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Banerjee A, Farci P. Fibrosis and Hepatocarcinogenesis: Role of Gene-Environment Interactions in Liver Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8641. [PMID: 39201329 PMCID: PMC11354981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complex organ that performs vital functions in the body. Despite its extraordinary regenerative capacity compared to other organs, exposure to chemical, infectious, metabolic and immunologic insults and toxins renders the liver vulnerable to inflammation, degeneration and fibrosis. Abnormal wound healing response mediated by aberrant signaling pathways causes chronic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Fibrosis plays a key role in liver carcinogenesis. Once thought to be irreversible, recent clinical studies show that hepatic fibrosis can be reversed, even in the advanced stage. Experimental evidence shows that removal of the insult or injury can inactivate HSCs and reduce the inflammatory response, eventually leading to activation of fibrolysis and degradation of ECM. Thus, it is critical to understand the role of gene-environment interactions in the context of liver fibrosis progression and regression in order to identify specific therapeutic targets for optimized treatment to induce fibrosis regression, prevent HCC development and, ultimately, improve the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Banerjee
- Department of Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India;
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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2
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Pan Z, Seto WK, Liu CJ, Mao Y, Alqahtani SA, Eslam M. A literature review of genetics and epigenetics of HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma: translational impact. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2024; 13:650-661. [PMID: 39175720 PMCID: PMC11336528 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-23-562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health burden and ranks as the fifth most prevalent cancer on a global scale. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains one of the major risk factors for HCC development. HCC is a heterogeneous disease, and the development of HCC caused by HCV is intricate and involves various factors, including genetic susceptibility, viral factors, immune response due to chronic inflammation, alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction associated with fatty liver disease. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and updated review of research on the genetics and epigenetic mechanisms implicated in developing HCC associated with HCV infection. We also discuss the potential translational implications, including novel biomarkers and drugs for treatment. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted in June 2023 in PubMed and Embase databases. Key Content and Findings Recent findings indicate that a variety of genetic and epigenetic processes are involved in the pathogenesis and continue to exist even after the complete elimination of HCV. The deregulation of the epigenome has been identified as a significant factor in the deletrious effects of liver disease, especially during the initial stages when genetic alterations are uncommon. The enduring "epigenetic memory" of gene expression is believed to be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, indicating that alterations caused by HCV infection continue to exist and are linked to the risk of development of liver cancer even after successful treatment. Systems biology analytical methods will be required to delineate the magnitude and significance of both genetic and epigenomic alterations in tumor evolution. Conclusions By facilitating a more profound understanding of these aspects, this will ultimately foster the advancement of novel therapies and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Pan
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
| | - Yilei Mao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, PUMC & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Saleh A. Alqahtani
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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3
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Pan Z, Bayoumi A, Metwally M, George J, Eslam M. Exportin 4 DNA promoter methylation in liver fibrosis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302786. [PMID: 38722973 PMCID: PMC11081319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A role for exportin 4 (XPO4) in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis was recently identified. We sought to determine changes in hepatic XPO4 promoter methylation levels during liver fibrosis. The quantitative real-time RT-PCR technique was used to quantify the mRNA level of XPO4. Additionally, pyrosequencing was utilized to assess the promoter methylation status of XPO4. The methylation rate of the XPO4 promoter was significantly increased with fibrosis in human and mouse models, while XPO4 mRNA expression negatively correlated with methylation of its promoter. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) levels (enzymes that drive DNA methylation) were upregulated in patients with liver fibrosis compared to healthy controls and in hepatic stellate cells upon transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) stimulation. The DNA methylation inhibitor 5-Aza or specific siRNAs for these DNMTs led to restoration of XPO4 expression. The process of DNA methylation plays a crucial role in the repression of XPO4 transcription in the context of liver fibrosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Pan
