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Alkhouri N, Bayne ACV, Chalasani N. Editorial: Decoding the enigma-Navigating complexity in MASLD management. Authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 60:817-818. [PMID: 39037412 DOI: 10.1111/apt.18185] [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: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Alkhouri et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18149 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18169
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naga Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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2
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Petroni ML, Perazza F, Marchesini G. Breakthrough in the Treatment of Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Is it all over? Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:1442-1451. [PMID: 38972788 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2024.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
On March 14, 2024, after more than 25 years of intense research and a long series of failures, the Food and Drug Administration approved resmetirom as first drug for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis (now Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease - MASLD). The present review covers this difficult process, finally providing a drug to complement lifestyle intervention, that has long been the sole approved therapeutic intervention. However, the availability of a drug shown to reduce disease progression in advanced stages of diseases opens a series of questions that deserve even more intense research. How to continue ongoing trials? How to generate an appropriate use of resmetirom in the community, limiting treatment according to predefined criteria and according to individual risk assessment? How to guarantee that both hepatic and non-hepatic comorbidities are appropriately targeted? How to define cost-effective strategies that might prevent the generation of unacceptable differences within the population, given the high costs of novel drugs and the extremely high numbers of candidates to treatment? Only a close surveillance of drug use in the real world, generated by insurance databases and national healthcare system registries, might provide adequate answers to these compelling questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Letizia Petroni
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Perazza
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Alma Mater University, Bologna, Italy
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3
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Setyawati DR, Sekaringtyas FC, Pratiwi RD, Rosyidah A, Azhar R, Gustini N, Syahputra G, Rosidah I, Mardliyati E, Tarwadi, El Muttaqien S. Recent updates in applications of nanomedicine for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 15:1105-1116. [PMID: 39188757 PMCID: PMC11346304 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.15.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Over recent decades, nanomedicine has played an important role in the enhancement of therapeutic outcomes compared to those of conventional therapy. At the same time, nanoparticle drug delivery systems offer a significant reduction in side effects of treatments by lowering the off-target biodistribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredients. Cancer nanomedicine represents the most extensively studied nanotechnology application in the field of pharmaceutics and pharmacology since the first nanodrug for cancer treatment, liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®), has been approved by the FDA. The advancement of cancer nanomedicine and its enormous technological success also included various other target diseases, including hepatic fibrosis. This confirms the versatility of nanomedicine for improving therapeutic activity. In this review, we summarize recent updates of nanomedicine platforms for improving therapeutic efficacy regarding liver fibrosis. We first emphasize the challenges of conventional drugs for penetrating the biological barriers of the liver. After that, we highlight design principles of nanocarriers for achieving improved drug delivery of antifibrosis drugs through passive and active targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damai Ria Setyawati
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Fransiska Christydira Sekaringtyas
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Riyona Desvy Pratiwi
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - A’liyatur Rosyidah
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Rohimmahtunnissa Azhar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Nunik Gustini
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Gita Syahputra
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Idah Rosidah
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Etik Mardliyati
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Tarwadi
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Sjaikhurrizal El Muttaqien
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), LAPTIAB 1, PUSPIPTEK, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
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4
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Bell JA, Davies ER, Brereton CJ, Vukmirovic M, Roberts JJW, Lunn K, Wickens L, Conforti F, Ridley RA, Ceccato J, Sayer LN, Johnston DA, Vallejo AF, Alzetani A, Jogai S, Marshall BG, Fabre A, Richeldi L, Monk PD, Skipp P, Kaminski N, Offer E, Wang Y, Davies DE, Jones MG. Spatial transcriptomic validation of a biomimetic model of fibrosis enables re-evaluation of a therapeutic antibody targeting LOXL2. Cell Rep Med 2024:101695. [PMID: 39173635 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Matrix stiffening by lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2)-mediated collagen cross-linking is proposed as a core feedforward mechanism that promotes fibrogenesis. Failure in clinical trials of simtuzumab (the humanized version of AB0023, a monoclonal antibody against human LOXL2) suggested that targeting LOXL2 may not have disease relevance; however, target engagement was not directly evaluated. We compare the spatial transcriptome of active human lung fibrogenesis sites with different human cell culture models to identify a disease-relevant model. Within the selected model, we then evaluate AB0023, identifying that it does not inhibit collagen cross-linking or reduce tissue stiffness, nor does it inhibit LOXL2 catalytic activity. In contrast, it does potently inhibit angiogenesis consistent with an alternative, non-enzymatic mechanism of action. Thus, AB0023 is anti-angiogenic but does not inhibit LOXL2 catalytic activity, collagen cross-linking, or tissue stiffening. These findings have implications for the interpretation of the lack of efficacy of simtuzumab in clinical trials of fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Bell
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK
| | - Elizabeth R Davies
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher J Brereton
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK
| | - Milica Vukmirovic
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Leanne Wickens
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Southampton, UK
| | - Franco Conforti
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK
| | - Robert A Ridley
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK
| | - Jessica Ceccato
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lucy N Sayer
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK
| | - David A Johnston
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andres F Vallejo
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK
| | - Aiman Alzetani
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK
| | - Sanjay Jogai
- University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK
| | - Ben G Marshall
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK
| | - Aurelie Fabre
- Department of Histopathology, St. Vincent's University Hospital & UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luca Richeldi
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; Unità Operativa Complessa di Pneumologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paul Skipp
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Southampton, UK; University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily Offer
- Medicines Discovery Catapult, Alderley Edge, UK
| | - Yihua Wang
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Southampton, UK
| | - Donna E Davies
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Southampton, UK
| | - Mark G Jones
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Southampton, UK.
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5
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Iyer JS, Juyal D, Le Q, Shanis Z, Pokkalla H, Pouryahya M, Pedawi A, Stanford-Moore SA, Biddle-Snead C, Carrasco-Zevallos O, Lin M, Egger R, Hoffman S, Elliott H, Leidal K, Myers RP, Chung C, Billin AN, Watkins TR, Patterson SD, Resnick M, Wack K, Glickman J, Burt AD, Loomba R, Sanyal AJ, Glass B, Montalto MC, Taylor-Weiner A, Wapinski I, Beck AH. AI-based automation of enrollment criteria and endpoint assessment in clinical trials in liver diseases. Nat Med 2024:10.1038/s41591-024-03172-7. [PMID: 39112795 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03172-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/08/2024]
Abstract
Clinical trials in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) require histologic scoring for assessment of inclusion criteria and endpoints. However, variability in interpretation has impacted clinical trial outcomes. We developed an artificial intelligence-based measurement (AIM) tool for scoring MASH histology (AIM-MASH). AIM-MASH predictions for MASH Clinical Research Network necroinflammation grades and fibrosis stages were reproducible (κ = 1) and aligned with expert pathologist consensus scores (κ = 0.62-0.74). The AIM-MASH versus consensus agreements were comparable to average pathologists for MASH Clinical Research Network scores (82% versus 81%) and fibrosis (97% versus 96%). Continuous scores produced by AIM-MASH for key histological features of MASH correlated with mean pathologist scores and noninvasive biomarkers and strongly predicted progression-free survival in patients with stage 3 (P < 0.0001) and stage 4 (P = 0.03) fibrosis. In a retrospective analysis of the ATLAS trial (NCT03449446), responders receiving study treatment showed a greater continuous change in fibrosis compared with placebo (P = 0.02). Overall, these results suggest that AIM-MASH may assist pathologists in histologic review of MASH clinical trials, reducing inter-rater variability on trial outcomes and offering a more sensitive and reproducible measure of patient responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Aryan Pedawi
- PathAI, Boston, MA, USA
- Atomwise, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mary Lin
- PathAI, Boston, MA, USA
- Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Sara Hoffman
- PathAI, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hunter Elliott
- PathAI, Boston, MA, USA
- BigHat Biosciences, San Mateo, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth Leidal
- PathAI, Boston, MA, USA
- Genesis Therapeutics, Burlingame, CA, USA
| | - Robert P Myers
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, USA
- OrsoBio, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Chuhan Chung
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, USA
- Inipharm, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Murray Resnick
- PathAI, Boston, MA, USA
- Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Jon Glickman
- PathAI, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alastair D Burt
- NIHRB Medical Research Center, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ilan Wapinski
- PathAI, Boston, MA, USA
- Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
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6
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Fan W, Bradford TM, Török NJ. Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease and diabetes: Matrix remodeling, fibrosis, and therapeutic implications. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1538:21-33. [PMID: 38996214 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) and steatohepatitis (MASH) are becoming the most common causes of chronic liver disease in the United States and worldwide due to the obesity and diabetes epidemics. It is estimated that by 2030 close to 100 million people might be affected and patients with type 2 diabetes are especially at high risk. Twenty to 30% of patients with MASLD can progress to MASH, which is characterized by steatosis, necroinflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and in advanced cases, fibrosis progressing to cirrhosis. Clinically, it is recognized that disease progression in diabetic patients is accelerated and the role of various genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as cell-matrix interactions in fibrosis and stromal remodeling, have recently been recognized. While there has been great progress in drug development and clinical trials for MASLD/MASH, the complexity of these pathways highlights the need to improve diagnosis/early detection and develop more successful antifibrotic therapies that not only prevent but reverse fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Fan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Palo Alto VA Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Toby M Bradford
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Natalie J Török
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Palo Alto VA Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
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7
