disease progression remain incompletely defined. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this study, we performed bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNA seq) analysis to delineate the landscape of macrophage and dendritic cell transcriptomes in healthy and NASH livers. Our analysis uncovered cell type-specific patterns of transcriptomic reprogramming on diet-induced NASH. We identified brain-abundant membrane-attached signal protein 1 (Basp1) as a myeloid-enriched gene that is markedly induced in mouse and human NASH liver. Myeloid-specific inactivation of Basp1 attenuates the severity of diet-induced NASH pathologies, as shown by reduced hepatocyte injury and liver fibrosis in mice. Mechanistically, cultured macrophages lacking Basp1 exhibited a diminished response to pro-inflammatory stimuli, impaired NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and reduced cytokine secretion. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings uncover Basp1 as a critical regulator of myeloid inflammatory signaling that underlies NASH pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Meng
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Linkang Zhou
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Sungki Hong
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Xiaoxue Qiu
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Zhimin Chen
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Tongyu Liu
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Ken Inoki
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Jiandie D. Lin
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Parola M, Pinzani M. Liver fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH: from pathophysiology towards diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 95:101231. [PMID: 38056058 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, as an excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, results from chronic liver injury as well as persistent activation of inflammatory response and of fibrogenesis. Liver fibrosis is a major determinant for chronic liver disease (CLD) progression and in the last two decades our understanding on the major molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the fibrogenic progression of CLD has dramatically improved, boosting pre-clinical studies and clinical trials designed to find novel therapeutic approaches. From these studies several critical concepts have emerged, starting to reveal the complexity of the pro-fibrotic microenvironment which involves very complex, dynamic and interrelated interactions between different hepatic and extrahepatic cell populations. This review will offer first a recapitulation of established and novel pathophysiological basic principles and concepts by intentionally focus the attention on NAFLD/NASH, a metabolic-related form of CLD with a high impact on the general population and emerging as a leading cause of CLD worldwide. NAFLD/NASH-related pro-inflammatory and profibrogenic mechanisms will be analysed as well as novel information on cells, mediators and signalling pathways which have taken advantage from novel methodological approaches and techniques (single cell genomics, imaging mass cytometry, novel in vitro two- and three-dimensional models, etc.). We will next offer an overview on recent advancement in diagnostic and prognostic tools, including serum biomarkers and polygenic scores, to support the analysis of liver biopsies. Finally, this review will provide an analysis of current and emerging therapies for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Parola
- Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, University of Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy.
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine - Royal Free Hospital, London, NW32PF, United Kingdom.
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Guo Z, Wu Q, Xie P, Wang J, Lv W. Immunomodulation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: exploring mechanisms and applications. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336493. [PMID: 38352880 PMCID: PMC10861763 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exhibits increased lipid enrichment in hepatocytes. The spectrum of this disease includes stages such as nonalcoholic simple fatty liver (NAFL), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and liver fibrosis. Changes in lifestyle behaviors have been a major factor contributing to the increased cases of NAFLD patients globally. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the pathogenesis of NAFLD, identify therapeutic targets, and develop new strategies to improve the clinical management of the disease. Immunoregulation is a strategy through which the organism recognizes and eliminates antigenic foreign bodies to maintain physiological homeostasis. In this process, multiple factors, including immune cells, signaling molecules, and cytokines, play a role in governing the evolution of NAFLD. This review seeks to encapsulate the advancements in research regarding immune regulation in NAFLD, spanning from underlying mechanisms to practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Guo
- Department of Infection, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinjuan Wu
- Department of Infection, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pengfei Xie
- Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiuchong Wang
- Department of Infection, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenliang Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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27
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Perry AS, Hadad N, Chatterjee E, Ramos MJ, Farber-Eger E, Roshani R, Stolze LK, Zhao S, Martens L, Kendall TJ, Thone T, Amancherla K, Bailin S, Gabriel CL, Koethe J, Carr JJ, Terry JG, Freedman J, Tanriverdi K, Alsop E, Keuren-Jensen KV, Sauld JFK, Mahajan G, Khan S, Colangelo L, Nayor M, Fisher-Hoch S, McCormick J, North KE, Below J, Wells Q, Abel D, Kalhan R, Scott C, Guilliams M, Fallowfield JA, Banovich NE, Das S, Shah R. A prognostic molecular signature of hepatic steatosis is spatially heterogeneous and dynamic in human liver. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.26.24301828. [PMID: 38352394 PMCID: PMC10863022 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.24301828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) prevalence is increasing in parallel with an obesity pandemic, calling for novel strategies for prevention and treatment. We defined a circulating proteome of human MASLD across ≈7000 proteins in ≈5000 individuals from diverse, at-risk populations across the metabolic health spectrum, demonstrating reproducible diagnostic performance and specifying both known and novel metabolic pathways relevant to MASLD (central carbon and amino acid metabolism, hepatocyte regeneration, inflammation, fibrosis, insulin sensitivity). A parsimonious proteomic signature of MASLD was associated with a protection from MASLD and its related multi-system metabolic consequences in >26000 free-living individuals, with an additive effect to polygenic risk. The MASLD proteome was encoded by genes that demonstrated transcriptional enrichment in liver, with spatial transcriptional activity in areas of steatosis in human liver biopsy and dynamicity for select targets in human liver across stages of steatosis. We replicated several top relations from proteomics and spatial tissue transcriptomics in a humanized "liver-on-a-chip" model of MASLD, highlighting the power of a full translational approach to discovery in MASLD. Collectively, these results underscore utility of blood-based proteomics as a dynamic "liquid biopsy" of human liver relevant to clinical biomarker and mechanistic applications.
