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Tokito F, Kiyofuji M, Choi H, Nishikawa M, Takezawa T, Sakai Y. Modulation of hepatic cellular tight junctions via coculture with cholangiocytes enables non-destructive bile recovery. J Biosci Bioeng 2024; 137:403-411. [PMID: 38413317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2024.01.017] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Estimation of the biliary clearance of drugs and their metabolites in humans is crucial for characterizing hepatobiliary disposition and potential drug-drug interactions. Sandwich-cultured hepatocytes, while useful for in vitro bile analysis, require cell destruction for bile recovery, limiting long-term or repeated dose drug effect evaluations. To overcome this limitation, we investigated the feasibility of coculturing a human hepatic carcinoma cell line (HepG2-NIAS cells) and a human cholangiocarcinoma cell line (TFK-1 cells) using the collagen vitrigel membrane in a variety of coculture configurations. The coculture configuration with physiological bile flow increased the permeability of fluorescein-labeled bile acids (CLF) across the HepG2-NIAS cell layer by approximately 1.2-fold compared to the HepG2-NIAS monoculture. This enhancement was caused by paracellular leakage due to the loosened tight junctions of HepG2-NIAS, confirmed by the use of an inhibitor for bile acid transporters, the increase of permeability of dextran, and the decrease of the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) value. Based on the results of loosening hepatic tight junctions via coculture with TFK-1 in the CLF permeability assay, we next attempted to collect the CLF accumulated in the bile canaliculi of HepG2-NIAS. The recovery of the CLF accumulated in the bile canaliculi was increased 1.4 times without disrupting hepatic tight junctions by the coculture of HepG2-NIAS cells and TFK-1 cells compared to the monoculture of HepG2-NIAS cells. This non-destructive bile recovery has the potential as a tool for estimating the biliary metabolite and provides valuable insights to improve in vitro bile analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiya Tokito
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Mikito Kiyofuji
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hyunjin Choi
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Masaki Nishikawa
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Takezawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba Institute of Science, 15-8 Shiomicho, Choshi, Chiba 288-0025, Japan; Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Sakai
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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Mavila N, Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah M, Kennedy J. Ductular Reactions in Liver Injury, Regeneration, and Disease Progression-An Overview. Cells 2024; 13:579. [PMID: 38607018 PMCID: PMC11011399 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Ductular reaction (DR) is a complex cellular response that occurs in the liver during chronic injuries. DR mainly consists of hyper-proliferative or reactive cholangiocytes and, to a lesser extent, de-differentiated hepatocytes and liver progenitors presenting a close spatial interaction with periportal mesenchyme and immune cells. The underlying pathology of DRs leads to extensive tissue remodeling in chronic liver diseases. DR initiates as a tissue-regeneration mechanism in the liver; however, its close association with progressive fibrosis and inflammation in many chronic liver diseases makes it a more complicated pathological response than a simple regenerative process. An in-depth understanding of the cellular physiology of DRs and their contribution to tissue repair, inflammation, and progressive fibrosis can help scientists develop cell-type specific targeted therapies to manage liver fibrosis and chronic liver diseases effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmala Mavila
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
- Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Mallikarjuna Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
| | - Jaquelene Kennedy
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
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3
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Rizvi F, Lee YR, Diaz-Aragon R, Bawa PS, So J, Florentino RM, Wu S, Sarjoo A, Truong E, Smith AR, Wang F, Everton E, Ostrowska A, Jung K, Tam Y, Muramatsu H, Pardi N, Weissman D, Soto-Gutierrez A, Shin D, Gouon-Evans V. VEGFA mRNA-LNP promotes biliary epithelial cell-to-hepatocyte conversion in acute and chronic liver diseases and reverses steatosis and fibrosis. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:1640-1657.e8. [PMID: 38029740 PMCID: PMC10843608 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The liver is known for its remarkable regenerative ability through proliferation of hepatocytes. Yet, during chronic injury or severe hepatocyte death, proliferation of hepatocytes is exhausted. To overcome this hurdle, we propose vascular-endothelial-growth-factor A (VEGFA) as a therapeutic means to accelerate biliary epithelial-cell (BEC)-to-hepatocyte conversion. Investigation in zebrafish establishes that blocking VEGF receptors abrogates BEC-driven liver repair, while VEGFA overexpression promotes it. Delivery of VEGFA via nonintegrative and safe nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated into lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) in acutely or chronically injured mouse livers induces robust BEC-to-hepatocyte conversion and elimination of steatosis and fibrosis. In human and murine diseased livers, we further identified VEGFA-receptor KDR-expressing BECs associated with KDR-expressing cell-derived hepatocytes. This work defines KDR-expressing cells, most likely being BECs, as facultative progenitors. This study reveals unexpected therapeutic benefits of VEGFA delivered via nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP, whose safety is widely validated with COVID-19 vaccines, for harnessing BEC-driven repair to potentially treat liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Rizvi
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Yu-Ri Lee
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Ricardo Diaz-Aragon
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Pushpinder S Bawa
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Rodrigo M Florentino
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Susan Wu
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Arianna Sarjoo
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Emily Truong
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Anna R Smith
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Feiya Wang
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Elissa Everton
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Alina Ostrowska
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyounghwa Jung
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Ying Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 10104, USA
| | - Alejandro Soto-Gutierrez
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Valerie Gouon-Evans
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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4
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Tanaka M, Jeong J, Thomas C, Zhang X, Zhang P, Saruwatari J, Kondo R, McConnell MJ, Utsumi T, Iwakiri Y. The Sympathetic Nervous System Promotes Hepatic Lymphangiogenesis, which Is Protective Against Liver Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:2182-2202. [PMID: 37673329 PMCID: PMC10699132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver is the largest lymph-producing organ. In cirrhotic patients, lymph production significantly increases concomitant with lymphangiogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism of lymphangiogenesis in liver and its implication in liver fibrosis. Liver biopsies from portal hypertensive patients with portal-sinusoidal vascular disease (n = 22) and liver cirrhosis (n = 5) were evaluated for lymphangiogenesis and compared with controls (n = 9 and n = 6, respectively). For mechanistic studies, rats with partial portal vein ligation (PPVL) and bile duct ligation (BDL) were used. A gene profile data set (GSE77627), including 14 histologically normal liver, 18 idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension, and 22 cirrhotic patients, was analyzed. Lymphangiogenesis was significantly increased in livers from patients with portal-sinusoidal vascular disease, cirrhotic patients, as well as PPVL and BDL rats. Importantly, Schwann cells of sympathetic nerves highly expressed vascular endothelial growth factor-C in PPVL rats. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C neutralizing antibody or sympathetic denervation significantly decreased lymphangiogenesis in livers of PPVL and BDL rats, which resulted in progression of liver fibrosis. Liver specimens from cirrhotic patients showed a positive correlation between sympathetic nerve/Schwann cell-positive areas and lymphatic vessel numbers, which was supported by gene set analysis from patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension and cirrhotic patients. Sympathetic nerves promote hepatic lymphangiogenesis in noncirrhotic and cirrhotic livers. Increased hepatic lymphangiogenesis can be protective against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatake Tanaka
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jain Jeong
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Courtney Thomas
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Xuchen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; The Organ Transplant Center, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junji Saruwatari
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Division of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Reiichiro Kondo
- Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Matthew J McConnell
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Teruo Utsumi
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yasuko Iwakiri
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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5
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Jeong J, Tanaka M, Yang Y, Arefyev N, DiRito J, Tietjen G, Zhang X, McConnell MJ, Utsumi T, Iwakiri Y. An optimized visualization and quantitative protocol for in-depth evaluation of lymphatic vessel architecture in the liver. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 325:G379-G390. [PMID: 37605828 PMCID: PMC10887843 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00139.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The liver lymphatic system is essential for maintaining tissue fluid balance and immune function. The detailed structure of lymphatic vessels (LVs) in the liver remains to be fully demonstrated. The aim of this study is to reveal LV structures in normal and diseased livers by developing a tissue-clearing and coimmunolabeling protocol optimized for the tissue size and the processing time for three-dimensional (3-D) visualization and quantification of LVs in the liver. We showed that our optimized protocol enables in-depth exploration of lymphatic networks in the liver, consisting of LVs along the portal tract (deep lymphatic system) and within the collagenous Glisson's capsule (superficial lymphatic system) in different species. With this protocol, we have shown 3-D LVs configurations in relation to blood vessels and bile ducts in cholestatic mouse livers, in which LVs were highly dilated and predominantly found around highly proliferating bile ducts and peribiliary vascular plexuses in the portal tract. We also established a quantification method using a 3-D volume-rendering approach. We observed a 1.6-fold (P < 0.05) increase in the average diameter of LVs and a 2.4-fold increase (P < 0.05) in the average branch number of LVs in cholestatic/fibrotic livers compared with control livers. Furthermore, cholestatic/fibrotic livers showed a 4.3-fold increase (P < 0.05) in total volume of LVs compared with control livers. Our optimized protocol and quantification method demonstrate an efficient and simple liver tissue-clearing procedure that allows the comprehensive analysis of liver lymphatic system.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article showed a comprehensive 3-D-structural analysis of liver lymphatic vessel (LV) in normal and diseased livers in relation to blood vessels and bile ducts. In addition to the LVs highly localized at the portal tract, we revealed capsular LVs in mouse, rat, and human livers. In cholestatic livers, LVs are significantly increased and dilated compared with normal livers. Our optimized protocol provides detailed spatial information for LVs remodeling in normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jain Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Masatake Tanaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Division of Pathophysiology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation and Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yilin Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Nikolai Arefyev
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Jenna DiRito
- Department of Surgery, Section of Organ Transplantation and Immunology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Gregory Tietjen
- Department of Surgery, Section of Organ Transplantation and Immunology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Xuchen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Matthew J McConnell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Teruo Utsumi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Yasuko Iwakiri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
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Casini A, Vivacqua G, Vaccaro R, Renzi A, Leone S, Pannarale L, Franchitto A, Onori P, Mancinelli R, Gaudio E. Expression and role of cocaine-amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) in the proliferation of biliary epithelium. Eur J Histochem 2023; 67:3846. [PMID: 37859350 PMCID: PMC10620849 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2023.3846] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells that line the biliary tree, can proliferate under the stimulation of several factors through both autocrine and paracrine pathways. The cocaine-amphetamine-regulated-transcript (CART) peptide has several physiological functions, and it is widely expressed in several organs. CART increases the survival of hippocampal neurons by upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose expression has been correlated to the proliferation rate of cholangiocytes. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of CART and its role in modulating cholangiocyte proliferation in healthy and bile duct ligated (BDL) rats in vivo, as well as in cultured normal rat cholangiocytes (NRC) in vitro. Liver samples from both healthy and BDL (1 week) rats, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for CART, CK19, TrkB and p75NTR BDNF receptors. PCNA staining was used to evaluate the proliferation of the cholangiocytes, whereas TUNEL assay was used to evaluate biliary apoptosis. NRC treated or not with CART were used to confirm the role of CART on cholangiocytes proliferation and the secretion of BDNF. Cholangiocytes proliferation, apoptosis, CART and TrkB expression were increased in BDL rats, compared to control rats. We found a higher expression of TrkB and p75NTR, which could be correlated with the proliferation rate of biliary tree during BDL. The in vitro study demonstrated increased BDNF secretion by NRC after treatment with CART compared with control cells. As previously reported, proliferating cholangiocytes acquire a neuroendocrine phenotype, modulated by several factors, including neurotrophins. Accordingly, CART may play a key role in the remodeling of biliary epithelium during cholestasis by modulating the secretion of BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Casini
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome.
| | - Giorgio Vivacqua
- Integrated Research Center (PRAAB), Campus Biomedico University of Rome.
| | - Rosa Vaccaro
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome.
| | - Anastasia Renzi
- Department of Pathology, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog.
