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Verma S, Ishteyaque S, Washimkar KR, Verma S, Nilakanth Mugale M. Mitochondrial-mediated nuclear remodeling and macrophage polarizations: A key switch from liver fibrosis to HCC progression. Exp Cell Res 2024; 434:113878. [PMID: 38086504 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a significant health burden worldwide and has emerged as the leading cause of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence. Mitochondria are the dynamic organelles that regulate the differentiation, survival, and polarization of macrophages. Nuclear-DNA-associated proteins, micro-RNAs, as well as macrophage polarization are essential for maintaining intracellular and extra-cellular homeostasis in the liver parenchyma. Dysregulated mitochondrial coding genes (ETS complexes I, II, III, IV, and V), non-coding RNAs (mitomiRs), and nuclear alteration lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation which are implicated in the transition of liver fibrosis into HCC. Recent findings indicated the protecting effect of E74-like factor 3/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (Elf-3/PPAR-γ). HDAR-y inhibits the deacetylation of PPAR-y and maintains the PPAR-y pathway. Elf-3 plays a tumor suppressive role through epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related gene and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB-2) domain. Additionally, the development of HCC includes the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) pathway that promotes the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through Smad/Snail/Slug signaling cascade. In contrast, the TLR2/NOX2/autophagy axis promotes M2 polarization in HCC. Thus, a thorough understanding of the mitochondrial and nuclear reciprocal relationship related to macrophage polarization could provide new research opportunities concerning diseases with a significant impact on liver parenchyma towards developing liver fibrosis or liver cancer. Moreover, this knowledge can be used to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobhit Verma
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sharmeen Ishteyaque
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Kaveri R Washimkar
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Smriti Verma
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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2
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Feng L, Chen X, Huang Y, Zhang X, Zheng S, Xie N. Immunometabolism changes in fibrosis: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1243675. [PMID: 37576819 PMCID: PMC10412938 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1243675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for initiating and developing the fibrotic process by releasing cytokines and growth factors that activate fibroblasts and promote extracellular matrix deposition. Immunometabolism describes how metabolic alterations affect the function of immune cells and how inflammation and immune responses regulate systemic metabolism. The disturbed immune cell function and their interactions with other cells in the tissue microenvironment lead to the origin and advancement of fibrosis. Understanding the dysregulated metabolic alterations and interactions between fibroblasts and the immune cells is critical for providing new therapeutic targets for fibrosis. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the pathophysiology of fibrosis from the immunometabolism aspect, highlighting the altered metabolic pathways in critical immune cell populations and the impact of inflammation on fibroblast metabolism during the development of fibrosis. We also discuss how this knowledge could be leveraged to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujing Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodian Zhang
- Hainan Cancer Clinical Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Hainan Cancer Clinical Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Pathology, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Na Xie
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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3
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Chen F, Sheng L, Zhou T, Yan L, Loveless R, Li H, Teng Y, Cai Y. Loss of Ufl1/Ufbp1 in hepatocytes promotes liver pathological damage and carcinogenesis through activating mTOR signaling. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:110. [PMID: 37131258 PMCID: PMC10155312 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02681-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ufm1-specific ligase 1 (Ufl1) and Ufm1-binding protein 1 (Ufbp1), as putative targets of ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (Ufm1), have been implicated in several pathogenesis-related signaling pathways. However, little is known about their functional roles in liver disease. METHODS Hepatocyte-specific Ufl1Δ/Δhep and Ufbp1Δ/Δhep mice were used to study their role in liver injury. Fatty liver disease and liver cancer were induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and diethylnitrosamine (DEN) administration, respectively. iTRAQ analysis was employed to screen for downstream targets affected by Ufbp1 deletion. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to determine the interactions between the Ufl1/Ufbp1 complex and the mTOR/GβL complex. RESULTS Ufl1Δ/Δhep or Ufbp1Δ/Δhep mice exhibited hepatocyte apoptosis and mild steatosis at 2 months of age and hepatocellular ballooning, extensive fibrosis, and steatohepatitis at 6-8 months of age. More than 50% of Ufl1Δ/Δhep and Ufbp1Δ/Δhep mice developed spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by 14 months of age. Moreover, Ufl1Δ/Δhep and Ufbp1Δ/Δhep mice were more susceptible to HFD-induced fatty liver and DEN-induced HCC. Mechanistically, the Ufl1/Ufbp1 complex directly interacts with the mTOR/GβL complex and attenuates mTORC1 activity. Ablation of Ufl1 or Ufbp1 in hepatocytes dissociates them from the mTOR/GβL complex and activates oncogenic mTOR signaling to drive HCC development. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal the potential role of Ufl1 and Ufbp1 as gatekeepers to prevent liver fibrosis and subsequent steatohepatitis and HCC development by inhibiting the mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanghui Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Le Sheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Tianci Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Linyi People Hospital, Linyi, 276000, China
| | - Reid Loveless
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Honglin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Yafei Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Kumar V, Sethi B, Staller DW, Xin X, Ma J, Dong Y, Talmon GA, Mahato RI. Anti-miR-96 and Hh pathway inhibitor MDB5 synergistically ameliorate alcohol-associated liver injury in mice. Biomaterials 2023; 295:122049. [PMID: 36827892 PMCID: PMC9998370 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and its complications are significant health problems worldwide. Several pathways in ALD are influenced by alcohol that drives inflammation, fatty acid metabolism, and fibrosis. Although miR-96 has become a key regulator in several liver diseases, its function in ALD remains unclear. In contrast, sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling has a well-defined role in liver disease through influencing the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the inducement of liver fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the expression patterns of miR-96 and Hh molecules in mouse and human liver samples. We showed that miR-96 and Shh were upregulated in ethanol-fed mice. Furthermore, alcoholic hepatitis (AH) patient specimens also showed upregulated FOXO3a, TGF-β1, SHH, and GLI2 proteins. We then examined the effects of Hh inhibitor MDB5 and anti-miR-96 on inflammatory and extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes. We identified FOXO3 and SMAD7 as direct target genes of miR-96. Inhibition of miR-96 decreased the expression of these genes in vitro in AML12 cells, HSC-T6 cells, and in vivo in ALD mice. Furthermore, MDB5 decreased HSCs activation and the expression of ECM-related genes, such as Gli1, Tgf-β1, and collagen. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) loaded with the combination of MDB5, and anti-miR-96 ameliorated ALD in mice. Our study demonstrated that this combination therapy could serve as a new therapeutic target for ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Bharti Sethi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Dalton W Staller
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jingyi Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yuxiang Dong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Geoffrey A Talmon
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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5
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Luo J, Li L, Chang B, Zhu Z, Deng F, Hu M, Yu Y, Lu X, Chen Z, Zuo D, Zhou J. Mannan-Binding Lectin via Interaction With Cell Surface Calreticulin Promotes Senescence of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells to Limit Liver Fibrosis Progression. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:75-99. [PMID: 35381393 PMCID: PMC9117817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver fibrosis represents a hallmark of most chronic liver diseases (CLD) triggered by recurrent liver injury and subsequent myofibroblast transdifferentiations of resident hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is potentially involved in hepatic fibrosis in CLD through unclear mechanisms. Therefore, we investigated the crosstalk between MBL and HSCs, and the consequent effects on fibrosis progression. METHODS Samples from patients with liver cirrhosis were collected. MBL deficiency (MBL-/-) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice were used to construct a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model. Administration of MBL-expressing, liver-specific, adeno-associated virus was performed to restore hepatic MBL expression in MBL-/- mice. The human HSC line LX-2 was used for in vitro experiments. RESULTS MBL levels in patients with liver cirrhosis were correlated with disease severity. In the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model, MBL-/- mice showed severer liver fibrosis accompanied by reduced senescent activated HSCs in liver tissue compared with WT mice, which could be inhibited by administering MBL-expressing, liver-specific, adeno-associated virus. Moreover, depleting senescent cells with senolytic treatment could abrogate these differences owing to MBL absence. Furthermore, MBL could interact directly with calreticulin associated with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 on the cell surface of HSCs, which further promotes senescence in HSCs by up-regulating the mammalian target of rapamycin/p53/p21 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS MBL as a newfound senescence-promoting modulator and its crosstalk with HSCs in the liver microenvironment is essential for the control of hepatic fibrosis progression, suggesting its potential therapeutic use in treating CLD associated with liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialiang Luo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Chang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengyumeng Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fan Deng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengyao Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengliang Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Daming Zuo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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6