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Burchard PR, Ruffolo LI, Ullman NA, Dale BS, Dave YA, Hilty BK, Ye J, Georger M, Jewell R, Miller C, De Las Casas L, Jarolimek W, Perryman L, Byrne MM, Loria A, Marin C, Chávez Villa M, Yeh JJ, Belt BA, Linehan DC, Hernandez-Alejandro R. Pan-lysyl oxidase inhibition disrupts fibroinflammatory tumor stroma, rendering cholangiocarcinoma susceptible to chemotherapy. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0502. [PMID: 39101793 PMCID: PMC11299993 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000502] [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] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) features highly desmoplastic stroma that promotes structural and functional resistance to therapy. Lysyl oxidases (LOX, LOXL1-4) catalyze collagen cross-linking, thereby increasing stromal rigidity and facilitating therapeutic resistance. Here, we evaluate the role of lysyl oxidases in stromal desmoplasia and the effects of pan-lysyl oxidase (pan-LOX) inhibition in CCA. METHODS Resected CCA and normal liver specimens were analyzed from archival tissues. Spontaneous and orthotopic murine models of intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) were used to assess the impact of the pan-LOX inhibitor PXS-5505 in treatment and correlative studies. The functional role of pan-LOX inhibition was interrogated through in vivo and ex vivo assays. RESULTS All 5 lysyl oxidases are upregulated in CCA and reduced lysyl oxidase expression is correlated with an improved prognosis in resected patients with CCA. Spontaneous and orthotopic murine models of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma upregulate all 5 lysyl oxidase isoforms. Pan-LOX inhibition reversed mechanical compression of tumor vasculature, resulting in improved chemotherapeutic penetrance and cytotoxic efficacy. The combination of chemotherapy with pan-LOX inhibition increased damage-associated molecular pattern release, which was associated with improved antitumor T-cell responses. Pan-LOX inhibition downregulated macrophage invasive signatures in vitro, rendering tumor-associated macrophages more susceptible to chemotherapy. Mice bearing orthotopic and spontaneously occurring intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma tumors exhibited delayed tumor growth and improved survival following a combination of pan-LOX inhibition with chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS CCA upregulates all 5 lysyl oxidase isoforms, and pan-LOX inhibition reverses tumor-induced mechanical forces associated with chemotherapy resistance to improve chemotherapeutic efficacy and reprogram antitumor immune responses. Thus, combination therapy with pan-LOX inhibition represents an innovative therapeutic strategy in CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Burchard
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Luis I. Ruffolo
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Ullman
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Benjamin S. Dale
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Yatee A. Dave
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Bailey K. Hilty
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Mary Georger
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Rachel Jewell
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Christine Miller
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Luis De Las Casas
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Lara Perryman
- Drug Discovery, Syntara Ltd., Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew M. Byrne
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Anthony Loria
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Chelsea Marin
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Mariana Chávez Villa
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jen Jen Yeh
- Departments of Surgery and Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina System, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian A. Belt
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - David C. Linehan
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Roberto Hernandez-Alejandro
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Division of Solid Organ Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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8
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Pericàs JM, Anstee QM, Augustin S, Bataller R, Berzigotti A, Ciudin A, Francque S, Abraldes JG, Hernández-Gea V, Pons M, Reiberger T, Rowe IA, Rydqvist P, Schabel E, Tacke F, Tsochatzis EA, Genescà J. A roadmap for clinical trials in MASH-related compensated cirrhosis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:10.1038/s41575-024-00955-8. [PMID: 39020089 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00955-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Although metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is rapidly becoming a leading cause of cirrhosis worldwide, therapeutic options are limited and the number of clinical trials in MASH-related compensated cirrhosis is low as compared to those conducted in earlier disease stages. Moreover, designing clinical trials in MASH cirrhosis presents a series of challenges regarding the understanding and conceptualization of the natural history, regulatory considerations, inclusion criteria, recruitment, end points and trial duration, among others. The first international workshop on the state of the art and future direction of clinical trials in MASH-related compensated cirrhosis was held in April 2023 at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona (Spain) and was attended by a group of international experts on clinical trials from academia, regulatory agencies and industry, encompassing expertise in MASH, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and regulatory affairs. The presented Roadmap summarizes important content of the workshop on current status, regulatory requirements and end points in MASH-related compensated cirrhosis clinical trials, exploring alternative study designs and highlighting the challenges that should be considered for upcoming studies on MASH cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Pericàs
- Liver Unit, Division of Digestive Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Quentin M Anstee
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Center, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ramón Bataller
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreea Ciudin
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Morbid Obesity Unit Coordinator, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas asociadas (CIBERdem), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sven Francque
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, InflaMed Centre of Excellence, Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Translational Sciences in Inflammation and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Virginia Hernández-Gea
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Pons
- Liver Unit, Division of Digestive Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ian A Rowe
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Peter Rydqvist
- Medical Department, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
| | - Elmer Schabel
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, London, UK
| | - Joan Genescà
- Liver Unit, Division of Digestive Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Tincopa MA, Loomba R. Noninvasive Tests to Assess Fibrosis and Disease Severity in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis. Semin Liver Dis 2024. [PMID: 38981691 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Risk of disease progression and clinical outcomes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with fibrosis stage and presence of "at-risk metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)." Although liver biopsy is considered the gold standard to diagnose MASH and stage of fibrosis, biopsy is infrequently performed in clinical practice and has associated sampling error, lack of interrater reliability, and risk for procedural complications. Noninvasive tests (NITs) are routinely used in clinical practice for risk stratification of patients with MASLD. Several NITs are being developed for detecting "at-risk MASH" and cirrhosis. Clinical care guidelines apply NITs to identify patients needing subspecialty referral. With recently approved Food and Drug Administration treatment for MASH and additional emerging pharmacotherapy, NITs will identify patients who will most benefit from treatment, monitor treatment response, and assess risk for long-term clinical outcomes. In this review, we examine the performance of NITs to detect "at-risk MASH," fibrosis stage, response to treatment, and risk of clinical outcomes in MASLD and MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica A Tincopa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MASLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Rohit Loomba
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MASLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California
- School of Public Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California
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10
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Yuan HY, Tong XF, Ren YY, Li YY, Wang XL, Chen LL, Chen SD, Jin XZ, Wang XD, Targher G, Byrne CD, Wei L, Wong VWS, Tai D, Sanyal AJ, You H, Zheng MH. AI-based digital pathology provides newer insights into lifestyle intervention-induced fibrosis regression in MASLD: An exploratory study. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38963299 DOI: 10.1111/liv.16025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lifestyle intervention is the mainstay of therapy for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and liver fibrosis is a key consequence of MASH that predicts adverse clinical outcomes. The placebo response plays a pivotal role in the outcome of MASH clinical trials. Second harmonic generation/two-photon excitation fluorescence (SHG/TPEF) microscopy with artificial intelligence analyses can provide an automated quantitative assessment of fibrosis features on a continuous scale called qFibrosis. In this exploratory study, we used this approach to gain insight into the effect of lifestyle intervention-induced fibrosis changes in MASH. METHODS We examined unstained sections from paired liver biopsies (baseline and end-of-intervention) from MASH individuals who had received either routine lifestyle intervention (RLI) (n = 35) or strengthened lifestyle intervention (SLI) (n = 17). We quantified liver fibrosis with qFibrosis in the portal tract, periportal, transitional, pericentral, and central vein regions. RESULTS About 20% (7/35) and 65% (11/17) of patients had fibrosis regression in the RLI and SLI groups, respectively. Liver fibrosis tended towards no change or regression after each lifestyle intervention, and this phenomenon was more prominent in the SLI group. SLI-induced liver fibrosis regression was concentrated in the periportal region. CONCLUSION Using digital pathology, we could detect a more pronounced fibrosis regression with SLI, mainly in the periportal region. With changes in fibrosis area in the periportal region, we could differentiate RLI and SLI patients in the placebo group in the MASH clinical trial. Digital pathology provides new insight into lifestyle-induced fibrosis regression and placebo responses, which is not captured by conventional histological staging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yang Yuan
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Tong
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Yun Ren
- HistoIndex Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang-Yang Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | | | - Li-Li Chen
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Sui-Dan Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Zhi Jin
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Metabolic Diseases Research Unit, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Christopher D Byrne
- Southampton National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton and University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Lai Wei
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Vincent W-S Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dean Tai
- HistoIndex Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Hua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Hepatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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11
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Singal AK, Shah VH, Malhi H. Emerging targets for therapy in ALD: Lessons from NASH. Hepatology 2024; 80:223-237. [PMID: 36938877 PMCID: PMC10511666 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease due to harmful alcohol use and NAFLD associated with metabolic syndrome are the 2 most common liver diseases worldwide. Control of respective risk factors is the cornerstone in the long-term management of these diseases. Furthermore, there are no effective therapies. Both diseases are characterized by metabolic derangements; thus, the focus of this review was to broaden our understanding of metabolic targets investigated in NAFLD, and how these can be applied to alcohol-associated liver disease. Conserved pathogenic pathways such as dysregulated lipid metabolism, cell death pathways including apoptosis and activation of innate immune cells, and stellate cells mediate both alcohol and NAFLDs, resulting in histological abnormalities of steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. However, pathways such as gut microbiome changes, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, inflammatory signaling, and microRNA abnormalities are distinct in these 2 diseases. In this review article, we describe conserved and distinct pathogenic pathways highlighting therapeutic targets that may be of potential in both diseases and those that are unique to each disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani K. Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Avera Transplant Institute, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- VA Medical Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Harmeet Malhi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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12
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Fuster-Martínez I, Calatayud S. The current landscape of antifibrotic therapy across different organs: A systematic approach. Pharmacol Res 2024; 205:107245. [PMID: 38821150 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common pathological process that can affect virtually all the organs, but there are hardly any effective therapeutic options. This has led to an intense search for antifibrotic therapies over the last decades, with a great number of clinical assays currently underway. We have systematically reviewed all current and recently finished clinical trials involved in the development of new antifibrotic drugs, and the preclinical studies analyzing the relevance of each of these pharmacological strategies in fibrotic processes affecting tissues beyond those being clinically studied. We analyze and discuss this information with the aim of determining the most promising options and the feasibility of extending their therapeutic value as antifibrotic agents to other fibrotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Fuster-Martínez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universitat de València, Valencia 46010, Spain; FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana), Valencia 46020, Spain.
| | - Sara Calatayud
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universitat de València, Valencia 46010, Spain; CIBERehd (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Spain.
