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Tsutsumi T, Kawaguchi T, Fujii H, Kamada Y, Takahashi H, Kawanaka M, Sumida Y, Iwaki M, Hayashi H, Toyoda H, Oeda S, Hyogo H, Morishita A, Munekage K, Kawata K, Sawada K, Maeshiro T, Tobita H, Yoshida Y, Naito M, Araki A, Arakaki S, Noritake H, Ono M, Masaki T, Yasuda S, Tomita E, Yoneda M, Tokushige A, Ueda S, Aishima S, Nakajima A, Okanoue T. Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis are profiles related to mid-term mortality in biopsy-proven MASLD: A multicenter study in Japan. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:1559-1570. [PMID: 38651312 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
AIMS A multi-stakeholder consensus has proposed MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). We aimed to investigate the pathological findings related to the mid-term mortality of patients with biopsy-proven MASLD in Japan. METHODS We enrolled 1349 patients with biopsy-proven MASLD. The observational period was 8010 person years. We evaluated independent factors associated with mortality in patients with MASLD by Cox regression analysis. We also investigated pathological profiles related to mortality in patients with MASLD using data-mining analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of MASH and stage 3/4 fibrosis was observed in 65.6% and 17.4%, respectively. Forty-five patients with MASLD died. Of these, liver-related events were the most common cause at 40% (n = 18), followed by extrahepatic malignancies at 26.7% (n = 12). Grade 2/3 lobular inflammation and stage 3/4 fibrosis had a 1.9-fold and 1.8-fold risk of mortality, respectively. In the decision-tree analysis, the profiles with the worst prognosis were characterised by Grade 2/3 hepatic inflammation, along with advanced ballooning (grade 1/2) and fibrosis (stage 3/4). This profile showed a mortality at 8.3%. Furthermore, the random forest analysis identified that hepatic fibrosis and inflammation were the first and second responsible factors for the mid-term prognosis of patients with MASLD. CONCLUSIONS In patients with biopsy-proven MASLD, the prevalence of MASH and advanced fibrosis was approximately 65% and 20%, respectively. The leading cause of mortality was liver-related events. Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were significant factors influencing mid-term mortality. These findings highlight the importance of targeting inflammation and fibrosis in the management of patients with MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsubasa Tsutsumi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hideki Fujii
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kamada
- Department of Advanced Metabolic Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | | | - Miwa Kawanaka
- Department of General Internal Medicine2, Kawasaki Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshio Sumida
- Graduate School of Healthcare Management, International University of Healthcare and Welfare, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Michihiro Iwaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hideki Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Oeda
- Liver Center, Saga Medical School, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kensuke Munekage
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hata Kenmin Hospital, Sukumo, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Koji Sawada
- Division of Metabolism and Biosystemic Science, Gastroenterology, and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuji Maeshiro
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, University of the Ryukyus Graduate School of Medicine, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tobita
- Department of Pathology, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Suita Municipal Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Naito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Suita Municipal Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Asuka Araki
- Department of Pathology, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Japan
| | - Shingo Arakaki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, University of the Ryukyus Graduate School of Medicine, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Hidenao Noritake
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Division of Innovative Medicine for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tomita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masato Yoneda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tokushige
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Ueda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Shinichi Aishima
- Department of Scientific Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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De Smet V, Gürbüz E, Eysackers N, Dewyse L, Smout A, Kazemzadeh Dastjerd M, Lefesvre P, Messaoudi N, Reynaert H, Verhulst S, Mannaerts I, van Grunsven LA. Orphan receptor GPR176 in hepatic stellate cells exerts a profibrotic role in chronic liver disease. