1
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Sonkar R, Ma H, Waxman DJ. Steatotic liver disease induced by TCPOBOP-activated hepatic constitutive androstane receptor: primary and secondary gene responses with links to disease progression. Toxicol Sci 2024; 200:324-345. [PMID: 38710495 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae057] [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] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, Nr1i3), a liver nuclear receptor and xenobiotic sensor, induces drug, steroid, and lipid metabolizing enzymes, stimulates liver hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and ultimately, hepatocellular carcinogenesis. The mechanisms linking early CAR responses to later disease development are poorly understood. Here we show that exposure of CD-1 mice to TCPOBOP (1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene), a halogenated xenochemical and selective CAR agonist ligand, induces pericentral steatosis marked by hepatic accumulation of cholesterol and neutral lipid, and elevated circulating alanine aminotransferase, indicating hepatocyte damage. TCPOBOP-induced steatosis was weaker in the pericentral region but stronger in the periportal region in females compared with males. Early (1 day) TCPOBOP transcriptional responses were enriched for CAR-bound primary response genes, and for lipogenesis and xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative stress protection pathways; late (2 weeks) TCPOBOP responses included many CAR binding-independent secondary response genes, with enrichment for macrophage activation, immune response, and cytokine and reactive oxygen species production. Late upstream regulators specific to TCPOBOP-exposed male liver were linked to proinflammatory responses and hepatocellular carcinoma progression. TCPOBOP administered weekly to male mice using a high corn oil vehicle induced carbohydrate-responsive transcription factor (MLXIPL)-regulated target genes, dysregulated mitochondrial respiratory and translation regulatory pathways, and induced more advanced liver pathology. Overall, TCPOBOP exposure recapitulates histological and gene expression changes characteristic of emerging steatotic liver disease, including secondary gene responses in liver nonparenchymal cells indicative of transition to a more advanced disease state. Upstream regulators of both the early and late TCPOBOP response genes include novel biomarkers for foreign chemical-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Sonkar
- Department of Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - David J Waxman
- Department of Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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Booijink R, Ramachandran P, Bansal R. Implications of innate immune sexual dimorphism for MASLD pathogenesis and treatment. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:614-627. [PMID: 38853100 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.05.004] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is significantly higher in men versus women. Increased prevalence is observed in postmenopausal women, suggesting that age and sex (hormones) influence MASLD development and progression. Molecular data further reveal that sex regulates the innate immune responses with an essential role in MASLD progression. To date, there has been limited focus on the role of innate immune sexual dimorphism in MASLD, and differences between men and women are not considered in the current drug discovery landscape. In this review, we summarize the sex disparities and innate immune sexual dimorphism in MASLD pathogenesis. We further highlight the importance of harnessing sexual dimorphism in identifying therapeutic targets, developing pharmacological therapies, and designing (pre-) clinical studies for the personalized treatment for MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richell Booijink
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Prakash Ramachandran
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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3
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Zhou H, Chen H, Lu H, Wu B, Zhang S, Gu Y, Zhou G, Xiang J, Yang J. Sex differences in mortality and liver-related events in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Int 2024; 44:1600-1609. [PMID: 38506430 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15910] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Many systematic reviews explore the association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with mortality, but none of them explores sex-based differences in detail. We aimed to assess whether NAFLD is associated with cause-specific mortality, all-cause mortality, and cancer incidence in both men and women. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases were searched from inception through April 2023 for eligible studies. We separately pooled relative risks (RRs) for men and women using a random effects model. Subsequently, the RRs and 95% CIs (confidence intervals) in each study were used to calculate the women-to-men ratio of RRs (RRR). Furthermore, subgroup analyses were performed to explore the robustness of outcomes. The random-effects model was employed to conduct sensitivity analyses to determine the impact of specific studies on the overall findings. RESULTS The meta-analysis included nine cohort studies comprising 557 614 patients with NAFLD were chosen. Women were 44% more likely than men to get cancer among those with NAFLD (RRR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.02-2.04; p = .039). However, no sex-related differences were observed between NAFLD and all-cause mortality (RRR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.56-2.01; p = .861), liver-related mortality (RRR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.02-69.82; p = .977), cardiovascular mortality (RRR: 1; 95% CI: 0.65-1.53; p = .987) and liver cancer (RRR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.43-1.36; p = .36). CONCLUSIONS There may be sex variations between NAFLD and the risk of cancer, with the connection being stronger in females than in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Division of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Division of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanxiao Lu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Division of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Division of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Division of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanlong Gu
