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Liu R, Li Y, Zheng Q, Ding M, Zhou H, Li X. Epigenetic modification in liver fibrosis: Promising therapeutic direction with significant challenges ahead. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1009-1029. [PMID: 38486982 PMCID: PMC10935124 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, characterized by scar tissue formation, can ultimately result in liver failure. It's a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, often associated with chronic liver diseases like hepatitis or alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. However, current treatment options are limited, highlighting the urgent need for the development of new therapies. As a reversible regulatory mechanism, epigenetic modification is implicated in many biological processes, including liver fibrosis. Exploring the epigenetic mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis could provide valuable insights into developing new treatments for chronic liver diseases, although the current evidence is still controversial. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the regulatory mechanisms and critical targets of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA modification, in liver fibrotic diseases. The potential cooperation of different epigenetic modifications in promoting fibrogenesis was also highlighted. Finally, available agonists or inhibitors regulating these epigenetic mechanisms and their potential application in preventing liver fibrosis were discussed. In summary, elucidating specific druggable epigenetic targets and developing more selective and specific candidate medicines may represent a promising approach with bright prospects for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Yajing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Qi Zheng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Mingning Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 22460, USA
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
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2
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Jiang T, Leng W, Zhong S. Diagnostic Role of Circulating miRNAs in the Grading of Chronic Hepatitis B-Related Liver Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Lab Med 2023; 54:479-488. [PMID: 36637253 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmac151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE miRNAs are considered potential biomarkers that can be used for the grading of chronic hepatitis B (CHB)-related liver fibrosis. This meta-analysis aims to elucidate the diagnostic performance of miRNAs. METHODS Databases were used to search for meta-analyses. A bivariate model was used to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). In addition, the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS A total of 9 studies with 1159 patients with CHB-related liver fibrosis were assessed. For diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC were 0.73 (95% CI, 0.68-0.78), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70-0.84), 3.32 (95% CI, 2.52-4.37), 0.34 (95% CI, 0.30-0.39), 9.70 (95% CI, 7.10-13.24), and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.77-0.84), respectively. CONCLUSION miRNAs are potential biomarkers of CHB-related liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Jiang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, Chengdu First People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenying Leng
- Emergency Department, Chengdu First People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Sen Zhong
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Doghish AS, Elballal MS, Elazazy O, Elesawy AE, Elrebehy MA, Shahin RK, Midan HM, Sallam AAM. The role of miRNAs in liver diseases: Potential therapeutic and clinical applications. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 243:154375. [PMID: 36801506 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding RNAs that function post-transcriptionally to regulate gene expression by binding to particular mRNA targets and causing destruction of the mRNA or translational inhibition of the mRNA. The miRNAs control the range of liver activities, from the healthy to the unhealthy. Considering that miRNA dysregulation is linked to liver damage, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis, miRNAs are a promising therapeutic strategy for the evaluation and treatment of liver illnesses. Recent findings on the regulation and function of miRNAs in liver diseases are discussed, with an emphasis on miRNAs that are highly expressed or enriched in hepatocytes. Alcohol-related liver illness, acute liver toxicity, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and exosomes in chronic liver disease all emphasize the roles and target genes of these miRNAs. We briefly discuss the function of miRNAs in the etiology of liver diseases, namely in the transfer of information between hepatocytes and other cell types via extracellular vesicles. Here we offer some background on the use of miRNAs as biomarkers for the early prognosis, diagnosis, and assessment of liver diseases. The identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver disorders will be made possible by future research into miRNAs in the liver, which will also help us better understand the pathogeneses of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed S Elballal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ola Elazazy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Elesawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Elrebehy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt.