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101036. [PMID: 38694958 PMCID: PMC11061336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101036] [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] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Chronic liver disease (CLD) remains a global health issue associated with a significant disease burden. Liver fibrosis, a hallmark of CLD, is characterised by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) that gain profibrotic characteristics including increased production of extracellular matrix protein. Currently, no antifibrotic therapies are available clinically, in part because of the lack of HSC-specific drug targets. Here, we aimed to identify HSC-specific membrane proteins that can serve as targets for antifibrotic drug development. Methods Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of GPR176 was used to assess the in vitro function of GPR176 in HSCs and in precision cut liver slices (PCLS). The in vivo role of GPR176 was assessed using the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and common bile duct ligation (BDL) models in wild-type and GPR176 knockout mice. GPR176 in human CLD was assessed by immunohistochemistry of diseased human livers and RNA expression analysis in human primary HSCs and transcriptomic data sets. Results We identified Gpr176, an orphan G-protein coupled receptor, as an HSC-enriched activation associated gene. In vitro, Gpr176 is strongly induced upon culture-induced and hepatocyte-damage-induced activation of primary HSCs. Knockdown of GPR176 in primary mouse HSCs or PCLS cultures resulted in reduced fibrogenic characteristics. Absence of GPR176 did not influence liver homeostasis, but Gpr176-/- mice developed less severe fibrosis in CCl4 and BDL fibrosis models. In humans, GPR176 expression was correlated with in vitro HSC activation and with fibrosis stage in patients with CLD. Conclusions GPR176 is a functional protein during liver fibrosis and reducing its activity attenuates fibrogenesis. These results highlight the potential of GPR176 as an HSC-specific antifibrotic candidate to treat CLD. Impact and implications The lack of effective antifibrotic drugs is partly attributed to the insufficient knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the development of liver fibrosis. We demonstrate that the G-protein coupled receptor GPR176 contributes to fibrosis development. Since GPR176 is specifically expressed on the membrane of activated hepatic stellate cells and is linked with fibrosis progression in humans, it opens new avenues for the development of targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent De Smet
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elif Gürbüz
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Eysackers
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liza Dewyse
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ayla Smout
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Pierre Lefesvre
- Department of Pathology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nouredin Messaoudi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel) and Europe Hospitals, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Reynaert
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Mannaerts
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leo A. van Grunsven
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Hatano M, Akiyama Y, Shimada S, Yagi K, Akahoshi K, Itoh M, Tanabe M, Ogawa Y, Tanaka S. Loss of KDM6B epigenetically confers resistance to lipotoxicity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related HCC. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0277. [PMID: 37782459 PMCID: PMC10545410 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NAFLD caused by abnormalities in hepatic lipid metabolism is associated with an increased risk of developing HCC. The molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of NAFLD-related HCC are not fully understood. We investigated the molecular mechanism and role of KDM6B downregulation in NAFLD-related HCC after the KDM6B gene was identified using microarray analysis as commonly downregulated in mouse NAFLD-related HCC and human nonhepatitis B and nonhepatitis C viral-HCC. METHODS The 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels of KDM6B in HCC cells were determined using glycosylated hydroxymethyl-sensitive PCR. Microarray and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses using KDM6B-knockout (KO) cells were used to identify KDM6B target genes. Lipotoxicity was assessed using a palmitate-treated cell proliferation assay. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate KDM6B expression in human HCC tissues. RESULTS KDM6B expression levels in HCC cells correlated with the 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in the KDM6B gene body region. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the lipid metabolism pathway was suppressed in KDM6B-KO cells. KDM6B-KO cells acquired resistance to lipotoxicity (p < 0.01) and downregulated the expression of G0S2, an adipose triglyceride lipase/patatin like phospholipase domain containing 2 (ATGL/PNPLA2) inhibitor, through increased histone H3 lysine-27 trimethylation levels. G0S2 knockdown in KDM6B-expressed HCC cells conferred lipotoxicity resistance, whereas ATGL/PNPLA2 inhibition in the KDM6B-KO cells reduced these effects. Immunohistochemistry revealed that KDM6B expression was decreased in human NAFLD-related HCC tissues (p < 0.001), which was significantly associated with decreased G0S2 expression (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS KDM6B-disrupted HCC acquires resistance to lipotoxicity via ATGL/PNPLA2 activation caused by epigenetic downregulation of G0S2 expression. Reduced KDM6B and G0S2 expression levels are common in NAFLD-related HCC. Targeting the KDM6B-G0S2-ATGL/PNPLA2 pathway may be a useful therapeutic strategy for NAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Hatano
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimitsu Akiyama
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shu Shimada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Yagi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichi Akahoshi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michiko Itoh
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanabe
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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Yagi K, Shimada S, Akiyama Y, Hatano M, Asano D, Ishikawa Y, Ueda H, Watanabe S, Akahoshi K, Ono H, Tanabe M, Tanaka S. Loss of SFXN1 mitigates lipotoxicity and predicts poor outcome in non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9449. [PMID: 37296228 PMCID: PMC10256799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36660-w] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) imposes a huge global burden, arising from various etiological factors such as hepatitis virus infection and metabolic syndrome. While prophylactic vaccination and antiviral treatment have decreased the incidence of viral HCC, the growing prevalence of metabolic syndrome has led to an increase in non-viral HCC. To identify genes downregulated and specifically associated with unfavorable outcome in non-viral HCC cases, screening analysis was conducted using publically available transcriptome data. Among top 500 genes meeting the criteria, which were involved in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function, a serine transporter located on inner mitochondrial membrane SFXN1 was highlighted. SFXN1 protein expression was significantly reduced in 33 of 105 HCC tissue samples, and correlated to recurrence-free and overall survival only in non-viral HCC. Human HCC cells with SFXN1 knockout (KO) displayed higher cell viability, lower fat intake and diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in response to palmitate administration. In a subcutaneous transplantation mouse model, high-fat diet feeding attenuated tumorigenic potential in the control cells, but not in the SFXN1-KO cells. In summary, loss of SFXN1 expression suppresses lipid accumulation and ROS generation, preventing toxic effects from fat overload in non-viral HCC, and predicts clinical outcome of non-viral HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Yagi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shu Shimada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.
| | - Yoshimitsu Akiyama
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Megumi Hatano
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Daisuke Asano
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Ishikawa
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ueda
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Watanabe
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichi Akahoshi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ono
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanabe
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
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5
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Ying F, Chan MSM, Lee TKW. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:985-999. [PMID: 36708970 PMCID: PMC10040968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) includes hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with poor prognosis. PLC is characterized by an abundant stromal reaction in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major stromal components. Solid evidence has demonstrated the crucial role of CAFs in tumor progression, and CAF abundance is often correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Although CAFs are regarded as an attractive and promising target for PLC treatment, a poor understanding of CAF origins and heterogeneity and a lack of specific CAF markers are the major hurdles to efficient CAF-specific therapy. In this review, we examine recent advances in the understanding of CAF diversity in the context of biomarkers, subtypes, and functions in PLC. The regulatory roles of CAFs in extracellular matrix remodeling, metastasis, cancer stemness, and therapeutic resistance are summarized. With an increasing link between CAF abundance and reduced antitumor immune responses, we provide updated knowledge on the crosstalk between CAFs and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, which leads to immune resistance. In addition, we present current CAF-targeted therapies and describe some future perspectives. A better understanding of CAF biology will shed light on a novel therapeutic strategy against PLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Ying
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Mandy Sze Man Chan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
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Hamada S, Takata T, Yamada K, Yamamoto M, Mae Y, Iyama T, Ikeda S, Kanda T, Sugihara T, Isomoto H. Steatosis is involved in the progression of kidney disease in a high-fat-diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis mouse model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265461. [PMID: 35294499 PMCID: PMC8926260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are major health issues associated with the metabolic syndrome. Although NASH is a known risk factor of CKD, the mechanisms linking these two diseases remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate alterations in the kidney complicated with dyslipidemia in an established NASH mouse model. Male C57BL6/J mice were fed with control diet or high-fat diet (HFD), containing 40% fat, 22% fructose, and 2% cholesterol for 16 weeks. Metabolic characteristics, histological changes in the kidney, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis were evaluated by histological analysis, immunoblotting, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkali-phosphatase, total cholesterol, and urinary albumin were significantly higher in mice fed with HFD. Remarkable steatosis, glomerular hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis were also shown in in the kidney by leveraging HFD. Furthermore, HFD increased the mRNA expression levels of Casp3, Tgfb1, and Nfe2l2 and the protein level of BiP. We observed the early changes of CKD and speculate that the underlying mechanisms that link CKD and NASH are the induction of ER stress and apoptosis. Further, we observed the activation of Nfe2l2 in the steatosis-induced CKD mouse model. This NASH model holds implications in investigating the mechanisms linking dyslipidemia and CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Hamada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Takata