- Division of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangwen Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Xiang
- Wuxi Mingci Cardiovascular Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Division of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
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4
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Ha S, Wong VWS, Zhang X, Yu J. Interplay between gut microbiome, host genetic and epigenetic modifications in MASLD and MASLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2024-332398. [PMID: 38950910 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2024-332398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of liver injuries, ranging from hepatic steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis to MASLD-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (MASLD-HCC). Recent studies have highlighted the bidirectional impacts between host genetics/epigenetics and the gut microbial community. Host genetics influence the composition of gut microbiome, while the gut microbiota and their derived metabolites can induce host epigenetic modifications to affect the development of MASLD. The exploration of the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the genetic/epigenetic makeup of the host is anticipated to yield promising avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting MASLD and its associated conditions. In this review, we summarise the effects of gut microbiome, host genetics and epigenetic alterations in MASLD and MASLD-HCC. We further discuss research findings demonstrating the bidirectional impacts between gut microbiome and host genetics/epigenetics, emphasising the significance of this interconnection in MASLD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suki Ha
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jun Yu
- 1Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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5
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Della Torre S, Cherubini A, Valenti L. Estrogen receptor alpha in the female liver: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00330-1. [PMID: 38897836 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Cherubini
- Precision Medicine - Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine - Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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6
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Cherubini A, Della Torre S, Pelusi S, Valenti L. Sexual dimorphism of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00135-7. [PMID: 38890029 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.05.013] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver condition. MASLD is a sexually dimorphic condition, with its development and progression influenced by sex chromosomes and hormones. Estrogens typically protect against, whereas androgens promote, MASLD. Therapeutic approaches for a sex-specific personalized medicine include estrogen replacement, androgen blockers, and novel drugs targeting hormonal pathways. However, the interactions between hormonal factors and inherited genetic variation impacts MASLD risk, necessitating more tailored therapies. Understanding sex disparities and the role of estrogens could improve MASLD interventions and management, whereas clinical trials addressing sex differences are crucial for advancing personalized treatment. This review explores the underappreciated impact of sexual dimorphism in MASLD and discusses the potential therapeutic application of sex-related hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cherubini
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Pelusi
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Valenti
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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7
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Satthawiwat N, Jinato T, Sutheeworapong S, Tanpowpong N, Chuaypen N, Tangkijvanich P. Distinct Gut Microbial Signature and Host Genetic Variants in Association with Liver Fibrosis Severity in Patients with MASLD. Nutrients 2024; 16:1800. [PMID: 38931155 PMCID: PMC11206871 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121800] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota might affect the severity and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We aimed to characterize gut dysbiosis and clinical parameters regarding fibrosis stages assessed by magnetic resonance elastography. This study included 156 patients with MASLD, stratified into no/mild fibrosis (F0-F1) and moderate/severe fibrosis (F2-F4). Fecal specimens were sequenced targeting the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and analyzed using bioinformatics. The genotyping of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 was assessed by allelic discrimination assays. Our data showed that gut microbial profiles between groups significantly differed in beta-diversity but not in alpha-diversity indices. Enriched Fusobacterium and Escherichia_Shigella, and depleted Lachnospira were found in the F2-F4 group versus the F0-F1 group. Compared to F0-F1, the F2-F4 group had elevated plasma surrogate markers of gut epithelial permeability and bacterial translocation. The bacterial genera, PNPLA3 polymorphisms, old age, and diabetes were independently associated with advanced fibrosis in multivariable analyses. Using the Random Forest classifier, the gut microbial signature of three genera could differentiate the groups with high diagnostic accuracy (AUC of 0.93). These results indicated that the imbalance of enriched pathogenic genera and decreased beneficial bacteria, in association with several clinical and genetic factors, were potential contributors to the pathogenesis and progression of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nantawat Satthawiwat
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.S.); (T.J.); (N.C.)