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28
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Adams VR, Collins LB, Williams TI, Holmes J, Hess P, Atkins HM, Scheidemantle G, Liu X, Lodge M, Johnson AJ, Kennedy A. Myeloid cell MHC I expression drives CD8 + T cell activation in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1302006. [PMID: 38274832 PMCID: PMC10808415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1302006] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & aims Activated CD8+ T cells are elevated in Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and are important for driving fibrosis and inflammation. Despite this, mechanisms of CD8+ T cell activation in NASH are largely limited. Specific CD8+ T cell subsets may become activated through metabolic signals or cytokines. However, studies in NASH have not evaluated the impact of antigen presentation or the involvement of specific antigens. Therefore, we determined if activated CD8+ T cells are dependent on MHC class I expression in NASH to regulate fibrosis and inflammation. Methods We used H2Kb and H2Db deficient (MHC I KO), Kb transgenic mice, and myeloid cell Kb deficient mice (LysM Kb KO) to investigate how MHC class I impacts CD8+ T cell function and NASH. Flow cytometry, gene expression, and histology were used to examine hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. The hepatic class I immunopeptidome was evaluated by mass spectrometry. Results In NASH, MHC class I isoform H2Kb was upregulated in myeloid cells. MHC I KO demonstrated protective effects against NASH-induced inflammation and fibrosis. Kb mice exhibited increased fibrosis in the absence of H2Db while LysM Kb KO mice showed protection against fibrosis but not inflammation. H2Kb restricted peptides identified a unique NASH peptide Ncf2 capable of CD8+ T cell activation in vitro. The Ncf2 peptide was not detected during fibrosis resolution. Conclusion These results suggest that activated hepatic CD8+ T cells are dependent on myeloid cell MHC class I expression in diet induced NASH to promote inflammation and fibrosis. Additionally, our studies suggest a role of NADPH oxidase in the production of Ncf2 peptide generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R. Adams
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Leonard B. Collins
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Taufika Islam Williams
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Chemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jennifer Holmes
- College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Paul Hess
- College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Hannah M. Atkins
- Center for Human Health and Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Division of Comparative Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Grace Scheidemantle
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Mareca Lodge
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Aaron J. Johnson
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Arion Kennedy
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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29
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Hildreth AD, Padilla ET, Gupta M, Wong YY, Sun R, Legala AR, O'Sullivan TE. Adipose cDC1s contribute to obesity-associated inflammation through STING-dependent IL-12 production. Nat Metab 2023; 5:2237-2252. [PMID: 37996702 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation that can contribute to the development of insulin resistance in mammals. Previous studies have identified interleukin (IL)-12 as a critical upstream regulator of WAT inflammation and metabolic dysfunction during obesity. However, the cell types and mechanisms that initiate WAT IL-12 production remain unclear. Here we show that conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) are the cellular source of WAT IL-12 during obesity through analysis of mouse and human WAT single-cell transcriptomic datasets, IL-12 reporter mice and IL-12p70 protein levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We demonstrate that cDC1s contribute to obesity-associated inflammation by increasing group 1 innate lymphocyte interferon-γ production and inflammatory macrophage accumulation. Inducible depletion of cDC1s increased WAT insulin sensitivity and systemic glucose tolerance during diet-induced obesity. Mechanistically, endocytosis of apoptotic bodies containing self-DNA by WAT cDC1s drives stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-dependent IL-12 production. Together, these results suggest that WAT cDC1s act as critical regulators of adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic dysfunction during obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Hildreth
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eddie T Padilla
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Meha Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yung Yu Wong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Sun
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Akshara R Legala
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Timothy E O'Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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30
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Díaz LA, Arab JP, Louvet A, Bataller R, Arrese M. The intersection between alcohol-related liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:764-783. [PMID: 37582985 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00822-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) are the leading causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD and ALD share pathophysiological, histological and genetic features and both alcohol and metabolic dysfunction coexist as aetiological factors in many patients with hepatic steatosis. A diagnosis of NAFLD requires the exclusion of significant alcohol consumption and other causes of liver disease. However, data suggest that significant alcohol consumption is often under-reported in patients classified as having NAFLD and that alcohol and metabolic factors interact to exacerbate the progression of liver disease. In this Review, we analyse existing data on the interaction between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome as well as the overlapping features and differences in the pathogenesis of ALD and NAFLD. We also discuss the clinical implications of the coexistence of alcohol consumption, of any degree, in patients with evidence of metabolic derangement as well as the use of alcohol biomarkers to detect alcohol intake. Finally, we summarize the evolving nomenclature of fatty liver disease and describe a recent proposal to classify patients at the intersection of NAFLD and ALD. We propose that, regardless of the presumed aetiology, patients with fatty liver disease should be evaluated for both metabolic syndrome and alcohol consumption to enable better prognostication and a personalized medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Antonio Díaz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University & London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandre Louvet
- Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Hôpital Huriez, Lille Cedex, France
- Université Lille Nord de France, Lille, France
- Unité INSERM INFINITE 1286, Lille, France
| | - Ramón Bataller
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco Arrese
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Barrow F, Wang H, Fredrickson G, Florczak K, Ciske E, Khanal S, Parthiban P, Nguyen H, Rios E, Kostallari E, Revelo XS. Pyruvate Oxidation Sustains B Cell Antigen-Specific Activation to Exacerbate MASH. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.13.566832. [PMID: 38014163 PMCID: PMC10680643 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.13.566832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
B cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of steatotic liver disease that if persistent can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis are key features of MASH that determine disease progression and outcomes. Recent advances have revealed that pathogenic B cell-derived cytokines and antibodies promote the development of MASH. However, the mechanisms through which B cells promote fibrosis and the metabolic adaptations underlying their pathogenic responses remain unclear. Here, we report that a subset of mature B cells with heightened cytokine responses accumulate in the liver and promote inflammation in MASH. To meet the increased energetic demand of effector responses, B cells increase their ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) fueled by pyruvate oxidation in a B cell receptor (BCR)-specific manner. Blocking pyruvate oxidation completely abrogated the inflammatory capacity of MASH B cells. Accordingly, the restriction of the BCR led to MASH attenuation, including reductions in steatosis, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis. Mechanistically, BCR restriction decreased B cell maturation, activation, and effector responses in the liver, accompanied by decreased T cell- and macrophage-mediated inflammation. Notably, attenuated liver fibrosis in BCR-restricted mice was associated with lower IgG production and decreased expression of Fc-gamma receptors on hepatic stellate cells. Together, these findings indicate a key role for B cell antigen-specific responses in promoting steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis during MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanta Barrow
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Haiguang Wang
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Gavin Fredrickson
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Kira Florczak
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Erin Ciske
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Shalil Khanal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Preethy Parthiban
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Huy Nguyen
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Enrique Rios
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xavier S. Revelo
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
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32
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Iqbal W, Wang Y, Sun P, Zhou X. Modeling Liver Development and Disease in a Dish. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15921. [PMID: 37958904 PMCID: PMC10650907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, biological research has relied primarily on animal models. While this led to the understanding of numerous human biological processes, inherent species-specific differences make it difficult to answer certain liver-related developmental and disease-specific questions. The advent of 3D organoid models that are either derived from pluripotent stem cells or generated from healthy or diseased tissue-derived stem cells have made it possible to recapitulate the biological aspects of human organs. Organoid technology has been instrumental in understanding the disease mechanism and complements animal models. This review underscores the advances in organoid technology and specifically how liver organoids are used to better understand human-specific biological processes in development and disease. We also discuss advances made in the application of organoid models in drug screening and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqas Iqbal
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (W.I.); (Y.W.); (P.S.)
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yaru Wang
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (W.I.); (Y.W.); (P.S.)
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Pingnan Sun
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (W.I.); (Y.W.); (P.S.)
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhou
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (W.I.); (Y.W.); (P.S.)
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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33
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Kountouras J, Kazakos E, Polyzos SA, Papaefthymiou A, Zavos C, Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou M, Chatzopoulos D, Vardaka E, Gatopoulou A, Kyrailidi F, Mouratidou MC, Doulberis M. Potential impact of trained innate immunity on the pathophysiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Clin Immunol 2023; 256:109776. [PMID: 37742792 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109776] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) occurs in a low-grade inflammatory milieu dependent on highly complex networks that span well-beyond the hepatic tissue injury. Dysfunctional systemic metabolism that characterizes the disease, is further induced in response to environmental cues that modify energy and metabolic cellular demands, thereby altering the availability of specific substrates that profoundly regulate, through epigenetic mechanisms, the phenotypic heterogeneity of immune cells and influence hematopoietic stem cell differentiation fate. This immuno-metabolic signaling drives the initiation of downstream effector pathways and results in the decompensation of hepatic homeostasis that precedes pro-fibrotic events. Recent evidence suggests that innate immune cells reside in different tissues in a memory effector state, a phenomenon termed trained immunity, that may be activated by subsequent exogenous (e.g., microbial, dietary) or endogenous (e.g., metabolic, apoptotic) stmuli. This process leads to long-term modifications in the epigenetic landscape that ultimately precondition the cells towards enhanced transcription of inflammatory mediators that accelerates MAFLD development and/or progression. In this mini review we aimed to present current evidence on the potential impact of trained immunity on the pathophysiology of MAFLD, shedding light on the complex immunobiology of the disease and providing novel potential therapeutic strategies to restrain the burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Kountouras
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece.