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ali Bayoumi
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mayada Metwally
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Martini A, Turato C, Cannito S, Quarta S, Biasiolo A, Ruvoletto M, Novo E, Marafatto F, Guerra P, Tonon M, Clemente N, Bocca C, Piano SS, Guido M, Gregori D, Parola M, Angeli P, Pontisso P. The polymorphic variant of SerpinB3 (SerpinB3-PD) is associated with faster cirrhosis decompensation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:380-392. [PMID: 37990490 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17804] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SerpinB3 is a cysteine protease inhibitor involved in liver disease progression due to its proinflammatory and profibrogenic properties. The polymorphic variant SerpinB3-PD (SB3-PD), presents a substitution in its reactive centre loop, determining the gain of function. AIMS To disclose the clinical characteristics of a cohort of patients with cirrhosis in relation to the presence of SB3-PD and to assess the effect of this genetic variant on fibrogenic and inflammatory cytokines in vitro. METHODS We assessed SB3 polymorphism in 90 patients with cirrhosis, prospectively followed up in our referral centre. We used HepG2 and HuH-7 cells transfected to overexpress either wild-type SB3 (SB3-WT) or SB3-PD to assess their endogenous effect, while LX2 and THP-1 cells were treated with exogenous SB3-WT or SB3-PD proteins. RESULTS Patients carrying SB3-PD had more severe portal hypertension and higher MELD scores, than patients carrying SB3-WT. In multivariate analysis, SB3-PD was an independent predictor of cirrhosis complications. Patients with SB3-PD polymorphism presented with more severe liver fibrosis and inflammatory features. Hepatoma cells overexpressing SB3-PD showed higher TGF-β1 expression than controls. The addition of recombinant SB3-PD induced an up-regulation of TGF-β1 in LX2 cells and a more prominent inflammatory profile in THP-1 cells, compared to the effect of SB3-WT protein. CONCLUSIONS The polymorphic variant SB3-PD is highly effective in determining activation of TGF-β1 and inflammation in vitro. Patients with cirrhosis who carry SB3-PD polymorphism may be more prone to develop severe liver disease progression. However, further validation studies are warranted to support the in vivo relevance of this polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Martini
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristian Turato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannito
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Santina Quarta
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biasiolo
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Ruvoletto
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Erica Novo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Marafatto
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro Guerra
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Tonon
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Nausicaa Clemente
- Department of Health Science, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Claudia Bocca
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Salvatore Silvio Piano
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Guido
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Dario Gregori
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Parola
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
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Renaud L, Waldrep KM, da Silveira WA, Pilewski JM, Feghali-Bostwick CA. First Characterization of the Transcriptome of Lung Fibroblasts of SSc Patients and Healthy Donors of African Ancestry. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3645. [PMID: 36835058 PMCID: PMC9966000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder that results in fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. SSc-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF) is the leading cause of death amongst SSc patients. Racial disparity is noted in SSc as African Americans (AA) have a higher frequency and severity of disease than European Americans (EA). Using RNAseq, we determined differentially expressed genes (DEGs; q < 0.1, log2FC > |0.6|) in primary pulmonary fibroblasts from SSc lungs (SScL) and normal lungs (NL) of AA and EA patients to characterize the unique transcriptomic signatures of AA-NL and AA-SScL fibroblasts using systems-level analysis. We identified 69 DEGs in "AA-NL vs. EA-NL" and 384 DEGs in "AA-SScL vs. EA-SScL" analyses, and a comparison of disease mechanisms revealed that only 7.5% of DEGs were commonly deregulated in AA and EA patients. Surprisingly, we also identified an SSc-like signature in AA-NL fibroblasts. Our data highlight differences in disease mechanisms between AA and EA SScL fibroblasts and suggest that AA-NL fibroblasts are in a "pre-fibrosis" state, poised to respond to potential fibrotic triggers. The DEGs and pathways identified in our study provide a wealth of novel targets to better understand disease mechanisms leading to racial disparity in SSc-PF and develop more effective and personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Kristy M. Waldrep