| | - Reem K Shahin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Heba M Midan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Al-Aliaa M Sallam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
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4
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Deng Y, Li J, Zhou M, Liang Z, Zhao L. c-Myc affects hedgehog pathway via KCNQ1OT1/RAC1: A new mechanism for regulating HSC proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:1458-1467. [PMID: 33451909 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to probe into the potential mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 in liver fibrosis. METHODS The pathological changes in liver tissues were observed by Masson and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The proliferation or cell cycle of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was analyzed by MTT or flow cytometry. The expressions of epithelial markers E-cadherin, interstitial markers Snail and Vimentin, and hedgehog signaling pathway-related molecules Hhip, Shh, and Gli2 were detected by Western blot. The interaction or binding of c-Myc with the KCNQ1OT1 promoter was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter gene or Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR, and the interaction between KCNQ1OT1 and RAC1 was assessed by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down. Moreover, the stability of RAC1 protein was detected by cycloheximide-chase and ubiquitination. RESULTS c-Myc and KCNQ1OT1 were up-regulated in liver fibrosis tissues and cells. After the interference with c-Myc in primary-1-Day HSCs, the down-regulated KCNQ1OT1 restrained HSC proliferation and EMT by down-regulating RAC1 expression and restraining the hedgehog pathway. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that the interference with c-Myc down-regulated RAC1 expression and restrained the hedgehog pathway by down-regulating KCNQ1OT1, thus restraining HSC proliferation and EMT in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilei Deng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Menghao Zhou
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhiwei Liang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Longshuan Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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Wang X, Hu Y, Lu X, Cai Y, Shu J. Quantitative T2 mapping of rats with chronic hepatitis. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:225. [PMID: 33603834 PMCID: PMC7851601 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9656] [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: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore the diagnostic value of T2 mapping in an experimental rat model of chronic liver disease. Chronic hepatitis was induced in Sprague-Dawley male rats (n=88) by intraperitoneal and abdominal subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride in olive oil. The normal control rats (n=12) were similarly injected with the same dose of normal saline. All rats were randomly selected and subjected to T2-weighted/spectral adiabatic inversion recovery and multiple gradient- and spin-echo sequence. After scanning, rats were sacrificed immediately and livers removed for staining with hematoxylin and eosin, as well as Masson's trichrome, to determine the pathological stage of hepatic fibrosis, necroinflammatory activity and steatosis. The T2 values were measured and associated with histopathological findings. The T2 values were significantly associated with hepatic fibrosis (P<0.05), but not with hepatitis (P>0.05) or steatosis (P>0.05). By partial correlation analysis, a significant positive correlation was observed between the T2 values and stages of liver fibrosis (r=0.820; P<0.05). T2 values increased with progressive hepatic fibrosis. The differences between T2 values and stages of liver fibrosis were statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were observed between different stages of liver fibrosis (P<0.05), with an area under the curve value of 0.944 for predicting stage F1 or greater, 0.942 for stage F2 or greater, 0.958 for stage F3 or greater, and 0.948 for F4. Thus, the T2 value is one of the quantitative indices of imaging and accurately reflects the stages of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yu Cai
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Shu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
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6
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Liang Z, Li J, Zhao L, Deng Y. miR‑375 affects the hedgehog signaling pathway by downregulating RAC1 to inhibit hepatic stellate cell viability and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:182. [PMID: 33398380 PMCID: PMC7809903 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that serve crucial roles in liver cancer and other liver injury diseases. However, the expression profile and mechanisms underlying miRNAs in liver fibrosis are not completely understood. The present study identified the novel miR-375/Rac family small GTPase 1 (RAC1) regulatory axis in liver fibrosis. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to detect miR-375 expression levels. MTT, flow cytometry and western blotting were performed to explore the in vitro roles of miR-375. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to determine the potential mechanism underlying miR-375 in liver fibrosis. miR-375 expression was significantly downregulated in liver fibrosis tissues and cells compared with healthy control tissues and hepatocytes, respectively. Compared with the pre-negative control group, miR-375 overexpression inhibited mouse hepatic stellate cell (HSC) viability and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and alleviated liver fibrosis. The dual-luciferase reporter assay results demonstrated that miR-375 bound to RAC1. Moreover, the results indicated that miR-375 regulated the hedgehog signaling pathway via RAC1 to restrain HSC viability and EMT, thus exerting its anti-liver fibrosis function. The present study identified the miR-375/RAC1 axis as a novel regulatory axis associated with the development of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Liang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Longshuan Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Yilei Deng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
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7
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Loureiro D, Tout I, Narguet S, Benazzouz SM, Mansouri A, Asselah T. miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Viral Hepatitis B and C. Viruses 2020; 12:E1440. [PMID: 33327640 PMCID: PMC7765125 DOI: 10.3390/v12121440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 257 million people are living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronic infection and 71 million with hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection. Both HBV and HCV infections can lead to liver complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To take care of these chronically infected patients, one strategy is to diagnose the early stage of fibrosis in order to treat them as soon as possible to decrease the risk of HCC development. microRNAs (or miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs which regulate many cellular processes in metazoans. Their expressions were frequently modulated by up- or down-regulation during fibrosis progression. In the serum of patients with HBV chronic infection (CHB), miR-122 and miR-185 expressions are increased, while miR-29, -143, -21 and miR-223 expressions are decreased during fibrosis progression. In the serum of patients with HCV chronic infection (CHC), miR-143 and miR-223 expressions are increased, while miR-122 expression is decreased during fibrosis progression. This review aims to summarize current knowledge of principal miRNAs modulation involved in fibrosis progression during chronic hepatitis B/C infections. Furthermore, we also discuss the potential use of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose fibrosis with the intention of prioritizing patients with advanced fibrosis for treatment and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tarik Asselah
- Department of Hepatology, Université de Paris, CRI, INSERM UMR 1149, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, 92110 Clichy, France; (D.L.); (I.T.); (S.N.); (S.M.B.); (A.M.)