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome.
| | - Luigi Pannarale
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome.
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico.
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome.
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome.
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome.
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7
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Cai P, Ni R, Lv M, Liu H, Zhao J, He J, Luo L. VEGF signaling governs the initiation of biliary-mediated liver regeneration through the PI3K-mTORC1 axis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113028. [PMID: 37632748 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary epithelial cells (BECs) are a potential source to repair the damaged liver when hepatocyte proliferation is compromised. Promotion of BEC-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation could be beneficial to the clinical therapeutics of patients with end-stage liver diseases. However, mechanisms underlying the initiation of BEC transdifferentiation remain largely unknown. Here, we show that upon extreme hepatocyte injury, vegfaa and vegfr2/kdrl are notably induced in hepatic stellate cells and BECs, respectively. Pharmacological and genetic inactivation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling would disrupt BEC dedifferentiation and proliferation, thus restraining hepatocyte regeneration. Mechanically, VEGF signaling regulates the activation of the PI3K-mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) axis, which is essential for BEC-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation. In mice, VEGF signaling exerts conserved roles in oval cell activation and BEC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. Taken together, this study shows VEGF signaling as an initiator of biliary-mediated liver regeneration through activating the PI3K-mTORC1 axis. Modulation of VEGF signaling in BECs could be a therapeutic approach for patients with end-stage liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Cai
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Mengzhu Lv
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jieqiong Zhao
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
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8
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Luo X, Liu Z, Xu R. Adult tissue-specific stem cell interaction: novel technologies and research advances. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1220694. [PMID: 37808078 PMCID: PMC10551553 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1220694] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult tissue-specific stem cells play a dominant role in tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Various in vivo markers of adult tissue-specific stem cells have been increasingly reported by lineage tracing in genetic mouse models, indicating that marked cells differentiation is crucial during homeostasis and regeneration. How adult tissue-specific stem cells with indicated markers contact the adjacent lineage with indicated markers is of significance to be studied. Novel methods bring future findings. Recent advances in lineage tracing, synthetic receptor systems, proximity labeling, and transcriptomics have enabled easier and more accurate cell behavior visualization and qualitative and quantitative analysis of cell-cell interactions than ever before. These technological innovations have prompted researchers to re-evaluate previous experimental results, providing increasingly compelling experimental results for understanding the mechanisms of cell-cell interactions. This review aimed to describe the recent methodological advances of dual enzyme lineage tracing system, the synthetic receptor system, proximity labeling, single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics in the study of adult tissue-specific stem cells interactions. An enhanced understanding of the mechanisms of adult tissue-specific stem cells interaction is important for tissue regeneration and maintenance of homeostasis in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ruoshi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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9
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Yin C. Endothelin Signaling Mediates Biliary-Endothelial Crosstalk in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:643-645. [PMID: 37517802 PMCID: PMC10511926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyue Yin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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10
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Wu N, Zhou T, Carpino G, Baiocchi L, Kyritsi K, Kennedy L, Ceci L, Chen L, Wu C, Kundu D, Barupala N, Franchitto A, Onori P, Ekser B, Gaudio E, Francis H, Glaser S, Alpini G. Prolonged administration of a secretin receptor antagonist inhibits biliary senescence and liver fibrosis in Mdr2 -/- mice. Hepatology 2023; 77:1849-1865. [PMID: 36799446 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Secretin (SCT) and secretin receptor (SR, only expressed on cholangiocytes within the liver) play key roles in modulating liver phenotypes. Forkhead box A2 (FoxA2) is required for normal bile duct homeostasis by preventing the excess of cholangiocyte proliferation. Short-term administration of the SR antagonist (SCT 5-27) decreased ductular reaction and liver fibrosis in bile duct ligated and Mdr2 -/- [primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), model] mice. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and risks of long-term SCT 5-27 treatment in Mdr2 -/- mice. APPROACH AND RESULTS In vivo studies were performed in male wild-type and Mdr2 -/- mice treated with saline or SCT 5-27 for 3 months and human samples from late-stage PSC patients and healthy controls. Compared with controls, biliary SCT/SR expression and SCT serum levels increased in Mdr2 -/- mice and late-stage PSC patients. There was a significant increase in ductular reaction, biliary senescence, liver inflammation, angiogenesis, fibrosis, biliary expression of TGF-β1/VEGF-A axis, and biliary phosphorylation of protein kinase A and ERK1/2 in Mdr2 -/- mice. The biliary expression of miR-125b and FoxA2 decreased in Mdr2 -/- compared with wild-type mice, which was reversed by long-term SCT 5-27 treatment. In vitro , SCT 5-27 treatment of a human biliary PSC cell line decreased proliferation and senescence and SR/TGF-β1/VEGF-A axis but increased the expression of miR-125b and FoxA2. Downregulation of FoxA2 prevented SCT 5-27-induced reduction in biliary damage, whereas overexpression of FoxA2 reduced proliferation and senescence in the human PSC cell line. CONCLUSIONS Modulating the SCT/SR axis may be critical for managing PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nipuni Barupala
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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11
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Zeng J, Fan J, Zhou H. Bile acid-mediated signaling in cholestatic liver diseases. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:77. [PMID: 37120573 PMCID: PMC10149012 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01035-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic cholestatic liver diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), are associated with bile stasis and gradually progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure, which requires liver transplantation. Although ursodeoxycholic acid is effective in slowing the disease progression of PBC, it has limited efficacy in PSC patients. It is challenging to develop effective therapeutic agents due to the limited understanding of disease pathogenesis. During the last decade, numerous studies have demonstrated that disruption of bile acid (BA) metabolism and intrahepatic circulation promotes the progression of cholestatic liver diseases. BAs not only play an essential role in nutrition absorption as detergents but also play an important role in regulating hepatic metabolism and modulating immune responses as key signaling molecules. Several excellent papers have recently reviewed the role of BAs in metabolic liver diseases. This review focuses on BA-mediated signaling in cholestatic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and Richmond VA Medical Center, Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiangao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and Richmond VA Medical Center, Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA, 23298-0678, USA.
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12
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Rizvi F, Lee YR, Diaz-Aragon R, So J, Florentino RM, Smith AR, Everton E, Ostrowska A, Jung K, Tam Y, Muramatsu H, Pardi N, Weissman D, Soto-Gutierrez A, Shin D, Gouon-Evans V. VEGFA mRNA-LNP promotes biliary epithelial cell-to-hepatocyte conversion in acute and chronic liver diseases and reverses steatosis and fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.17.537186. [PMID: 37131823 PMCID: PMC10153196 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.17.537186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The liver is known for its remarkable regenerative ability through proliferation of hepatocytes. Yet, during chronic injury or severe hepatocyte death, proliferation of hepatocytes is exhausted. To overcome this hurdle, we propose vascular-endothelial-growth-factor A (VEGFA) as a therapeutic means to accelerate biliary epithelial cell (BEC)-to-hepatocyte conversion. Investigation in zebrafish establishes that blocking VEGF receptors abrogates BEC-driven liver repair, while VEGFA overexpression promotes it. Delivery of VEGFA via non-integrative and safe nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated into lipid-nanoparticles (mRNA-LNP) in acutely or chronically injured mouse livers induces robust BEC-to-hepatocyte conversion and reversion of steatosis and fibrosis. In human and murine diseased livers, we further identified VEGFA-receptor KDR-expressing BECs associated with KDR-expressing cell-derived hepatocytes. This defines KDR-expressing cells, most likely being BECs, as facultative progenitors. This study reveals novel therapeutic benefits of VEGFA delivered via nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP, whose safety is widely validated with COVID-19 vaccines, for harnessing BEC-driven repair to potentially treat liver diseases. Highlights Complementary mouse and zebrafish models of liver injury demonstrate the therapeutic impact of VEGFA-KDR axis activation to harness BEC-driven liver regeneration.VEGFA mRNA LNPs restore two key features of the chronic liver disease in humans such as steatosis and fibrosis.Identification in human cirrhotic ESLD livers of KDR-expressing BECs adjacent to clusters of KDR+ hepatocytes suggesting their BEC origin.KDR-expressing BECs may represent facultative adult progenitor cells, a unique BEC population that has yet been uncovered.
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13
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Quelhas P, Breton MC, Oliveira RC, Cipriano MA, Teixeira P, Cerski CT, Shivakumar P, Vieira SMG, Kieling CO, Verde I, Santos JLD. HIF-1alpha-pathway activation in cholangiocytes of patients with biliary atresia: An immunohistochemical/molecular exploratory study. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:587-594. [PMID: 36150932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary atresia is a neonatal disease characterized by choledochal obstruction and progressive cholangiopathy requiring liver transplantation in most patients. Hypoxia-ischemia affecting the biliary epithelium may lead to biliary obstruction. We hypothesized that ischemic cholangiopathy involving disruption of the peribiliary vascular plexus could act as a triggering event in biliary atresia pathogenesis. METHODS Liver and porta hepatis paraffin-embedded samples of patients with biliary atresia or intrahepatic neonatal cholestasis (controls) were immunohistochemically evaluated for HIF-1alpha-nuclear signals. Frozen histological samples were analyzed for gene expression in molecular profiles associated with hypoxia-ischemia. Prospective clinical-laboratory and histopathological data of biliary atresia patients and controls were reviewed. RESULTS Immunohistochemical HIF-1alpha signals localized to cholangiocytes were detected exclusively in liver specimens from biliary atresia patients. In 37.5% of liver specimens, HIF-1alpha signals were observed in biliary structures involving progenitor cell niches and peribiliary vascular plexus. HIF-1alpha signals were also detected in biliary remnants of 81.8% of porta hepatis specimens. Increased gene expression of molecules linked to REDOX status, biliary proliferation, and angiogenesis was identified in biliary atresia liver specimens. In addition, there was a trend towards decreased GSR expression levels in the HIF-1alpha-positive group compared to the HIF-1alpha-negative group. CONCLUSION Activation of the HIF-1alpha pathway may be associated with the pathogenesis of biliary atresia, and additional studies are necessary to confirm the significance of this finding. Ischemic cholangiopathy and REDOX status disturbance are putative explanations for HIF-1alpha activation. These findings may give rise to novel lines of clinical and therapeutic investigation in the BA field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Quelhas
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Michele Claire Breton
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rui Caetano Oliveira
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário, Universidade de Coimbra (SAP-CHUC), Portugal; Instituto de Biofísica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Augusta Cipriano
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário, Universidade de Coimbra (SAP-CHUC), Portugal; Instituto de Biofísica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Teixeira
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário, Universidade de Coimbra (SAP-CHUC), Portugal; Instituto de Biofísica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos Thadeu Cerski
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Department of Pathology, Brazil
| | - Pranavkumar Shivakumar
- Divisions of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and The Liver Care Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Sandra Maria Gonçalves Vieira
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Department of Pediatrics, Brazil; Unidade de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Brazil; Programa de Transplante de Fígado Pediátrico, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Brazil
| | - Carlos Oscar Kieling
- Unidade de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Brazil
| | - Ignacio Verde
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jorge Luiz Dos Santos
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal.