| | - Evangelos Kazakos
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece; Department of Midwifery, School of Healthcare Sciences, University of West Macedonia, Koila, Kozani 50100, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Apostolis Papaefthymiou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece; First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Macedonia, Greece; Pancreaticobiliary Medicine Unit, University College London Hospitals (UCLH), London W1W 6DN, UK
| | - Christos Zavos
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Maria Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece; Department of Midwifery, School of Healthcare Sciences, University of West Macedonia, Koila, Kozani 50100, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Chatzopoulos
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Vardaka
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, 57400 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Anthia Gatopoulou
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Foteini Kyrailidi
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Maria C Mouratidou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Michael Doulberis
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Macedonia, Greece; First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Macedonia, Greece; Gastroklinik, Private Gastroenterological Practice, Horgen 8810, Switzerland; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, 5001 Aarau, Switzerland
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34
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Zhang C, Sui Y, Liu S, Yang M. Molecular mechanisms of metabolic disease-associated hepatic inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. EXPLORATION OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES 2023:246-275. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.37349/edd.2023.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading chronic liver disease worldwide, with a progressive form of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It may progress to advanced liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD/NASH is a comorbidity of many metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. These metabolic diseases are often accompanied by systemic or extrahepatic inflammation, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of NAFLD or NASH. Metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, impact the function, inflammation, and death of hepatocytes, the primary parenchymal cells in the liver tissue. Cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells that line the bile ducts, can differentiate into proliferative hepatocytes in chronic liver injury. In addition, hepatic non-parenchymal cells, including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, and innate and adaptive immune cells, are involved in liver inflammation. Proteins such as fibroblast growth factors, acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylases, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 are involved in liver metabolism and inflammation, which are potential targets for NASH treatment. This review focuses on the effects of metabolic disease-induced extrahepatic inflammation, liver inflammation, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver metabolism on the development and progression of NAFLD and NASH, as well as the associated treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Zhang
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Yuxiang Sui
- School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen 041004, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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35
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Silvestri A, Gil-Gomez A, Vitale M, Braga D, Demitri C, Brescia P, Madaghiele M, Spadoni I, Jones B, Fornasa G, Mouries J, Carloni S, Lizier M, Romero-Gomez M, Penna G, Sannino A, Rescigno M. Biomimetic superabsorbent hydrogel acts as a gut protective dynamic exoskeleton improving metabolic parameters and expanding A. muciniphila. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101235. [PMID: 37852177 PMCID: PMC10591066 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101235] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders worldwide highlights the urgent need to find new long-term and clinically meaningful weight-loss therapies. Here, we evaluate the therapeutic potential and the mechanism of action of a biomimetic cellulose-based oral superabsorbent hydrogel (OSH). Treatment with OSH exerts effects on intestinal tissue and gut microbiota composition, functioning like a protective dynamic exoskeleton. It protects from gut barrier permeability disruption and induces rapid and consistent changes in the gut microbiota composition, specifically fostering Akkermansia muciniphila expansion. The mechanobiological, physical, and chemical structures of the gel are required for A. muciniphila growth. OSH treatment induces weight loss and reduces fat accumulation, in both preventative and therapeutic settings. OSH usage also prevents liver steatosis, immune infiltration, and fibrosis, limiting the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Our work shows the potential of using OSH as a non-systemic mechanobiological approach to treat metabolic syndrome and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Gil-Gomez
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Milena Vitale
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Braga
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Demitri
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; Gelesis, 73021 Calimera, Lecce, Italy
| | - Paola Brescia
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Madaghiele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; Gelesis, 73021 Calimera, Lecce, Italy
| | - Ilaria Spadoni
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Fornasa
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Juliette Mouries
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Carloni
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Lizier
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Penna
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; Gelesis, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Maria Rescigno
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
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36