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Al-Hashem F, Al Humayed S, Haidara MA, Abdel Latif NS, Al-Ani B. Captopril suppresses hepatic mammalian target of rapamycin cell signaling and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Arch Physiol Biochem 2021; 127:414-421. [PMID: 31364422 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2019.1647249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential inhibitory effects of captopril, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), liver injury enzymes, blood pressure, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress have not been investigated before. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were either injected with TAA (200 mg/kg; twice a week for 8 weeks) before being sacrificed after 10 weeks (model group) or were pretreated with captopril (150 mg/kg) daily for two weeks prior to TAA injections and continued receiving both agents until the end of the experiment (protective group). RESULTS Captopril significantly (p < .05) inhibited TAA-induced hypertension, liver tissue levels of mTOR, TIMP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, MDA; and blood levels of lipids, ALT, and AST. We further demonstrated a significant (p < .01) positive correlation between mTOR scoring and the levels of inflammatory, oxidative and liver injury biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS Captopril protects against TAA-induced mTOR, liver injury enzymes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahaid Al-Hashem
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suliman Al Humayed
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Haidara
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha S Abdel Latif
- Medical Pharmacology Department, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Bahjat Al-Ani
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Lin SN, Mao R, Qian C, Bettenworth D, Wang J, Li J, Bruining D, Jairath V, Feagan B, Chen M, Rieder F. Development of Anti-fibrotic Therapy in Stricturing Crohn's Disease: Lessons from Randomized Trials in Other Fibrotic Diseases. Physiol Rev 2021; 102:605-652. [PMID: 34569264 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00005.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is considered an inevitable complication of Crohn's disease (CD) that results in symptoms of obstruction and stricture formation. Endoscopic or surgical treatment is required to treat the majority of patients. Progress in the management of stricturing CD is hampered by the lack of effective anti-fibrotic therapy; however, this situation is likely to change because of recent advances in other fibrotic diseases of the lung, liver and skin. In this review, we summarized data from randomized controlled trials (RCT) of anti-fibrotic therapies in these conditions. Multiple compounds have been tested for the anti-fibrotic effects in other organs. According to their mechanisms, they were categorized into growth factor modulators, inflammation modulators, 5-hydroxy-3-methylgultaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, intracellular enzymes and kinases, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) modulators and others. From our review of the results from the clinical trials and discussion of their implications in the gastrointestinal tract, we have identified several molecular candidates that could serve as potential therapies for intestinal fibrosis in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Nan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Ren Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Chenchen Qian
- Department of Internal Medicine, UPMC Pinnacle, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Dominik Bettenworth
- Department of Medicine B, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drug, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - David Bruining
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Vipul Jairath
- Alimentiv Inc., London, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Feagan
- Alimentiv Inc., London, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Minhu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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8
