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Chen S, Huang J, Huang Y, Zhou C, Wang N, Zhang L, Zhang Z, Li B, He X, Wang K, Zhi Y, Lv G, Shen S. Metabolomics analyses reveal the liver-protective mechanism of Wang's metabolic formula on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33418. [PMID: 39040343 PMCID: PMC11261804 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Wang's metabolic formula (WMF) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula developed under the guidance of Professor Kungen Wang. WMF has been clinically utilized for several years. However, the therapeutic mechanism of WMF in treating metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains unclear. In this study, we performed phytochemical analysis on WMF using LC-MS. To study the role of WMF in MAFLD, we orally administered WMF (20.6 g/kg) to male MAFLD mice induced by a high-cholesterol high-fat diet (HCHFD). Then pathological, biochemical, and metabolomic analyses were performed. The main components of WMF are chlorogenic acid, geniposide, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, and calycosin-7-O-glucoside. MAFLD mice treated with WMF exhibited significant improvements in obesity, abnormal lipid metabolism, inflammation, and liver pathology. WMF decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triglyceride (TG) levels in the serum of MAFLD mice while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. WMF lowered liver TG levels and inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB). Metabolomic analysis of the liver annotated 78 differentially regulated metabolites enriched in four pathways: glycerophospholipid metabolism, retinol metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, and choline metabolism. Western blot experiments showed that WMF increased the expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-β, and RXR in the liver while decreasing the expression of RAR. The study demonstrates that WMF has a solid preventive and therapeutic effect on MAFLD. The anti-inflammatory and regulation of abnormal liver metabolism activities of WMF involve retinol metabolism and the PPAR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhong Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, China
| | - Jiahui Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, China
| | - Yuzhen Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, China
| | - Chengliang Zhou
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, China
| | - Linnan Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, China
| | - Zehua Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, China
| | - Bo Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, China
| | - Xinglishang He
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, China
| | - Kungen Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Kungen Wang National Famous Chinese Medicine Doctor Studio, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Yihui Zhi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Kungen Wang National Famous Chinese Medicine Doctor Studio, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Guiyuan Lv
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Shuhua Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Kungen Wang National Famous Chinese Medicine Doctor Studio, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
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May L, Bartolo B, Harrison D, Guzik T, Drummond G, Figtree G, Ritchie R, Rye KA, de Haan J. Translating atherosclerosis research from bench to bedside: navigating the barriers for effective preclinical drug discovery. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:1731-1758. [PMID: 36459456 PMCID: PMC9727216 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. An ongoing challenge remains the development of novel pharmacotherapies to treat CVD, particularly atherosclerosis. Effective mechanism-informed development and translation of new drugs requires a deep understanding of the known and currently unknown biological mechanisms underpinning atherosclerosis, accompanied by optimization of traditional drug discovery approaches. Current animal models do not precisely recapitulate the pathobiology underpinning human CVD. Accordingly, a fundamental limitation in early-stage drug discovery has been the lack of consensus regarding an appropriate experimental in vivo model that can mimic human atherosclerosis. However, when coupled with a clear understanding of the specific advantages and limitations of the model employed, preclinical animal models remain a crucial component for evaluating pharmacological interventions. Within this perspective, we will provide an overview of the mechanisms and modalities of atherosclerotic drugs, including those in the preclinical and early clinical development stage. Additionally, we highlight recent preclinical models that have improved our understanding of atherosclerosis and associated clinical consequences and propose model adaptations to facilitate the development of new and effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T. May
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | | | - David G. Harrison
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN, U.S.A
| | - Tomasz Guzik
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, U.K
- Department of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grant R. Drummond
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gemma A. Figtree
- Kolling Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Imaging and Phenotyping Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca H. Ritchie
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kerry-Anne Rye
- Lipid Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Judy B. de Haan
- Cardiovascular Inflammation and Redox Biology Lab, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
- Department Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