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Yamaji K, Iwabuchi S, Tokunaga Y, Hashimoto S, Yamane D, Toyama S, Kono R, Kitab B, Tsukiyama-Kohara K, Osawa Y, Hayashi Y, Hishima T, Tateno C, Kimura K, Okanoue T, Kohara M. Molecular insights of a CBP/β-catenin-signaling inhibitor on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-induced liver fibrosis and disorder. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115379. [PMID: 37647690 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive fibrotic disease associated with an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma; at present, no efficient therapeutic strategy has been established. Herein, we examined the efficacy of PRI-724, a potent inhibitor of CBP/β-catenin signaling, for treating NASH-related liver fibrosis and disorder and characterized its mechanism. Choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD)-fed mice exhibited NASH-induced liver fibrosis that is characterized by steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocellular injury and collagen fibrils. To examine the therapeutic effect, CDAHFD-fed mice were administered PRI-724. Serum levels of ALT and pro-fibrotic molecule, i.e. Mac-2 bp, alpha smooth muscle actin, type I and type III collagens, decreased significantly. mRNA levels of the matrix metalloproteinases Mmp8 and Mmp9 in the liver were significantly increased, and increases in the abundance of MMP9-producing neutrophils and macrophages were observed. Marco+Mmp9+Cd68+ Kupffer cells were only observed in the livers of mice treated with PRI-724, and Mmp9 expression in Marco+Cd68+ Kupffer cells increased 4.3-fold. Moreover, hepatic expression of the lipid metabolism regulator, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 and liver lipid droplets also decreased significantly. PRI-724-treated NASH mice not only recovered from NASH-related liver fibrosis through the effect of PRI-724 down-regulating the expression of pro-fibrotic genes and up-regulating the expression of anti-fibrotic genes, but they also recovered from NASH-induced liver disorder. PRI-724, a selective CBP/β-catenin inhibitor, thus shows a potent therapeutic effect for NASH-related liver fibrosis and for decreasing adipose tissue in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenzaburo Yamaji
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Sadahiro Iwabuchi
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yuko Tokunaga
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yamane
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Sakiko Toyama
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Risa Kono
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Bouchra Kitab
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
| | - Yosuke Osawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Nasushiobara 324-8501, Japan
| | - Yukiko Hayashi
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo 113-8677, Japan
| | - Tsunekazu Hishima
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo 113-8677, Japan
| | - Chise Tateno
- R&D Department, PhoenixBio Co., Ltd., 3-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima 739-0046, Japan
| | - Kiminori Kimura
- Department of Hepatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo 113-8677, Japan
| | - Takeshi Okanoue
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saiseikai Suita Hospital, Osaka 564-0013, Japan
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
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Abstract
Chronic liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or viral hepatitis are characterized by persistent inflammation and subsequent liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis critically determines long-term morbidity (for example, cirrhosis or liver cancer) and mortality in NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Inflammation represents the concerted response of various hepatic cell types to hepatocellular death and inflammatory signals, which are related to intrahepatic injury pathways or extrahepatic mediators from the gut-liver axis and the circulation. Single-cell technologies have revealed the heterogeneity of immune cell activation concerning disease states and the spatial organization within the liver, including resident and recruited macrophages, neutrophils as mediators of tissue repair, auto-aggressive features of T cells as well as various innate lymphoid cell and unconventional T cell populations. Inflammatory responses drive the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and HSC subsets, in turn, modulate immune mechanisms via chemokines and cytokines or transdifferentiate into matrix-producing myofibroblasts. Current advances in understanding the pathogenesis of inflammation and fibrosis in the liver, mainly focused on NAFLD or NASH owing to the high unmet medical need, have led to the identification of several therapeutic targets. In this Review, we summarize the inflammatory mediators and cells in the diseased liver, fibrogenic pathways and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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38
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Lurje I, Gaisa NT, Weiskirchen R, Tacke F. Mechanisms of organ fibrosis: Emerging concepts and implications for novel treatment strategies. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 92:101191. [PMID: 37236017 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, or tissue scarring, develops as a pathological deviation from the physiological wound healing response and can occur in various organs such as the heart, lung, liver, kidney, skin, and bone marrow. Organ fibrosis significantly contributes to global morbidity and mortality. A broad spectrum of etiologies can cause fibrosis, including acute and chronic ischemia, hypertension, chronic viral infection (e.g., viral hepatitis), environmental exposure (e.g., pneumoconiosis, alcohol, nutrition, smoking) and genetic diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency). Common mechanisms across organs and disease etiologies involve a sustained injury to parenchymal cells that triggers a wound healing response, which becomes deregulated in the disease process. A transformation of resting fibroblasts into myofibroblasts with excessive extracellular matrix production constitutes the hallmark of disease, however, multiple other cell types such as immune cells, predominantly monocytes/macrophages, endothelial cells, and parenchymal cells form a complex network of profibrotic cellular crosstalk. Across organs, leading mediators include growth factors like transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factor, cytokines like interleukin-10, interleukin-13, interleukin-17, and danger-associated molecular patterns. More recently, insights into fibrosis regression and resolution of chronic conditions have deepened our understanding of beneficial, protective effects of immune cells, soluble mediators and intracellular signaling. Further in-depth insights into the mechanisms of fibrogenesis can provide the rationale for therapeutic interventions and the development of targeted antifibrotic agents. This review gives insight into shared responses and cellular mechanisms across organs and etiologies, aiming to paint a comprehensive picture of fibrotic diseases in both experimental settings and in human pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Lurje
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Charité Mitte and Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine T Gaisa