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8
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Wei J, Zhao Y. MiR-185-5p Protects Against Angiogenesis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Targeting VEGFA. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1030. [PMID: 32760272 PMCID: PMC7373746 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disease with high incidences in women of reproductive age. Although miR-185-5p (miR-185) was decreased in PCOS patients, the exact function of miR-185 on PCOS development still requires further investigation. In this study, rat injected with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was established as a PCOS model. A lentivirus carrying miR-185 was employed to examine its effect on PCOS symptoms. Then we performed the luciferase reporter assay to validate the interactions between miR-185 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Finally, human ovarian microvascular endothelial cells (HOMECs) were induced by VEGF to explore the role of miR-185 in the angiogenic process. The results showed that miR-185 overexpression improved insulin level alteration and ovarian histological lesion in PCOS rats. We also found that miR-185 reduced the excessive angiogenesis as indicated by alterations of VEGFA, ANGPT1/2, PDGFB/D, α-SMA and CD31 in the ovary of PCOS rats. Luciferase reporter assay identified that VEGFA directly interacted with miR-185, and its expression level was negatively regulated by miR-185. The in vitro results further demonstrated that miR-185-induced suppression of cell proliferation, migration and tube formation was attenuated by VEGF in HOMECs. In summary, this is the first study to show that miR-185 can target VEGFA to inhibit angiogenesis, thus improving the development of PCOS. These findings develop a molecular candidate for PCOS prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzan Wei
- Department of Management, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Chen X, Zhang D, Wang Y, Chen K, Zhao L, Xu Y, Jiang H, Wang S. Synergistic antifibrotic effects of miR-451 with miR-185 partly by co-targeting EphB2 on hepatic stellate cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:402. [PMID: 32467578 PMCID: PMC7256034 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2613-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a global health problem currently without clinically approved drugs. It is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) mainly produced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Uncovering the mechanisms underlying the fibrogenic responses in HSCs may have profound translational implications. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor B2 (EphB2) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that has been indicated to be a novel profibrotic factor involved in liver fibrogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of miR-451 and miR-185 on the expression of EphB2 and their roles in liver fibrogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. We found that EphB2 upregulation is a direct downstream molecular event of decreased expression of miR-451 and miR-185 in the process of liver fibrosis. Moreover, miR-451 was unexpectedly found to upregulate miR-185 expression at the post-transcriptional level by directly targeting the nuclear export receptor exportin 1 (XPO-1) and synergistically suppress HSCs activation with miR-185. To investigate the clinical potential of these miRNAs, miR-451/miR-185 agomirs were injected individually or jointly into CCl4-treated mice. The results showed that coadministration of these agomirs synergistically alleviated liver fibrosis in vivo. These findings indicate that miR-451 and miR-451/XPO-1/miR-185 axis play important and synergistic regulatory roles in hepatic fibrosis partly through co-targeting EphB2, which provides a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaogang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Limeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Yating Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Hulin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shuzhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China.