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Cassim Bawa FN, Gopoju R, Xu Y, Hu S, Zhu Y, Chen S, Jadhav K, Zhang Y. Retinoic Acid Receptor Alpha (RARα) in Macrophages Protects from Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mice. Cells 2022; 11:3186. [PMID: 36291054 PMCID: PMC9600071 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid signaling plays an important role in regulating lipid metabolism and inflammation. However, the role of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) in atherosclerosis remains to be determined. In the current study, we investigated the role of macrophage RARα in the development of atherosclerosis. Macrophages isolated from myeloid-specific Rarα-/- (RarαMac-/-) mice showed increased lipid accumulation and inflammation and reduced cholesterol efflux compared to Rarαfl/fl (control) mice. All-trans retinoic acid (AtRA) induced ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (Abca1) and Abcg1 expression and cholesterol efflux in both RarαMac-/- mice and Rarαfl/fl mice. In Ldlr-/- mice, myeloid ablation of RARα significantly reduced macrophage Abca1 and Abcg1 expression and cholesterol efflux, induced inflammatory genes, and aggravated Western diet-induced atherosclerosis. Our data demonstrate that macrophage RARα protects against atherosclerosis, likely via inducing cholesterol efflux and inhibiting inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathima N. Cassim Bawa
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240, USA
| | - Raja Gopoju
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Yanyong Xu
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Shuwei Hu
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Yingdong Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240, USA
| | - Shaoru Chen
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Kavita Jadhav
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Yanqiao Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
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4
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Li B, Cai SY, Boyer JL. The role of the retinoid receptor, RAR/RXR heterodimer, in liver physiology. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166085. [PMID: 33497820 PMCID: PMC11152086 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Activated by retinoids, metabolites of vitamin A, the retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and the retinoid X receptors (RXRs) play important roles in a wide variety of biological processes, including embryo development, homeostasis, cell proliferation, differentiation and death. In this review, we summarized the functional roles of nuclear receptor RAR/RXR heterodimers in liver physiology. Specifically, RAR/RXR modulate the synthesis and metabolism of lipids and bile acids in hepatocytes, regulate cholesterol transport in macrophages, and repress fibrogenesis in hepatic stellate cells. We have also listed the specific genes that carry these functions and how RAR/RXR regulate their expression in liver cells, providing a mechanistic view of their roles in liver physiology. Meanwhile, we pointed out many questions regarding the detailed signaling of RAR/RXR in regulating the expression of liver genes, and hope future studies will address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baixue Li
- Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States; College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China.
| | - Shi-Ying Cai
- Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.
| | - James L Boyer
- Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.
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5
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Shao M, Lu L, Wang Q, Ma L, Tian X, Li C, Li C, Guo D, Wang Q, Wang W, Wang Y. The multi-faceted role of retinoid X receptor in cardiovascular diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111264. [PMID: 33761589 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are members of ligand-dependent transcription factors whose effects on a diversity of cellular processes, including cellular proliferation, the immune response, and lipid and glucose metabolism. Knock out of RXRα causes a hypoplasia of the myocardium which is lethal during fetal life. In addition, the heart maintains a well-orchestrated balances in utilizing fatty acids (FAs) and other substrates to meet the high energy requirements. As the master transcriptional regulators of lipid metabolism, RXRs become particularly important for the energy needs of the heart. Accumulating evidence suggested that RXRs may exert direct beneficial effects in the heart both through heterodimerization with other nuclear receptors (NRs) and homodimerization, thus standing as suitable targets for treating in cardiovascular diseases. Although compounds that target RXRs are promising drugs, their use is limited by toxicity. A better understanding of the structural biology of RXRs in cardiovascular disease should enable the rational design of more selective nuclear receptor modulators to overcome these problems. Here, this review summarizes a brief overview of RXRs structure and versatility of RXR action in the control of cardiovascular diseases. And we also discussed the therapeutic potential of RXR ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyan Shao
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Linghui Lu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lin Ma
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xue Tian
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Changxiang Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chun Li
- Modern Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Material Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Dongqing Guo
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Qiyan Wang
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Zhou F, Wu X, Pinos I, Abraham BM, Barrett TJ, von Lintig J, Fisher EA, Amengual J. β-Carotene conversion to vitamin A delays atherosclerosis progression by decreasing hepatic lipid secretion in mice. J Lipid Res 2020; 61:1491-1503. [PMID: 32963037 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.ra120001066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is characterized by the pathological accumulation of cholesterol-laden macrophages in the arterial wall. Atherosclerosis is also the main underlying cause of CVDs, and its development is largely driven by elevated plasma cholesterol. Strong epidemiological data find an inverse association between plasma β-carotene with atherosclerosis, and we recently showed that β-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1) activity, responsible for β-carotene cleavage to vitamin A, is associated with reduced plasma cholesterol in humans and mice. In this study, we explore whether intact β-carotene or vitamin A affects atherosclerosis progression in the atheroprone LDLR-deficient mice. Compared with control-fed Ldlr-/- mice, β-carotene-supplemented mice showed reduced atherosclerotic lesion size at the level of the aortic root and reduced plasma cholesterol levels. These changes were absent in Ldlr-/- /Bco1-/- mice despite accumulating β-carotene in plasma and atherosclerotic lesions. We discarded the implication of myeloid BCO1 in the development of atherosclerosis by performing bone marrow transplant experiments. Lipid production assays found that retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, reduced the secretion of newly synthetized triglyceride and cholesteryl ester in cell culture and mice. Overall, our findings provide insights into the role of BCO1 activity and vitamin A in atherosclerosis progression through the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Zhou