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Charité Mitte and Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Zhu H, Lin Y, Lu D, Wang S, Liu Y, Dong L, Meng Q, Gao J, Wang Y, Song N, Suo Y, Ding L, Wang P, Zhang B, Gao D, Fan J, Gao Q, Zhou H. Proteomics of adjacent-to-tumor samples uncovers clinically relevant biological events in hepatocellular carcinoma. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad167. [PMID: 37575948 PMCID: PMC10416816 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal adjacent tissues (NATs) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) differ from healthy liver tissues and their heterogeneity may contain biological information associated with disease occurrence and clinical outcome that has yet to be fully evaluated at the proteomic level. This study provides a detailed description of the heterogeneity of NATs and the differences between NATs and healthy livers and revealed that molecular features of tumor subgroups in HCC were partially reflected in their respective NATs. Proteomic data classified HCC NATs into two subtypes (Subtypes 1 and 2), and Subtype 2 was associated with poor prognosis and high-risk recurrence. The pathway and immune features of these two subtypes were characterized. Proteomic differences between the two NAT subtypes and healthy liver tissues were further investigated using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry, revealing the early molecular alterations associated with the progression from healthy livers to NATs. This study provides a high-quality resource for HCC researchers and clinicians and may significantly expand the knowledge of tumor NATs to eventually benefit clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Youpei Lin
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dayun Lu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shisheng Wang
- Institutes for Systems Genetics and NHC Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Pathology in Clinical Application, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuejia Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Liangqing Dong
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qian Meng
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuqiu Wang
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Nixue Song
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuying Suo
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Medicine, McDonnell Genome Institute, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MI 63108, USA
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bing Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daming Gao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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40
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Sun G, Wang Y, Yang L, Zhang Z, Zhao Y, Shen Z, Han X, Du X, Jin H, Li C, Wang S, Zhang Z, Zhang D. Rebalancing liver-infiltrating CCR3 + and CD206 + monocytes improves diet-induced NAFLD. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112753. [PMID: 37421620 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin has been reported to improve nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and exploring the underlying mechanisms will be beneficial for better treatment of NAFLD. Choline-deficient high-fat diet (CDHFD)- and methionine/choline-deficient diet (MCD)-fed mice with melatonin intervention exhibit significantly decreased liver steatosis, lobular inflammation, and focal liver necrosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals that melatonin selectively inhibits pro-inflammatory CCR3+ monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) and upregulates anti-inflammatory CD206+ MoMFs in NAFLD mice. Liver-infiltrating CCR3+CD14+ MoMFs are also significantly increased in patients with NAFLD. Mechanistically, melatonin receptor-independent BTG2-ATF4 signaling plays a role in the regulation of CCR3+ MoMF endoplasmic reticulum stress, survival, and inflammation. In contrast, melatonin upregulates CD206+ MoMF survival and polarization via MT1/2 receptors. Melatonin stimulation also regulates human CCR3+ MoMF and CD206+ MoMF survival and inflammation in vitro. Furthermore, CCR3 depletion antibody monotherapy inhibits liver inflammation and improves NAFLD in mice. Thus, therapies targeting CCR3+ MoMFs may have potential benefits in NAFLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyong Sun
- General Surgery Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medicine, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yaning Wang
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lu Yang
- General Surgery Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medicine, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yushang Zhao
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medicine, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zongshan Shen
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaotong Han
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medicine, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiaonan Du
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medicine, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hua Jin
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medicine, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Changying Li
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medicine, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Songlin Wang
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhongtao Zhang
- General Surgery Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- General Surgery Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medicine, Beijing 100069, China.
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41
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Li JH, Hepworth MR, O'Sullivan TE. Regulation of systemic metabolism by tissue-resident immune cell circuits. Immunity 2023; 56:1168-1186. [PMID: 37315533 PMCID: PMC10321269 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that tissue homeostasis and metabolic function are dependent on distinct tissue-resident immune cells that form functional cell circuits with structural cells. Within these cell circuits, immune cells integrate cues from dietary contents and commensal microbes in addition to endocrine and neuronal signals present in the tissue microenvironment to regulate structural cell metabolism. These tissue-resident immune circuits can become dysregulated during inflammation and dietary overnutrition, contributing to metabolic diseases. Here, we review the evidence describing key cellular networks within and between the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and adipose tissue that control systemic metabolism and how these cell circuits become dysregulated during certain metabolic diseases. We also identify open questions in the field that have the potential to enhance our understanding of metabolic health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey H Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 900953, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew R Hepworth
- Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Timothy E O'Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 900953, USA.