- Doctor of Philosophy Program in Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thananya Jinato
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.S.); (T.J.); (N.C.)
| | - Sawannee Sutheeworapong
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10150, Thailand;
| | - Natthaporn Tanpowpong
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Natthaya Chuaypen
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.S.); (T.J.); (N.C.)
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.S.); (T.J.); (N.C.)
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8
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EASL-EASD-EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Obes Facts 2024:1-70. [PMID: 38852583 DOI: 10.1159/000539371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously termed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is defined as steatotic liver disease (SLD) in the presence of one or more cardiometabolic risk factor(s) and the absence of harmful alcohol intake. The spectrum of MASLD includes steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, previously NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and MASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This joint EASL-EASD-EASO guideline provides an update on definitions, prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment for MASLD. Case-finding strategies for MASLD with liver fibrosis, using non-invasive tests, should be applied in individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, abnormal liver enzymes, and/or radiological signs of hepatic steatosis, particularly in the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity with additional metabolic risk factor(s). A stepwise approach using blood-based scores (such as FIB-4) and, sequentially, imaging techniques (such as transient elastography) is suitable to rule-out/in advanced fibrosis, which is predictive of liver-related outcomes. In adults with MASLD, lifestyle modification - including weight loss, dietary changes, physical exercise and discouraging alcohol consumption - as well as optimal management of comorbidities - including use of incretin-based therapies (e.g. semaglutide, tirzepatide) for T2D or obesity, if indicated - is advised. Bariatric surgery is also an option in individuals with MASLD and obesity. If locally approved and dependent on the label, adults with non-cirrhotic MASH and significant liver fibrosis (stage ≥2) should be considered for a MASH-targeted treatment with resmetirom, which demonstrated histological effectiveness on steatohepatitis and fibrosis with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. No MASH-targeted pharmacotherapy can currently be recommended for the cirrhotic stage. Management of MASH-related cirrhosis includes adaptations of metabolic drugs, nutritional counselling, surveillance for portal hypertension and HCC, as well as liver transplantation in decompensated cirrhosis.
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9
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Tacke F, Horn P, Wai-Sun Wong V, Ratziu V, Bugianesi E, Francque S, Zelber-Sagi S, Valenti L, Roden M, Schick F, Yki-Järvinen H, Gastaldelli A, Vettor R, Frühbeck G, Dicker D. EASL-EASD-EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00329-5. [PMID: 38851997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously termed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is defined as steatotic liver disease (SLD) in the presence of one or more cardiometabolic risk factor(s) and the absence of harmful alcohol intake. The spectrum of MASLD includes steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, previously NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and MASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This joint EASL-EASD-EASO guideline provides an update on definitions, prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment for MASLD. Case-finding strategies for MASLD with liver fibrosis, using non-invasive tests, should be applied in individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, abnormal liver enzymes, and/or radiological signs of hepatic steatosis, particularly in the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity with additional metabolic risk factor(s). A stepwise approach using blood-based scores (such as FIB-4) and, sequentially, imaging techniques (such as transient elastography) is suitable to rule-out/in advanced fibrosis, which is predictive of liver-related outcomes. In adults with MASLD, lifestyle modification - including weight loss, dietary changes, physical exercise and discouraging alcohol consumption - as well as optimal management of comorbidities - including use of incretin-based therapies (e.g. semaglutide, tirzepatide) for T2D or obesity, if indicated - is advised. Bariatric surgery is also an option in individuals with MASLD and obesity. If locally approved and dependent on the label, adults with non-cirrhotic MASH and significant liver fibrosis (stage ≥2) should be considered for a MASH-targeted treatment with resmetirom, which demonstrated histological effectiveness on steatohepatitis and fibrosis with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. No MASH-targeted pharmacotherapy can currently be recommended for the cirrhotic stage. Management of MASH-related cirrhosis includes adaptations of metabolic drugs, nutritional counselling, surveillance for portal hypertension and HCC, as well as liver transplantation in decompensated cirrhosis.