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ivan Pinos
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Benjamin M Abraham
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Tessa J Barrett
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johannes von Lintig
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Edward A Fisher
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jaume Amengual
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA .,Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Abstract
Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors regulate diverse biological processes, affecting development, metabolism, stem cell maintenance and longevity. They have also been increasingly recognised as tumour suppressors through their ability to regulate genes essential for cell proliferation, cell death, senescence, angiogenesis, cell migration and metastasis. Mechanistically, FOXO proteins serve as key connection points to allow diverse proliferative, nutrient and stress signals to converge and integrate with distinct gene networks to control cell fate, metabolism and cancer development. In consequence, deregulation of FOXO expression and function can promote genetic disorders, metabolic diseases, deregulated ageing and cancer. Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumour often via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system and is the major cause of cancer death. The regulation and deregulation of FOXO transcription factors occur predominantly at the post-transcriptional and post-translational levels mediated by regulatory non-coding RNAs, their interactions with other protein partners and co-factors and a combination of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation and ubiquitination. This review discusses the role and regulation of FOXO proteins in tumour initiation and progression, with a particular emphasis on cancer metastasis. An understanding of how signalling networks integrate with the FOXO transcription factors to modulate their developmental, metabolic and tumour-suppressive functions in normal tissues and in cancer will offer a new perspective on tumorigenesis and metastasis, and open up therapeutic opportunities for malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannasittha Jiramongkol
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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Huang GL, Chen QX, Ma JJ, Sui SY, Wang YN, Shen DY. Retinoic acid receptor α facilitates human colorectal cancer progression via Akt and MMP2 signaling. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:3087-3098. [PMID: 31118667 PMCID: PMC6498958 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s200261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Retinoic acid α (RARα) is overexpressed in various tumors and facilitates cancer progression. Although RARα has been shown to facilitate colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, more efforts to characterize mechanisms of RARα in CRC are needed in order to develop better target-based drugs for tumor therapy. Methods: RARα expression in CRC was assessed by IHC. EdU, QPCR, Western blotting, dual-luciferase reporter assay and ChIP were performed to explore the role of RARα in CRC and the mechanism involoved. Results: Here, we show an overexpression of RARα in 73.5% (i.e., 25 of 34 human CRC specimens). RARα knockdown decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Such phenotypic manifestations can be correlated to lowered activation of Akt and expression of PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) as well as MMP2 (matrix metallopeptidase). Mechanistically, RARα facilitates CRC growth through Akt signaling activation to cause levels of PCNA to be upregulated. Furthermore, RARα promotes migration and invasion of CRC cells by directly recruiting the MMP2 promoter to enhance the expression of MMP2. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that CRC carcinogenesis is promoted by RARα via an enhanced Akt signaling and by increasing MMP2 transcription. CRC therapy can examine the use of RARα as a prospective molecular target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Li Huang
- Agricultural Product Storage and Processing Laboratory, Suzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Suzhou, 215155, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jia Ma
- Agricultural Product Storage and Processing Laboratory, Suzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Suzhou, 215155, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yao Sui
- Agricultural Product Storage and Processing Laboratory, Suzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Suzhou, 215155, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ning Wang
- Agricultural Product Storage and Processing Laboratory, Suzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Suzhou, 215155, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Yan Shen
- Biobank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