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Iacob DG, Rosca A, Ruta SM. Circulating microRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for hepatitis B virus liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:1113-1127. [PMID: 32231417 PMCID: PMC7093315 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i11.1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses can alter the expression of host microRNAs (MiRNA s) and modulate the immune response during a persistent infection. The dysregulation of host MiRNA s by hepatitis B virus (HBV) contributes to the proinflammatory and profibrotic changes within the liver. Multiple studies have documented the differential regulation of intracellular and circulating MiRNA s during different stages of HBV infection. Circulating MiRNA s found in plasma and/or extracellular vesicles can integrate data on viral-host interactions and on the associated liver injury. Hence, the detection of circulating MiRNA s in chronic HBV hepatitis could offer a promising alternative to liver biopsy, as their expression is associated with HBV replication, the progression of liver fibrosis, and the outcome of antiviral treatment. The current review explores the available data on miRNA involvement in HBV pathogenesis with an emphasis on their potential use as biomarkers for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gabriela Iacob
- Infectious Diseases Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Bucharest Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest 050098, Romania
| | - Adelina Rosca
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Simona Maria Ruta
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
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11
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Zhao Z, Lin CY, Cheng K. siRNA- and miRNA-based therapeutics for liver fibrosis. Transl Res 2019; 214:17-29. [PMID: 31476281 PMCID: PMC6848786 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing process induced by chronic liver injuries, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and metal poisoning. The accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver is a key characteristic of liver fibrosis. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major producers of ECM and therefore play irreplaceably important roles during the progression of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrogenesis is highly correlated with the activation of HSCs, which is regulated by numerous profibrotic cytokines. Using RNA interference to downregulate these cytokines in activated HSCs is a promising strategy to reverse liver fibrosis. Meanwhile, microRNAs (miRNAs) have also been exploited for the treatment of liver fibrosis. This review focuses on the current siRNA- and miRNA-based liver fibrosis treatment strategies by targeting activated HSCs in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhao
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.
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12
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Lu QQ, Chen M, Wang XL, Cao SQ. Meta-analysis of diagnostic value of circulating microRNAs in hepatitis B-related fibrosis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2019; 27:1365-1374. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v27.i22.1365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis worldwide. Liver fibrosis is initially reversible, but without early diagnosis and timely treatment, it can progress to end-stage liver diseases such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer. Therefore, the accurate diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis plays a decisive role in the management and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, accurate diagnostic markers are still lacking.
AIM To systemically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in hepatitis B-related fibrosis.
METHODS The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for all eligible studies using the following search terms: ("serum" or "plasma" or "circulating" or "blood") and ("microRNA" or "miRNA" or "miR*") and ("hepatitis B" or "CHB" or "viral hepatitis*" or "chronic hepatitis") and ("liver fibrosis" or "liver cirrhosis" or "hepatic fibrosis*"). The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) were pooled to assess the accuracy of circulating miRNAs for the diagnosis of early fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
RESULTS A total of 15 studies with 1623 CHB patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC of using circulating miRNAs for the diagnosis of hepatitis B-related early fibrosis were 0.76 (95%CI: 0.69-0.82), 0.64 (95%CI: 0.47-0.78), and 0.78 (95%CI: 0.74-0.81), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC of using circulating miRNAs for the diagnosis of hepatitis B-related advanced fibrosis were 0.79 (95%CI: 0.72-0.85), 0.81(95%CI: 0.63-0.91), and 0.82 (95%CI: 0.79-0.85), respectively. Only two studies assessed the diagnostic accuracy of circulating miRNAs for predicting cirrhosis, and the results suggested that circulating miRNAs provided a high diagnostic accuracy for CHB-related cirrhosis (AUROC = 0.882; accuracy, 93.7%).