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42
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Song XJ, Yang CL, Chen D, Yang Y, Mao Y, Cao P, Jiang A, Wang W, Zhang Z, Tao W. Up-regulation of LCN2 in the anterior cingulate cortex contributes to neural injury-induced chronic pain. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1140769. [PMID: 37362002 PMCID: PMC10285483 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1140769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain caused by disease or injury affects more than 30% of the general population. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning the development of chronic pain remain unclear, resulting in scant effective treatments. Here, we combined electrophysiological recording, in vivo two-photon (2P) calcium imaging, fiber photometry, Western blotting, and chemogenetic methods to define a role for the secreted pro-inflammatory factor, Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), in chronic pain development in mice with spared nerve injury (SNI). We found that LCN2 expression was upregulated in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) at 14 days after SNI, resulting in hyperactivity of ACC glutamatergic neurons (ACCGlu) and pain sensitization. By contrast, suppressing LCN2 protein levels in the ACC with viral constructs or exogenous application of neutralizing antibodies leads to significant attenuation of chronic pain by preventing ACCGlu neuronal hyperactivity in SNI 2W mice. In addition, administering purified recombinant LCN2 protein in the ACC could induce pain sensitization by inducing ACCGlu neuronal hyperactivity in naïve mice. This study provides a mechanism by which LCN2-mediated hyperactivity of ACCGlu neurons contributes to pain sensitization, and reveals a new potential target for treating chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Jie Song
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chen-Ling Yang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Danyang Chen
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yumeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Mao
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Aijun Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Laboratory for Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Laboratory for Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenjuan Tao
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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43
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Abstract
The understanding of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis has been dominated by models in which chronic hepatocellular injury is the initiating step as is seen with viral infections. The increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, and the increases in liver fibrosis due to metabolic syndrome driven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), has made it a priority to understand how this type of liver fibrosis is similar to, and different from, pure hepatocellular injury driven liver fibrosis. Both types of liver fibrosis have the transformation of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) into a myofibroblast as a key step. In metabolic syndrome, there is little evidence that metabolite changes such as high levels of glucose and free fatty acids are directly inducing HSC transdifferentiation, however, metabolite changes may lead to reductions in immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective molecules such as lipoxins, resolvins and Interleukin (IL)-22. Cells of the innate immune system are known to be important intermediaries between hepatocellular damage and HSC transdifferentiation, primarily by producing cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). Resident and infiltrating macrophages are the dominant innate immune cells, but others (dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killer T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells) also have important roles in inducing and resolving liver fibrosis. CD8+ and CD4+ T cells of the adaptive immune system have been identified to have greater profibrotic roles than previously realised by inducing hepatocyte death (auto-aggressive CD8+T) cells and cytokines producing (TH17 producing CD4+T) cells. Finally, the cellular networks present in NASH fibrosis are being identified and suggest that once fibrosis has developed cell-to-cell communication is dominated by myofibroblasts autocrine signalling followed by communication with cholangiocytes and endothelial cells, with myofibroblast-hepatocyte, and myofibroblast-macrophage signalling having minor roles. Such information is essential to the development of antifibrotic strategies for different stages of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajahat Mehal
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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44
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Zhu Z, Chen Y, Qin X, Liu S, Wang J, Ren H. Multidimensional landscape of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related disease spectrum uncovered by big omics data: Profiling evidence and new perspectives. SMART MEDICINE 2023; 2:e20220029. [PMID: 39188279 PMCID: PMC11236021 DOI: 10.1002/smmd.20220029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial metabolic disorder that could promote the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Benefiting from recent advances in omics technologies, such as high-throughput sequencing, voluminous profiling data in HCC-integrated molecular science into clinical medicine helped clinicians with rational guidance for treatments. In this review, we conclude the majority of publicly available omics data on the NAFLD-related disease spectrum and bring up new insights to inspire next-generation therapeutics against this increasingly prevalent disease spectrum in the post-genomic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryAffiliated Drum Tower HospitalMedical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuyan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryAffiliated Drum Tower HospitalMedical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xueqian Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryAffiliated Drum Tower HospitalMedical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shujun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryAffiliated Drum Tower HospitalMedical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryAffiliated Drum Tower HospitalMedical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Haozhen Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryAffiliated Drum Tower HospitalMedical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
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Pabst O, Hornef MW, Schaap FG, Cerovic V, Clavel T, Bruns T. Gut-liver axis: barriers and functional circuits. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:10.1038/s41575-023-00771-6. [PMID: 37085614 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00771-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
The gut and the liver are characterized by mutual interactions between both organs, the microbiome, diet and other environmental factors. The sum of these interactions is conceptualized as the gut-liver axis. In this Review we discuss the gut-liver axis, concentrating on the barriers formed by the enterohepatic tissues to restrict gut-derived microorganisms, microbial stimuli and dietary constituents. In addition, we discuss the establishment of barriers in the gut and liver during development and their cooperative function in the adult host. We detail the interplay between microbial and dietary metabolites, the intestinal epithelium, vascular endothelium, the immune system and the various host soluble factors, and how this interplay establishes a homeostatic balance in the healthy gut and liver. Finally, we highlight how this balance is disrupted in diseases of the gut and liver, outline the existing therapeutics and describe the cutting-edge discoveries that could lead to the development of novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Pabst
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Mathias W Hornef
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank G Schaap
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Surgery, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Vuk Cerovic
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Clavel