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14
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Lu W, Tang B, Guo Q, Zhao Z, Liu L. Cholecystitis and cholangitis associated with lenvatinib: A pharmacovigilance study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:579-581. [PMID: 35141932 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Borui Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qixiang Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixia Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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15
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Little A, Medford A, O'Brien A, Childs J, Pan S, Machado J, Chakraborty S, Glaser S. Recent Advances in Intrahepatic Biliary Epithelial Heterogeneity. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:1-12. [PMID: 36522162 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Biliary epithelium (i.e., cholangiocytes) is a heterogeneous population of epithelial cells in the liver, which line small and large bile ducts and have individual responses and functions dependent on size and location in the biliary tract. We discuss the recent findings showing that the intrahepatic biliary tree is heterogeneous regarding (1) morphology and function, (2) hormone expression and signaling (3), response to injury, and (4) roles in liver regeneration. This review overviews the significant characteristics and differences of the small and large cholangiocytes. Briefly, it outlines the in vitro and in vivo models used in the heterogeneity evaluation. In conclusion, future studies addressing biliary heterogeneity's role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases characterized by ductular reaction may reveal novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Little
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Abigail Medford
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - April O'Brien
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Jonathan Childs
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Sharon Pan
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Jolaine Machado
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
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16
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Kyritsi K, Wu N, Zhou T, Carpino G, Baiocchi L, Kennedy L, Chen L, Ceci L, Meyer AA, Barupala N, Franchitto A, Onori P, Ekser B, Gaudio E, Wu C, Marakovits C, Chakraborty S, Francis H, Glaser S, Alpini G. Knockout of secretin ameliorates biliary and liver phenotypes during alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:5. [PMID: 36624475 PMCID: PMC9830859 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00945-w] [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: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is characterized by ductular reaction (DR), liver inflammation, steatosis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The secretin (Sct)/secretin receptor (SR) axis (expressed only by cholangiocytes) regulates liver phenotypes in cholestasis. We evaluated the role of Sct signaling on ALD phenotypes. METHODS We used male wild-type and Sct-/- mice fed a control diet (CD) or ethanol (EtOH) for 8 wk. Changes in liver phenotypes were measured in mice, female/male healthy controls, and patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Since Cyp4a10 and Cyp4a11/22 regulate EtOH liver metabolism, we measured their expression in mouse/human liver. We evaluated: (i) the immunoreactivity of the lipogenesis enzyme elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids 1 (Elovl, mainly expressed by hepatocytes) in mouse/human liver sections by immunostaining; (ii) the expression of miR-125b (that is downregulated in cholestasis by Sct) in mouse liver by qPCR; and (iii) total bile acid (BA) levels in mouse liver by enzymatic assay, and the mRNA expression of genes regulating BA synthesis (cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase, Cyp27a1, 12a-hydroxylase, Cyp8b1, and oxysterol 7a-hydroxylase, Cyp7b11) and transport (bile salt export pump, Bsep, Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, NTCP, and the organic solute transporter alpha (OSTa) in mouse liver by qPCR. RESULTS In EtOH-fed WT mice there was increased biliary and liver damage compared to control mice, but decreased miR-125b expression, phenotypes that were blunted in EtOH-fed Sct-/- mice. The expression of Cyp4a10 increased in cholangiocytes and hepatocytes from EtOH-fed WT compared to control mice but decreased in EtOH-fed Sct-/- mice. There was increased immunoreactivity of Cyp4a11/22 in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis compared to controls. The expression of miR-125b decreased in EtOH-fed WT mice but returned at normal values in EtOH-fed Sct-/- mice. Elovl1 immunoreactivity increased in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis compared to controls. There was no difference in BA levels between WT mice fed CD or EtOH; BA levels decreased in EtOH-fed Sct-/- compared to EtOH-fed WT mice. There was increased expression of Cyp27a1, Cyp8b1, Cyp7b1, Bsep, NTCP and Osta in total liver from EtOH-fed WT compared to control mice, which decreased in EtOH-fed Sct-/- compared to EtOH-fed WT mice. CONCLUSIONS Targeting Sct/SR signaling may be important for modulating ALD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kyritsi
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Nan Wu
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Guido Carpino
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Baiocchi
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Unit of Hepatology, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA ,grid.280828.80000 0000 9681 3540Division of Research, Indiana Center for Liver Research, Gastroenterology, Medicine, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, 702 Rotary Circle, Rm. 013C, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2859 USA
| | - Lixian Chen
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alison Ann Meyer
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Nipuni Barupala
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- grid.412756.30000 0000 8580 6601Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Burcin Ekser
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chaodong Wu
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Corinn Marakovits
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Parkway, MREB II, Room 2342, Bryan, TX 77807-3260 USA
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Division of Research, Indiana Center for Liver Research, Gastroenterology, Medicine, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, 702 Rotary Circle, Rm. 013C, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-2859, USA.
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Parkway, MREB II, Room 2342, Bryan, TX, 77807-3260, USA.
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Division of Research, Indiana Center for Liver Research, Gastroenterology, Medicine, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, 702 Rotary Circle, Rm. 013C, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-2859, USA.
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17
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Mohammad Omar J, Hai Y, Jin S. Hypoxia-induced factor and its role in liver fibrosis. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14299. [PMID: 36523459 PMCID: PMC9745792 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14299] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis develops as a result of severe liver damage and is considered a major clinical concern throughout the world. Many factors are crucial for liver fibrosis progression. While advancements have been made to understand this disease, no effective pharmacological drug and treatment strategies have been established that can effectively prevent liver fibrosis or even could halt the fibrotic process. Most of those advances in curing liver fibrosis have been aimed towards mitigating the causes of fibrosis, including the development of potent antivirals to inhibit the hepatitis virus. It is not practicable for many individuals; however, a liver transplant becomes the only suitable alternative. A liver transplant is an expensive procedure. Thus, there is a significant need to identify potential targets of liver fibrosis and the development of such agents that can effectively treat or reverse liver fibrosis by targeting them. Researchers have identified hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in the last 16 years as important transcription factors driving several facets of liver fibrosis, making them possible therapeutic targets. The latest knowledge on HIFs and their possible role in liver fibrosis, along with the cell-specific activities of such transcription factors that how they play role in liver fibrosis progression, is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mohammad Omar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yang Hai
- College of International Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shizhu Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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18
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Shu W, Yang M, Yang J, Lin S, Wei X, Xu X. Cellular crosstalk during liver regeneration: unity in diversity. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:117. [PMID: 35941604 PMCID: PMC9358812 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00918-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is unique in its ability to regenerate from a wide range of injuries and diseases. Liver regeneration centers around hepatocyte proliferation and requires the coordinated actions of nonparenchymal cells, including biliary epithelial cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells and kupffer cells. Interactions among various hepatocyte and nonparenchymal cells populations constitute a sophisticated regulatory network that restores liver mass and function. In addition, there are two different ways of liver regeneration, self-replication of liver epithelial cells and transdifferentiation between liver epithelial cells. The interactions among cell populations and regenerative microenvironment in the two modes are distinct. Herein, we first review recent advances in the interactions between hepatocytes and surrounding cells and among nonparenchymal cells in the context of liver epithelial cell self-replication. Next, we discuss the crosstalk of several cell types in the context of liver epithelial transdifferentiation, which is also crucial for liver regeneration. Video abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Shu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China.,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.,Program in Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengfan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China.,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Jiayin Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengda Lin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China. .,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China. .,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
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Prolonged Administration of Melatonin Ameliorates Liver Phenotypes in Cholestatic Murine Model. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:877-904. [PMID: 35863741 PMCID: PMC9425041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterized by biliary senescence and hepatic fibrosis. Melatonin exerts its effects by interacting with Melatonin receptor 1 and 2 (MT1/MT2) melatonin receptors. Short-term (1 wk) melatonin treatment reduces a ductular reaction and liver fibrosis in bile duct-ligated rats by down-regulation of MT1 and clock genes, and in multidrug resistance gene 2 knockout (Mdr2-/-) mice by decreased miR200b-dependent angiogenesis. We aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of melatonin on liver phenotype that may be mediated by changes in MT1/clock genes/miR200b/maspin/glutathione-S transferase (GST) signaling. METHODS Male wild-type and Mdr2-/- mice had access to drinking water with/without melatonin for 3 months. Liver damage, biliary proliferation/senescence, liver fibrosis, peribiliary inflammation, and angiogenesis were measured by staining in liver sections, and by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in liver samples. We confirmed a link between MT1/clock genes/miR200b/maspin/GST/angiogenesis signaling by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software and measured liver phenotypes and the aforementioned signaling pathway in liver samples from the mouse groups, healthy controls, and PSC patients and immortalized human PSC cholangiocytes. RESULTS Chronic administration of melatonin to Mdr2-/- mice ameliorates liver phenotypes, which were associated with decreased MT1 and clock gene expression. CONCLUSIONS Melatonin improves liver histology and restores the circadian rhythm by interaction with MT1 through decreased angiogenesis and increased maspin/GST activity.