CONCLUSION Circulating miRNAs show pretty good diagnostic accuracy for hepatitis B-related fibrosis, especially for advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, and can be used as potential circulating biomarkers for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shi-Qiong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China
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Xu S, Liu C, Ji H. Concise Review: Therapeutic Potential of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Secretome and Extracellular Vesicles for Radiation-Induced Lung Injury: Progress and Hypotheses. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 8:344-354. [PMID: 30618085 PMCID: PMC6431606 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common complication in radiotherapy of thoracic tumors and limits the therapeutic dose of radiation that can be given to effectively control tumors. RILI develops through a complex pathological process, resulting in induction and activation of various cytokines, infiltration by inflammatory cells, cytokine-induced activation of fibroblasts, and subsequent tissue remodeling by activated fibroblasts, ultimately leading to impaired lung function and respiratory failure. Increasing evidence shows that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may play a main role in modulating inflammation and immune responses, promoting survival and repair of damaged resident cells and enhancing regeneration of damaged tissue through soluble paracrine factors and therapeutic extracellular vesicles. Therefore, the use of the MSC-derived secretome and exosomes holds promising potential for RILI therapy. Here, we review recent progress on the potential mechanisms of MSC therapy for RILI, with an emphasis on soluble paracrine factors of MSCs. Hypotheses on how MSC derived exosomes or MSC-released exosomal miRNAs could attenuate RILI are also proposed. Problems and translational challenges of the therapies based on the MSC-derived secretome and exosomes are further summarized and underline the need for caution on rapid clinical translation. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:344-354.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siguang Xu
- Institute of Lung and Molecular TherapyXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangHenanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Cong Liu
- Institute of Lung and Molecular TherapyXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangHenanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Hong‐Long Ji
- Department of Cellular and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at TylerTylerTexasUSA
- Texas Lung Injury InstituteUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at TylerTylerTexasUSA
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Yang Z, Li J, Feng G, Wang Y, Yang G, Liu Y, Zhang S, Feng J, Zhang X. Hepatitis B virus X protein enhances hepatocarcinogenesis by depressing the targeting of NUSAP1 mRNA by miR- 18b. Cancer Biol Med 2019; 16:276-287. [PMID: 31516748 PMCID: PMC6713641 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2018.0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism whereby HBx modulates the targeting of NUSAP1 by miR-18b to enhance hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods We employed an integrated approach of bioinformatics analysis and molecular experiments in hepatoma cells, HBV transgenic mice, and clinical liver cancer tissues to investigate the role of HBx-regulated miR-18b in the development of liver cancer. Results In this study, we report that the HBx-mediated tumor suppressor miR-18b modulates hepatocarcinogenesis during the host-HBV interaction. The expression levels of miR-18b were lower in clinical HBV-positive liver cancer tissues and liver tissues of HBV-transgenic mice. Interestingly, HBx inhibited miR-18b expression by inducing the methylation of CpG islands in its promoter. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that HBx enhanced hepatocarcinogenesis by increasing the expression of target genes of miR-18b. Moreover, we identified nucleolar spindle-associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) as one of the target genes of miR-18b. NUSAP1 was expressed at high levels in liver cancer tissues. Interestingly, HBx up-regulated NUSAP1 by suppressing miR-18b. Functionally, miR-18b significantly inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells by depressing NUSAP1 levels in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions Thus, we conclude that the targeting of NUSAP1 mRNA by the tumor suppressor miR-18b is controlled by HBx-modulated promoter methylation during the host-virus interaction, leading to hepatocarcinogenesis. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism by which HBx-mediated miRNAs modulate hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Yang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guoxing Feng
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yunxia Liu
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuqin Zhang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jinyan Feng
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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15
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Cai P, Mu Y, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Circulating miRNAs as footprints for liver fibrosis grading in schistosomiasis. EBioMedicine 2018; 37:334-343. [PMID: 30482723 PMCID: PMC6286190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic infection with Schistosoma japonicum or S. mansoni results in hepatic fibrosis of the human host. Staging fibrosis is crucial for the prognosis and to determine the rapid need of treatment in patients with schistosomiasis. METHODS To establish whether there is a correlation between circulating microRNA (miRNA) level and fibrosis progression in schistosomiasis, ten miRNAs were selected to assess their potential in grading schistosomiasis liver fibrosis. This was done firstly in two mouse strains (C57BL/6 and BALB/c) to determine the temporal expression profiles in serum over the course of S. japonicum infection, and then within a cohort of 163 schistosomiasis japonica patients with different grades of liver fibrosis. FINDING Four miRNAs (miR-150-5p, let-7a-5p, let-7d-5p and miR-146a-5p) were able to distinguish patients with mild versus severe fibrosis. The level of serum miR-150-5p showed the most promising potential for grading hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis. The diagnostic performance of miR-150-5p in discriminating mild from severe fibrosis is comparable with that of the ELF test and serum HA level. In addition, the serum levels of the four miRNAs rebounded in infected C57BL/6 mice, after 6 months post treatment, following the regression of liver fibrosis, thereby providing further support for the utility of these miRNAs in grading schistosomal hepatic fibrosis. INTERPRETATION Circulating miRNAs can be a supplementary tool for assessing hepatic fibrosis in human schistosomiasis. FUND: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia (APP1102926, APP1037304 and APP1098244).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; icddr b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - David U Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