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10
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Allen AM, Younossi ZM, Diehl AM, Charlton MR, Lazarus JV. Envisioning how to advance the MASH field. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:10.1038/s41575-024-00938-9. [PMID: 38834817 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00938-9] [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: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Since 1980, the cumulative effort of scientists and health-care stakeholders has advanced the prerequisites to address metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a prevalent chronic non-communicable liver disease. This effort has led to, among others, the approval of the first drug specific for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH; formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). Despite substantial progress, MASLD is still a leading cause of advanced chronic liver disease, including primary liver cancer. This Perspective contextualizes the nomenclature change from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to MASLD and proposes important considerations to accelerate further progress in the field, optimize patient-centric multidisciplinary care pathways, advance pharmacological, behavioural and diagnostic research, and address health disparities. Key regulatory and other steps necessary to optimize the approval and access to upcoming additional pharmacological therapeutic agents for MASH are also outlined. We conclude by calling for increased education and awareness, enhanced health system preparedness, and concerted action by policy-makers to further the public health and policy agenda to achieve at least parity with other non-communicable diseases and to aid in growing the community of practice to reduce the human and economic burden and end the public health threat of MASLD and MASH by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina M Allen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Zobair M Younossi
- Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
- The Global NASH Council, Washington DC, USA
| | | | - Michael R Charlton
- Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- The Global NASH Council, Washington DC, USA.
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH), New York, NY, USA.
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Caon E, Martins M, Hodgetts H, Blanken L, Vilia MG, Levi A, Thanapirom K, Al-Akkad W, Abu-Hanna J, Baselli G, Hall AR, Luong TV, Taanman JW, Vacca M, Valenti L, Romeo S, Mazza G, Pinzani M, Rombouts K. Exploring the impact of the PNPLA3 I148M variant on primary human hepatic stellate cells using 3D extracellular matrix models. J Hepatol 2024; 80:941-956. [PMID: 38365182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G (encoding for I148M) variant is a risk locus for the fibrogenic progression of chronic liver diseases, a process driven by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We investigated how the PNPLA3 I148M variant affects HSC biology using transcriptomic data and validated findings in 3D-culture models. METHODS RNA sequencing was performed on 2D-cultured primary human HSCs and liver biopsies of individuals with obesity, genotyped for the PNPLA3 I148M variant. Data were validated in wild-type (WT) or PNPLA3 I148M variant-carrying HSCs cultured on 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds from human healthy and cirrhotic livers, with/without TGFB1 or cytosporone B (Csn-B) treatment. RESULTS Transcriptomic analyses of liver biopsies and HSCs highlighted shared PNPLA3 I148M-driven dysregulated pathways related to mitochondrial function, antioxidant response, ECM remodelling and TGFB1 signalling. Analogous pathways were dysregulated in WT/PNPLA3-I148M HSCs cultured in 3D liver scaffolds. Mitochondrial dysfunction in PNPLA3-I148M cells was linked to respiratory chain complex IV insufficiency. Antioxidant capacity was lower in PNPLA3-I148M HSCs, while reactive oxygen species secretion was increased in PNPLA3-I148M HSCs and higher in bioengineered cirrhotic vs. healthy scaffolds. TGFB1 signalling followed the same trend. In PNPLA3-I148M cells, expression and activation of the endogenous TGFB1 inhibitor NR4A1 were decreased: treatment with the Csn-B agonist increased total NR4A1 in HSCs cultured in healthy but not in cirrhotic 3D scaffolds. NR4A1 regulation by TGFB1/Csn-B was linked to Akt signalling in PNPLA3-WT HSCs and to Erk signalling in PNPLA3-I148M HSCs. CONCLUSION HSCs carrying the PNPLA3 I148M variant have impaired mitochondrial function, antioxidant responses, and increased TGFB1 signalling, which dampens antifibrotic NR4A1 activity. These features are exacerbated by cirrhotic ECM, highlighting the dual impact of the PNPLA3 I148M variant and the fibrotic microenvironment in progressive chronic liver diseases. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in the fibrogenic process associated with chronic liver disease. The PNPLA3 genetic mutation has been linked with increased risk of fibrogenesis, but its role in HSCs requires further investigation. Here, by using comparative transcriptomics and a novel 3D in vitro model, we demonstrate the impact of the PNPLA3 genetic mutation on primary human HSCs' behaviour, and we show that it affects the cell's mitochondrial function and antioxidant response, as well as the antifibrotic gene NR4A1. Our publicly available transcriptomic data, 3D platform and our findings on NR4A1 could facilitate the discovery of targets to develop more effective treatments for chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Caon
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Maria Martins
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Harry Hodgetts
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Lieke Blanken