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13
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Amoroso M, Augustin S, Moosmang S, Gashaw I. Non-invasive biomarkers prognostic of decompensation events in NASH cirrhosis: a systematic literature review. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:841-858. [PMID: 38753041 PMCID: PMC11213726 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02448-2] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a life-threatening condition with increasing incidence world-wide. Although its symptoms are unspecific, it can lead to decompensation events such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal hemorrhage, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, an increased risk for cardiovascular events has been demonstrated in patients with NASH. Pharmacological treatments for NASH cirrhosis are not yet available, one of the reasons being the lack in surrogate endpoints available in clinical trials of NASH cirrhosis. The feasibility of non-invasive prognostic biomarkers makes them interesting candidates as possible surrogate endpoints if their change following treatment would result in better outcomes for patients in future clinical trials of NASH cirrhosis. In this systematic literature review, a summary of the available literature on the prognostic performance of non-invasive biomarkers in terms of cardiovascular events, liver-related events, and mortality is outlined. Due to the scarcity of data specific for NASH cirrhosis, this review includes studies on NAFLD whose evaluation focuses on cirrhosis. Our search strategy identified the following non-invasive biomarkers with prognostic value in studies of NASH patients: NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF™), BARD (BMI, AST/ALT (alanine aminotransferase) ratio, diabetes), Hepamet Fibrosis Score (HFS), liver enzymes (AST + ALT), alpha-fetoprotein, platelet count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) 2, miR-122, liver stiffness, MEFIB (liver stiffness measured with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) + FIB-4), and PNPLA3 GG genotype. The aim of the present systematic literature review is to provide the reader with a summary of the non-invasive biomarkers with prognostic value in NASH cirrhosis and give an evaluation of their utility as treatment monitoring biomarkers in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sven Moosmang
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany
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14
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Ye C, Jiang S, Zeng T, He S, Cao J, Xiao J. The role of LOXL2 in tumor progression, immune response and cellular senescence: a comprehensive analysis. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:245. [PMID: 38922489 PMCID: PMC11208360 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
LOXL2, an enzyme belonging to the LOX family, facilitates the cross-linking of extracellular matrix (ECM) elements. However, the roles of the LOXL2 gene in mechanisms of oncogenesis and tumor development have not been clearly defined. In this pan-cancer study, we examined the notable disparity in LOXL2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels among various cancer types and elucidated its interconnected roles in tumor progression, mutational profile, immune response, and cellular senescence. Apart from investigating the hyperexpression of LOXL2 being related to poorer prognosis in different types of tumors, this study also unveiled noteworthy connections between LOXL2 and genetic mutations, infiltration of tumor immune cells, and genes in immune checkpoint pathways. Further analysis revealed the participation of LOXL2 in multiple pathways related to cancer extracellular matrix remodeling and cellular senescence. Moreover, our investigation uncovered that the knockdown and inhibition of LOXL2 significantly attenuated the proliferation and migration of PC-9 and HCC-LM3 cells. The knock-down and inhibition of LOXL2 enhanced cellular senescence in lung and liver cancer cells, as confirmed by SA-β-Gal staining and quantitative RT-PCR analyses. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights on the functions of LOXL2 in different types of cancer and its role in regulating the senescence of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ye
- School of Health Science and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai, 200093, China
- Spinal Tumor Center, Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Sihan Jiang
- Graduate School, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Tanlun Zeng
- Graduate School, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shaohui He
- Spinal Tumor Center, Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Jinjin Cao
- School of Health Science and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai, 200093, China.
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jianru Xiao
- School of Health Science and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai, 200093, China.
- Spinal Tumor Center, Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China.
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15
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Revert-Ros F, Ventura I, Prieto-Ruiz JA, Hernández-Andreu JM, Revert F. The Versatility of Collagen in Pharmacology: Targeting Collagen, Targeting with Collagen. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6523. [PMID: 38928229 PMCID: PMC11203716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126523] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Collagen, a versatile family of proteins with 28 members and 44 genes, is pivotal in maintaining tissue integrity and function. It plays a crucial role in physiological processes like wound healing, hemostasis, and pathological conditions such as fibrosis and cancer. Collagen is a target in these processes. Direct methods for collagen modulation include enzymatic breakdown and molecular binding approaches. For instance, Clostridium histolyticum collagenase is effective in treating localized fibrosis. Polypeptides like collagen-binding domains offer promising avenues for tumor-specific immunotherapy and drug delivery. Indirect targeting of collagen involves regulating cellular processes essential for its synthesis and maturation, such as translation regulation and microRNA activity. Enzymes involved in collagen modification, such as prolyl-hydroxylases or lysyl-oxidases, are also indirect therapeutic targets. From another perspective, collagen is also a natural source of drugs. Enzymatic degradation of collagen generates bioactive fragments known as matrikines and matricryptins, which exhibit diverse pharmacological activities. Overall, collagen-derived peptides present significant therapeutic potential beyond tissue repair, offering various strategies for treating fibrosis, cancer, and genetic disorders. Continued research into specific collagen targeting and the application of collagen and its derivatives may lead to the development of novel treatments for a range of pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Fernando Revert
- Mitochondrial and Molecular Medicine Research Group, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (F.R.-R.); (I.V.); (J.A.P.-R.); (J.M.H.-A.)
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16
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Iwaki M, Yoneda M, Wada N, Otani T, Kobayashi T, Nogami A, Saito S, Nakajima A. Emerging drugs for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024; 29:127-137. [PMID: 38469871 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2328036] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approved drug therapies for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are lacking, for which various agents are currently being tested in clinical trials. Effective drugs for liver fibrosis, the factor most associated with prognosis in NASH, are important. AREAS COVERED This study reviewed the treatment of NASH with a focus on the effects of existing drugs and new drugs on liver fibrosis. EXPERT OPINION Considering the complex pathophysiology of fibrosis in NASH, drug therapy may target multiple pathways. The method of assessing fibrosis is important when considering treatment for liver fibrosis in NASH. The Food and Drug Administration considers an important fibrosis endpoint to be histological improvement in at least one fibrosis stage while preventing worsening of fatty hepatitis. To obtain approval as a drug for NASH, efficacy needs to be demonstrated on endpoints such as liver-related events and myocardial infarction. Among the current therapeutic agents for NASH, thiazolidinedione, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2, and selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α modulator have been reported to be effective against fibrosis, although further evidence is required. The effects of pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, obeticholic acid, and fibroblast growth factor-21 analogs on liver fibrosis in the development stage therapeutics for NASH are of particular interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiro Iwaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masato Yoneda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Naohiro Wada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Otani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takashi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Asako Nogami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satoru Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanno Hospital, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Chida T, Ohta K, Noritake H, Matsushita M, Murohisa G, Kageyama F, Sasada Y, Oyaizu T, Tsugiki M, Tamakoshi K, Nakajima T, Suda T, Kawata K. Lysyl oxidase-like 2 as a predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C virus after sustained virological response. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10864. [PMID: 38740815 PMCID: PMC11091085 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61366-y] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) mediates the crosslinking of extracellular collagen, reflecting qualitative changes in liver fibrosis. This study aimed to validate the utility of serum LOXL2 levels as a predictive biomarker for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). This retrospective study included 137 patients with chronic HCV infection without history of HCC development and who achieved SVR via direct-acting antiviral therapy. Median LOXL2 levels decreased significantly after SVR achievement (pre-Tx, 2.33 ng/mL; post-Tx, 1.31 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Post-Tx LOXL2 levels, fibrosis-4 index, platelet counts, Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive human Mac-2 binding protein levels, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were identified as independent predictive factors for post-SVR HCC development in the univariate analysis. The incidence of post-SVR HCC development was significantly higher in patients with post-Tx LOXL2 levels ≥ 2.08 ng/mL and AFP levels ≥ 5.0 ng/mL than in patients with elevated levels of either marker or with lower marker levels. Serum LOXL2 levels can serve as a predictive biomarker for HCC development after achieving SVR. The combination of serum LOXL2 and AFP levels provides robust risk stratification for HCC development after SVR, suggesting an enhanced surveillance strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Chida
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan.
- Department of Regional Medical Care Support, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan.
| | - Kazuyoshi Ohta
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hidenao Noritake
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Masahiro Matsushita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shimada General Medical Center, 1200-5 Noda, Shimada, Shizuoka, 427-8502, Japan
| | - Gou Murohisa
- Department of Hepatology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 430-8558, Japan
| | - Fujito Kageyama
- Department of Hepatology, Hamamatsu Medical Center, 328 Tomitsuka-Cho, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 432-8580, Japan
| | - Yuzo Sasada
- Department of Hepatology, Iwata City Hospital, 512-3 Ookubo, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-8550, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Oyaizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shizuoka City Shizuoka Hospital, 10-93 Otemachi, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 420-8630, Japan
| | - Minoru Tsugiki
- Minoru Medical Clinic, 1784-1 Mishima-Cho, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 430-0853, Japan
| | | | - Takeyuki Nakajima
- Elm Medical Clinic, 5-17-22 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3125, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suda
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
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18
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Jalil SMA, Henry JC, Cameron AJM. Targets in the Tumour Matrisome to Promote Cancer Therapy Response. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1847. [PMID: 38791926 PMCID: PMC11119821 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of complex fibrillar proteins, proteoglycans, and macromolecules, generated by stromal, immune, and cancer cells. The components and organisation of the matrix evolves as tumours progress to invasive disease and metastasis. In many solid tumours, dense fibrotic ECM has been hypothesised to impede therapy response by limiting drug and immune cell access. Interventions to target individual components of the ECM, collectively termed the matrisome, have, however, revealed complex tumour-suppressor, tumour-promoter, and immune-modulatory functions, which have complicated clinical translation. The degree to which distinct components of the matrisome can dictate tumour phenotypes and response to therapy is the subject of intense study. A primary aim is to identify therapeutic opportunities within the matrisome, which might support a better response to existing therapies. Many matrix signatures have been developed which can predict prognosis, immune cell content, and immunotherapy responses. In this review, we will examine key components of the matrisome which have been associated with advanced tumours and therapy resistance. We have primarily focussed here on targeting matrisome components, rather than specific cell types, although several examples are described where cells of origin can dramatically affect tumour roles for matrix components. As we unravel the complex biochemical, biophysical, and intracellular transduction mechanisms associated with the ECM, numerous therapeutic opportunities will be identified to modify tumour progression and therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angus J. M. Cameron
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (S.M.A.J.); (J.C.H.)