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Kentaro Yamada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Marie Yamamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yukari Mae
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Takuji Iyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Suguru Ikeda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kanda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Takaaki Sugihara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Hajime Isomoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
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7
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Suresh A, Dhanasekaran R. Implications of genetic heterogeneity in hepatocellular cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:103-135. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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8
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De Smet V, Eysackers N, Merens V, Kazemzadeh Dastjerd M, Halder G, Verhulst S, Mannaerts I, van Grunsven LA. Initiation of hepatic stellate cell activation extends into chronic liver disease. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1110. [PMID: 34839349 PMCID: PMC8627507 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04377-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSC) are the main source of extra cellular matrix in liver fibrosis. Activation is classically divided in two phases: initiation and perpetuation. Currently, HSC-based therapeutic candidates largely focus on targeting the aHSCs in the perpetuation phase. However, the importance of HSC initiation during chronic liver disease (CLD) remains unclear. Here, we identified transcriptional programs of initiating and activated HSCs by RNA sequencing, using in vitro and in vivo mouse models of fibrosis. Importantly, we show that both programs are active in HSCs during murine and human CLD. In human cirrhotic livers, scar associated mesenchymal cells employ both transcriptional programs at the single cell level. Our results indicate that the transcriptional programs that drive the initiation of HSCs are still active in humans suffering from CLD. We conclude that molecules involved in the initiation of HSC activation, or in the maintenance of aHSCs can be considered equally important in the search for druggable targets of chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent De Smet
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Jette, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Eysackers
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Jette, Belgium
| | - Vincent Merens
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Jette, Belgium
| | | | - Georg Halder
- KU Leuven, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Jette, Belgium
| | - Inge Mannaerts
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Jette, Belgium
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Jette, Belgium.
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9
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Márquez-Quiroga LV, Arellanes-Robledo J, Vásquez-Garzón VR, Villa-Treviño S, Muriel P. Models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis potentiated by chemical inducers leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 195:114845. [PMID: 34801522 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer, arises after a long period of exposure to etiological factors. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is ranked as the main risk factor for developing HCC; hence, experimental models of NASH leading to HCC have become key tools both to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology and to evaluate new putative drugs for treating chronic liver diseases in humans. Animal models of NASH induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) plus chemical inducers, such as the NASH-HCC (STAM), high-fat diet/diethylnitrosamine (HFD/DEN), choline-deficient high-fat diet/DEN (CDHFD/DEN), and Western diet/carbon tetrachloride (WD/CCl4) models, are promising because they exacerbate liver damage and significantly shorten the experimental time. In this review, we critically summarize and discuss the ability of these models to recapitulate the liver alterations that precede and lead to HCC progression, as well as the impact of the diet in promoting liver injury progression. We also emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of the models' ability to closely mimic the stages of liver injury development that occur in humans. Based on the molecular mechanisms induced by the currently available NASH models leading to HCC, we argue that although several NASH models have importantly contributed to describing the disease chronology, the progress in emulating the progression from NASH to HCC has been partial. Thus, the development of novel NASH/HCC models remains an unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Vanessa Márquez-Quiroga
- Laboratorio de Hepatología Experimental, Departamento de Farmacología, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jaime Arellanes-Robledo
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Hepáticas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica - INMEGEN, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Dirección de Cátedras, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología - CONACYT, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Verónica Rocío Vásquez-Garzón