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Morrison JK, DeRossi C, Alter IL, Nayar S, Giri M, Zhang C, Cho JH, Chu J. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals conserved cell identities and fibrogenic phenotypes in zebrafish and human liver. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1711-1724. [PMID: 35315595 PMCID: PMC9234649 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis are multifaceted and remain elusive with no approved antifibrotic treatments available. The adult zebrafish has been an underutilized tool to study liver fibrosis. We aimed to characterize the single-cell transcriptome of the adult zebrafish liver to determine its utility as a model for studying liver fibrosis. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of adult zebrafish liver to study the molecular and cellular dynamics at a single-cell level. We performed a comparative analysis to scRNA-seq of human liver with a focus on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the driver cells in liver fibrosis. scRNA-seq reveals transcriptionally unique populations of hepatic cell types that comprise the zebrafish liver. Joint clustering with human liver scRNA-seq data demonstrates high conservation of transcriptional profiles and human marker genes in zebrafish. Human and zebrafish HSCs show conservation of transcriptional profiles, and we uncover collectin subfamily member 11 (colec11) as a novel, conserved marker for zebrafish HSCs. To demonstrate the power of scRNA-seq to study liver fibrosis using zebrafish, we performed scRNA-seq on our zebrafish model of a pediatric liver disease with mutation in mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI) and characteristic early liver fibrosis. We found fibrosis signaling pathways and upstream regulators conserved across MPI-depleted zebrafish and human HSCs. CellPhoneDB analysis of zebrafish transcriptome identified neuropilin 1 as a potential driver of liver fibrosis. Conclusion: This study establishes the first scRNA-seq atlas of the adult zebrafish liver, highlights the high degree of similarity to human liver, and strengthens its value as a model to study liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua K Morrison
- Department of PediatricsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Charles DeRossi
- Department of PediatricsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Isaac L Alter
- Department of PediatricsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Shikha Nayar
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Mamta Giri
- The Charles Bronfman Institute of Personalized MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Cell BiologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Judy H Cho
- The Charles Bronfman Institute of Personalized MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jaime Chu
- Department of PediatricsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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21
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Huang Y, Zhang S, Weng JF, Huang D, Gu WL. Recent discoveries in microbiota dysbiosis, cholangiocytic factors, and models for studying the pathogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:915-929. [PMID: 35647306 PMCID: PMC9106112 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholangiopathy caused by genetic and microenvironmental changes, such as bile homeostasis disorders and microbiota dysbiosis. Therapeutic options are limited, and proven surveillance strategies are currently lacking. Clinically, PSC presents as alternating strictures and dilatations of biliary ducts, resulting in the typical “beaded” appearance seen on cholangiography. The pathogenesis of PSC is still unclear, but cholangiocytes play an essential role in disease development, wherein a reactive phenotype is caused by the secretion of neuroendocrine factors. The liver–gut axis is implicated in the pathogenesis of PSC owing to the dysbiosis of microbiota, but the underlying mechanism is still poorly understood. Alterations in cholangiocyte responses and related signalling pathways during PSC progression were elucidated by recent research, providing novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarise the currently known underlying mechanisms of PSC pathogenesis caused by the dysbiosis of microbiota and newly reported information regarding cholangiocytes in PSC. We also summarise recently reported in vitro and in vivo models for studying the pathogenesis of PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, No. 1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Feng Weng
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Li Gu
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, No. 1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
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22
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Mancinelli R, Ceci L, Kennedy L, Francis H, Meadows V, Chen L, Carpino G, Kyritsi K, Wu N, Zhou T, Sato K, Pannarale L, Glaser S, Chakraborty S, Alpini G, Gaudio E, Onori P, Franchitto A. The Effects of Taurocholic Acid on Biliary Damage and Liver Fibrosis Are Mediated by Calcitonin-Gene-Related Peptide Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:1591. [PMID: 35563897 PMCID: PMC9104610 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cholangiocytes are the target cells of liver diseases that are characterized by biliary senescence (evidenced by enhanced levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, SASP, e.g., TGF-β1), and liver inflammation and fibrosis accompanied by altered bile acid (BA) homeostasis. Taurocholic acid (TC) stimulates biliary hyperplasia by activation of 3',5'-cyclic cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling, thereby preventing biliary damage (caused by cholinergic/adrenergic denervation) through enhanced liver angiogenesis. Also: (i) α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP, which activates the calcitonin receptor-like receptor, CRLR), stimulates biliary proliferation/senescence and liver fibrosis by enhanced biliary secretion of SASPs; and (ii) knock-out of α-CGRP reduces these phenotypes by decreased cAMP levels in cholestatic models. We aimed to demonstrate that TC effects on liver phenotypes are dependent on changes in the α-CGRP/CALCRL/cAMP/PKA/ERK1/2/TGF-β1/VEGF axis. METHODS Wild-type and α-CGRP-/- mice were fed with a control (BAC) or TC diet for 1 or 2 wk. We measured: (i) CGRP levels by both ELISA kits in serum and by qPCR in isolated cholangiocytes (CALCA gene for α-CGRP); (ii) CALCRL immunoreactivity by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in liver sections; (iii) liver histology, intrahepatic biliary mass, biliary senescence (by β-GAL staining and double immunofluorescence (IF) for p16/CK19), and liver fibrosis (by Red Sirius staining and double IF for collagen/CK19 in liver sections), as well as by qPCR for senescence markers in isolated cholangiocytes; and (iv) phosphorylation of PKA/ERK1/2, immunoreactivity of TGF-β1/TGF- βRI and angiogenic factors by IHC/immunofluorescence in liver sections and qPCR in isolated cholangiocytes. We measured changes in BA composition in total liver by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS TC feeding increased CALCA expression, biliary damage, and liver inflammation and fibrosis, as well as phenotypes that were associated with enhanced immunoreactivity of the PKA/ERK1/2/TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/VEGF axis compared to BAC-fed mice and phenotypes that were reversed in α-CGRP-/- mice fed TC coupled with changes in hepatic BA composition. CONCLUSION Modulation of the TC/ α-CGRP/CALCRL/PKA/ERK1/2/TGF-β1/VEGF axis may be important in the management of cholangiopathies characterized by BA accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Vik Meadows
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Luigi Pannarale
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (S.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (S.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
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Mechanism of cholangiocellular damage and repair during cholestasis. Ann Hepatol 2021; 26:100530. [PMID: 34509686 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of damage of the biliary epithelium remains partially unexplored. However, recently many works have offered new evidence regarding the cholangiocytes' damage process, which is the main target in a broad spectrum of pathologies ranging from acute cholestasis, cholangiopathies to cholangiocarcinoma. This is encouraging since some works addressed this epithelium's relevance in health and disease until a few years ago. The biliary tree in the liver, comprised of cholangiocytes, is a pipeline for bile flow and regulates key hepatic processes such as proliferation, regeneration, immune response, and signaling. This review aimed to compile the most recent advances on the mechanisms of cholangiocellular damage during cholestasis, which, although it is present in many cholangiopathies, is not necessarily a common or conserved process in all of them, having a relevant role cAMP and PKA during obstructive cholestasis, as well as Ca2+-dependent PKC in functional cholestasis. Cholangiocellular damage could vary according to the type of cholestasis, the aggressor, or the bile ducts' location where it develops and what kind of damage can favor cholangiocellular carcinoma development.
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Chen L, Wu N, Kennedy L, Francis H, Ceci L, Zhou T, Samala N, Kyritsi K, Wu C, Sybenga A, Ekser B, Dar W, Atkins C, Meadows V, Glaser S, Alpini G. Inhibition of Secretin/Secretin Receptor Axis Ameliorates NAFLD Phenotypes. Hepatology 2021; 74:1845-1863. [PMID: 33928675 PMCID: PMC8782246 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Human NAFLD is characterized at early stages by hepatic steatosis, which may progress to NASH when the liver displays microvesicular steatosis, lobular inflammation, and pericellular fibrosis. The secretin (SCT)/secretin receptor (SCTR) axis promotes biliary senescence and liver fibrosis in cholestatic models through down-regulation of miR-125b signaling. We aim to evaluate the effect of disrupting biliary SCT/SCTR/miR-125b signaling on hepatic steatosis, biliary senescence, and liver fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH. APPROACH AND RESULTS In vivo, 4-week-old male wild-type, Sct-/- and Sctr-/- mice were fed a control diet or high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. The expression of SCT/SCTR/miR-125b axis was measured in human NAFLD/NASH liver samples and HFD mouse livers by immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. Biliary/hepatocyte senescence, ductular reaction, and liver angiogenesis were evaluated in mouse liver and human NAFLD/NASH liver samples. miR-125b target lipogenesis genes in hepatocytes were screened and validated by custom RT2 Profiler PCR array and luciferase assay. Biliary SCT/SCTR expression was increased in human NAFLD/NASH samples and in livers of HFD mice, whereas the expression of miR-125b was decreased. Biliary/hepatocyte senescence, ductular reaction, and liver angiogenesis were observed in human NAFLD/NASH samples as well as HFD mice, which were decreased in Sct-/- and Sctr-/- HFD mice. Elovl1 is a lipogenesis gene targeted by miR-125b, and its expression was also decreased in HFD mouse hepatocytes following Sct or Sctr knockout. Bile acid profile in fecal samples have the greatest changes between wild-type mice and Sct-/- /Sctr-/- mice. CONCLUSION The biliary SCT/SCTR/miR-125b axis promotes liver steatosis by up-regulating lipid biosynthesis gene Elovl1. Targeting the biliary SCT/SCTR/miR-125b axis may be key for ameliorating phenotypes of human NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Niharika Samala
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Amelia Sybenga
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Wasim Dar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston
| | - Constance Atkins
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston
| | - Vik Meadows
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
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Dong C, Zhang BP, Ying YQ, Hou L, Wu W, Wei H, Luo XP. Oestradiol promotes the intrahepatic bile duct development of C57BL/6CrSlc mice during embryonic period via Notch signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:9447-9459. [PMID: 34498380 PMCID: PMC8500961 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Oestradiol (E2) is a critical factor for multiple systems' development during the embryonic period. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of oestradiol on intrahepatic bile duct development, which may allow a better understanding of congenital bile duct dysplasia. DLK+ hepatoblasts were extracted from the C57BL/6CrSlc foetal mice and randomly divided into control group, oestradiol groups (1, 10, 100 nM) and oestradiol (10 nM) + DAPT (inhibitor of Notch signalling; 40 µM) group for in vitro experiments. For in vivo analysis, pregnant mice were divided into control group, oestradiol (intraperitoneal injection of 0.6 mg/kg/day) ± DAPT (subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg/day) groups and tamoxifen (gavage administration of 0.4 mg/kg/day) group. The results showed that oestradiol promoted hepatoblast differentiation into cholangiocytes and intrahepatic bile duct development during the embryonic period. Tamoxifen, an antioestrogenic drug, inhibited the above processes. Moreover, oestradiol promoted the expression of Notch signalling pathway‐associated proteins and genes both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, DAPT addition inhibited the oestradiol‐mediated effects. In conclusion, oestradiol can promote hepatoblast differentiation into cholangiocytes and intrahepatic bile duct development of C57BL/6CrSlc mice during embryonic period via the Notch signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ben-Ping Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan-Qin Ying
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Hou
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Heme Oxygenase-1-Modified Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Normothermic Machine Perfusion Repairs Bile Duct Injury in a Rat Model of DCD Liver Transplantation via Activation of Peribiliary Glands through the Wnt Pathway. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:9935370. [PMID: 34285696 PMCID: PMC8275434 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9935370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Livers from donors after circulatory death (DCD) are inevitably exposed to a longer warm ischemic period, which might increase the incidence of postoperative bile duct complications. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have tissue repair properties. The present study was aimed at exploring the repair effect of heme oxygenase-1- (HO-1-) modified BMMSCs (HO-1/BMMSCs) combined with normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) on bile duct injury after DCD liver transplantation and at revealing the underlying mechanisms. Rat livers were exposed to in situ warm ischemia for 30 min; then, NMP was performed through the portal vein for 4 h with BMMSCs, HO-1/BMMSCs, or neither before implantation. Obvious bile duct histological damage and liver functional damage were observed postoperatively. In the group treated with HO-1/BMMSCs combined with NMP (HBP group), liver functions and bile duct histology were improved; meanwhile, cell apoptosis was reduced and cell proliferation was active. A large number of regenerative cells appeared at the injured site, and the defective bile duct epithelium was restored. Dilatation of peribiliary glands (PBGs), proliferation of PBG cells, high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and increased proportion of bile duct progenitor cells with stem/progenitor cells biomarkers were observed. Blocking Wnt signaling significantly inhibited the repair effect of HO-1/BMMSCs on bile duct injury. In conclusion, HO-1/BMMSCs combined with NMP were relevant to the activation of biliary progenitor cells in PBGs which repaired bile duct injury in DCD liver transplantation via the Wnt signaling pathway. Proliferation and differentiation of PBG cells were involved in the renewal of the injured biliary epithelium.