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Maria Giovanna Vilia
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Ana Levi
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Kessarin Thanapirom
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Walid Al-Akkad
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Jeries Abu-Hanna
- Research Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Guido Baselli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrew R Hall
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tu Vinh Luong
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jan-Willem Taanman
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London UK
| | - Michele Vacca
- Laboratory of Hepatic Metabolism and NAFLD, Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, London, UK; Clinica Medica "Frugoni", Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Luca Valenti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Precision Medicine, Biological Resource Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe Mazza
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Krista Rombouts
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.
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12
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Caddeo A, Maurotti S, Kovooru L, Romeo S. 3D culture models to study pathophysiology of steatotic liver disease. Atherosclerosis 2024; 393:117544. [PMID: 38677899 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Steatotic liver disease (SLD) refers to a spectrum of diseases caused by hepatic lipid accumulation. SLD has emerged as the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Despite this burden and many years, understanding the pathophysiology of this disease is challenging due to the inaccessibility to human liver specimens. Therefore, cell-based in vitro systems are widely used as models to investigate the pathophysiology of SLD. Culturing hepatic cells in monolayers causes the loss of their hepatocyte-specific phenotype and, consequently, tissue-specific function and architecture. Hence, three-dimensional (3D) culture models allow cells to mimic the in vivo microenvironment and spatial organization of the liver unit. The utilization of 3D in vitro models minimizes the drawbacks of two-dimensional (2D) cultures and aligns with the 3Rs principles to alleviate the number of in vivo experiments. This article provides an overview of liver 3D models highlighting advantages and limitations, and culminates by discussing their applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caddeo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Samantha Maurotti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lohitesh Kovooru
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.
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13
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Moore MP, Wang X, Kennelly JP, Shi H, Ishino Y, Kano K, Aoki J, Cherubini A, Ronzoni L, Guo X, Chalasani NP, Khalid S, Saleheen D, Mitsche MA, Rotter JI, Yates KP, Valenti L, Kono N, Tontonoz P, Tabas I. Low MBOAT7 expression, a genetic risk for MASH, promotes a profibrotic pathway involving hepatocyte TAZ upregulation. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00886. [PMID: 38776184 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The common genetic variant rs641738 C>T is a risk factor for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), including liver fibrosis, and is associated with decreased expression of the phospholipid-remodeling enzyme MBOAT7 (LPIAT1). However, whether restoring MBOAT7 expression in established metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease dampens the progression to liver fibrosis and, importantly, the mechanism through which decreased MBOAT7 expression exacerbates MASH fibrosis remain unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS We first showed that hepatocyte MBOAT7 restoration in mice with diet-induced steatohepatitis slows the progression to liver fibrosis. Conversely, when hepatocyte-MBOAT7 was silenced in mice with established hepatosteatosis, liver fibrosis but not hepatosteatosis was exacerbated. Mechanistic studies revealed that hepatocyte-MBOAT7 restoration in MASH mice lowered hepatocyte-TAZ (WWTR1), which is known to promote MASH fibrosis. Conversely, hepatocyte-MBOAT7 silencing enhanced TAZ upregulation in MASH. Finally, we discovered that changes in hepatocyte phospholipids due to MBOAT7 loss-of-function promote a cholesterol trafficking pathway that upregulates TAZ and the TAZ-induced profibrotic factor Indian hedgehog (IHH). As evidence for relevance in humans, we found that the livers of individuals with MASH carrying the rs641738-T allele had higher hepatocyte nuclear TAZ, indicating higher TAZ activity and increased IHH mRNA. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for a novel mechanism linking MBOAT7-LoF to MASH fibrosis, adds new insight into an established genetic locus for MASH, and, given the druggability of hepatocyte TAZ for MASH fibrosis, suggests a personalized medicine approach for subjects at increased risk for MASH fibrosis due to inheritance of variants that lower MBOAT7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P Moore
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - John Paul Kennelly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hongxue Shi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yuki Ishino
- Department of Health Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kuniyuki Kano
- Department of Health Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junken Aoki
- Department of Health Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alessandro Cherubini
- Precisione Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Ronzoni
- Precisione Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Xiuqing Guo