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico; Dirección de Cátedras, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología - CONACYT, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Saul Villa-Treviño
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Laboratorio de Hepatología Experimental, Departamento de Farmacología, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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10
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Cai X, Tao W, Li L. Glioma cell-derived FGF20 suppresses macrophage function by activating β-catenin. Cell Signal 2021; 89:110181. [PMID: 34757019 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages, which are the main regulators of the tumor-associated microenvironment, play a crucial role in the progression of various tumors. The anti-inflammatory role of β-catenin in macrophages has been extensively studied in recent years. However, the association between macrophages and β-catenin with regards to the development of glioma has not yet been investigated, at least to the best of our knowledge. The present study found that fibroblast growth factor 20 (FGF20), as a paracrine cytokine, was secreted by glioma cells and acted on macrophages. FGF20 treated macrophages exhibited a decreased pro-inflammatory phenotype upon LPS and IFN-γ stimulation, characterized by the decreased the level of M1 macrophage markers and the reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistic analysis revealed that FGF20 interacted with FGF receptor 1 isoform of macrophages, and subsequently increased the stability of β-catenin via phosphorylating GSK3β, which suppressed macrophage polarization to the M1-phenotype. Finally, it was found that FGF20 of glioma cells expression was upregulated by the glucocorticoids (GCs) treatment, and decreased FGF20 expression of glioma cells markedly blocked the effects of GCs on the polarization of macrophages. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that FGF20, secreted from glioma cells, participates the GCs regulated macrophage function and exerts anti-inflammatory effects during the treatment of glioma by GCs. Moreover, a molecular link was identified between glioma cells and macrophages, demonstrating that FGF20 modulates the GCs-induced dysfunction of macrophages during glioma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Cai
- Department of Emergency, ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110004, China.
| | - Weichen Tao
- Department of Emergency, ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110004, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Emergency, ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110004, China.
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11
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Brovold M, Keller D, Devarasetty M, Dominijanni A, Shirwaiker R, Soker S. Biofabricated 3D in vitro model of fibrosis-induced abnormal hepatoblast/biliary progenitors' expansion of the developing liver. Bioeng Transl Med 2021; 6:e10207. [PMID: 34589593 PMCID: PMC8459590 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital disorders of the biliary tract are the primary reason for pediatric liver failure and ultimately for pediatric liver transplant needs. Not all causes of these disorders are well understood, but it is known that liver fibrosis occurs in many of those afflicted. The goal of this study is to develop a simple yet robust model that recapitulates physico-mechanical and cellular aspects of fibrosis mediated via hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and their effects on biliary progenitor cells. Liver organoids were fabricated by embedding various HSCs, with distinctive abilities to generate mild to severe fibrotic environments, together with undifferentiated liver progenitor cell line, HepaRG, within a collagen I hydrogel. The fibrotic state of each organoid was characterized by examination of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling through quantitative image analysis, rheometry, and qPCR. In tandem, the phenotype of the liver progenitor cell and cluster formation was assessed through histology. Activated HSCs (aHSCs) created a more severe fibrotic state, exemplified by a more highly contracted and rigid ECM, as well higher relative expression of TGF-β, TIMP-1, LOXL2, and COL1A2 as compared to immortalized HSCs (LX-2). Within the more severe fibrotic environment, generated by the aHSCs, higher Notch signaling was associated with an expansion of CK19+ cells as well as the formation of larger, more densely populated cell biliary like-clusters as compared to mild and non-fibrotic controls. The expansion of CK19+ cells, coupled with a severely fibrotic environment, are phenomena found within patients suffering from a variety of congenital liver disorders of the biliary tract. Thus, the model presented here can be utilized as a novel in vitro testing platform to test drugs and identify new targets that could benefit pediatric patients that suffer from the biliary dysgenesis associated with a multitude of congenital liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Brovold
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative MedicineWake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center BoulevardWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Dale Keller
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative MedicineWake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center BoulevardWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Mahesh Devarasetty