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Di Stefano M, Colombo C, De Leo S, Perrino M, Viganò M, Persani L, Fugazzola L. High Prevalence and Conservative Management of Acute Cholecystitis during Lenvatinib for Advanced Thyroid Cancer. Eur Thyroid J 2021; 10:314-322. [PMID: 34395303 PMCID: PMC8314780 DOI: 10.1159/000510369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lenvatinib (LEN) is a multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor currently used for advanced, radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAI-R DTC). Among adverse events (AEs), nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite have been frequently described. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, the clinical presentation, and the effectiveness of conservative treatment of gallbladder disorders in a consecutive series of patient treated with LEN. METHODS Patients with RAI-R DTC experiencing clinical symptoms suggestive for gallbladder disorders during LEN treatment were evaluated with laboratory investigations and contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound scan (US). RESULTS After a median time of 2 months from the start of treatment, 5/13 patients (38.4%) complained of gastrointestinal symptoms, with increased biliary enzymes levels, especially γGT, and CT/US suggestive of acute cholecystitis (AC). The onset of symptoms and the peak of γGT levels frequently corresponded to the highest reduction in body weight during the first months of treatment. All patients were treated with supportive care and, when appropriate, with ursodeoxycholic acid; in 4 patients, LEN dose reduction or short interruption was needed, too. CONCLUSIONS In patients with RAI-R DTC treated with LEN, a high prevalence of AC in the first months of treatment was documented. Mainly due to the low specificity of symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, and vomiting, this AE is likely to be frequently misdiagnosed. The onset of the disease was associated to the weight loss observed during the first months of treatment and contributes to further decrease in body weight. Therefore, particularly during the first months of treatment, or at any time of huge reduction of body weight, monitoring of γGT and US is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Conservative medical treatment and LEN dosage titration, together with dietary and rehabilitative supports, can limit or avoid the need for drug withdrawal and cholecystectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Di Stefano
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Colombo
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone De Leo
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Perrino
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Viganò
- Division of Hepatology, San Giuseppe Hospital Multimedica IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fugazzola
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- *Laura Fugazzola, Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Ospedale San Luca, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia, 20, IT–20149 Milan (Italy),
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Mariotti V, Fiorotto R, Cadamuro M, Fabris L, Strazzabosco M. New insights on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in biliary pathophysiology. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100251. [PMID: 34151244 PMCID: PMC8189933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100251] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) includes 5 members (VEGF-A to -D, and placenta growth factor), which regulate several critical biological processes. VEGF-A exerts a variety of biological effects through high-affinity binding to tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGFR-1, -2 and -3), co-receptors and accessory proteins. In addition to its fundamental function in angiogenesis and endothelial cell biology, VEGF/VEGFR signalling also plays a role in other cell types including epithelial cells. This review provides an overview of VEGF signalling in biliary epithelial cell biology in both normal and pathologic conditions. VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling stimulates bile duct proliferation in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. VEGF/VEGFR-1/VEGFR-2 and angiopoietins are involved at different stages of biliary development. In certain conditions, cholangiocytes maintain the ability to secrete VEGF-A, and to express a functional VEGFR-2 receptor. For example, in polycystic liver disease, VEGF secreted by cystic cells stimulates cyst growth and vascular remodelling through a PKA/RAS/ERK/HIF1α-dependent mechanism, unveiling a new level of complexity in VEFG/VEGFR-2 regulation in epithelial cells. VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling is also reactivated during the liver repair process. In this context, pro-angiogenic factors mediate the interactions between epithelial, mesenchymal and inflammatory cells. This process takes place during the wound healing response, however, in chronic biliary diseases, it may lead to pathological neo-angiogenesis, a condition strictly linked with fibrosis progression, the development of cirrhosis and related complications, and cholangiocarcinoma. Novel observations indicate that in cholangiocarcinoma, VEGF is a determinant of lymphangiogenesis and of the immune response to the tumour. Better insights into the role of VEGF signalling in biliary pathophysiology might help in the search for effective therapeutic strategies.
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Key Words
- ADPKD, adult dominant polycystic kidney disease
- Anti-Angiogenic therapy
- BA, biliary atresia
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- CCA, cholangiocarcinoma
- CCl4, carbon tetrachloride
- CLDs, chronic liver diseases
- Cholangiocytes
- Cholangiopathies
- DP, ductal plate
- DPM, ductal plate malformation
- DRCs, ductular reactive cells
- Development
- HIF-1α, hypoxia-inducible factor type 1α
- HSCs, hepatic stellate cells
- IHBD, intrahepatic bile ducts
- IL-, interleukin-
- LECs, lymphatic endothelial cells
- LSECs, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells
- Liver repair
- MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases
- PBP, peribiliary plexus
- PC, polycystin
- PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor
- PIGF, placental growth factor
- PLD, polycystic liver diseases
- Polycystic liver diseases
- SASP, senescence-associated secretory phenotype
- TGF, transforming growth factor
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factors
- VEGF-A
- VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling
- VEGFR-1/2, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1/2
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Mariotti
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Romina Fiorotto
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Massimiliano Cadamuro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Fabris
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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AlKreathy HM, Alghamdi MK, Esmat A. Tetramethylpyrazine ameliorates indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats: Impact on oxidative, inflammatory, and angiogenic machineries. Saudi Pharm J 2020; 28:916-926. [PMID: 32792836 PMCID: PMC7414077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Available antiulcer medications reveal partial efficacy and numerous adverse reactions. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) was known for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties. The aim of current study was to investigate the potential gastroprotective effect of TMP against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats with possible underlying mechanisms. TMP was tested at 3 doses (15, 30 & 60 mg/kg/d po) three days before indomethacin challenge (25 mg/kg ip). Gastric tissue was evaluated morphologically and histopathologically. Oxidative statuses were assessed via glutathione content (GSH), malondialdhyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) activity, while TNFα and IL-6 were measured as inflammatory mediators. Gastric PGE2 was investigated in addition to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). TMP was effective (at 30 and 60 mg/kg/d) in promoting mucus secretion and preventing histopathologic changes induced by indomethacin. Mechanistically, TMP significantly enhanced GSH content and CAT activity while reducing lipid peroxidation as expressed by MDA concentration. Moreover, TMP effectively reduced TNFα, IL-6 and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) concentrations. On the other hand, TMP enhanced both COX-1 and PGE2 and encouraged angiogenesis via increasing VEGF expression. In conclusion, TMP possesses a protective effect against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer. This could be explained - at least partly - by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda M. AlKreathy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed K. Alghamdi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Esmat
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
- Corresponding author at: Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia. Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
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Honda S, Saito Y, Sawada K, Hasebe T, Nakajima S, Okumura T. Repeated Perforation of the Gallbladder in a Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Receiving Lenvatinib. Intern Med 2020; 59:657-662. [PMID: 31735795 PMCID: PMC7086315 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3806-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A 59-year-old man who was receiving lenvatinib as a third-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor to treat hepatocellular carcinoma and multiple bone metastases complained of general fatigue four months after starting lenvatinib. A blood examination showed unexpectedly elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Computed tomography (CT) revealed rupture of the gallbladder wall, indicating gallbladder perforation. After conservative treatment, the patient received lenvatinib again under informed consent; however, one month later, CT revealed repeated rupture of the gallbladder wall. Gallbladder perforation had again been induced by lenvatinib. For this reason, lenvatinib is strongly considered a causative drug for gallbladder perforation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asahikawa-Kosei General Hospital, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asahikawa-Kosei General Hospital, Japan
| | - Koji Sawada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asahikawa-Kosei General Hospital, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Takumu Hasebe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asahikawa-Kosei General Hospital, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asahikawa-Kosei General Hospital, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Toshikatsu Okumura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
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Choi SW, Lee JM, Kim DG, Noh MH. [Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis Associated with Sunitinib Treatment for Renal Cell Carcinoma]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2020; 75:103-107. [PMID: 32098465 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2020.75.2.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A 64-year-old man was treated with sunitinib as a first-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. He was given oral sunitinib in cycles of 50 mg once daily for 2 weeks followed by a week off. During the 5th week of treatment right upper quadrant pain developed, but this resolved spontaneously during the 6th week (off treatment). However, on the 8th week of treatment, he was admitted to hospital because the acute right upper quadrant pain recurred with nausea, vomiting, and fever. Acute acalculous cholecystitis was then diagnosed by ultrasonography and CT. In addition, his laboratory findings indicated disseminated intravascular coagulation. Accordingly, sunitinib therapy was discontinued and broad-spectrum antibiotics initiated. He subsequently recovered after emergent percutaneous cholecystostomy. His Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale score was 7, indicaing a probable association of the event with sunitinib. Suspicion of sunitinib-related acute cholecystitis is required, because, although uncommon, it can be life-threatening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Woong Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Good Gang-An Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Jeong Min Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Samyook Busan Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Dong Gyun Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Myung Hwan Noh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
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Hamada T, Hidaka M, Takatsuki M, Sakai Y, Yu H, Natsuda K, Ono S, Adachi T, Soyama A, Eguchi S. The Relationship Between Lymphangiogenesis and Liver Regeneration After Partial Hepatectomy in Cholestatic Mice. Lymphat Res Biol 2020; 18:322-328. [PMID: 32069131 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2019.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis in the cholestatic liver after partial hepatectomy (PH) remain unclear. We aimed to demonstrate the relationship between lymphangiogenesis and liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in the cholestatic liver. Methods and Results: C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 70% partial hepatectomy only (PH group, n = 20) and 70% partial hepatectomy with temporary common bile duct (BD) obstruction by clipping (BD+PH group, n = 20). Five mice per group were sacrificed at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after the procedure. The liver function was examined by blood tests, and the liver regeneration rate was assessed by body weight and liver weight. Immunohistochemical staining of lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1) showed liver lymphangiogenesis. The gene expression of lymphangiogenesis-associated factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 [VEGFR-3]) was examined by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The liver function in the BD+PH group was worse than that in the PH group on postoperative day 1 (POD1) (aspartate aminotransferase: 6528 ± 1641 U/L vs. 2741 ± 368 U/L, p < 0.05, alanine aminotransferase: 4160 ± 1255 U/L vs. 2315 ± 357 U/L, total bilirubin: 1.36 ± 1.16 mg/dL vs. 0.09 ± 0.01 mg/dL), and the liver regeneration rate in the BD+PH group was worse on POD7 (4.57% vs. 5.91%, p < 0.05). The LYVE-1 expression in Glisson's capsule peaked on POD5 and POD7 in the PH and BD+PH groups, respectively. The peak gene expression of VEGFR-3 in the BD+PH group was delayed in comparison with the PH group. Conclusions: Lymphangiogenesis after partial hepatectomy in the cholestatic liver was suggested to be delayed due to impaired liver regeneration and the late expression of VEGFR-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Hamada
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences/Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hidaka
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences/Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mitsuhisa Takatsuki
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences/Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sakai
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences/Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Haung Yu
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences/Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koji Natsuda
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences/Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Ono
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences/Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Adachi
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences/Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akihiko Soyama
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences/Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Susumu Eguchi
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences/Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
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Burchill MA, Goldberg AR, Tamburini BAJ. Emerging Roles for Lymphatics in Chronic Liver Disease. Front Physiol 2020; 10:1579. [PMID: 31992991 PMCID: PMC6971163 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a global health epidemic causing ∼2 million deaths annually worldwide. As the incidence of CLD is expected to rise over the next decade, understanding the cellular and molecular mediators of CLD is critical for developing novel therapeutics. Common characteristics of CLD include steatosis, inflammation, and cholesterol accumulation in the liver. While the lymphatic system in the liver has largely been overlooked, the liver lymphatics, as in other organs, are thought to play a critical role in maintaining normal hepatic function by assisting in the removal of protein, cholesterol, and immune infiltrate. Lymphatic growth, permeability, and/or hyperplasia in non-liver organs has been demonstrated to be caused by obesity or hypercholesterolemia in humans and animal models. While it is still unclear if changes in permeability occur in liver lymphatics, the lymphatics do expand in number and size in all disease etiologies tested. This is consistent with the lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) upregulating proliferation specific genes, however, other transcriptional changes occur in liver LECs that are dependent on the inflammatory mediators that are specific to the disease etiology. Whether these changes induce lymphatic dysfunction or if they impact liver function has yet to be directly addressed. Here, we will review what is known about liver lymphatics in health and disease, what can be learned from recent work on the influence of obesity and hypercholesterolemia on the lymphatics in other organs, changes that occur in LECs in the liver during disease and outstanding questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Burchill
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Alyssa R Goldberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Health Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Beth A Jirón Tamburini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
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Siddiqui H, Rawal P, Bihari C, Arora N, Kaur S. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Promotes Proliferation of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-Positive Cells in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2020; 10:275-283. [PMID: 32655229 PMCID: PMC7335719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM An impaired hepatocyte proliferation during severe liver injury causes the proliferation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), also called as the ductular reaction (DR). In the present study, we studied the role of key angiogenic factors in HPC-mediated DR in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS Liver biopsies from patients with NASH (n = 14) were included in the study. Patients with NASH were divided in two groups, early and late fibrosis (based on fibrosis staging). Biopsies were used to analyze the gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for two markers of DR, viz, CK19 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Cocultures were performed between steatotic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and LX2 and Huh7 cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to measure levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in coculture studies. Next, Huh7 cells were treated with VEGF, and proliferation was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assays. The number of EpCAM-positive cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS Of all the angiogenic factors, the gene expression of VEGF and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) was significantly different between patients with NASH in the early and late fibrosis groups (P < 0.05 for both). Both VEGF and Ang2 also correlated significantly with the IHC scores of CK19 and EpCAM in the study group. In the in vitro studies, VEGF levels were significantly increased when Huh7 cells were cocultured with steatotic HUVECs and LX2 cells. The proliferation and percentage of EpCAM-positive cells was increased when Huh7 cells were treated with VEGF. CONCLUSION Our study indicates an important contribution of VEGF toward the activation of HPC-mediated regeneration and DR in NASH.