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Prospects in non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis: Liquid biopsy as the future gold standard? Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:1024-1036. [PMID: 29329986 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the result of persistent liver injury, and is characterized by sustained scar formation and disruption of the normal liver architecture. The extent of fibrosis is considered as an important prognostic factor for the patient outcome, as an absence of (early) treatment can lead to the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Till date, the most sensitive and specific way for the diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis remains liver biopsy, an invasive diagnostic tool, which is associated with high costs and discomfort for the patient. Over time, non-invasive scoring systems have been developed, of which the measurements of serum markers and liver stiffness are validated for use in the clinic. These tools lack however the sensitivity and specificity to detect small changes in the progression or regression of both early and late stages of fibrosis. Novel non-invasive diagnostic markers with the potential to overcome these limitations have been developed, but often lack validation in large patient cohorts. In this review, we will summarize novel trends in non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis development and will discuss their (dis-)advantages for use in the clinic.
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17
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Zhou L, Liu S, Han M, Ma Y, Feng S, Zhao J, Lu H, Yuan X, Cheng J. miR-185 Inhibits Fibrogenic Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells and Prevents Liver Fibrosis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 10:91-102. [PMID: 29499960 PMCID: PMC5735261 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown the effect of microRNAs on HSC activation and transformation, which is essential for the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. In our study, we explored the role of miR-185 in liver fibrosis. Plasma miR-185 was detected in hepatitis B virus-related liver fibrosis patients (S2/3, n = 10) by Illumina HiSeq sequencing, and healthy volunteers were selected (n = 8) as the control group. We found that the plasma miR-185 level in fibrosis patients was significantly downregulated. CCl4-induced fibrosis tissues in mouse livers and TGF-β1-activated HSCs also presented downregulated miR-185 concomitant with an increased expression of RHEB and RICTOR. To explore the correlations, LX-2 cells were transiently transfected with miR-185 mimics. The expression levels of α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III were decreased as well as RHEB and RICTOR. Inhibition of endogenous miR-185 increased fibrogenic activity. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that miR-185 inhibited the expression of RHEB and RICTOR by directly targeting their 3' UTRs. Moreover, silencing RHEB and RICTOR suppressed α-SMA and collagen expression levels. In conclusion, miR-185 prevents liver fibrogenesis by inhibiting HSC activation via inhibition of RHEB and RICTOR. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms behind the anti-fibrotic effect of miR-185.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100015, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100015, China; Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Shunai Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100015, China; Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Ming Han
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100015, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100015, China; Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Yanhua Ma
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100015, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Shenghu Feng
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100015, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100015, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Hongping Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100015, China; Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Xiaoxue Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100015, China; Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100015, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100015, China; Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China.
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Hepatic stellate cells as key target in liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 121:27-42. [PMID: 28506744 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 842] [Impact Index Per Article: 120.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Progressive liver fibrosis, induced by chronic viral and metabolic disorders, leads to more than one million deaths annually via development of cirrhosis, although no antifibrotic therapy has been approved to date. Transdifferentiation (or "activation") of hepatic stellate cells is the major cellular source of matrix protein-secreting myofibroblasts, the major driver of liver fibrogenesis. Paracrine signals from injured epithelial cells, fibrotic tissue microenvironment, immune and systemic metabolic dysregulation, enteric dysbiosis, and hepatitis viral products can directly or indirectly induce stellate cell activation. Dysregulated intracellular signaling, epigenetic changes, and cellular stress response represent candidate targets to deactivate stellate cells by inducing reversion to inactivated state, cellular senescence, apoptosis, and/or clearance by immune cells. Cell type- and target-specific pharmacological intervention to therapeutically induce the deactivation will enable more effective and less toxic precision antifibrotic therapies.
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