- Functional Microbiome Research Group, Institute of Medical Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tony Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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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: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [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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Wu Z, Luan H, Huang J, Liao B, Xiao F. Migration inhibitory factor and cluster of differentiation 74-mediated dendritic cell apoptosis exacerbates acute acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e840. [PMID: 37102665 PMCID: PMC10108683 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.840] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on dendritic cells (DC) during acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice. METHODS First, we randomly divided the mice into experimental (ALI model) and control groups, then intraperitoneally injected 600 mg/kg of APAP or phosphate-buffered saline, respectively. Then, we collected liver tissue and serum samples to evaluate liver inflammation using serum alanine aminotransferase level and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of liver tissues. Flow cytometry was used to identify changes in the quantity and percentage of DCs, as well as the expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 74 and other apoptosis-related markers in the liver. Next, we randomly divided the mice into APAP-vehicles, APAP-bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), APAP-MIF, APAP-IgG (isotype immunoglobin G antibody) groups (four mice per group), after APAP injection, we injected control extracts, BMDCs, mouse recombinant MIF antibodies, or IgG antibodies into the tail vein. Lastly, the severity of the liver injury and the number of DCs were assessed. RESULTS The APAP-induced ALI mice had increased hepatic MIF expression but significantly lower amounts of hepatic DCs and apoptotic DCs than healthy mice; CD74 expression on the HDCs also increased markedly. Supplementing APAP-induced ALI mice with BMDCs or MIF antibodies significantly increased the number of hepatic DCs compared with the control mice, alleviating liver damage. CONCLUSION The MIF/CD74 signaling pathway may mediate hepatic DC apoptosis and promote liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zezhou Wu
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - He Luan
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Jinghui Huang
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Boming Liao
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Fang Xiao
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
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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: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.0] [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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Zhang JJ, Shen Y, Chen XY, Jiang ML, Yuan FH, Xie SL, Zhang J, Xu F. Integrative network-based analysis on multiple Gene Expression Omnibus datasets identifies novel immune molecular markers implicated in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1115890. [PMID: 37008925 PMCID: PMC10061151 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1115890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced subtype of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has becoming the most important aetiology for end-stage liver disease, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study were designed to explore novel genes associated with NASH. Methods Here, five independent Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets were combined into a single cohort and analyzed using network biology approaches. Results 11 modules identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed significant association with the status of NASH. Further characterization of four gene modules of interest demonstrated that molecular pathology of NASH involves the upregulation of hub genes related to immune response, cholesterol and lipid metabolic process, extracellular matrix organization, and the downregulation of hub genes related to cellular amino acid catabolic, respectively. After DEGs enrichment analysis and module preservation analysis, the Turquoise module associated with immune response displayed a remarkably correlation with NASH status. Hub genes with high degree of connectivity in the module, including CD53, LCP1, LAPTM5, NCKAP1L, C3AR1, PLEK, FCER1G, HLA-DRA and SRGN were further verified in clinical samples and mouse model of NASH. Moreover, single-cell RNA-seq analysis showed that those key genes were expressed by distinct immune cells such as microphages, natural killer, dendritic, T and B cells. Finally, the potential transcription factors of Turquoise module were characterized, including NFKB1, STAT3, RFX5, ILF3, ELF1, SPI1, ETS1 and CEBPA, the expression of which increased with NASH progression. Discussion In conclusion, our integrative analysis will contribute to the understanding of NASH and may enable the development of potential biomarkers for NASH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-jie Zhang
- Center for Molecular Pathology, Department of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of Publication Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiao-yuan Chen
- Department of Publication Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Man-lei Jiang
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Fifth People’s Hospital of Ganzhou, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Feng-hua Yuan
- Center for Molecular Pathology, Department of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shui-lian Xie
- Center for Molecular Pathology, Department of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Fifth People’s Hospital of Ganzhou, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Fifth People’s Hospital of Ganzhou, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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Yahoo N, Dudek M, Knolle P, Heikenwälder M. Role of immune responses for development of NAFLD-associated liver cancer and prospects for therapeutic modulation. J Hepatol 2023:S0168-8278(23)00165-4. [PMID: 36893854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the central metabolic organ of the body regulating energy and lipid metabolism and at the same time has potent immunological functions. Overwhelming the metabolic capacity of the liver by obesity and sedentary lifestyle leads to hepatic lipid accumulation, chronic necro-inflammation, enhanced mitochondrial/ER-stress and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with its pathologic form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Based on knowledge on pathophysiological mechanisms, specifically targeting metabolic diseases to prevent or slow down progression of NAFLD to liver cancer will become possible. Genetic/environmental factors contribute to development of NASH and liver cancer progression. The complex pathophysiology of NAFLD-NASH is reflected by environmental factors, particularly the gut microbiome and its metabolic products. NAFLD-associated HCC occurs in most of the cases in the context of a chronically inflamed liver and cirrhosis. Recognition of environmental alarmins or metabolites derived from the gut microbiota and the metabolically injured liver create a strong inflammatory milieu supported by innate and adaptive immunity. Several recent studies indicate that the chronic hepatic microenvironment of steatosis induces auto-aggressive CD8+CXCR6+PD1+ T cells secreting TNF and upregulating FasL to eliminate parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells in an antigen independent manner. This promotes chronic liver damage and a pro-tumorigenic environment. CD8+CXCR6+PD1+ T cells possess an exhausted, hyperactivated, resident phenotype and trigger NASH to HCC transition, and might be responsible for a less efficient treatment response to immune-check-point inhibitors - in particular atezolizumab/bevacizumab. Here, we provide an overview of NASH-related inflammation/pathogenesis focusing on new discoveries on the role of T cells in NASH-immunopathology and therapy response. This review discusses preventive measures to halt disease progression to liver cancer and therapeutic strategies to manage NASH-HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Yahoo
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Dudek
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Percy Knolle
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.
| | - Mathias Heikenwälder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; The M3 Research Institute, Karl Eberhards Universitaet Tübingen, Medizinische Fakultät, Otfried-Müller-Straße 37, 72076 Tübingen.
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