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Kokkorakis M, Muzurović E, Volčanšek Š, Chakhtoura M, Hill MA, Mikhailidis DP, Mantzoros CS. Steatotic Liver Disease: Pathophysiology and Emerging Pharmacotherapies. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:454-499. [PMID: 38697855 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.001087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Steatotic liver disease (SLD) displays a dynamic and complex disease phenotype. Consequently, the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) therapeutic pipeline is expanding rapidly and in multiple directions. In parallel, noninvasive tools for diagnosing and monitoring responses to therapeutic interventions are being studied, and clinically feasible findings are being explored as primary outcomes in interventional trials. The realization that distinct subgroups exist under the umbrella of SLD should guide more precise and personalized treatment recommendations and facilitate advancements in pharmacotherapeutics. This review summarizes recent updates of pathophysiology-based nomenclature and outlines both effective pharmacotherapeutics and those in the pipeline for MASLD/MASH, detailing their mode of action and the current status of phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. Of the extensive arsenal of pharmacotherapeutics in the MASLD/MASH pipeline, several have been rejected, whereas other, mainly monotherapy options, have shown only marginal benefits and are now being tested as part of combination therapies, yet others are still in development as monotherapies. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved resmetirom, additional therapeutic approaches in development will ideally target MASH and fibrosis while improving cardiometabolic risk factors. Due to the urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and the potential availability of safety and tolerability data, repurposing existing and approved drugs is an appealing option. Finally, it is essential to highlight that SLD and, by extension, MASLD should be recognized and approached as a systemic disease affecting multiple organs, with the vigorous implementation of interdisciplinary and coordinated action plans. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Steatotic liver disease (SLD), including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is the most prevalent chronic liver condition, affecting more than one-fourth of the global population. This review aims to provide the most recent information regarding SLD pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management according to the latest advancements in the guidelines and clinical trials. Collectively, it is hoped that the information provided furthers the understanding of the current state of SLD with direct clinical implications and stimulates research initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Kokkorakis
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Emir Muzurović
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Špela Volčanšek
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Marlene Chakhtoura
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Michael A Hill
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Dimitri P Mikhailidis
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
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20
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Kaplan DE, Ripoll C, Thiele M, Fortune BE, Simonetto DA, Garcia-Tsao G, Bosch J. AASLD Practice Guidance on risk stratification and management of portal hypertension and varices in cirrhosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:1180-1211. [PMID: 37870298 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David E Kaplan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Gastroenterology Section, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Cristina Ripoll
- Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Maja Thiele
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Brett E Fortune
- Department of Gastroenterology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Douglas A Simonetto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Jaime Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS) and CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Pham HN, Pham L, Sato K. Navigating the liver landscape: upcoming pharmacotherapies for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:895-906. [PMID: 38813599 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2362263] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a bile duct disorder characterized by ductular reaction, hepatic inflammation, and liver fibrosis. The pathogenesis of PSC is still undefined, and treatment options for patients are limited. Previous clinical trials evaluated drug candidates targeting various cellular functions and pathways, such as bile acid signaling and absorption, gut bacteria and permeability, and lipid metabolisms. However, most of phase III clinical trials for PSC were disappointing, except vancomycin therapy, and there are still no established medications for PSC with efficacy and safety confirmed by phase IV clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the currently ongoing or completed clinical studies for PSC, which are phase II or further, and discusses therapeutic targets and strategies, limitations, and future directions and possibilities of PSC treatments. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov utilizing the combination of the searched term 'primary sclerosing cholangitis' with other keywords, such as 'clinical trials,' 'antibiotics,' or drug names. Clinical trials at phase II or further were included for consideration. EXPERT OPINION Only vancomycin demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in the phase III clinical trial. Other drug candidates showed futility or inconsistent results, and the search for novel PSC treatments is still ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Nam Pham
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Linh Pham
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University - Central Texas, Killeen, TX, USA
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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22
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Zhang N, Yang A, Zhang W, Li H, Xu A, Yan X, Han Q, Wang B, You H, Chen W. Crosstalk of lysyl oxidase-like 1 and lysyl oxidase prolongs their half-lives and regulates liver fibrosis through Notch signal. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0391. [PMID: 38466882 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000391] [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] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lysyl oxidase (LOX) family members (LOX and LOXL1 to 4) are crucial copper-dependent enzymes responsible for cross-linking collagen and elastin. Previous studies have revealed that LOX and LOXL1 are the most dramatically dysregulated LOX isoforms during liver fibrosis. However, the crosstalk between them and the underlying mechanisms involved in the profibrotic behaviors of HSCs, as well as the progression of liver fibrosis, remain unclear. METHODS pCol9GFP-HS4,5Tg mice, Loxl1fl/flGfapCre mice, human HSC line, and primary HSCs were enrolled to study the dysregulation pattern, profibrotic roles, and the potential mechanisms of LOX and LOXL1 interaction involved in the myofibroblast-like transition of HSCs and liver fibrogenesis. RESULTS LOX and LOXL1 were synergistically upregulated during liver fibrogenesis, irrespective of etiology, together orchestrating the profibrotic behaviors of HSCs. LOX and LOXL1 coregulated in HSCs, whereas LOXL1 dominated in the coregulation loop. Interestingly, the interaction between LOXL1 and LOX prolonged their half-lives, specifically enhancing the Notch signal-mediated myofibroblast-like transition of HSCs. Selective disruption of Loxl1 in Gfap+ HSCs deactivated the Notch signal, inhibited HSC activation, and relieved carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our current study confirmed the synergistic roles and the underlying mechanisms of LOXL1 and LOX crosstalk in the profibrotic behaviors of HSCs and liver fibrosis progression, providing experimental evidence for further clear mechanism-based anti-LOXL1 strategy development in the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Aiting Yang
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Anjian Xu
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuzhen Yan
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Han
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingqiong Wang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Lv YF, Xie CS, Liu ZX, Kang MD, Liu Y, Liao ZQ, Ji YL, Zhao R, Li YS, Wei XY, Luo RG, Tang Q. Sevelamer reverses liver fibrosis by deactivation of hepatic stellate cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116121. [PMID: 38461906 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116121] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by a progressive wound healing response caused by chronic liver injury. Currently, there are no approved clinical treatments for liver fibrosis. Sevelamer is used clinically to treat hyperphosphatemia and has shown potential therapeutic effects on liver diseases. However, there have been few studies evaluating the therapeutic effects of sevelamer on liver fibrosis, and the specific mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the antifibrotic effects of sevelamer-induced low inorganic phosphate (Pi) stress in vitro and in vivo and analyzed the detailed mechanisms. We found that low Pi stress could inhibit the proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by promoting apoptosis, effectively suppressing the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatic stellate cells. Additionally, low Pi stress significantly increased the antioxidant stress response. It is worth noting that low Pi stress indirectly inhibited the activation and migration of HSCs by suppressing transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) expression in macrophages. In a rat model of liver fibrosis, oral administration of sevelamer significantly decreased blood phosphorus levels, improved liver function, reduced liver inflammation, and increased the antioxidant stress response in the liver. Our study revealed that the key mechanism by which sevelamer inhibited liver fibrosis involved binding to gastrointestinal phosphate, resulting in a decrease in blood phosphorus levels, the downregulation of TGF-β expression in macrophages, and the inhibition of HSC migration and fibrosis-related protein expression. Therefore, our results suggest that sevelamer-induced low Pi stress can attenuate hepatic stellate cell activation and inhibit the progression of liver fibrosis, making it a potential option for the treatment of liver fibrosis and other refractory chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Feng Lv
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Chuan-Sheng Xie
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Mei-Diao Kang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zi-Qiang Liao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yu-Long Ji
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yan-Shu Li
- Jiangxi Center of Medical Device Testing, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Rong-Guang Luo
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Qun Tang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.