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Willian A. da Silveira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Joseph M. Pilewski
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Carol A. Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Correlation of DEPDC5 rs1012068 and rs5998152 Polymorphisms with Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:5957481. [PMID: 36733671 PMCID: PMC9889158 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5957481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Emerging evidence has shown that two common genetic polymorphisms within the pleckstrin domain-containing protein 5 (DEPDC5), rs1012068 and rs5998152, may be associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in those individuals chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) or the hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, these findings have not been consistently replicated in the literature due to limited sample sizes or different etiologies of HCC. Thus, the present systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to resolve this inconsistency. Methods The databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Scopus were searched up to December 12, 2022. Data from relevant studies were pooled, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results A total of 11 case-control studies encompassing 2,609 cases and 8,171 controls on rs1012068 and three encompassing 411 cases and 1,448 controls on rs5998152 were included. Results indicated that the DEPDC5 rs1012068 polymorphism did not significantly increase HCC risk in the total population (allelic model (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.04-1.67, P = 0.02); the recessive model (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 0.96-2.10, P = 0.08); the dominant model (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.09-1.87, P = 0.01); the homozygous model (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.01-2.57, P = 0.05); the heterozygous model (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.09-1.79, P = 0.009)). Subgroup analyses based on ethnicity and etiology revealed that the rs1012068 polymorphism, under all five genetic models, was associated with increased HCC risk in Asians or in individuals with chronic HBV infection but not in individuals with chronic HCV infection. A significant association was also observed between rs5998152 and HCV-related HCC risk in Asians chronically infected with HCV under allelic, dominant, and heterozygous models. Conclusion Our study suggests that the DEPDC5 rs1012068 polymorphism increases HCC risk, especially in Asians with chronic HBV infection, while the rs5998152 polymorphism increases HCC risk in Asians with chronic HCV infection.
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Abdel-Rahman RF, Fayed HM, Asaad GF, Ogaly HA, Hessin AF, Salama AAA, Abd El-Rahman SS, Arbid MS, Mohamed MAE. The involvement of TGF-β1 /FAK/α-SMA pathway in the antifibrotic impact of rice bran oil on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260130. [PMID: 34965258 PMCID: PMC8716044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the current study is to investigate the effect of rice bran oil (RBO) on hepatic fibrosis as a characteristic response to persistent liver injuries. Rats were randomly allocated into five groups: the negative control group, thioacetamide (TAA) group (thioacetamide 100 mg/kg thrice weekly for two successive weeks, ip), RBO 0.2 and 0.4 groups (RBO 0.2mL and 0.4 mL/rat/day, po) and standard group (silymarin 100 mg/kg/day, po) for two weeks after TAA injection. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses. Liver functions, oxidative stress, inflammation, liver fibrosis markers were assessed. The obtained results showed that RBO reduced TAA-induced liver fibrosis and suppressed the extracellular matrix formation. Compared to the positive control group, RBO dramatically reduced total bilirubin, AST, and ALT blood levels. Furthermore, RBO reduced MDA and increased GSH contents in the liver. Simultaneously RBO downregulated the NF-κβ signaling pathway, which in turn inhibited the expression of some inflammatory mediators, including Cox-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α. RBO attenuated liver fibrosis by suppressing the biological effects of TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen I, hydroxyproline, CTGF, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). RBO reduced liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and modulating the interplay among the TGF-β1 and FAK signal transduction. The greater dosage of 0.4 mL/kg has a more substantial impact. Hence, this investigation presents RBO as a promising antifibrotic agent in the TAA model through inhibition of TGF-β1 /FAK/α-SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab F. Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hany M. Fayed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Gihan F. Asaad
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hanan A. Ogaly
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Alyaa F. Hessin
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Abeer A. A. Salama
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud S. Arbid