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Key Words
- Ang2, angiopoietin 2
- BSA, bovine serum albumin
- CM, conditioned medium
- DMEM, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle medium
- DR, ductular reaction
- ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- EpCAM, epithelial cell adhesion molecule
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- H&E, hematoxylin and eosin
- HPC, hepatic progenitor cell
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- HUVEC, human umbilical vein endothelial cell
- IHC, immunohistochemical
- MT, Masson trichrome
- NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- angiogenesis
- ductular reaction
- hepatic progenitor cells
- nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamda Siddiqui
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India,Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Preety Rawal
- Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chaggan Bihari
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Naveen Arora
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Savneet Kaur
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India,Address for correspondence. Dr Savneet Kaur, Institute of liver and biliary sciences, New Delhi, India.
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Roy S, Glaser S, Chakraborty S. Inflammation and Progression of Cholangiocarcinoma: Role of Angiogenic and Lymphangiogenic Mechanisms. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:293. [PMID: 31921870 PMCID: PMC6930194 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), or cancer of the biliary epithelium is a relatively rare but aggressive form of biliary duct cancer which has a 5-year survival rate post metastasis of 2%. Although a number of risk factors are established for CCA growth and progression, a careful evaluation of the existing literature on CCA reveals that an inflammatory environment near the biliary tree is the most common causal link between the risk factors and the development of CCA. The fact that inflammation predisposes affected individuals to CCA is further bolstered by multiple observations where the presence and maintenance of an inflammatory microenvironment at the site of the primary tumor plays a significant role in the development and metastasis of CCA. In addition, mechanisms activating the tumor vasculature and enhancing angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis significantly contribute to CCA aggressiveness and metastasis. This review aims to address the role of an inflammatory microenvironment-CCA crosstalk and will present the basic concepts, observations, and current perspectives from recent research studies in the field of tumor stroma of CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Roy
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
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Franchitto A, Overi D, Mancinelli R, Mitterhofer AP, Muiesan P, Tinti F, Umbro I, Hubscher SG, Onori P, Gaudio E, Carpino G. Peribiliary gland damage due to liver transplantation involves peribiliary vascular plexus and vascular endothelial growth factor. Eur J Histochem 2019; 63:3022. [PMID: 31113191 PMCID: PMC6517787 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2019.3022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extrahepatic bile ducts are characterized by the presence of peribiliary glands (PBGs), which represent stem cell niches implicated in biliary regeneration. Orthotopic liver transplantation may be complicated by non-anastomotic strictures (NAS) of the bile ducts, which have been associated with ischemic injury of PBGs and occur more frequently in livers obtained from donors after circulatory death than in those from brain-dead donors. The aims of the present study were to investigate the PBG phenotype in bile ducts after transplantation, the integrity of the peribiliary vascular plexus (PVP) around PBGs, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) by PBGs. Transplanted ducts obtained from patients who underwent liver transplantation were studied (N=62). Controls included explanted bile duct samples not used for transplantation (N=10) with normal histology. Samples were processed for histology, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Surface epithelium is severely injured in transplanted ducts; PBGs are diffusely damaged, particularly in ducts obtained from circulatory-dead compared to brain-dead donors. PVP is reduced in transplanted compared to controls. PBGs in transplanted ducts contain more numerous progenitor and proliferating cells compared to controls, show higher positivity for VEGF-A compared to controls, and express VEGF receptor-2. In conclusion, PBGs and associated PVP are damaged in transplanted extrahepatic bile ducts; however, an activation of the PBG niche takes place and is characterized by proliferation and VEGF-A expression. This response could have a relevant role in reconstituting biliary epithelium and vascular plexus and could be implicated in the genesis of non-anastomotic strictures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome.
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Baiocchi L, Zhou T, Liangpunsakul S, Lenci I, Santopaolo F, Meng F, Kennedy L, Glaser S, Francis H, Alpini G. Dual Role of Bile Acids on the Biliary Epithelium: Friend or Foe? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081869. [PMID: 31014010 PMCID: PMC6514722 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile acids are a family of amphipathic compounds predominantly known for their role in solubilizing and absorbing hydrophobic compounds (including liposoluble vitamins) in the intestine. Bile acids also are key signaling molecules and inflammatory agents that activate transcriptional factors and cell signaling pathways that regulate lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism in various human disorders, including chronic liver diseases. However, in the last decade increased awareness has been founded on the physiological and chemical heterogeneity of this category of compounds and their possible beneficial or injurious effects on the biliary tree. In this review, we provide an update on the current understanding of the molecular mechanism involving bile acid and biliary epithelium. The last achievements of the research in this field are summarized, focusing on the molecular aspects and the elements with relevance regarding human liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Baiocchi
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine 702 SW HK Dodgen Loop, Temple, TX 76504, USA.
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, Gastroenterology, Medicine 1481 W 10th street, Dedication Wing⁻Room C-7151, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1481 W 10th street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Ilaria Lenci
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, Gastroenterology, Medicine 1481 W 10th street, Dedication Wing⁻Room C-7151, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1481 W 10th street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, Gastroenterology, Medicine 1481 W 10th street, Dedication Wing⁻Room C-7151, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine 702 SW HK Dodgen Loop, Temple, TX 76504, USA.
| | - Heather Francis
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, Gastroenterology, Medicine 1481 W 10th street, Dedication Wing⁻Room C-7151, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1481 W 10th street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, Gastroenterology, Medicine 1481 W 10th street, Dedication Wing⁻Room C-7151, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1481 W 10th street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a fundamental role in tumor growth and progression. It is regulated by several growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor protein family (VEGF) and its receptors, which are probably the most important factors responsible for the development of new vessels. The VEGF family includes several members: VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-E, placental growth factor (PlGF), and their receptors VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. Other relevant factors are represented by angiopoietins, thrombospondin-1, and endothelins. However, since the therapeutic benefit associated with VEGF-targeted therapy is really complex, a better understanding of these pathways will lead to future advances in the use of these agents for clinic management of tumors. Here we present a review regarding the role of angiogenic factors in cholangiocarcinoma, which arise from cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells of bile ducts. They are rare and aggressive neoplasms with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options, classified as intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinoma based on their anatomical location. Therefore, the identification of specific signaling pathways or new tumor biomarkers is crucial in order to develop more effective anti-angiogenic therapies.