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24
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Zhu S, Wu Z, Wang W, Wei L, Zhou H. A revisit of drugs and potential therapeutic targets against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: learning from clinical trials. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:761-776. [PMID: 37839037 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02216-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease, with a worldwide prevalence of 25%. Although numerous clinical trials have been conducted over the last few decades, an effective treatment has not been approved yet. Extensive research has accumulated a large amount of data and experience; however, the vast number of clinical trials and new therapeutic targets for NAFLD make it impossible to keep abreast of the relevant information. Therefore, a systematic analysis of the existing trials is necessary. METHODS Here, we reviewed clinical trials on NAFLD registered in the mandated federal database, ClinicalTrials.gov, to generate a detailed overview of the trials related to drugs and therapeutic targets for NAFLD treatment. Following screening for pertinence to therapy, a total of 440 entries were identified that included active trials as well as those that have already been completed, suspended, terminated, or withdrawn. RESULTS We summarize and systematically analyze the state, drug development pipeline, and discovery of treatment targets for NAFLD. We consider possible factors that may affect clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we discussed these results to explore the mechanisms responsible for clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION We summarised the landscape of current clinical trials and suggested the directions for future NAFLD therapy to assist internal medicine specialists in treating the whole clinical spectrum of this highly prevalent liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zhu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Z Wu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - W Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - L Wei
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - H Zhou
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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25
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Lloyd SM, He Y. Exploring Extracellular Matrix Crosslinking as a Therapeutic Approach to Fibrosis. Cells 2024; 13:438. [PMID: 38474402 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support for tissues and regulatory signals for resident cells. ECM requires a careful balance between protein accumulation and degradation for homeostasis. Disruption of this balance can lead to pathological processes such as fibrosis in organs across the body. Post-translational crosslinking modifications to ECM proteins such as collagens alter ECM structure and function. Dysregulation of crosslinking enzymes as well as changes in crosslinking composition are prevalent in fibrosis. Because of the crucial roles these ECM crosslinking pathways play in disease, the enzymes that govern crosslinking events are being explored as therapeutic targets for fibrosis. Here, we review in depth the molecular mechanisms underlying ECM crosslinking, how ECM crosslinking contributes to fibrosis, and the therapeutic strategies being explored to target ECM crosslinking in fibrosis to restore normal tissue structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Lloyd
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Yupeng He
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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26
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Rinella ME, Lieu HD, Kowdley KV, Goodman ZD, Alkhouri N, Lawitz E, Ratziu V, Abdelmalek MF, Wong VWS, Younes ZH, Sheikh AM, Brannan D, Freilich B, Membreno F, Sinclair M, Melchor-Khan L, Sanyal AJ, Ling L, Harrison SA. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of aldafermin in patients with NASH and compensated cirrhosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:674-689. [PMID: 37732990 PMCID: PMC10871650 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Aldafermin, an engineered analog of the human hormone FGF19, improves liver histology in patients with noncirrhotic NASH; however, its efficacy and safety in compensated cirrhosis is unknown. No drug has yet to demonstrate benefit in the compensated NASH population. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial, 160 patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis were randomized to aldafermin 0.3 mg (n = 7), 1 mg (n = 42), 3 mg (n = 55), or placebo (n = 56) for 48 weeks. The 0.3 mg group was discontinued to limit exposure to suboptimal doses. The primary end point was a change in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis from baseline to week 48. The analyses were performed in the intention-to-treat population. At week 48, the least-squares mean difference in the change in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis was -0.5 (95% CI, -0.7 to -0.2; p = 0.0003) between the 3 mg group and the placebo group. 15%, 21%, and 23% of patients in the placebo, 1 mg, and 3 mg group, respectively, achieved fibrosis improvement ≥ 1 stage; and 13%, 16%, and 20% achieved fibrosis improvement ≥ 1 stage without NASH worsening. Improvement in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, neoepitope-specific N-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen, and liver stiffness favored aldefermin groups over placebo. Diarrhea was the most frequent adverse event, occurring at 26% and 40% in the 1 mg and 3 mg groups, respectively, compared to 18% in the placebo group. Overall, 0%, 2%, and 9% of patients in the placebo, 1 mg, and 3 mg group, respectively, discontinued due to treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Aldafermin 3 mg resulted in a significant reduction in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis in patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Rinella
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hsiao D. Lieu
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kris V. Kowdley
- Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
- Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Eric Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, ICAN Institute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM UMRS 1138 CRC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Lei Ling
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stephen A. Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Wang Y, Yu H, Cen Z, Zhu Y, Wu W. Drug targets regulate systemic metabolism and provide new horizons to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Metabol Open 2024; 21:100267. [PMID: 38187470 PMCID: PMC10770762 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2023.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is the advanced stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with rapidly rising global prevalence. It is featured with severe hepatocyte apoptosis, inflammation and hepatic lipogenesis. The drugs directly targeting the processes of steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis are currently under clinical investigation. Nevertheless, the long-term ineffectiveness and remarkable adverse effects are well documented, and new concepts are required to tackle with the root causes of NASH progression. We critically assess the recently validated drug targets that regulate the systemic metabolism to ameliorate NASH. Thermogenesis promoted by mitochondrial uncouplers restores systemic energy expenditure. Furthermore, regulation of mitochondrial proteases and proteins that are pivotal for intracellular metabolic homeostasis normalize mitochondrial function. Secreted proteins also improve systemic metabolism, and NASH is ameliorated by agonizing receptors of secreted proteins with small molecules. We analyze the drug design, the advantages and shortcomings of these novel drug candidates. Meanwhile, the structural modification of current NASH therapeutics significantly increased their selectivity, efficacy and safety. Furthermore, the arising CRISPR-Cas9 screen strategy on liver organoids has enabled the identification of new genes that mediate lipid metabolism, which may serve as promising drug targets. In summary, this article discusses the in-depth novel mechanisms and the multidisciplinary approaches, and they provide new horizons to treat NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, China
| | - Hanhan Yu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhipeng Cen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Yutong Zhu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wenyi Wu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
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Dallio M, Romeo M, Vaia P, Auletta S, Mammone S, Cipullo M, Sapio L, Ragone A, Niosi M, Naviglio S, Federico A. Red cell distribution width/platelet ratio estimates the 3-year risk of decompensation in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease-induced cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:685-704. [PMID: 38515952 PMCID: PMC10950628 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i7.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) patients, the first decompensation represents a dramatically worsening prognostic event. Based on the first decompensation event (DE), the transition to decompensated advanced chronic liver disease (dACLD) can occur through two modalities referred to as acute decompensation (AD) and non-AD (NAD), respectively. Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension (CSPH) is considered the strongest predictor of decompensation in these patients. However, due to its invasiveness and costs, CSPH is almost never evaluated in clinical practice. Therefore, recognizing non-invasively predicting tools still have more appeal across healthcare systems. The red cell distribution width to platelet ratio (RPR) has been reported to be an indicator of hepatic fibrosis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). However, its predictive role for the decompensation has never been explored.
AIM In this observational study, we investigated the clinical usage of RPR in predicting DEs in MASLD-related cACLD patients.
METHODS Fourty controls and 150 MASLD-cACLD patients were consecutively enrolled and followed up (FUP) semiannually for 3 years. At baseline, biochemical, clinical, and Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM), Child-Pugh (CP), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), aspartate aminotransferase/platelet count ratio index (APRI), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI), ALBI-FIB-4, and RPR were collected. During FUP, DEs (timing and modaities) were recorded. CSPH was assessed at the baseline and on DE occurrence according to the available Clinical Practice Guidelines.
RESULTS Of 150 MASLD-related cACLD patients, 43 (28.6%) progressed to dACLD at a median time of 28.9 months (29 NAD and 14 AD). Baseline RPR values were significantly higher in cACLD in comparison to controls, as well as MELD, CP, APRI, FIB-4, ALBI, ALBI-FIB-4, and LSM in dACLD-progressing compared to cACLD individuals [all P < 0.0001, except for FIB-4 (P: 0.007) and ALBI (P: 0.011)]. Receiving operator curve analysis revealed RPR > 0.472 and > 0.894 as the best cut-offs in the prediction respectively of 3-year first DE, as well as its superiority compared to the other non-invasive tools examined. RPR (P: 0.02) and the presence of baseline-CSPH (P: 0.04) were significantly and independently associated with the DE. Patients presenting baseline-CSPH and RPR > 0.472 showed higher risk of decompensation (P: 0.0023).
CONCLUSION Altogether these findings suggest the RPR as a valid and potentially applicable non-invasive tool in the prediction of timing and modalities of decompensation in MASLD-related cACLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Dallio
- Department of Precision Medicine, Hepatogastroenterology Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Mario Romeo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Hepatogastroenterology Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Paolo Vaia
- Department of Precision Medicine, Hepatogastroenterology Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Salvatore Auletta
- Department of Precision Medicine, Hepatogastroenterology Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Simone Mammone
- Department of Precision Medicine, Hepatogastroenterology Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Marina Cipullo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Hepatogastroenterology Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Luigi Sapio
- Department of Precision Medicine, Clinical Biochemistry Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Angela Ragone
- Department of Precision Medicine, Clinical Biochemistry Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Marco Niosi
- Department of Precision Medicine, Hepatogastroenterology Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Silvio Naviglio
- Department of Precision Medicine, Clinical Biochemistry Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Alessandro Federico
- Department of Precision Medicine, Hepatogastroenterology Division, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80138, Italy
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Chen L, Guo W, Mao C, Shen J, Wan M. Liver fibrosis: pathological features, clinical treatment and application of therapeutic nanoagents. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1446-1466. [PMID: 38265305 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02790b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible damage-repair response, the pathological features of which mainly include damage to hepatocytes, sinusoid capillarization, hepatic stellate cells activation, excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix and inflammatory response. Although some treatments (including drugs and stem cell therapy) for these pathological features have been shown to be effective, more clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness. In recent years, nanomaterials-based therapies have emerged as an innovative and promising alternative to traditional drugs, being explored for the treatment of liver fibrosis diseases. Natural nanomaterials (including extracellular vesicles) and synthetic nanomaterials (including inorganic nanomaterials and organic nanomaterials) are developed to facilitate drug targeting delivery and combination therapy. In this review, the pathological features of liver fibrosis and the current anti-fibrosis drugs in clinical trials are briefly introduced, followed by a detailed introduction of the therapeutic nanoagents for the precise delivery of anti-fibrosis drugs. Finally, the future development trend in this field is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Wenyan Guo
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jian Shen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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30
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Li Y, Jin G, Liu N, Guo H, Xu F. The post-chemotherapy changes of tumor physical microenvironment: Targeting extracellular matrix to address chemoresistance. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216583. [PMID: 38072368 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The tumor physical microenvironment (TPME) contributes to cancer chemoresistance in both mechanical and mechanobiological approaches. Along with chemotherapy, the tumor microenvironment undergoes dramatic changes, most of which can regulate TPME through extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and related signaling pathways. However, there is still no discussion about the post-chemotherapy TPME changes mediated by ECM remodeling, and consequent impact on chemoresistance. Herein, we summarize the TPME alterations induced by chemotherapy and corresponding influence on chemotherapy response of cancer cells in context of ECM. The response of cancer cell to chemotherapy, imposed by post-chemotherapy ECM, are discussed in both mechanical (ECM physical features) and mechanobiological (ECM-responsive signaling pathways) manner. In the end, we present ECM remodeling and related signaling pathways as two promising clinic strategies to relieve or overcome chemoresistance induced by TPME change, and summarize the corresponding therapeutic agents currently being tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Guorui Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affifiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, 570311, PR China.