- The Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Naga P Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Shareef Khalid
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Non-Communicable Disease, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Danish Saleheen
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Non-Communicable Disease, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Matthew A Mitsche
- Center for Human Nutrition and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jerome I Rotter
- The Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Katherine P Yates
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precisione Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nozomu Kono
- Department of Health Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Peter Tontonoz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ira Tabas
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Columbia University Digestive and Liver Disease Research Center, New York, NY
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14
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Moretti V, Romeo S, Valenti L. The contribution of genetics and epigenetics to MAFLD susceptibility. Hepatol Int 2024:10.1007/s12072-024-10667-5. [PMID: 38662298 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10667-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. The risk of developing MAFLD varies among individuals, due to a combination of environmental inherited and acquired genetic factors. Genome-wide association and next-generation sequencing studies are leading to the discovery of the common and rare genetic determinants of MAFLD. Thanks to the great advances in genomic technologies and bioinformatics analysis, genetic and epigenetic factors involved in the disease can be used to develop genetic risk scores specific for liver-related complications, which can improve risk stratification. Genetic and epigenetic factors lead to the identification of specific sub-phenotypes of MAFLD, and predict the individual response to a pharmacological therapy. Moreover, the variant transcripts and protein themselves represent new therapeutic targets. This review will discuss the current status of research into genetic as well as epigenetic modifiers of MAFLD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Moretti
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Via F Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Via F Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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15
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Chalasani N, Vilar-Gomez E, Loomba R, Yates KP, Diehl AM, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Dasarathy S, Kowdley KV, Terrault N, Wilson LA, Tonascia J, Sanyal AJ. PNPLA3 rs738409, age, diabetes, sex, and advanced fibrosis jointly contribute to the risk of major adverse liver outcomes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00857. [PMID: 38652636 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 ( PNPLA3 ) rs738409 variant is associated with steatotic liver disease and its progression. We examined the association between PNPLA3 and the development of major adverse liver outcomes (MALOs) and how nonmodifiable and modifiable conditions modify this relationship. APPROACH AND RESULTS A total of 2075 adults with biopsy-confirmed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) were enrolled in the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (MASH CRN) studies and followed prospectively until death, transplant, or withdrawal of consent. One hundred four MALOs were recorded during an average of 4.3 years. PNPLA3 G-allele (Adj. sub-hazard ratio (sHR): 1.4, 95% CI: 1.07-1.8), advanced fibrosis (AF) (Adj. sHR: 7.8, 95% CI: 4.4-13.8), age >60 years (Adj. sHR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3-6.8), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (Adj. sHR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.8-4.2) were associated with MALO. Among participants with AF, those carrying the G-allele displayed the highest cumulative incidence of MALO (85%) versus noncarriers (53%), p =0.03, and p -value for interaction <0.01. The strength of the association between PNPLA3 and MALO was statistically significantly greater among older than 60 years (sHR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-2.8), women (sHR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.9), and those with AF (sHR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.5-2.4) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (sHR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-2.8) as compared with their counterparts, p -value for interaction between PNPLA3 and each factor<0.01. CONCLUSIONS The deleterious effects of PNPLA3 rs738409 on the risk of MALO are significantly worsened by AF, age, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naga Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Eduardo Vilar-Gomez
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, MASLD Research Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Katherine P Yates
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Norah Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Laura A Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James Tonascia
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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16