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de Jong IE, Matton AP, van Praagh JB, van Haaften WT, Wiersema‐Buist J, van Wijk LA, Oosterhuis D, Iswandana R, Suriguga S, Overi D, Lisman T, Carpino G, Gouw AS, Olinga P, Gaudio E, Porte RJ. Peribiliary Glands Are Key in Regeneration of the Human Biliary Epithelium After Severe Bile Duct Injury. Hepatology 2019; 69:1719-1734. [PMID: 30506902 PMCID: PMC6594148 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Peribiliary glands (PBG) are a source of stem/progenitor cells organized in a cellular network encircling large bile ducts. Severe cholangiopathy with loss of luminal biliary epithelium has been proposed to activate PBG, resulting in cell proliferation and differentiation to restore biliary epithelial integrity. However, formal evidence for this concept in human livers is lacking. We therefore developed an ex vivo model using precision-cut slices of extrahepatic human bile ducts obtained from discarded donor livers, providing an intact anatomical organization of cell structures, to study spatiotemporal differentiation and migration of PBG cells after severe biliary injury. Postischemic bile duct slices were incubated in oxygenated culture medium for up to a week. At baseline, severe tissue injury was evident with loss of luminal epithelial lining and mural stroma necrosis. In contrast, PBG remained relatively well preserved and different reactions of PBG were noted, including PBG dilatation, cell proliferation, and maturation. Proliferation of PBG cells increased after 24 hours of oxygenated incubation, reaching a peak after 72 hours. Proliferation of PBG cells was paralleled by a reduction in PBG apoptosis and differentiation from a primitive and pluripotent (homeobox protein Nanog+/ sex-determining region Y-box 9+) to a mature (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator+/secretin receptor+) and activated phenotype (increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, glucose transporter 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor A). Migration of proliferating PBG cells in our ex vivo model was unorganized, but resulted in generation of epithelial monolayers at stromal surfaces. Conclusion: Human PBG contain biliary progenitor cells and are able to respond to bile duct epithelial loss with proliferation, differentiation, and maturation to restore epithelial integrity. The ex vivo spatiotemporal behavior of human PBG cells provides evidence for a pivotal role of PBG in biliary regeneration after severe injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris E.M. de Jong
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands,Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Alix P.M. Matton
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands,Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Jasper B. van Praagh
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands,Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmacyUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Wouter T. van Haaften
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmacyUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Janneke Wiersema‐Buist
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Louise A. van Wijk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmacyUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Dorenda Oosterhuis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmacyUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Raditya Iswandana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmacyUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands,Faculty of PharmacyUniversitas IndonesiaIndonesia
| | - Su Suriguga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmacyUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Diletta Overi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Ton Lisman
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Guido Carpino
- Division of Health Sciences, Department of Movement, Human and Health SciencesUniversity of Rome “Foro Italico”RomeItaly
| | - Annette S.H. Gouw
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmacyUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Robert J. Porte
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
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Chen L, Zhou T, Wu N, O'Brien A, Venter J, Ceci L, Kyritsi K, Onori P, Gaudio E, Sybenga A, Xie L, Wu C, Fabris L, Invernizzi P, Zawieja D, Liangpunsakul S, Meng F, Francis H, Alpini G, Huang Q, Glaser S. Pinealectomy or light exposure exacerbates biliary damage and liver fibrosis in cholestatic rats through decreased melatonin synthesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1525-1539. [PMID: 30890428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin, a neuroendocrine hormone synthesized by the pineal gland and cholangiocytes, decreases biliary hyperplasia and liver fibrosis during cholestasis-induced biliary injury via melatonin-dependent autocrine signaling through increased biliary arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) expression and melatonin secretion, downregulation of miR-200b and specific circadian clock genes. Melatonin synthesis is decreased by pinealectomy (PINX) or chronic exposure to light. We evaluated the effect of PINX or prolonged light exposure on melatonin-dependent modulation of biliary damage/ductular reaction/liver fibrosis. Studies were performed in male rats with/without BDL for 1 week with 12:12 h dark/light cycles, continuous light or after 1 week of PINX. The expression of AANAT and melatonin levels in serum and cholangiocyte supernatant were increased in BDL rats, while decreased in BDL rats following PINX or continuous light exposure. BDL-induced increase in serum chemistry, ductular reaction, liver fibrosis, inflammation, angiogenesis and ROS generation were significantly enhanced by PINX or light exposure. Concomitant with enhanced liver fibrosis, we observed increased biliary senescence and enhanced clock genes and miR-200b expression in total liver and cholangiocytes. In vitro, the expression of AANAT, clock genes and miR-200b was increased in PSC human cholangiocyte cell lines (hPSCL). The proliferation and activation of HHStecs (human hepatic stellate cell lines) were increased after stimulating with BDL cholangiocyte supernatant and further enhanced when stimulated with BDL rats following PINX or continuous light exposure cholangiocyte supernatant via intracellular ROS generation. Conclusion: Melatonin plays an important role in the protection of liver against cholestasis-induced damage and ductular reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixian Chen
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab for Shock and Microcirculation Research of Guangdong Province, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - April O'Brien
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Julie Venter
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Amelia Sybenga
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Linglin Xie
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy; Digestive Disease Section, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | | | - David Zawieja
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Research, United States of America; Indiana University, Gastroenterology, Medicine, United States of America
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, United States of America; Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Heather Francis
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, United States of America; Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, United States of America; Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Qiaobing Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab for Shock and Microcirculation Research of Guangdong Province, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, United States of America.
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Aloia TP, Cogliati B, Monteiro JM, Goldberg AC, de Oliveira Salvalaggio PR. Recovery of the Cholangiocytes After Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury: Ultra-Structural, Hystological and Molecular Assessment in Rats. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 8:380-389. [PMID: 30563999 PMCID: PMC6286446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2018.01.003] [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] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the liver is a common area of interest to transplant and hepatic surgery. Nevertheless, most of the current knowledge of I/R of the liver derives from the hepatocyte and little is known of what happens to the cholangiocytes. Herein, we assess the sequence of early events involved in the I/R injury of the cholangiocytes. METHODS Sixty Wistar rats were randomized in a SHAM group and I/R group. Serum biochemistry, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser capture microdissection (LCM) were used for group comparison. RESULTS There was peak of alkaline phosphatase 24 h after IR injury, and an increase of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase after 6 h of reperfusion, followed by a return to normal levels 24 h after injury. The I/R group presented the liver parenchyma with hepatocellular degeneration up to 6 h, followed by hepatocellular necrosis at 24 h. TEM showed cholangiocyte injury, including a progressive nuclear degeneration and cell membrane rupture, beginning at 6 h and peaking at 24 h after reperfusion. Cytokeratin-18 and caspase-3-positive areas were observed in the I/R group, peaking at 24-h reperfusion. Anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl activity were expressed from 6 through 24 h after reperfusion. BAX expression showed an increase for 24 h. CONCLUSIONS I/R injury to the cholangiocyte occurs from 6 through 24 h after reperfusion and a combination of TEM, immunohistochemistry and LCM allows a better isolation of the cholangiocyte and a proper investigation of the events related to the I/R injury. Apoptosis is certainly involved in the I/R process, particularly mediated by BAX.
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Key Words
- ALKP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- BIL, bilirubin
- CK18, cytokeratin-18
- GGT, gamma-glutamyl transferase
- HPC, hepatic progenitor cells
- I/R, ischemia–reperfusion
- LCM, laser capture microdissection
- PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen
- TEM, transmission electron microscopy
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- apoptosis
- cholangiocytes
- ischemia–reperfusion
- rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P.A. Aloia
- Experimental Research Center, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, 05651-901 São Paulo, Brazil,Address for correspondence: Thiago P.A. Aloia, Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Av. Albert Einstein, 627 – bl A, 2SS, 05651-901 São Paulo, Brazil. Tel.: +55 11 2151 1431.
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (USP), 05508-270 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janaina M. Monteiro
- Experimental Research Center, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, 05651-901 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna C.K. Goldberg
- Experimental Research Center, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, 05651-901 São Paulo, Brazil
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Mammola CL, Vetuschi A, Pannarale L, Sferra R, Mancinelli R. Epidermal growth factor-like domain multiple 7 (EGFL7): Expression and possible effect on biliary epithelium growth in cholangiocarcinoma. Eur J Histochem 2018; 62. [PMID: 30504933 PMCID: PMC6291760 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2018.2971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive biliary tract malignancy with limited treatment options and low survival rates. The intrahepatic subtype comprises two forms: mucin-iCCA and mixed-iCCA. Epidermal growth factor-like domain multiple (EGFL7) is overexpressed in less differentiated liver tumors. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of EGFL7 due to its possible role in the growth of CCA. Hematoxylin & Eosin and periodic acid- Schiff staining were used to evaluate the morphological aspects and glycogen deposition. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to identify the presence of EGFL7 both in tumor sections ex vivo and in appropriate cell lines in culture. We found that EGFL7 is expressed in malignant cholangiocytes of mixed-iCCA and absent in mucin-iCCA. In conclusion the expression of EGFL7 might be useful in the classification of CCA subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina L Mammola
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences.
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Apatinib affect VEGF-mediated cell proliferation, migration, invasion via blocking VEGFR2/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways in cholangiocarcinoma cell. BMC Gastroenterol 2018; 18:169. [PMID: 30400838 PMCID: PMC6220519 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-018-0870-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a form of cancer that easily aggress to contiguous structures. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) are increased in majority species of cancers and suppress tumor progression by blocking VEGF/VEGFR2. Apatinib is a highly selective VEGFR2 antagonist which has inhibitive effect on antiapoptotic and cell growth in CCA. While, the effect of apatinib cell migration and invasion in CCA is still unknown. METHODS CCA cell lines QBC939 and TFK-1 were transfected with siKDR to establish the KDR function loss cell model, and recombined human VEGF (rhVEGF) protein was added into the culture medium to enhance the VEGF expression. RT-qPCR and western bloting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of VEGFR2 to investigate whether it was effectively repressed or activated with rhVEGF or apatinib treatment. Then, MTT, wound healing assay, and transwell matrix assay were applied to measure the effect of apatinib and rhVEGF on cell viability, migration and invasion, respectively. RESULTS The mRNA and protein expressions of VEGFR2 were significantly reduced with KDR RNAi in both QBC939 and TFK-1 cells, and rhVEGF treatment increased these expression levels (p < 0.05). Apatinib dramatically suppressed VEGF-mediated cell migration and invasion at the concentration of 100 nM treatment and significantly decreased the expression of metastasis-associated protein such as Slug, snail and MMP9. Moreover, all of these inhibiting effects of apatinib depended on the VEGFR2 existence. In addition, VEGFR2/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signal pathways were enhanced by the introduction of rhVEGF, but were dramatically suppressed after the apatinib treatment. CONCLUSION Apatinib inhibit VEGF-mediated cell migration and invasion in CCA cell lines via inhibiting the VEGFR2/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. It will be a potentially effective targeted drug for CCA.