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, PR China.
| | - Feng Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China.
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31
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Loomba R, Sanyal AJ, Nakajima A, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Goodman ZD, Harrison SA, Lawitz EJ, Gunn N, Imajo K, Ravendhran N, Akahane T, Boone B, Yamaguchi M, Chatterjee A, Tirucherai GS, Shevell DE, Du S, Charles ED, Abdelmalek MF. Pegbelfermin in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Stage 3 Fibrosis (FALCON 1): A Randomized Phase 2b Study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:102-112.e9. [PMID: 37088457 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pegbelfermin is a polyethlene glycol-conjugated analog of human fibroblast growth factor 21, a nonmitogenic hormone that regulates energy metabolism. This phase 2b study evaluated 48-week pegbelfermin treatment in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and stage 3 (bridging) fibrosis. METHODS The FALCON 1 study (NCT03486899) was a multicenter, randomized (1:1:1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH and stage 3 fibrosis (N = 197) received weekly subcutaneous pegbelfermin (10, 20, or 40 mg) or placebo injections for 48 weeks. The week 24 primary endpoint was a ≥1-point decrease in fibrosis score without NASH worsening or NASH improvement without fibrosis worsening; pegbelfermin dose response was assessed using a Cochran-Armitage trend test across proportions (1-sided α = 0.05). Secondary/exploratory endpoints included histological and noninvasive measures of steatosis, fibrosis, and liver injury/inflammation. RESULTS At week 24, the primary endpoint was met by 14% (placebo) vs 24%-31% (pegbelfermin arms); statistical significance was not reached due to lack of pegbelfermin dose response (P = .134). At weeks 24 and 48, more patients who received pegbelfermin had ≥30% relative reductions in hepatic fat fraction (magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction) vs placebo, although no differences reached statistical significance. In the pegbelfermin arms, improvements in liver fibrosis (magnetic resonance elastography and N-terminal type III collagen propeptide) and liver injury/inflammation (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) were observed vs placebo. Adverse events occurred at similar frequencies across arms. No treatment-related serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS The FALCON 1 study did not meet its primary endpoint; a ≥1-point decrease in fibrosis score without NASH worsening or NASH improvement without fibrosis worsening assessed via biopsy. Pegbelfermin was generally well tolerated during 48 weeks of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Loomba
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Zachary D Goodman
- Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia
| | | | - Eric J Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Kento Imajo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shuyan Du
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey
| | | | - Manal F Abdelmalek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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32
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Machado MV. MASLD treatment-a shift in the paradigm is imminent. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1316284. [PMID: 38146424 PMCID: PMC10749497 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1316284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
MASLD prevalence is growing towards the leading cause of end-stage liver disease. Up to today, the most effective treatment is weight loss. Weight loss interventions are moving from lifestyle changes to bariatric surgery or endoscopy, and, more recently, to a new wave of anti-obesity drugs that can compete with bariatric surgery. Liver-targeted therapy is a necessity for those patients who already present liver fibrosis. The field is moving fast, and in the near future, we will testify to a disruptive change in MASLD treatment, similar to the paradigm-shift that occurred for hepatitis C almost one decade ago with direct antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Verdelho Machado
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal
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33
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Coyne ES, Nie Y, Abdurrachim D, Ong CZL, Zhou Y, Ali AAB, Meyers S, Grein J, Blumenschein W, Gongol B, Liu Y, Hugelshofer C, Carballo-Jane E, Talukdar S. Leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (BLT1) does not mediate disease progression in a mouse model of liver fibrosis. Biochem J 2023; 481:BCJ20230422. [PMID: 38014500 PMCID: PMC10903445 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
MASH is a prevalent liver disease that can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and ultimately death, but there are no approved therapies. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent pro-inflammatory chemoattractant that drives macrophage and neutrophil chemotaxis, and genetic loss or inhibition of its high affinity receptor, leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (BLT1), results in improved insulin sensitivity and decreased hepatic steatosis. To validate the therapeutic efficacy of BLT1 inhibition in an inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mouse model of MASH and fibrosis, mice were challenged with a choline-deficient, L-amino acid defined high fat diet and treated with a BLT1 antagonist at 30 or 90 mg/kg for 8 weeks. Liver function, histology, and gene expression were evaluated at the end of the study. Treatment with the BLT1 antagonist significantly reduced plasma lipids and liver steatosis but had no impact on liver injury biomarkers or histological endpoints such as inflammation, ballooning, or fibrosis compared to control. Artificial intelligence-powered digital pathology analysis revealed a significant reduction in steatosis co-localized fibrosis in livers treated with the BLT1 antagonist. Liver RNA-seq and pathway analyses revealed significant changes in fatty acid, arachidonic acid, and eicosanoid metabolic pathways with BLT1 antagonist treatment, however, these changes were not sufficient to impact inflammation and fibrosis endpoints. Targeting this LTB4-BLT1 axis with a small molecule inhibitor in animal models of chronic liver disease should be considered with caution, and additional studies are warranted to understand the mechanistic nuances of BLT1 inhibition in the context of MASH and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yilin Nie
- Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, U.S.A
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeff Grein
- Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, U.S.A
| | | | | | - Yang Liu
- Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, U.S.A
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34
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Lyu C, Kong W, Liu Z, Wang S, Zhao P, Liang K, Niu Y, Yang W, Xiang C, Hu X, Li X, Du Y. Advanced glycation end-products as mediators of the aberrant crosslinking of extracellular matrix in scarred liver tissue. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1437-1454. [PMID: 37037967 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix of cirrhotic liver tissue is highly crosslinked. Here we show that advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) mediate crosslinking in liver extracellular matrix and that high levels of crosslinking are a hallmark of cirrhosis. We used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the degree of crosslinking of the matrix of decellularized cirrhotic liver samples from patients and from two mouse models of liver fibrosis and show that the structure, biomechanics and degree of AGE-mediated crosslinking of the matrices can be recapitulated in collagen matrix crosslinked by AGEs in vitro. Analyses via cryo-electron microscopy and optical tweezers revealed that crosslinked collagen fibrils form thick bundles with reduced stress relaxation rates; moreover, they resist remodelling by macrophages, leading to reductions in their levels of adhesion-associated proteins, altering HDAC3 expression and the organization of their cytoskeleton, and promoting a type II immune response of macrophages. We also show that rosmarinic acid inhibited AGE-mediated crosslinking and alleviated the progression of fibrosis in mice. Our findings support the development of therapeutics targeting crosslinked extracellular matrix in scarred liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenyu Kong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Sihan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kaini Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yudi Niu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Canhong Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueming Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Che Z, Zhou Z, Li SQ, Gao L, Xiao J, Wong NK. ROS/RNS as molecular signatures of chronic liver diseases. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:951-967. [PMID: 37704494 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The liver can succumb to oxidant damage during the development of chronic liver diseases. Despite their physiological relevance to hepatic homeostasis, excessive reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production under pathological conditions is detrimental to all liver constituents. Chronic oxidative stress coupled to unresolved inflammation sets in motion the activation of profibrogenic hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and later pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The liver antioxidant and repair systems, along with autophagic and ferroptotic machineries, are implicated in the onset and trajectory of disease development. In this review, we discuss the ROS/RNS-related mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis of distinct etiologies and highlight preclinical and clinical trials of antifibrotic therapies premised on remediating oxidative/nitrosative stress in hepatocytes or targeting HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaodi Che
- Clinical Research Institute, Institute of Obesity and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China; Clinical Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Si-Qi Li
- Clinical Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Lei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jia Xiao
- Clinical Research Institute, Institute of Obesity and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Research of Liver Diseases, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266001, China.
| | - Nai-Kei Wong
- Clinical Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China.