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Dong XC, Chowdhury K, Huang M, Kim HG. Signal Transduction and Molecular Regulation in Fatty Liver Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:689-717. [PMID: 33906425 PMCID: PMC8558079 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0076] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Fatty liver disease is a major liver disorder in the modern societies. Comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms is essential for the prevention and treatment of the disease. Recent Advances: Remarkable progress has been made in the recent years in basic and translational research in the field of fatty liver disease. Multiple signaling pathways have been implicated in the development of fatty liver disease, including AMP-activated protein kinase, mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, inflammation, transforming growth factor β, and yes1-associated transcriptional regulator/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ). In addition, critical molecular regulations at the transcriptional and epigenetic levels have been linked to the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease. Critical Issues: Some critical issues remain to be solved so that research findings can be translated into clinical applications. Robust and reliable biomarkers are needed for diagnosis of different stages of the fatty liver disease. Effective and safe molecular targets remain to be identified and validated. Prevention strategies require solid scientific evidence and population-wide feasibility. Future Directions: As more data are generated with time, integrative approaches are needed to comprehensively understand the disease pathophysiology and mechanisms at multiple levels from population, organismal system, organ/tissue, to cell. The interactions between genes and environmental factors require deeper investigation for the purposes of prevention and personalized treatment of fatty liver disease. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 689-717.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocheng Charlie Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kushan Chowdhury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Menghao Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Hyeong Geug Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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9
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Jiménez-Uribe AP, Gómez-Sierra T, Aparicio-Trejo OE, Orozco-Ibarra M, Pedraza-Chaverri J. Backstage players of fibrosis: NOX4, mTOR, HDAC, and S1P; companions of TGF-β. Cell Signal 2021; 87:110123. [PMID: 34438016 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The fibrotic process could be easily defined as a pathological excess of extracellular matrix deposition, leading to disruption of tissue architecture and eventually loss of function; however, this process involves a complex network of several signal transduction pathways. Virtually almost all organs could be affected by fibrosis, the most affected are the liver, lung, skin, kidney, heart, and eyes; in all of them, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) has a central role. The canonical and non-canonical signal pathways of TGF-β impact the fibrotic process at the cellular and molecular levels, inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the induction of profibrotic gene expression with the consequent increase in proteins such as alpha-smooth actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, collagen, and other extracellular matrix proteins. Recently, it has been reported that some molecules that have not been typically associated with the fibrotic process, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), histone deacetylases (HDAC), and sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P); are critical in its development. In this review, we describe and discuss the role of these new players of fibrosis and the convergence with TGF-β signaling pathways, unveiling new insights into the panorama of fibrosis that could be useful for future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tania Gómez-Sierra
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX 04510, Mexico
| | - Omar Emiliano Aparicio-Trejo
- Departamento de Fisiopatología Cardio-Renal, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología "Ignacio Chávez", Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Marisol Orozco-Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Manuel Velasco Suárez, Av. Insurgentes Sur # 3877, La Fama, Alcaldía Tlalpan, CP 14269 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX 04510, Mexico.
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10
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mTOR inhibitors potentially reduce TGF-β2-induced fibrogenic changes in trabecular meshwork cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14111. [PMID: 34239027 PMCID: PMC8266857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the effects of mTOR inhibitors on the fibrotic response induced by transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) in cultured human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells. TGF-β2-induced expression of fibronectin, collagen type I, alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in hTM cells was examined in the presence or absence of mTOR inhibitors using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The migration rates of hTM cells were examined in the presence of TGF-β2 with or without mTOR inhibitors. An in vitro study showed that the expression of fibronectin, COL1A1, and αSMA was upregulated by TGF-β2 treatment of hTM cells; such upregulation was significantly suppressed by mTOR inhibitors. The inhibitors significantly reduced the migration rate of TGF-β2-stimulated hTM cells. mTOR inhibitors may usefully reduce the fibrotic response of hTM cells and we may have to explore if it is also effective in in vivo model.