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Milonas D, Tziomalos K. Experimental therapies targeting apolipoprotein C-III for the treatment of hyperlipidemia - spotlight on volanesorsen. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:389-394. [PMID: 30753100 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1582028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the substantial reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality after the management of dyslipidemia with statins, residual risk remains even after achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets. This residual risk appears to be partly attributed to low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high levels of triglycerides (TG). Apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) is a key regulator of TG metabolism and its targeting may reduce TG levels and cardiovascular risk. AREAS COVERED We discuss APOC3-targeted experimental treatments for dyslipidemia. There is an emphasis on volanesorsen because it the agent in the most advanced stage of development. M580, a retinoic acid receptor-α specific agonist, an agent in early-stage development is briefly covered. Preclinical data suggest that this agent decreases APOC3 mRNA levels and reduces total cholesterol, TG levels and hepatic lipid accumulation. EXPERT OPINION The effects of this novel therapeutic approach on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality should be determined in randomized controlled trials. The cost of volanesorsen, the unfavorable safety profile and the need for subcutaneous administration present barriers to long-term use. AM580 may hold promise in the management of hypertriglyceridemia but further investigations are necessary to evaluate safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Milonas
- a First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tziomalos
- a First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital , Thessaloniki , Greece
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10
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Apolipoprotein (apo) C-III is a key player in triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism and strongly associated with elevated plasma triglyceride levels. Several new studies added important insights on apoC-III and its physiological function confirming its promise as a valid therapeutic target. RECENT FINDINGS APOC3 is expressed in liver and intestine and regulates triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) catabolism and anabolism. The transcriptional regulation in both organs requires different regulatory elements. Clinical and preclinical studies established that apoC-III raises plasma triglyceride levels predominantly by inhibiting hepatic TRL clearance. Mechanistic insights into missense variants indicate accelerated renal clearance of apoC-III variants resulting in enhanced TRL catabolism. In contrast, an APOC3 gain-of-function variant enhances de novo lipogenesis and hepatic TRL production. Multiple studies confirmed the correlation between increased apoC-III levels and cardiovascular disease. This has opened up new therapeutic avenues allowing targeting of specific apoC-III properties in triglyceride metabolism. SUMMARY Novel in vivo models and APOC3 missense variants revealed unique mechanisms by which apoC-III inhibits TRL catabolism. Clinical trials with Volanesorsen, an APOC3 antisense oligonucleotide, report very promising lipid-lowering outcomes. However, future studies will need to address if acute apoC-III lowering will have the same clinical benefits as a life-long reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Ramms
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry I, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Philip L S M Gordts
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
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Saeed A, Dullaart RPF, Schreuder TCMA, Blokzijl H, Faber KN. Disturbed Vitamin A Metabolism in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Nutrients 2017; 10:nu10010029. [PMID: 29286303 PMCID: PMC5793257 DOI: 10.3390/nu10010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin A is required for important physiological processes, including embryogenesis, vision, cell proliferation and differentiation, immune regulation, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Many of vitamin A’s functions are executed through retinoic acids that activate transcriptional networks controlled by retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs).The liver plays a central role in vitamin A metabolism: (1) it produces bile supporting efficient intestinal absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin A; (2) it produces retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) that distributes vitamin A, as retinol, to peripheral tissues; and (3) it harbors the largest body supply of vitamin A, mostly as retinyl esters, in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In times of inadequate dietary intake, the liver maintains stable circulating retinol levels of approximately 2 μmol/L, sufficient to provide the body with this vitamin for months. Liver diseases, in particular those leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis, are associated with impaired vitamin A homeostasis and may lead to vitamin A deficiency. Liver injury triggers HSCs to transdifferentiate to myofibroblasts that produce excessive amounts of extracellular matrix, leading to fibrosis. HSCs lose the retinyl ester stores in this process, ultimately leading to vitamin A deficiency. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is a spectrum of conditions ranging from benign hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); it may progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. NASH is projected to be the main cause of liver failure in the near future. Retinoic acids are key regulators of glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver and adipose tissue, but it is unknown whether impaired vitamin A homeostasis contributes to or suppresses the development of NAFLD. A genetic variant of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3-I148M) is the most prominent heritable factor associated with NAFLD. Interestingly, PNPLA3 harbors retinyl ester hydrolase activity and PNPLA3-I148M is associated with low serum retinol level, but enhanced retinyl esters in the liver of NAFLD patients. Low circulating retinol in NAFLD may therefore not reflect true “vitamin A deficiency”, but rather disturbed vitamin A metabolism. Here, we summarize current knowledge about vitamin A metabolism in NAFLD and its putative role in the progression of liver disease, as well as the therapeutic potential of vitamin A metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saeed
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Bio-Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
| | - Robin P F Dullaart
- Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Tim C M A Schreuder
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans Blokzijl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
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