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36
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Felli E, Selicean S, Guixé-Muntet S, Wang C, Bosch J, Berzigotti A, Gracia-Sancho J. Mechanobiology of portal hypertension. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100869. [PMID: 37841641 PMCID: PMC10568428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between mechanical stimuli and cellular mechanobiology orchestrates the physiology of tissues and organs in a dynamic balance characterized by constant remodelling and adaptative processes. Environmental mechanical properties can be interpreted as a complex set of information and instructions that cells read continuously, and to which they respond. In cirrhosis, chronic inflammation and injury drive liver cells dysfunction, leading to excessive extracellular matrix deposition, sinusoidal pseudocapillarization, vascular occlusion and parenchymal extinction. These pathological events result in marked remodelling of the liver microarchitecture, which is cause and result of abnormal environmental mechanical forces, triggering and sustaining the long-standing and progressive process of liver fibrosis. Multiple mechanical forces such as strain, shear stress, and hydrostatic pressure can converge at different stages of the disease until reaching a point of no return where the fibrosis is considered non-reversible. Thereafter, reciprocal communication between cells and their niches becomes the driving force for disease progression. Accumulating evidence supports the idea that, rather than being a passive consequence of fibrosis and portal hypertension (PH), mechanical force-mediated pathways could themselves represent strategic targets for novel therapeutic approaches. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanobiology of PH, by furnishing an introduction on the most important mechanisms, integrating these concepts into a discussion on the pathogenesis of PH, and exploring potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Felli
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Selicean
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sergi Guixé-Muntet
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
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Brennan PN, Elsharkawy AM, Kendall TJ, Loomba R, Mann DA, Fallowfield JA. Antifibrotic therapy in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: time for a human-centric approach. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:679-688. [PMID: 37268740 PMCID: PMC10236408 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) might soon become the leading cause of end-stage liver disease and indication for liver transplantation worldwide. Fibrosis severity is the only histological predictor of liver-related morbidity and mortality in NASH identified to date. Moreover, fibrosis regression is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, despite numerous clinical trials of plausible drug candidates, an approved antifibrotic therapy remains elusive. Increased understanding of NASH susceptibility and pathogenesis, emerging human multiomics profiling, integration of electronic health record data and modern pharmacology techniques hold enormous promise in delivering a paradigm shift in antifibrotic drug development in NASH. There is a strong rationale for drug combinations to boost efficacy, and precision medicine strategies targeting key genetic modifiers of NASH are emerging. In this Perspective, we discuss why antifibrotic effects observed in NASH pharmacotherapy trials have been underwhelming and outline potential approaches to improve the likelihood of future clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Brennan
- Institute for Regeneration & Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ahmed M Elsharkawy
- Liver Unit and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Timothy J Kendall
- Institute for Regeneration & Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Centre, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Derek A Mann
- Fibrosis Research Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Cano A, Eraso P, Mazón MJ, Portillo F. LOXL2 in Cancer: A Two-Decade Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14405. [PMID: 37762708 PMCID: PMC10532419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814405] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysyl Oxidase Like 2 (LOXL2) belongs to the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, which comprises five lysine tyrosylquinone (LTQ)-dependent copper amine oxidases in humans. In 2003, LOXL2 was first identified as a promoter of tumour progression and, over the course of two decades, numerous studies have firmly established its involvement in multiple cancers. Extensive research with large cohorts of human tumour samples has demonstrated that dysregulated LOXL2 expression is strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients. Moreover, investigations have revealed the association of LOXL2 with various targets affecting diverse aspects of tumour progression. Additionally, the discovery of a complex network of signalling factors acting at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels has provided insights into the mechanisms underlying the aberrant expression of LOXL2 in tumours. Furthermore, the development of genetically modified mouse models with silenced or overexpressed LOXL2 has enabled in-depth exploration of its in vivo role in various cancer models. Given the significant role of LOXL2 in numerous cancers, extensive efforts are underway to identify specific inhibitors that could potentially improve patient prognosis. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of two decades of research on the role of LOXL2 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amparo Cano
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Eraso
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María J. Mazón
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Portillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Kumar R, Kumar S, Prakash SS. Compensated liver cirrhosis: Natural course and disease-modifying strategies. World J Methodol 2023; 13:179-193. [PMID: 37771878 PMCID: PMC10523240 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v13.i4.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Compensated liver cirrhosis (CLC) is defined as cirrhosis with one or more decompensating events, such as ascites, variceal haemorrhage, or hepatic encephalopathy. Patients with CLC are largely asymptomatic with preserved hepatic function. The transition from CLC to decompensated cirrhosis occurs as a result of a complex interaction between multiple predisposing and precipitating factors. The first decompensation event in CLC patients is considered a significant turning point in the progression of cirrhosis, as it signals a drastic decline in median survival rates from 10-12 years to only 1-2 years. Furthermore, early cirrhosis has the potential to regress as liver fibrosis is a dynamic condition. With the advent of effective non-invasive tools for detecting hepatic fibrosis, more and more patients with CLC are currently being recognised. This offers clinicians a unique opportunity to properly manage such patients in order to achieve cirrhosis regression or, at the very least, prevent its progression. There are numerous emerging approaches for preventing or delaying decompensation in CLC patients. A growing body of evidence indicates that treating the underlying cause can lead to cirrhosis regression, and the use of non-selective beta-blockers can prevent decompensation by lowering portal hypertension. Additionally, addressing various cofactors (such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and alcoholism) and precipitating factors (such as infection, viral hepatitis, and hepatotoxic drugs) that have a detrimental impact on the natural course of cirrhosis may benefit patients with CLC. However, high-quality data must be generated through well-designed and adequately powered randomised clinical trials to validate these disease-modifying techniques for CLC patients. This article discussed the natural history of CLC, risk factors for its progression, and therapeutic approaches that could alter the trajectory of CLC evolution and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna 801507, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna 801507, India
| | - Sabbu Surya Prakash
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna 801507, India
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Sharma P, Joshi RV, Pritchard R, Xu K, Eicher MA. Therapeutic Antibodies in Medicine. Molecules 2023; 28:6438. [PMID: 37764213 PMCID: PMC10535987 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody engineering has developed into a wide-reaching field, impacting a multitude of industries, most notably healthcare and diagnostics. The seminal work on developing the first monoclonal antibody four decades ago has witnessed exponential growth in the last 10-15 years, where regulators have approved monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics and for several diagnostic applications, including the remarkable attention it garnered during the pandemic. In recent years, antibodies have become the fastest-growing class of biological drugs approved for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, from cancer to autoimmune conditions. This review discusses the field of therapeutic antibodies as it stands today. It summarizes and outlines the clinical relevance and application of therapeutic antibodies in treating a landscape of diseases in different disciplines of medicine. It discusses the nomenclature, various approaches to antibody therapies, and the evolution of antibody therapeutics. It also discusses the risk profile and adverse immune reactions associated with the antibodies and sheds light on future applications and perspectives in antibody drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Sharma
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
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Matsukuma K, Yeh MM. Practical Guide, Challenges, and Pitfalls in Liver Fibrosis Staging. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:457-472. [PMID: 37536882 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis staging has many challenges, including the large number of proposed staging systems, the heterogeneity of the histopathologic changes of many primary liver diseases, and the potential for slight differences in histologic interpretation to significantly affect clinical management. This review focuses first on fibrosis regression. Following this, each of the major categories of liver disease is discussed in regard to (1) appropriate fibrosis staging systems, (2) emerging concepts, (3) current clinical indications for liver biopsy, (4) clinical decisions determined by fibrosis stage, and (5) histologic challenges and pitfalls related to staging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Matsukuma
- University of California Davis, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 4400 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Matthew M Yeh
- University of Washington Medical Center - Montlake, Box 356100, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Poe A, Martinez Yus M, Wang H, Santhanam L. Lysyl oxidase like-2 in fibrosis and cardiovascular disease. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C694-C707. [PMID: 37458436 PMCID: PMC10635644 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00176.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is an important and essential reparative response to injury that, if left uncontrolled, results in the excessive synthesis, deposition, remodeling, and stiffening of the extracellular matrix, which is deleterious to organ function. Thus, the sustained activation of enzymes that catalyze matrix remodeling and cross linking is a fundamental step in the pathology of fibrotic diseases. Recent studies have implicated the amine oxidase lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) in this process and established significantly elevated expression of LOXL2 as a key component of profibrotic conditions in several organ systems. Understanding the relationship between LOXL2 and fibrosis as well as the mechanisms behind these relationships can offer significant insights for developing novel therapies. Here, we summarize the key findings that demonstrate the link between LOXL2 and fibrosis and inflammation, examine current therapeutics targeting LOXL2 for the treatment of fibrosis, and discuss future directions for experiments and biomedical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Poe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Marta Martinez Yus
- Department of Anesthesiology and CCM, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Huilei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and CCM, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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Luangmonkong T, Parichatikanond W, Olinga P. Targeting collagen homeostasis for the treatment of liver fibrosis: Opportunities and challenges. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115740. [PMID: 37567319 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an excessive production, aberrant deposition, and deficit degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Patients with unresolved fibrosis ultimately undergo end-stage liver diseases. To date, the effective and safe strategy to cease fibrosis progression remains an unmet clinical need. Since collagens are the most abundant ECM protein which play an essential role in fibrogenesis, the suitable regulation of collagen homeostasis could be an effective strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Therefore, this review provides a brief overview on the dysregulation of ECM homeostasis, focusing on collagens, in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Most importantly, promising therapeutic mechanisms related to biosynthesis, deposition and extracellular interactions, and degradation of collagens, together with preclinical and clinical antifibrotic evidence of drugs affecting each target are orderly criticized. In addition, challenges for targeting collagen homeostasis in the treatment of liver fibrosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerut Luangmonkong
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Thailand; Centre of Biopharmaceutical Science for Healthy Ageing (BSHA), Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Warisara Parichatikanond
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Thailand; Centre of Biopharmaceutical Science for Healthy Ageing (BSHA), Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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Zhang C, Teng Y, Li F, Ho W, Bai X, Xu X, Zhang XQ. Nanoparticle-Mediated RNA Therapy Attenuates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Related Fibrosis by Targeting Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. ACS NANO 2023; 17:14852-14870. [PMID: 37490628 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury and inflammation triggered by metabolic abnormalities initiate the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), driving fibrosis and parenchymal dysfunction, culminating in disorders such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Unfortunately, there are currently no approved drugs capable of effectively treating NASH due to the challenges in addressing fibrosis and restoring extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. We discovered a significant up-regulation of interleukin-11 (IL-11) in fibrotic livers using two well-established murine models of NASH. To leverage this signaling pathway, we developed a nanoparticle (NP)-assisted RNA interfering approach that specifically targets activated HSCs (aHSCs), blocking IL-11/ERK signaling to regulate HSC transdifferentiation along with fibrotic remodeling. The most potent NP, designated NP-AEAA, showed enhanced accumulation in fibrotic livers with NASH and was primarily enriched in aHSCs. We further investigated the therapeutic efficacy of aHSC-targeting NP-AEAA encapsulating small interfering RNA (siRNA) against IL11 or its cognate receptor IL11ra1 (termed siIL11@NP-AEAA or siIL11ra1@NP-AEAA, respectively) for resolving fibrosis and NASH. Our results demonstrate that both siIL11@NP-AEAA and siIL11ra1@NP-AEAA effectively inhibit HSC activation and resolve fibrosis and inflammation in two well-established murine models of NASH. Notably, siIL11ra1@NP-AEAA exhibits a superior therapeutic effect over siIL11@NP-AEAA, in terms of reducing liver steatosis and fibrosis as well as recovering liver function. These results constitute a targeted nanoparticulate siRNA therapeutic approach against the IL-11 signaling pathway of aHSCs in the fibrotic liver, offering a promising therapeutic intervention for NASH and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshuang Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yilong Teng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | | | | | - Xin Bai