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marawan Abd Elbaset Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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Gallego-Durán R, Montero-Vallejo R, Maya-Miles D, Lucena A, Martin F, Ampuero J, Romero-Gómez M. Analysis of Common Pathways and Markers From Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease to Immune-Mediated Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:667354. [PMID: 34899679 PMCID: PMC8652219 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.667354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent form of liver disease worldwide, accounting for a high liver-related mortality and morbidity with extensive multi-organ involvement. This entity has displaced viral hepatitis as the main cause of severe forms of hepatic diseases, although the onset and transition of MAFLD stages still remains unclear. Nevertheless, innate and adaptive immune responses seem to play an essential role in the establishment and further progression of this disease. The immune system is responsible of safeguard and preserves organs and systems function, and might be altered under different stimuli. Thus, the liver suffers from metabolic and immune changes leading to different injuries and loss of function. It has been stablished that cell-cell crosstalk is a key process in the hepatic homeostasis maintenance. There is mounting evidence suggesting that MAFLD pathogenesis is determined by a complex interaction of environmental, genetic and host factors that leads to a full plethora of outcomes. Therefore, herein we will revisit and discuss the interplay between immune mechanisms and MAFLD, highlighting the potential role of immunological markers in an attempt to clarify its relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Gallego-Durán
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Biomedical Research Network on Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Montero-Vallejo
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Biomedical Research Network on Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Douglas Maya-Miles
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Biomedical Research Network on Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Lucena
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Biomedical Research Network on Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Digestive Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Franz Martin
- Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), University of Pablo de Olavide-University of Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Sevilla, Spain.,Biomedical Research Network on Diabetes and Related Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Biomedical Research Network on Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Digestive Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Biomedical Research Network on Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Digestive Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
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Rauff B, Amar A, Chudhary SA, Mahmood S, Tayyab GUN, Hanif R. Interferon-λ rs12979860 genotype association with liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients in the Pakistani population. Arch Virol 2021; 166:1047-1056. [PMID: 33528661 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04901-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Risk and progression of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients is significantly influenced by host genetic factors in a polygenic manner. The rs12979860 genetic polymorphism in the interferon-λ3-interferon-λ4 (IFNL3-IFNL4) region has been found to be a major determinant of hepatic inflammatory and fibrotic progression in CHC patients of mainly Caucasian origin; however, it is not known if this association applies to other ethnicities, including Pakistani CHC patients. Here, we genotyped IFNL3-IFNL4 rs12979860 genetic variants in a sample set of 502 Pakistani patients with CHC and used logistic regression analysis to determine its association with the risk and progression of HCV-related fibrosis and cirrhosis. We demonstrate that the rs12979860 major (CC) genotype, despite not determining the risk of stage-specific hepatic fibrosis independently, is associated with a marginally significant risk of liver cirrhosis (OR: 1.64, p = 0.049) after an adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, HCV viral load, and liver enzymes. In a subgroup of CHC patients with sustained ALT levels of <60 IU/L, a more pronounced impact of the IFNL3-IFNL4 rs12979860 major (CC) genotype on advanced liver fibrosis (OR: 4.99, p = 0.017) and cirrhosis (OR: 3.34, p = 0.005) was seen. The present study suggests that IFNL3-IFNL4 rs12979860 polymorphism may also be a significant predictor of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis in Pakistani CHC patients, especially in those with normal or near-normal liver enzyme levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisma Rauff
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences (IBAHS), University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Amar
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shafiq Ahmad Chudhary
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences (IBAHS), University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saqib Mahmood
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences (IBAHS), University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Rumeza Hanif
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.