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Shan C, Wang R, Wang S, Zhang Z, Xing C, Feng W, Zhao Z, Zhou S, Zhao AZ, Mu Y, Li F. Endogenous production of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protects mice from carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis by regulating mTOR and Bcl-2/Bax signalling pathways. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:983-993. [PMID: 33605486 DOI: 10.1113/ep089328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? What is the protective benefit of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on liver fibrosis and what are the relevant signalling pathways in a transgenic mouse model overexpressing the mfat-1 enzyme? What is the main finding and its importance? n-3 PUFA elevation strongly prevented carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced hepatic damage and inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells. n-3 PUFAs suppressed CCl4 -induced activation of mTOR, elevated Bcl-2 expression, and reduced Bax level, suggesting that n-3 PUFAs can render strong protective effects against liver fibrosis and point to the potential of mfat-1 gene therapy as a treatment modality. ABSTRACT Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound healing response with excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. It is a globally prevalent disease with ultimately severe pathological consequences. However, very few current clinical therapeutic options are available. Nutritional addition of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can delay and lessen the development of liver fibrosis. Herein, this study examined the protective benefit of n-3 PUFAs on liver fibrosis and the relevant signalling pathways using a transgenic mouse model overexpressing the mfat-1 enzyme that converts n-6 to n-3 PUFAs. Male C57BL/6 wild-type and mfat-1 transgenic mice were administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) or control corn oil by intraperitoneal injection. Blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were subsequently measured. CCl4 -induced hepatic damage and fibrosis were assessed using haematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. Western blot assays were used to detect and quantify fibrosis-related proteins and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) signalling components. The direct effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was also investigated in a co-culture experiment. n-3 PUFAs, as a result of mfat-1 activity, had a strong protective effect on liver fibrosis. The elevation of ALT and AST induced by CCl4 was significantly lessened in the mfat-1 mice. Histological determination revealed the protective effects of n-3 PUFAs on liver inflammation and collagen deposition. Co-incubation with DHA reduced the expression of profibrogenic factors in the primary HSCs. Moreover, mfat-1 transgenic mice showed significant reduction of proteins that are involved in mTOR and Bcl-2/Bax signalling pathways. Collectively, these results suggest that n-3 PUFA elevation strongly prevents CCl4 -induced hepatic damage by directly inhibiting the activation of HSCs and regulating the basal activity of the mTOR and Bcl-2/Bax signalling pathways. Gene therapy applying mfat-1 and elevating n-3 PUFAs represents a promising treatment strategy to prevent liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changfeng Shan
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ronghua Wang
- Rural Work Office of Longmen County Committee of the Communist Party of China, Longmen County Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Huizhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Wang
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongmeng Zhang
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofeng Xing
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Feng
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenggang Zhao
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Sujin Zhou
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Allan Zijian Zhao
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunping Mu
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanghong Li
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
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12
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Abd Elmaaboud M, Khattab H, Shalaby S. Hepatoprotective effect of linagliptin against liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 99:294-302. [PMID: 32726558 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2020-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate linagliptin for its potential role in the prevention of liver fibrosis progression. Balb-C mice were randomly allocated into five groups (10 each): (i) control; (ii) mice were injected intraperitoneally with 50 μL carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in corn oil in a dose of 0.6 μL/g three times per week for four weeks; (iii) linagliptin was administered orally in a daily dose of 10 mg/kg simultaneously with CCl4; (iv) silymarin was administered orally in a daily dose of 200 mg/kg concomitantly with CCl4; and (v) only linagliptin was administered. Hepatic injury was manifested in the CCl4 group by elevation of biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), and hepatic fibrosis was evident histopathologically by increased METAVIR score and immunostaining expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as well as increased liver tissue oxidative stress parameters, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Linagliptin was able to stop the progression of liver fibrosis, evident histopathologically with reduced METAVIR score and α-SMA expression. The possible mechanism may be via suppression of oxidative stress, TGF-β1, and mTOR, which was associated with improvement of serum biochemical parameters ALT and AST. In conclusion, linagliptin might help to protect the liver against persistent injury-related consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaly Abd Elmaaboud
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Haidy Khattab
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Shahinaz Shalaby
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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13
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Huang E, Peng N, Xiao F, Hu D, Wang X, Lu L. The Roles of Immune Cells in the Pathogenesis of Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5203. [PMID: 32708044 PMCID: PMC7432671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue injury and inflammatory response trigger the development of fibrosis in various diseases. It has been recognized that both innate and adaptive immune cells are important players with multifaceted functions in fibrogenesis. The activated immune cells produce various cytokines, modulate the differentiation and functions of myofibroblasts via diverse molecular mechanisms, and regulate fibrotic development. The immune cells exhibit differential functions during different stages of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we summarized recent advances in understanding the roles of immune cells in regulating fibrotic development and immune-based therapies in different disorders and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms with a focus on mTOR and JAK-STAT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyu Huang
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.H.); (F.X.)
| | - Na Peng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second People’s Hospital of Three Gorges University, Yichang 443000, China; (N.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Fan Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.H.); (F.X.)
| | - Dajun Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second People’s Hospital of Three Gorges University, Yichang 443000, China; (N.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.H.); (F.X.)