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | | | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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45
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Shi Y, Shen W, Xu G, Wang X, Ning B. Hepatic venous pressure gradient and rebleeding risk of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis after variceal bleeding. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1224506. [PMID: 37564045 PMCID: PMC10411529 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1224506] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) has a strong predictive value for variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients, but the accuracy of HVPG may be compromised in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of HVPG and portal pressure gradient (PPG) for predicting rebleeding in NASH cirrhosis after acute variceal bleeding. Patients and methods Thirty-eight NASH cirrhosis patients and 82 hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis patients with acute variceal bleeding were included in this study. All patients recived transjugular intrahepatic portalsystemic shunt (TIPS). The prognostic value of HVPG and PPG for variceal rebleeding was evaluated. Results Compared with HBV cirrhosis, NASH cirrhosis demonstrated a lower HVPG (15.3 ± 3.8 vs. 18.0 ± 4.8; p = 0.003) and lower PPG (18.0 ± 3.7 vs. 20.0 ± 3.4; p = 0.005). HVPG (AUC = 0.82; p = 0.002) and PPG (AUC = 0.72; p = 0.027) had promising prognostic value among NASH cirrhosis patients. The optimal threshold of HVPG and PPG for predicting rebleeding in NASH cirrhosis was 17 mmHg and 20 mmHg. At multivariate analysis, HVPG ≥17 mmHg was a significant predictor of variceal rebleeding (HR 9.40; 95% CI 1.85-47.70; p = 0.007). Conclusion In the patients with cirrhosis and vairceal bleeding, the levels of HVPG and PPG were found to be low in NASH cirrhosis than HBV cirrhosis. However, the prevalence of rebleeding was similar between two groups. HVPG measurement is still an accurate way to assess the risk of variceal rebleeding in NASH cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Shi
- Digestive System Department, Yuzhong Hospital of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenyong Shen
- Digestive System Department, Chongqing Fuling Central Hospital of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Digestive System Department, Chongqing Fuling Central Hospital of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xunzheng Wang
- Digestive System Department, Jiangnan Hospital of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Ning
- Digestive System Department, Yuzhong Hospital of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Radić J, Kožik B, Nikolić I, Kolarov-Bjelobrk I, Vasiljević T, Vranjković B, Despotović S. Multiple Roles of LOXL2 in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Potential for Therapeutic Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11745. [PMID: 37511503 PMCID: PMC10380739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
LOXL2, a copper-dependent amine oxidase, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increased LOXL2 expression in HCC has been linked with an aggressive phenotype and represents a poor prognostic factor. Here, we focus on the mechanisms through which LOXL2 orchestrates multiple oncogenic functions in HCC development. We performed a review of the current knowledge on the roles LOXL2 performs in the modulation of the HCC tumor microenvironment, formation of premetastatic niches, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We also highlighted the complex interplay between LOXL2 and hypoxia, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry in HCC. At the end of the review, we summarize the current LOXL2 inhibitors and discuss their potential in HCC precision treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Radić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bojana Kožik
- Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11100 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Nikolić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Ivana Kolarov-Bjelobrk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vasiljević
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Pathology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bojana Vranjković
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Sanja Despotović
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Tincopa MA, Loomba R. Non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:660-670. [PMID: 37060912 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00066-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent form of chronic liver disease that poses challenges in diagnosis and risk stratification. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the more progressive form of NAFLD, is particularly challenging to diagnose in the absence of histology. Liver biopsy is infrequently performed due to its invasive nature, potential for sampling error, and lack of inter-rater reliability. Non-invasive tests that can accurately identify patients with at-risk NASH (ie, individuals with biopsy-proven NASH with NAFLD activity score [NAS] ≥4 and fibrosis stage ≥2) are key tools to identify candidates for pharmacologic therapy in registrational trials for the treatment of NASH-related fibrosis. With emerging pharmacotherapy, non-invasive tests are required to track treatment response. Lastly, there is an unmet need for non-invasive tests to assess risk for clinical outcomes including progression to cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, liver-related mortality, and overall mortality. In this Review we examine advances in non-invasive tests to diagnose and monitor NAFLD and NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica A Tincopa
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; School of Public Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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48
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Zhang CY, Liu S, Yang M. Treatment of liver fibrosis: Past, current, and future. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:755-774. [PMID: 37397931 PMCID: PMC10308286 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i6.755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis accompanies the progression of chronic liver diseases independent of etiologies, such as hepatitis viral infection, alcohol consumption, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. It is commonly associated with liver injury, inflammation, and cell death. Liver fibrosis is characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix components that are expressed by liver myofibroblasts such as collagens and alpha-smooth actin proteins. Activated hepatic stellate cells contribute to the major population of myofibroblasts. Many treatments for liver fibrosis have been investigated in clinical trials, including dietary supplementation (e.g., vitamin C), biological treatment (e.g., simtuzumab), drug (e.g., pegbelfermin and natural herbs), genetic regulation (e.g., non-coding RNAs), and transplantation of stem cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells). However, none of these treatments has been approved by Food and Drug Administration. The treatment efficacy can be evaluated by histological staining methods, imaging methods, and serum biomarkers, as well as fibrosis scoring systems, such as fibrosis-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score. Furthermore, the reverse of liver fibrosis is slowly and frequently impossible for advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. To avoid the life-threatening stage of liver fibrosis, anti-fibrotic treatments, especially for combined behavior prevention, biological treatment, drugs or herb medicines, and dietary regulation are needed. This review summarizes the past studies and current and future treatments for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ye Zhang
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Radiology,The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
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49
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Cheng F, Yang F, Wang Y, Zhou J, Qian H, Yan Y. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal miR-27b-3p alleviates liver fibrosis via downregulating YAP/LOXL2 pathway. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:195. [PMID: 37328872 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is an extracellular copper-dependent enzyme that plays a central role in fibrosis by catalyzing the crosslinking and deposition of collagen. Therapeutic LOXL2 inhibition has been shown to suppress liver fibrosis progression and promote its reversal. This study investigates the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord-derived exosomes (MSC-ex) in LOXL2 inhibition of liver fibrosis. MSC-ex, nonselective LOX inhibitor β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), or PBS were administered into carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrotic livers. Serum LOXL2 and collagen crosslinking were assessed histologically and biochemically. MSC-ex's mechanisms on LOXL2 regulation were investigated in human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2. We found that systemic administration of MSC-ex significantly reduced LOXL2 expression and collagen crosslinking, delaying the progression of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Mechanically, RNA-sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated that miR-27b-3p was enriched in MSC-ex and exosomal miR-27b-3p repressed Yes-associated protein (YAP) expression by targeting its 3' untranslated region in LX-2. LOXL2 was identified as a novel downstream target gene of YAP, and YAP bound to the LOXL2 promoter to positively regulate transcription. Additionally, the miR-27b-3p inhibitor abrogated the anti-LOXL2 abilities of MSC-ex and diminished the antifibrotic efficacy. miR-27b-3p overexpression promoted MSC-ex mediated YAP/LOXL2 inhibition. Thus, MSC-ex may suppress LOXL2 expression through exosomal miR-27b-3p mediated YAP down-regulation. The findings here may improve our understanding of MSC-ex in liver fibrosis alleviation and provide new opportunities for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Fuji Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Yanjin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University (Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University), Changzhou, 213017, China
| | - Hui Qian
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China
| | - Yongmin Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China.
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China.
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University (Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University), Changzhou, 213017, China.
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Vizier R, Garnier AR, Dias A, Moreau M, Claron M, Collin B, Denat F, Bellaye PS, Goncalves V. SPECT Imaging of Lysyl Oxidase-like 2 in a Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Mol Pharm 2023. [PMID: 37307296 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive imaging of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to develop an antibody-based radiotracer targeting Lysyl Oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), an enzyme involved in the fibrogenesis process, for SPECT/CT imaging of pulmonary fibrosis. The bifunctional chelator DOTAGA-PEG4-NH2 was chemoenzymatically conjugated to the murine antibody AB0023 using microbial transglutaminase, resulting in a degree of labeling (number of chelators per antibody) of 2.3. Biolayer interferometry confirmed that the binding affinity of DOTAGA-AB0023 to LOXL2 was preserved with a dissociation constant of 2.45 ± 0.04 nM. DOTAGA-AB0023 was then labeled with 111In and in vivo experiments were carried out in a mice model of progressive pulmonary fibrosis induced by intratracheal administration of bleomycin. [111In]In-DOTAGA-AB0023 was injected in three groups of mice (control, fibrotic, and treated with nintedanib). SPECT/CT images were recorded over 4 days p.i. and an ex vivo biodistribution study was performed by gamma counting. A significant accumulation of the tracer in the lungs of the fibrotic mice was observed at D18 post-bleomycin. Interestingly, the tracer uptake was found selectively upregulated in fibrotic lesions observed on CT scans. Images of mice that received the antifibrotic drug nintedanib from D8 up to D18 showed a decrease in [111In]In-DOTAGA-AB0023 lung uptake associated with a decrease in pulmonary fibrosis measured by CT scan. In conclusion, we report the first radioimmunotracer targeting the protein LOXL2 for nuclear imaging of IPF. The tracer showed promising results in a preclinical model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, with high lung uptake in fibrotic areas, and accounted for the antifibrotic activity of nintedanib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romane Vizier
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Anaïs-Rachel Garnier
- Centre Georges François Leclerc, Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Plateforme d'Imagerie et de Radiothérapie Précliniques, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21079 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Alexandre Dias
- Centre Georges François Leclerc, Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Plateforme d'Imagerie et de Radiothérapie Précliniques, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21079 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Moreau
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Michael Claron
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Bertrand Collin
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
- Centre Georges François Leclerc, Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Plateforme d'Imagerie et de Radiothérapie Précliniques, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21079 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Franck Denat
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Pierre-Simon Bellaye
- Centre Georges François Leclerc, Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Plateforme d'Imagerie et de Radiothérapie Précliniques, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21079 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Victor Goncalves
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6302, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
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