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative MedicineWake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center BoulevardWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Anthony Dominijanni
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative MedicineWake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center BoulevardWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Rohan Shirwaiker
- Department of Industrial and Systems EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Shay Soker
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative MedicineWake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center BoulevardWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
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12
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Itoh M, Suganami T, Ogawa Y. Role of chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: lessons from a unique mouse model using melanocortin receptor-deficient mice. Endocr J 2021; 68:743-749. [PMID: 33967185 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej21-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinical spectrum that encompasses simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the latter of which is characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis. NASH is now becoming the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. The pathophysiology of NASH is multifactorial and, therefore, not yet completely understood, although it is pointed out that hepatocyte death and subsequent inflammation play a central roles in disease pathogenesis. Since stromal cells dramatically change their cellular components and activation status as liver fibrosis develops, it is important to reveal the subset responsible for the disease development in each etiology. Macrophages foam crown-like structures (CLS), in which CD11c-positive macrophages surround dead hepatocytes induced by lipotoxic injury in mouse and human NASH. Hepatic CLS-constituting macrophages exhibit gene expression profiles distinct from other scattered macrophages in the liver, suggesting NASH-specific macrophages represent a subset that drives metabolic stress-induced liver fibrosis. Moreover, cancer-associated pathways are upregulated in activated fibroblasts from the liver of a mouse NASH model, suggesting that fibroblasts provide the microenvironment that promotes tumor progression. A better understanding of the upstream signals and regulatory mechanisms that drive the generation of NASH-specific macrophage and fibroblast subsets is crucial for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Itoh
- Department of Organ Network and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Molecular Metabolism and Medicine, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- On-skin Artificial Pancreas Project, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Suganami
- Department of Molecular Metabolism and Medicine, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Immunometabolism, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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13
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Seitz T, Hellerbrand C. Role of fibroblast growth factor signalling in hepatic fibrosis. Liver Int 2021; 41:1201-1215. [PMID: 33655624 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic remodelling is a highly conserved protective response to tissue injury and it is essential for the maintenance of structural and functional tissue integrity. Also hepatic fibrosis can be considered as a wound-healing response to liver injury, reflecting a balance between liver repair and scar formation. In contrast, pathological fibrosis corresponds to impaired wound healing. Usually, the liver regenerates after acute injury. However, if the damaging mechanisms persist, the liver reacts with progressive and uncontrolled accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Eventually, excessive fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. Furthermore, cirrhosis is the major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Therefore, hepatic fibrosis is the most critical pathological factor that determines the morbidity and mortality of patients with chronic liver disease. Still, no effective anti-fibrogenic therapies exist, despite the very high medical need. The regulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling is a prerequisite for adequate wound healing, repair and homeostasis in various tissues and organs. The FGF family comprises 22 proteins that can be classified into paracrine, intracrine and endocrine factors. Most FGFs signal through transmembrane tyrosine kinase FGF receptors (FGFRs). Although FGFRs are promising targets for the treatment of HCC, the expression and function of FGFR-ligands in hepatic fibrosis is still poorly understood. This review summarizes the latest advances in our understanding of FGF signalling in hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, the potential of FGFs as targets for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis and remaining challenges for the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Seitz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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14
