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Xuan M, Gu X, Xing H. Multi-omic analysis identifies the molecular mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23832. [PMID: 39394373 PMCID: PMC11470084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-75609-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis promotes the advancement of malignancy and the development of fibrosis in normal liver tissues. Understanding the pathological mechanisms underlying the development of HCC with cirrhosis is important for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Herein, the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data and corresponding clinical features of patients with HCC were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database using the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Xena platform. The enrichment degree of hallmarkers for each TCGA-LIHC cohort was quantified by ssGSEA algorithm. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed two gene module eigengenes (MEs) associated with cirrhosis, namely, MEbrown and MEgreen. Analysis of these modules using AUCell showed that MEbrown had higher enrichment scores in all immune cells, whereas MEgreen had higher enrichment scores in malignant cells. The CellChat package revealed that both immune and malignant cells contributed to the fibrotic activity of myofibroblasts through diverse signaling pathways. Additionally, spatial transcriptomic data showed that hepatocytes, proliferating hepatocytes, macrophages, and myofibroblasts were located in closer proximity in HCC tissues. These cells may potentially participate in the process of stimulating myofibroblast fibrotic activity, which may be related to the development of liver fibrosis. In summary, we made full use of multi-omics data to explore gene networks and cell types that may be involved in the development and progression of cirrhosis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjuan Xuan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, Henan, China
| | - Huiwu Xing
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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Wang B, Yang L, Yuan X, Zhang Y. Roles and therapeutic targeting of dendritic cells in liver fibrosis. J Drug Target 2024; 32:647-654. [PMID: 38682473 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2347365] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common pathological condition marked by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting in irreversible cirrhosis and cancer. Dendritic cells (DCs) act as the crucial component of hepatic immunity and are believed to affect fibrosis by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a key mediator of fibrogenesis, and by interplaying with immune cells in the liver. This review concisely describes the process of fibrogenesis, and the phenotypic and functional characteristics of DCs in the liver. Besides, it focuses on the interaction between DCs and HSCs, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as the dual roles of DCs in liver fibrosis, for the sake of exploring the potential of targeting DCs as a therapeutic strategy for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Wang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Liuxin Yang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Xingxing Yuan
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
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Chen Y, Huang Y, Huang R, Chen Z, Wang X, Chen F, Huang Y. Interleukin-10 gene intervention ameliorates liver fibrosis by enhancing the immune function of natural killer cells in liver tissue. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111341. [PMID: 38081103 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111341] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and natural killer (NK) cells have the potential to combat liver fibrosis. However, whether NK cells play an important role in the anti-fibrotic effects of IL-10 is not sufficiently elucidated. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of IL-10 on NK cells during liver fibrosis. METHODS Fibrotic mice induced with carbon tetrachloride were treated with or without IL-10 in the presence or absence of NK cells. Liver damage and fibrosis were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red staining and serum transaminase and liver hydroxyproline assays, respectively. NK cell distribution, quantity, activation, cytotoxicity, development, and origin were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine chemokine levels. RESULTS In the presence of NK cells, IL-10 gene intervention improved liver fibrosis and enhanced NK cell accumulation and function in the liver, as evidenced by increased NKG2D, interferon-γ, and CD107a expression. Furthermore, IL-10 promoted the migration of circulating NK cells to the fibrotic liver and elevated C-C motif ligand 5 levels. However, depletion of NK cells exacerbated liver fibrosis and impaired the anti-fibrotic effect of IL-10. CONCLUSIONS The anti-fibrotic effect of IL-10 relies on the enhancement of NK cell immune function, including activation, cytotoxicity, development, and migration. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms through which IL-10 regulates NK cells to limit the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Yixuan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Rongfeng Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Zhixin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Fenglin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Yuehong Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
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Tilg H, Adolph TE, Tacke F. Therapeutic modulation of the liver immune microenvironment. Hepatology 2023; 78:1581-1601. [PMID: 37057876 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a hallmark of progressive liver diseases such as chronic viral or immune-mediated hepatitis, alcohol-associated liver disease, and NAFLD. Preclinical and clinical studies have provided robust evidence that cytokines and related cellular stress sensors in innate and adaptive immunity orchestrate hepatic disease processes. Unresolved inflammation and liver injury result in hepatic scarring, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, which may culminate in HCC. Liver diseases are accompanied by gut dysbiosis and a bloom of pathobionts, fueling hepatic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory strategies are extensively used to treat human immune-mediated conditions beyond the liver, while evidence for immunomodulatory therapies and cell therapy-based strategies in liver diseases is only emerging. The development and establishment of novel immunomodulatory therapies for chronic liver diseases has been dampened by several clinical challenges, such as invasive monitoring of therapeutic efficacy with liver biopsy in clinical trials and risk of DILI in several studies. Such aspects prevented advancements of novel medical therapies for chronic inflammatory liver diseases. New concepts modulating the liver immune environment are studied and eagerly awaited to improve the management of chronic liver diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, & Metabolism, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Timon E Adolph
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, & Metabolism, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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Liu M, Cho WC, Flynn RJ, Jin X, Song H, Zheng Y. microRNAs in parasite-induced liver fibrosis: from mechanisms to diagnostics and therapeutics. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:859-872. [PMID: 37516634 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Chronic parasite infections in the liver pose a global threat to human and animal health, often occurring with liver fibrosis that leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, and even cancer. Hepatic fibrogenesis is a complex yet reversible process of tissue repair and is associated with various factors, including immune cells, microenvironment, gut microbiome, and interactions of the different liver cells. As a profibrogenic or antifibrogenic driver, microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely involved in parasite-induced hepatic fibrosis. This article updates the current understanding of the roles of miRNAs in hepatic fibrogenesis by parasite infections and discusses the strategies using miRNAs as candidates for diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Robin J Flynn
- Dept. Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; Graduate Studies Office, Department of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies, Waterford Institute of Technology, X91 K0EK, Ireland
| | - Xiaoliang Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Houhui Song
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Yadong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
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Ait Ahmed Y, Lafdil F, Tacke F. Ambiguous Pathogenic Roles of Macrophages in Alcohol-Associated Liver Diseases. Hepat Med 2023; 15:113-127. [PMID: 37753346 PMCID: PMC10519224 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s326468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) represents a major public health issue worldwide and is a leading etiology of liver cirrhosis. Alcohol-related liver injuries include a range of manifestations including alcoholic hepatitis (AH), simple steatosis, steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Liver disease occurs from several pathological disturbances such as the metabolism of ethanol, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hepatocytes, alterations in the gut microbiota, and the immune response to these changes. A common hallmark of these liver affections is the establishment of an inflammatory environment, and some (broad) anti-inflammatory approaches are used to treat AH (eg, corticosteroids). Macrophages, which represent the main innate immune cells in the liver, respond to a wide variety of (pathogenic) stimuli and adopt a large spectrum of phenotypes. This translates to a diversity of functions including pathogen and debris clearance, recruitment of other immune cells, activation of fibroblasts, or tissue repair. Thus, macrophage populations play a crucial role in the course of ALD, but the underlying mechanisms driving macrophage polarization and their functionality in ALD are complex. In this review, we explore the various populations of hepatic macrophages in alcohol-associated liver disease and the underlying mechanisms driving their polarization. Additionally, we summarize the crosstalk between hepatic macrophages and other hepatic cell types in ALD, in order to support the exploration of targeted therapeutics by modulating macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeni Ait Ahmed
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Fouad Lafdil
- Université Paris-Est, UMR-S955, UPEC, Créteil, France
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), U955, Créteil, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
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