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Chen X, Zhong S, Zhan Y, Zhang X. CRISPR-Cas9 applications in T cells and adoptive T cell therapies. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:52. [PMID: 38609863 PMCID: PMC11010303 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell immunity is central to contemporary cancer and autoimmune therapies, encompassing immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T cell therapies. Their diverse characteristics can be reprogrammed by different immune challenges dependent on antigen stimulation levels, metabolic conditions, and the degree of inflammation. T cell-based therapeutic strategies are gaining widespread adoption in oncology and treating inflammatory conditions. Emerging researches reveal that clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) genome editing has enabled T cells to be more adaptable to specific microenvironments, opening the door to advanced T cell therapies in preclinical and clinical trials. CRISPR-Cas9 can edit both primary T cells and engineered T cells, including CAR-T and TCR-T, in vivo and in vitro to regulate T cell differentiation and activation states. This review first provides a comprehensive summary of the role of CRISPR-Cas9 in T cells and its applications in preclinical and clinical studies for T cell-based therapies. We also explore the application of CRISPR screen high-throughput technology in editing T cells and anticipate the current limitations of CRISPR-Cas9, including off-target effects and delivery challenges, and envisioned improvements in related technologies for disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Institute of Zhengzhou University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Shuhan Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yonghao Zhan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
| | - Xuepei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
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17
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Xu Q, Zhang J, Lu Y, Wu L. Association of metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease with polycystic ovary syndrome. iScience 2024; 27:108783. [PMID: 38292434 PMCID: PMC10825666 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has a prevalence of over 25% in adults, encompasses a wide spectrum of liver diseases. Metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the new term for NAFLD, is characterized by steatotic liver disease accompanied by cardiometabolic criteria, showing a strong correlation with metabolic diseases. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disease affecting 4-21% of women of reproductive age. Numerous studies have indicated that NAFLD and PCOS often occur together. However, as MASLD is a new term, there is still a lack of reports describing the effects of MASLD on the development of PCOS. In this review article, we have summarized the complex and multifaceted connections between MASLD and PCOS. Understanding the pathogenesis and treatment methods could not only guide the clinical prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PCOS in patients with MASLD, but also increase the clinical attention of reproductive doctors to MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyu Xu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Metabolism and Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Institute of Metabolism and Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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18
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Tsai YL, Yu PC, Nien HH, Lu TP. Time variation of high-risk groups for liver function deteriorations within fluctuating long-term liver function after hepatic radiotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:104. [PMID: 38326881 PMCID: PMC10848403 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01692-z] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to find essential risk factors associated with liver function (LF) deteriorations within fluctuating long-term LF and their time-varying effects in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving hepatic radiotherapy and to identify high-risk groups for adverse LF deteriorations and their changes over time in facilitating the prevention of hepatic decompensation and the improvement of survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 133 HCC patients treated by hepatic radiotherapy were enrolled. A study design was conducted to convert posttreatment long-term LF with fluctuating levels over time to recurrent LF events using defined upgrades in a grading scale. The hazard ratios (HR) of pretreatment biochemical, demographic, clinical, and dosimetric factors in developing posttreatment LF events were estimated using the Cox model. Methodologies of the counting process approach, robust variance estimation, goodness-of-fit testing based on the Schoenfeld residuals, and time-dependent covariates in survival analysis were employed to handle the correlation within subjects and evaluate the time-varying effects during long-term follow-up. RESULTS Baseline LF score before radiotherapy and gender were significant factors. Initial HR in developing LF events was 1.17 (95% CI 1.11-1.23; P < 0.001) for each increase of baseline LF score and kept almost constant over time (HR, 1.00; 95% CI 1.00-1.01; P = 0.065). However, no difference was observed regarding initial hazards for gender (HR, 1.00; 95% CI 0.64-1.56; P = 0.994), but the hazard for women got higher monthly over time compared with men (HR, 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.07; P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS High-risk groups for adverse LF deteriorations after hepatic radiotherapy may change over time. Patients with poor baseline LF are vulnerable from the beginning. Women require prevention strategies and careful monitoring for deteriorations at a later stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lun Tsai
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chieh Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Nien