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Zhou T, Wu N, Meng F, Venter J, Giang TK, Francis H, Kyritsi K, Wu C, Franchitto A, Alvaro D, Marzioni M, Onori P, Mancinelli R, Gaudio E, Glaser S, Alpini G. Knockout of secretin receptor reduces biliary damage and liver fibrosis in Mdr2 -/- mice by diminishing senescence of cholangiocytes. J Transl Med 2018; 98:1449-1464. [PMID: 29977037 PMCID: PMC6214714 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-018-0093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Secretin receptor (SR), only expressed by cholangiocytes, plays a key role in the regulation of biliary damage and liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of genetic depletion of SR in Mdr2-/- mice on intrahepatic biliary mass, liver fibrosis, senescence, and angiogenesis. 12 wk SR-/-, Mdr2-/-, and SR-/-/Mdr2-/- mice with corresponding wild-type mice were used for the in vivo studies. Immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence was performed in liver sections for (i) biliary expression of SR; (ii) hematoxylin and eosin; (iii) intrahepatic biliary mass by CK-19; (iv) fibrosis by Col1a1 and α-SMA; (v) senescence by SA-β-gal and p16; and (vi) angiogenesis by VEGF-A and CD31. Secretin (Sct) and TGF-β1 levels were measured in serum and cholangiocyte supernatant by ELISA. In total liver, isolated cholangiocytes or HSCs, we evaluated the expression of fibrosis markers (FN-1 and Col1a1); senescence markers (p16 and CCL2); microRNA 125b and angiogenesis markers (VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, CD31, and vWF) by immunoblots and/or qPCR. In vitro, we measured the paracrine effect of cholangiocyte supernatant on the expression of senescent and fibrosis markers in human hepatic stellate cells (HHSteCs). The increased level of ductular reaction, fibrosis, and angiogenesis in Mdr2-/- mice was reduced in SR-/-/Mdr2-/- mice. Enhanced senescence levels in cholangiocytes from Mdr2-/- mice were reversed to normal in SR-/-/Mdr2-/- mice. However, senescence was decreased in HSCs from Mdr2-/- mice but returned to normal values in SR-/-/Mdr2-/- mice. In vitro treatment of HHSteCs with supernatant from cholangiocyte lacking SR (containing lower biliary levels of Sct-dependent TGF-β1) have decreased fibrotic reaction and increased cellular senescence. Sct-induced TGF-β1 secretion was mediated by microRNA 125b. Our data suggest that differential modulation of angiogenesis-dependent senescence of cholangiocytes and HSCs may be important for the treatment of liver fibrosis in cholangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
- Academic Research Integration, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Julie Venter
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Thao K Giang
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Heather Francis
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Eleonora Lorillard Spencer Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Marzioni
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedali Riuniti - University Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
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Giordano DM, Pinto C, Maroni L, Benedetti A, Marzioni M. Inflammation and the Gut-Liver Axis in the Pathophysiology of Cholangiopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3003. [PMID: 30275402 PMCID: PMC6213589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells lining the bile ducts, represent the unique target of a group of progressive diseases known as cholangiopathies whose pathogenesis remain largely unknown. In normal conditions, cholangiocytes are quiescent and participate to the final bile volume and composition. Following exogenous or endogenous stimuli, cholangiocytes undergo extensive modifications of their phenotype. Reactive cholangiocytes actively proliferate and release a set of proinflammatory molecules, which act in autocrine/paracrine manner mediating the cross-talk with other liver cell types and innate and adaptive immune cells. Cholangiocytes themselves activate innate immune responses against gut-derived microorganisms or bacterial products that reach the liver via enterohepatic circulation. Gut microbiota has been implicated in the development and progression of the two most common cholangiopathies, i.e., primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), which have distinctive microbiota composition compared to healthy individuals. The impairment of intestinal barrier functions or gut dysbiosis expose cholangiocytes to an increasing amount of microorganisms and may exacerbate inflammatory responses thus leading to fibrotic remodeling of the organ. The present review focuses on the complex interactions between the activation of innate immune responses in reactive cholangiocytes, dysbiosis, and gut permeability to bacterial products in the pathogenesis of PSC and PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Maria Giordano
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Claudio Pinto
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Luca Maroni
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Antonio Benedetti
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Marco Marzioni
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
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Kennedy L, Hargrove L, Demieville J, Karstens A, Jones H, DeMorrow S, Meng F, Invernizzi P, Bernuzzi F, Alpini G, Smith S, Akers A, Meadows V, Francis H. Blocking H1/H2 histamine receptors inhibits damage/fibrosis in Mdr2 -/- mice and human cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis. Hepatology 2018; 68:1042-1056. [PMID: 29601088 PMCID: PMC6165706 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients are at risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). We have shown that (1) histamine increases biliary hyperplasia through H1/H2 histamine receptors (HRs) and (2) histamine levels increase and mast cells (MCs) infiltrate during PSC and CCA. We examined the effects of chronic treatment with H1/H2HR antagonists on PSC and CCA. Wild-type and multidrug-resistant knockout (Mdr2-/- ) mice were treated by osmotic minipumps with saline, mepyramine, or ranitidine (10 mg/kg body weight/day) or a combination of mepyramine/ranitidine for 4 weeks. Liver damage was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin. We evaluated (1) H1/H2HR expression, (2) MC presence, (3) L-histidine decarboxylase/histamine axis, (4) cholangiocyte proliferation/bile duct mass, and (5) fibrosis/hepatic stellate cell activation. Nu/nu mice were implanted with Mz-ChA-1 cells into the hind flanks and treated with saline, mepyramine, or ranitidine. Tumor growth was measured, and (1) H1/H2HR expression, (2) proliferation, (3) MC activation, (4) angiogenesis, and (5) epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated. In vitro, human hepatic stellate cells were evaluated for H1HR and H2HR expression. Cultured cholangiocytes and CCA lines were treated with saline, mepyramine, or ranitidine (25 μM) before evaluating proliferation, angiogenesis, EMT, and potential signaling mechanisms. H1/H2HR and MC presence increased in human PSC and CCA. In H1/H2HR antagonist (alone or in combination)-treated Mdr2-/- mice, liver and biliary damage and fibrosis decreased compared to saline treatment. H1/H2HR antagonists decreased tumor growth, serum histamine, angiogenesis, and EMT. In vitro, H1/H2HR blockers reduced biliary proliferation, and CCA cells had decreased proliferation, angiogenesis, EMT, and migration. Conclusion: Inhibition of H1/H2HR reverses PSC-associated damage and decreases CCA growth, angiogenesis, and EMT; because PSC patients are at risk of developing CCA, using HR blockers may be therapeutic for these diseases. (Hepatology 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Kennedy
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas, USA
- Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Laura Hargrove
- Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, USA
| | | | - Allen Karstens
- Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Hannah Jones
- Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Sharon DeMorrow
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas, USA
- Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas, USA
- Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA
- Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Program for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, International Center for Digestive Health, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesca Bernuzzi
- Program for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, International Center for Digestive Health, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas, USA
- Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA
- Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Steven Smith
- Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Austin Akers
- Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Victoria Meadows
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Heather Francis
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas, USA
- Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA
- Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, USA
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47
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Lewis PL, Su J, Yan M, Meng F, Glaser SS, Alpini GD, Green RM, Sosa-Pineda B, Shah RN. Complex bile duct network formation within liver decellularized extracellular matrix hydrogels. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12220. [PMID: 30111800 PMCID: PMC6093899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30433-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The biliary tree is an essential component of transplantable human liver tissue. Despite recent advances in liver tissue engineering, attempts at re-creating the intrahepatic biliary tree have not progressed significantly. The finer branches of the biliary tree are structurally and functionally complex and heterogeneous and require harnessing innate developmental processes for their regrowth. Here we demonstrate the ability of decellularized liver extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels to induce the in vitro formation of complex biliary networks using encapsulated immortalized mouse small biliary epithelial cells (cholangiocytes). This phenomenon is not observed using immortalized mouse large cholangiocytes, or with purified collagen 1 gels or Matrigel. We also show phenotypic stability via immunostaining for specific cholangiocyte markers. Moreover, tight junction formation and maturation was observed to occur between cholangiocytes, exhibiting polarization and transporter activity. To better define the mechanism of duct formation, we utilized three fluorescently labeled, but otherwise identical populations of cholangiocytes. The cells, in a proximity dependent manner, either branch out clonally, radiating from a single nucleation point, or assemble into multi-colored structures arising from separate populations. These findings present liver dECM as a promising biomaterial for intrahepatic bile duct tissue engineering and as a tool to study duct remodeling in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L. Lewis
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA ,0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jimmy Su
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA ,0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ming Yan
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA ,0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fanyin Meng
- 0000 0004 0420 5847grid.413775.3Research Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA ,grid.486749.0Baylor Scott & White Health Digestive Disease Research Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Shannon S. Glaser
- 0000 0004 0420 5847grid.413775.3Research Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA ,grid.486749.0Baylor Scott & White Health Digestive Disease Research Center, Temple, TX, USA ,0000 0004 4687 2082grid.264756.4Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Gianfranco D. Alpini
- 0000 0004 0420 5847grid.413775.3Research Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA ,grid.486749.0Baylor Scott & White Health Digestive Disease Research Center, Temple, TX, USA ,0000 0004 4687 2082grid.264756.4Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Richard M. Green
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Beatriz Sosa-Pineda
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Nephrology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ramille N. Shah
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA ,0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA ,0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Surgery (Transplant Division), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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48
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Sato K, Meng F, Giang T, Glaser S, Alpini G. Mechanisms of cholangiocyte responses to injury. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:1262-1269. [PMID: 28648950 PMCID: PMC5742086 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cholangiocytes, epithelial cells that line the biliary epithelium, are the primary target cells for cholangiopathies including primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cholangitis. Quiescent cholangiocytes respond to biliary damage and acquire an activated neuroendocrine phenotype to maintain the homeostasis of the liver. The typical response of cholangiocytes is proliferation leading to bile duct hyperplasia, which is a characteristic of cholestatic liver diseases. Current studies have identified various signaling pathways that are associated with cholangiocyte proliferation/loss and liver fibrosis in cholangiopathies using human samples and rodent models. Although recent studies have demonstrated that extracellular vesicles and microRNAs could be mediators that regulate these messenger/receptor axes, further studies are required to confirm their roles. This review summarizes current studies of biliary response and cholangiocyte proliferation during cholestatic liver injury with particular emphasis on the secretin/secretin receptor axis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cholangiocytes in Health and Diseaseedited by Jesus Banales, Marco Marzioni, Nicholas LaRusso and Peter Jansen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisaku Sato
- Department of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, United States; Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, United States; Academic Research Integration, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, United States; Department of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Thao Giang
- Department of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, United States; Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, United States; Department of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, United States; Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, United States; Department of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, TX, United States.
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49
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Cheung AC, Lorenzo Pisarello MJ, LaRusso NF. Pathobiology of biliary epithelia. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:1220-1231. [PMID: 28716705 PMCID: PMC5777905 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cholangiocytes are epithelial cells that line the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tree. They serve predominantly to mediate the content of luminal biliary fluid, which is controlled via numerous signaling pathways influenced by endogenous (e.g., bile acids, nucleotides, hormones, neurotransmitters) and exogenous (e.g., microbes/microbial products, drugs etc.) molecules. When injured, cholangiocytes undergo apoptosis/lysis, repair and proliferation. They also become senescent, a form of cell cycle arrest, which may prevent propagation of injury and/or malignant transformation. Senescent cholangiocytes can undergo further transformation to a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), where they begin secreting pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic signals that may contribute to disease initiation and progression. These and other concepts related to cholangiocyte pathobiology will be reviewed herein. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cholangiocytes in Health and Disease edited by Jesus Banales, Marco Marzioni, Nicholas LaRusso and Peter Jansen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela C Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Maria J Lorenzo Pisarello
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Nicholas F LaRusso
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
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50
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Zhao L, Zhu Z, Yao C, Huang Y, Zhi E, Chen H, Tian R, Li P, Yuan Q, Xue Y, Wan Z, Yang C, Gong Y, He Z, Li Z. VEGFC/VEGFR3 Signaling Regulates Mouse Spermatogonial Cell Proliferation via the Activation of AKT/MAPK and Cyclin D1 Pathway and Mediates the Apoptosis by affecting Caspase 3/9 and Bcl-2. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:225-239. [PMID: 29169284 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1407891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that the transcript levels of Vegfc and its receptor Vegfr3 were high in spermatogonia and extremely low in spermatocytes and spermatids. However, it remains unknown about the functions and the mechanisms of VEGFC/VEGFR3 signaling in regulating the fate determinations of spermatogonia. To this end, here we explored the role and signaling pathways of VEGFC/VEGFR3 by using a cell line derived from immortalized mouse spermatogonia retaining markers of mitotic germ cells, namely GC-1 cells. VEGFR3 was expressed in mouse primary spermatogonia and GC-1 cells. VEGFC stimulated the proliferation and DNA synthesis of GC-1 cells and enhanced the phosphorylation of PI3K-AKT and MAPK, whereas LY294002 (an inhibitor for AKT) and CI-1040 (an inhibitor for MAPK) blocked the effect of VEGFC on GC-1 cell proliferation. Furthermore, VEGFC increased the transcripts of c-fos and Egr1 and protein levels of cyclin D1, PCNA and Bcl-2. Conversely, the blocking of VEGFC/VEGFR3 signaling by VEGFR3 knockdown reduced the phosphorylation of AKT/MAPK and decreased the levels of cyclin D1 and PCNA. Additionally, VEGFR3 knockdown not only resulted in more apoptosis of GC-1 cells but also led to a decrease of Bcl-2 and promoted the cleavage of Caspase-3/9 and PARP. Collectively, these data suggested that VEGFC/VEGFR3 signaling promotes the proliferation of GC-1 cells via the AKT /MAPK and cyclin D1 pathway and it inhibits the cell apoptosis through Caspase-3/9, PARP and Bcl-2. Thus, this study sheds a novel insight to the molecular mechanisms underlying the fate decisions of mammalian spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyu Zhao
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Huixing Chen
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Peng Li
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- b State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji- Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital , School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Yunjing Xue
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Zhong Wan
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Chao Yang
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Yuehua Gong
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Zuping He
- b State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji- Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital , School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Zheng Li
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
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