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.H.); (F.X.)
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14
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Zhang Z, Wen H, Weng J, Feng L, Liu H, Hu X, Zeng F. Silencing of EPCAM suppresses hepatic fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell proliferation in mice with alcoholic hepatitis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:2239-2254. [PMID: 31378124 PMCID: PMC6738525 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1642067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a severe condition developed in patients with underlying alcoholic liver disease. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM) plays a role in hepatitis. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the effect of EPCAM and its potential mechanism in AH. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to screen differentially expressed genes associated with AH. AH mouse models were established through a Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing 4% ethanol, which were co-treated with siRNA against EPCAM or the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitor in order to investigate the effects of EPCAM and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway on hepatic fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation and apoptosis. The relationship between EPCAM and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was investigated for the purposes of elucidating the potential mechanism of EPCAM in AH. EPCAM was predicted to regulate AH progression through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Silencing EPCAM or inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway inhibited the hepatic fibrosis and HSC proliferation yet induced HSC apoptosis. Moreover, silencing EPCAM was found to repress the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as evidenced by decreased levels of Bcl2 yet increased levels of caspase-3. Collectively, silencing EPCAM could hinder AH progression by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which might serve as a potential therapeutic target for AH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China,CONTACT Zhi Zhang
| | - Huiqing Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jun Weng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lei Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hongya Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Fanhong Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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15
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Selvarajah B, Azuelos I, Platé M, Guillotin D, Forty EJ, Contento G, Woodcock HV, Redding M, Taylor A, Brunori G, Durrenberger PF, Ronzoni R, Blanchard AD, Mercer PF, Anastasiou D, Chambers RC. mTORC1 amplifies the ATF4-dependent de novo serine-glycine pathway to supply glycine during TGF-β 1-induced collagen biosynthesis. Sci Signal 2019; 12:eaav3048. [PMID: 31113850 PMCID: PMC6584619 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aav3048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The differentiation of fibroblasts into a transient population of highly activated, extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myofibroblasts at sites of tissue injury is critical for normal tissue repair. Excessive myofibroblast accumulation and persistence, often as a result of a failure to undergo apoptosis when tissue repair is complete, lead to pathological fibrosis and are also features of the stromal response in cancer. Myofibroblast differentiation is accompanied by changes in cellular metabolism, including increased glycolysis, to meet the biosynthetic demands of enhanced ECM production. Here, we showed that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), the key pro-fibrotic cytokine implicated in multiple fibrotic conditions, increased the production of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), the transcriptional master regulator of amino acid metabolism, to supply glucose-derived glycine to meet the amino acid requirements associated with enhanced collagen production in response to myofibroblast differentiation. We further delineated the signaling pathways involved and showed that TGF-β1-induced ATF4 production depended on cooperation between canonical TGF-β1 signaling through Smad3 and activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and its downstream target eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). ATF4, in turn, promoted the transcription of genes encoding enzymes of the de novo serine-glycine biosynthetic pathway and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). Our findings suggest that targeting the TGF-β1-mTORC1-ATF4 axis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for interfering with myofibroblast function in fibrosis and potentially in other conditions, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brintha Selvarajah
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Ilan Azuelos
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Manuela Platé
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Delphine Guillotin
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Ellen J Forty
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Greg Contento
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Hannah V Woodcock
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Matthew Redding
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Adam Taylor
- Fibrosis Discovery Performance Unit, Respiratory Therapy Area, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Gino Brunori
- GlaxoSmithKline, David Jack Centre for R&D, Park Road, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0DP, UK
| | - Pascal F Durrenberger
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Riccardo Ronzoni
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Andy D Blanchard
- Fibrosis Discovery Performance Unit, Respiratory Therapy Area, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Paul F Mercer
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | | | - Rachel C Chambers
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK.