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Pin Lu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Center of Genomic and Precision Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Institute of Health Data Analytics and Statistics, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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19
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Kim D, Manikat R, Cholankeril G, Ahmed A. Endogenous sex hormones and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in US adults. Liver Int 2024; 44:460-471. [PMID: 38010926 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sex steroid hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) have a role in predisposing individuals to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but their effects are known to differ between men and women. The testosterone-to-estradiol ratio (T/E2 ratio) and free androgen index (FAI) were known biomarkers for the hormonal milieu. We investigated whether sex steroid hormones, T/E2 ratio, FAI, and SHBG were associated with NAFLD in US adults. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis using the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was performed. NAFLD was defined by utilizing the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) and the US fatty liver index (USFLI) without other causes of chronic liver disease. RESULTS Out of 8687 subjects (49.5% male), low total testosterone levels were associated with progressively higher odds of NAFLD in men. Increasing T/E2 ratio was inversely associated with higher odds of NAFLD in men. Low serum SHBG levels were independently associated with an increased risk of NAFLD regardless of sex and menopausal status. Increasing FAI was independently associated with NAFLD. When we additionally adjusted for SHBG, T/E2 ratio, not total testosterone, was inversely associated with NAFLD in a dose-dependent manner. Increasing FAI was associated with higher odds of NAFLD in premenopausal women and marginally associated with NAFLD in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION The T/E2 ratio and SHBG were inversely associated with an increased risk of NAFLD in men. In women, increasing FAI was associated with NAFLD, whereas SHBG was inversely associated with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghee Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Richie Manikat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - George Cholankeril
- Liver Center, Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Michael E DeBakey Department of General Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aijaz Ahmed
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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20
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Wang Y, Zheng J, Long Y, Wu W, Zhu Y. Direct degradation and stabilization of proteins: New horizons in treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115989. [PMID: 38122854 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115989] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is featured with excessive hepatic lipid accumulation and its global prevalence is soaring. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the severe systemic inflammatory subtype of NAFLD, is tightly associated with metabolic comorbidities, and the hepatocytes manifest severe inflammation and ballooning. Currently the therapeutic options for treating NASH are limited. Potent small molecules specifically intervene with the signaling pathways that promote pathogenesis of NASH. Nevertheless they have obvious adverse effects and show long-term ineffectiveness in clinical trials. It poses the fundamental question to efficiently and safely inhibit the pathogenic processes. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) belongs to the direct degradation strategies and is a burgeoning strategy. It utilizes the small molecules to bind to the target proteins and recruit the endogenous proteasome, lysosome and autophagosome-mediated degradation machineries. They effectively and specifically degrade the target proteins. It has exhibited promising therapeutic effects in treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases in a catalytic manner at low doses. We critically discuss the principles of multiple direct degradation strategies, especially PROTAC and ATTEC. We extensively analyze their emerging application in degradation of excessive pathogenic proteins and lipid droplets, which promote the progression of NASH. Moreover, we discuss the opposite strategy that utilizes the small molecules to recruit deubiquinases to stabilize the NASH/MASH-suppressing proteins. Their advantages, limitations, as well as the solutions to address the limitations have been analyzed. In summary, the innovative direct degradation strategies provide new insights into design of next-generation therapeutics to combat NASH with optimal safety paradigm and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, PR China.
| | - Jianan Zheng
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Yun Long
- Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, PR China
| | - Wenyi Wu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Yutong Zhu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
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21
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Valenti LVC, Moretti V. Implications of the evolving knowledge of the genetic architecture of MASLD. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:5-6. [PMID: 37923906 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00866-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca V C Valenti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center Unit and Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Vittoria Moretti
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center Unit and Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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