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Wang H, Li H, Jiang Q, Dong X, Li S, Cheng S, Shi J, Liu L, Qian Z, Dong J. HOTAIRM1 Promotes Malignant Progression of Transformed Fibroblasts in Glioma Stem-Like Cells Remodeled Microenvironment via Regulating miR-133b-3p/TGFβ Axis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:603128. [PMID: 33816233 PMCID: PMC8017308 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.603128] [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: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have reported that cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) played active roles in glioma progression in tumor microenvironment (TME). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be closely associated with glioma development in recent years, however, their molecular regulatory mechanisms on CAFs in GSCs remodeled TME kept largely unelucidated. Our study found that GSCs could induce malignant transformation of fibroblasts (t-FBs) based on dual-color fluorescence tracing orthotopic model. Associated with poor prognosis, Lnc HOXA transcript antisense RNA, myeloid-specific 1 (HOTAIRM1) was highly expressed in high-grade gliomas and t-FBs. Depleting HOTAIRM1 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration, and even tumorigenicity of t-FB. Conversely, overexpression of HOTAIRM1 promoted malignancy phenotype of t-FB. Mechanistically, HOTAIRM1 directly bound with miR-133b-3p, and negatively regulated the latter. MiR-133b-3p partly decreased the promotion effect of HOTAIRM1 on t-FBs. Furthermore, transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) was verified to be a direct target of miR-133b-3p. HOTAIRM1 can modulate TGFβ via competing with miR-133b-3p. Collectively, HOTAIRM1/miR-133b-3p/TGFβ axis was involved in modulating t-FBs malignancy in TME remodeled by GSCs, which had the potential to serve as a target against gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xuchen Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Suwen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jia Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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15
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hyperadiposity, as present in obesity, is a substantial threat to cancer risk and prognosis. Studies that have investigated the link between obesity and tumor progression have proposed several mechanistic frameworks, yet, these mechanisms are not fully defined. Further, a comprehensive understanding of how these various mechanisms may interact to create a dynamic disease state is lacking in the current literature. RECENT FINDINGS Recent work has begun to explore not only discrete mechanisms by which obesity may promote tumor growth (for instance, metabolic and growth factor functions of insulin; inflammatory cytokines; adipokines; and others), but also how these putative tumor-promoting factors may interact. SUMMARY This review will highlight the present understanding of obesity, as it relates to tumor development and progression. First, we will introduce the impact of obesity in cancer within the dynamic tumor microenvironment, which will serve as a theme to frame this review. The core of this review will discuss recently proposed mechanisms that implicate obesity in tumor progression, including chronic inflammation and the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, hormones, and genetic approaches. Furthermore, we intend to offer current insight in targeting adipose tissue during the development of cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andin Fosam
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, School of Medicine Yale University, TAC, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rachel J Perry
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, School of Medicine Yale University, TAC, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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16
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He L, Yuan H, Liang J, Hong J, Qu C. Expression of hepatic stellate cell activation-related genes in HBV-, HCV-, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-associated fibrosis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233702. [PMID: 32442221 PMCID: PMC7244173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a manifestation of chronic liver injury. It leads to hepatic dysfunction and is a critical element in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays a central role in liver fibrogenesis of different etiologies. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon, it is important to analyze the changes in gene expression that accompany the HSC activation process. In this study, we isolated quiescent and activated HSCs from control mice and mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, respectively, and performed RNA sequencing to compare the differences in gene expression patterns between the two types of HSCs. We also reanalyzed public gene expression data for fibrotic liver tissues isolated from patients with HBV infection, HCV infection, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to investigate the gene expression changes during liver fibrosis of these three etiologies. We detected 146 upregulated and 18 downregulated genes in activated HSCs, which were implicated in liver fibrosis as well. Among the overlapping genes, seven transcription factor-encoding genes, ARID5B, GATA6, MITF, PBX1, PLAGL1, SOX4, and SOX9, were upregulated, while one, RXRA, was downregulated. These genes were suggested to play a critical role in HSC activation, and subsequently, in the promotion of liver fibrosis. We undertook the RNA sequencing of quiescent and activated HSCs and analyzed the expression profiles of genes associated with HSC activation in liver fibrotic tissues from different liver diseases, and also aimed to elucidate the changes in gene expression patterns associated with HSC activation and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu He
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junjie Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Hong
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (JH); (CQ)
| | - Chen Qu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (JH); (CQ)
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