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16
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Coenzyme Q10 attenuates lung and liver fibrosis via modulation of autophagy in methotrexate treated rat. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:892-901. [PMID: 30551543 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the potential protective effects of coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) administration on methotrexate induced lung and liver fibrosis in rat model, and to explore our hypothesis regarding its possible mechanism of action through reactivation of autophagy pathway. Methotrexate induced fibrosis was achieved by intraperitoneal injections twice a week for 4 weeks. A combined treatment of CoQ10 and methotrexate were used. Blood samples for biochemical analysis, lung and livers tissue for biochemical and histopathological analysis, were investigated. Concomitant treatment of CoQ10 & methotrexate caused improvement in histological picture of the lung and liver tissues, liver function and oxidative stress biomarkers, modulation of autophagy genes [mammalian target of rapamycin (m-TOR), Microtubule-associated proteins 1 A/1B light chain 3 (MAP1LC3B), and Sequestosome 1 ubiquitin-binding protein p62 (p62/SQSTM1)] with simultaneous reduction in High Mobility Group Protein B1 (HMGB1). Based on our results we postulated that CoQ10 up regulates autophagy pathway that could explain its protective properties against lung and liver fibrosis caused by methotrexate treatment in current study rat model.
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17
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Al-Hashem F, Al-Humayed S, Amin SN, Kamar SS, Mansy SS, Hassan S, Abdel-Salam LO, Ellatif MA, Alfaifi M, Haidara MA, Al-Ani B. Metformin inhibits mTOR-HIF-1α axis and profibrogenic and inflammatory biomarkers in thioacetamide-induced hepatic tissue alterations. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:9328-9337. [PMID: 30334569 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The potential inhibitory effect of the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory drug, metformin on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatotoxicity associated with the inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) axis has not been investigated before. Therefore, we tested whether metformin can protect against liver injuries including fibrosis induced by TAA possibly via the downregulation of mTOR-HIF-1α axis and profibrogenic and inflammatory biomarkers. Rats either injected with TAA (200 mg/kg; twice a week for 8 weeks) before being killed after 10 weeks (model group) or were pretreated with metformin (200 mg/kg) daily for 2 weeks before TAA injections and continued receiving both agents until the end of the experiment, at Week 10 (protective group). Using light and electron microscopy examinations, we observed in the model group substantial damage to the hepatocytes and liver tissue such as collagen deposition, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and degenerative cellular changes with ballooned mitochondria that were substantially ameliorated by metformin. Metformin also significantly ( p < 0.05) inhibited TAA-induced HIF-1α, mTOR, the profibrogenic biomarker α-smooth muscle actin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase in harvested liver homogenates and blood samples. In addition, a significant ( p < 0.01) positive correlation between hypoxia scoring (HIF-1α) and the serum levels of TNF-α ( r = 0.797), IL-6 ( r = 0.859), and ALT ( r = 0.760) was observed. We conclude that metformin protects against TAA-induced hepatic injuries in rats, which is associated with the inhibition of mTOR-HIF-1α axis and profibrogenic and inflammatory biomarkers; thus, may offer therapeutic potential in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahaid Al-Hashem
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suliman Al-Humayed
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaimaa N Amin
- Department of Physiology, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samaa S Kamar
- Department of Medical Histology, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soheir S Mansy
- Electron Microscopy Research Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sarah Hassan
- Electron Microscopy Research Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Lubna O Abdel-Salam
- Department of Pathology, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abd Ellatif
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Alfaifi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Haidara
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Physiology, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Bahjat Al-Ani
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Hammad S, Othman A, Meyer C, Telfah A, Lambert J, Dewidar B, Werle J, Nwosu ZC, Mahli A, Dormann C, Gao Y, Gould K, Han M, Yuan X, Gogiashvili M, Hergenröder R, Hellerbrand C, Thomas M, Ebert MP, Amasheh S, Hengstler JG, Dooley S. Confounding influence of tamoxifen in mouse models of Cre recombinase-induced gene activity or modulation. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:2549-2561. [PMID: 29974145 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2254-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tamoxifen (TAM) is commonly used for cell type specific Cre recombinase-induced gene inactivation and in cell fate tracing studies. Inducing a gene knockout by TAM and using non-TAM exposed mice as controls lead to a situation where differences are interpreted as consequences of the gene knockout but in reality result from TAM-induced changes in hepatic metabolism. The degree to which TAM may compromise the interpretation of animal experiments with inducible gene expression still has to be elucidated. Here, we report that TAM strongly attenuates CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in male C57Bl/6N mice, even after a 10 days TAM exposure-free period. TAM decreased (p < 0.0001) the necrosis index and the level of aspartate- and alanine transaminases in CCl4-treated compared to vehicle-exposed mice. TAM pretreatment also led to the downregulation of CYP2E1 (p = 0.0045) in mouse liver tissue, and lowered its activity in CYP2E1 expressing HepG2 cell line. Furthermore, TAM increased the level of the antioxidant ascorbate, catalase, SOD2, and methionine, as well as phase II metabolizing enzymes GSTM1 and UGT1A1 in CCl4-treated livers. Finally, we found that TAM increased the presence of resident macrophages and recruitment of immune cells in necrotic areas of the livers as indicated by F4/80 and CD45 staining. In conclusion, we reveal that TAM increases liver resistance to CCl4-induced toxicity. This finding is of high relevance for studies using the tamoxifen-inducible expression system particularly if this system is used in combination with hepatotoxic compounds such as CCl4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seddik Hammad
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Veterinary Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, 83523, Qena, Egypt.
| | - Amnah Othman
- Leibniz Institut für analytische Wissenschaften, ISAS e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christoph Meyer
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ahmad Telfah
- Leibniz Institut für analytische Wissenschaften, ISAS e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Joerg Lambert
- Leibniz Institut für analytische Wissenschaften, ISAS e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Bedair Dewidar
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, 31527, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Julia Werle
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Zeribe Chike Nwosu
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Abdo Mahli
- Institute of Biochemistry (Emil-Fischer Zentrum), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christof Dormann
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yan Gao
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kerry Gould
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mei Han
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Xiaodong Yuan
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mikheil Gogiashvili
- Leibniz Institut für analytische Wissenschaften, ISAS e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Roland Hergenröder
- Leibniz Institut für analytische Wissenschaften, ISAS e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry (Emil-Fischer Zentrum), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Thomas
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Matthias Philip Ebert
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Salah Amasheh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Free University of Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Steven Dooley
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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19
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Toriyabe N, Sakurai Y, Kato A, Yamamoto S, Tange K, Nakai Y, Akita H, Harahsima H. The Delivery of Small Interfering RNA to Hepatic Stellate Cells Using a Lipid Nanoparticle Composed of a Vitamin A-Scaffold Lipid-Like Material. J Pharm Sci 2017; 106:2046-2052. [PMID: 28456722 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2017.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are responsible for hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis via their ability to produce extracellular matrices such as collagens and elastin. However, a strategy for delivering cargoes to HSCs has not been established yet. We herein report on attempts to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) to HSCs using several types of SS-cleavable proton-activated lipid-like materials (ssPalms) that contained myristic acid (ssPalmM) or hydrophobic vitamin A (ssPalmA) and E (ssPalmE) as hydrophobic scaffolds. We initially verified that hepatic fibrosis could induce the treatment with tetrachloromethane in terms of collagen fibrils and the expression of marker genes, type I collagen α-1, transforming growth factor β, heat shock protein 47, and α-smooth muscle actin. The siRNA silencing efficiency of the 3 LNPs was then compared using fibrosis-induced mice. Of the materials tested, LNPssPalmA showed the highest efficiency, with an effective (ED)50 of approximately 0.25 mg siRNA/kg. The LNPssPalmA showed a significant inhibitory effect on collagen production at a dose of 3.0 mg siRNA/kg with no evidence of any severe adverse effects. In conclusion, LNPssPalmA holds considerable potential for use in the treatment of HSCs-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoyuki Toriyabe
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yu Sakurai
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Akari Kato
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Shoshiro Yamamoto
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Kota Tange
- NOF Corporation, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Yuta Nakai
- NOF Corporation, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harahsima
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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