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Eldafashi N, Darlay R, Shukla R, McCain MV, Watson R, Liu YL, McStraw N, Fathy M, Fawzy MA, Zaki MYW, Daly AK, Maurício JP, Burt AD, Haugk B, Cordell HJ, Bianco C, Dufour JF, Valenti L, Anstee QM, Reeves HL. A PDCD1 Role in the Genetic Predisposition to NAFLD-HCC? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1412. [PMID: 33808740 PMCID: PMC8003582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are contributing to the global rise in deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenesis of NAFLD-HCC is not well understood. The severity of hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis are key pathogenic mechanisms, but animal studies suggest altered immune responses are also involved. Genetic studies have so far highlighted a major role of gene variants promoting fat deposition in the liver (PNPLA3 rs738409; TM6SF2 rs58542926). Here, we have considered single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate immunoregulatory genes (MICA rs2596542; CD44 rs187115; PDCD1 rs7421861 and rs10204525), in 594 patients with NAFLD and 391 with NAFLD-HCC, from three European centres. Associations between age, body mass index, diabetes, cirrhosis and SNPs with HCC development were explored. PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 SNPs were associated with both progression to cirrhosis and NAFLD-HCC development, while PDCD1 SNPs were specifically associated with NAFLD-HCC risk, regardless of cirrhosis. PDCD1 rs7421861 was independently associated with NAFLD-HCC development, while PDCD1 rs10204525 acquired significance after adjusting for other risks, being most notable in the smaller numbers of women with NAFLD-HCC. The study highlights the potential impact of inter individual variation in immune tolerance induction in patients with NAFLD, both in the presence and absence of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nardeen Eldafashi
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.E.); (M.V.M.); (R.W.); (Y.L.L.); (M.Y.W.Z.); (A.K.D.); (J.P.M.); (A.D.B.); (Q.M.A.)
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt; (M.F.); (M.A.F.)
| | - Rebecca Darlay
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (R.D.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Ruchi Shukla
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (R.S.); (N.M.)
| | - Misti Vanette McCain
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.E.); (M.V.M.); (R.W.); (Y.L.L.); (M.Y.W.Z.); (A.K.D.); (J.P.M.); (A.D.B.); (Q.M.A.)
| | - Robyn Watson
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.E.); (M.V.M.); (R.W.); (Y.L.L.); (M.Y.W.Z.); (A.K.D.); (J.P.M.); (A.D.B.); (Q.M.A.)
| | - Yang Lin Liu
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.E.); (M.V.M.); (R.W.); (Y.L.L.); (M.Y.W.Z.); (A.K.D.); (J.P.M.); (A.D.B.); (Q.M.A.)
| | - Nikki McStraw
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (R.S.); (N.M.)
| | - Moustafa Fathy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt; (M.F.); (M.A.F.)
| | - Michael Atef Fawzy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt; (M.F.); (M.A.F.)
| | - Marco Y. W. Zaki
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.E.); (M.V.M.); (R.W.); (Y.L.L.); (M.Y.W.Z.); (A.K.D.); (J.P.M.); (A.D.B.); (Q.M.A.)
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt; (M.F.); (M.A.F.)
| | - Ann K. Daly
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.E.); (M.V.M.); (R.W.); (Y.L.L.); (M.Y.W.Z.); (A.K.D.); (J.P.M.); (A.D.B.); (Q.M.A.)
| | - João P. Maurício
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.E.); (M.V.M.); (R.W.); (Y.L.L.); (M.Y.W.Z.); (A.K.D.); (J.P.M.); (A.D.B.); (Q.M.A.)
| | - Alastair D. Burt
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.E.); (M.V.M.); (R.W.); (Y.L.L.); (M.Y.W.Z.); (A.K.D.); (J.P.M.); (A.D.B.); (Q.M.A.)
| | - Beate Haugk
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle NE1 4LP, UK;
| | - Heather J. Cordell
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (R.D.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Cristiana Bianco
- Translational Medicine, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.B.); (L.V.)
| | - Jean-François Dufour
- University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University Hospital of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
- Hepatology, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luca Valenti
- Translational Medicine, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.B.); (L.V.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Quentin M. Anstee
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.E.); (M.V.M.); (R.W.); (Y.L.L.); (M.Y.W.Z.); (A.K.D.); (J.P.M.); (A.D.B.); (Q.M.A.)
- The Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Heaton NE7 7DN, UK
| | - Helen L. Reeves
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.E.); (M.V.M.); (R.W.); (Y.L.L.); (M.Y.W.Z.); (A.K.D.); (J.P.M.); (A.D.B.); (Q.M.A.)
- The Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Heaton NE7 7DN, UK
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