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Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Gu L, Zhu Y, Lee M, Nguyen A, Ryujin NT, Huang JY, Pandit SK, Chamseddine S, Xiao L, Mohamed YI, Kaseb AO, Karin M, Shalapour S. Angiotensin II receptor inhibition ameliorates liver fibrosis and enhances hepatocellular carcinoma infiltration by effector T cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300706120. [PMID: 37126700 PMCID: PMC10175751 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300706120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although viral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is declining, nonviral HCC, which often is the end stage of nonalcoholic or alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, ASH), is on an upward trajectory. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that block the T cell inhibitory receptor PD-1 were approved for treatment of all HCC types. However, only a minority of HCC patients show a robust and sustained response to PD-1 blockade, calling for improved understanding of factors that negatively impact response rate and duration and the discovery of new adjuvant treatments that enhance ICI responsiveness. Using a mouse model of NASH-driven HCC, we identified peritumoral fibrosis as a potential obstacle to T cell-mediated tumor regression and postulated that antifibrotic medications may increase ICI responsiveness. We now show that the angiotensin II receptor inhibitor losartan, a commonly prescribed and safe antihypertensive drug, reduced liver and peritumoral fibrosis and substantially enhanced anti-PD-1-induced tumor regression. Although losartan did not potentiate T cell reinvigoration, it substantially enhanced HCC infiltration by effector CD8+ T cells compared to PD-1 blockade alone. The beneficial effects of losartan correlated with blunted TGF-β receptor signaling, reduced collagen deposition, and depletion of immunosuppressive fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gu
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Yahui Zhu
- Department of Center of Smart Laboratory and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing400044, China
| | - Maiya Lee
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Albert Nguyen
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Nicolas T. Ryujin
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Jian Yu Huang
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Shusil K. Pandit
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Shadi Chamseddine
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Lianchun Xiao
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Yehia I. Mohamed
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Ahmed O. Kaseb
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Shabnam Shalapour
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
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Gu L, Zhu Y, Lee M, Nguyen A, Ryujin NT, Huang J, Chamseddine S, Xiao L, Mohamed YI, Kaseb AO, Karin M, Shalapour S. Angiotensin II receptor inhibition ameliorates liver fibrosis and enhances hepatocellular carcinoma infiltration by effector T cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.05.531188. [PMID: 36945365 PMCID: PMC10028807 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.05.531188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Although viral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is declining, non-viral HCC, which often is the end-stage of non-alcoholic or alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, ASH), is on an upward trajectory. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) that block the T cell inhibitory receptor PD-1 were approved for treatment of all HCC types. However, only a small portion of HCC patients show a robust and sustained response to PD-1 blockade, calling for improved understanding of factors that negatively impact response rate and duration and the discovery of new adjuvant treatments that enhance ICI responsiveness. Using a mouse model of NASH-driven HCC, we identified peritumoral fibrosis as a potential obstacle to T cell mediated tumor regression and postulated that anti-fibrotic medications may increase ICI responsiveness. We now show that the angiotensin II receptor inhibitor losartan, a commonly prescribed and safe antihypertensive drug, reduced liver and peritumoral fibrosis and substantially enhanced anti-PD-1 induced tumor regression. Although losartan did not potentiate T cell reinvigoration, it substantially enhanced HCC infiltration by effector CD8 + T cells compared to PD-1 blockade alone. The beneficial effects of losartan correlated with inhibition of TGF-β receptor signaling, collagen deposition and depletion of immunosuppressive fibroblasts. Significance Immune checkpoint inhibitors are used in HCC treatment but overall response rates for single agent PD-1/PD-L1 blockers have remained stubbornly low. Using a mouse model of NASH-driven HCC, we show that co-treatment with the safe and inexpensive angiotensin II receptor inhibitor losartan substantially enhanced anti-PD-1 triggered HCC regression. Although losartan did not influence the reinvigoration of exhausted CD8 + T cells it considerably enhanced their intratumoral invasion, which we postulated to be compromised by peritumoral fibrosis. Indeed, the beneficial effect of losartan correlated with inhibition of TGF-β signaling and collagen deposition, and depletion of immunosuppressive fibroblasts. Losartan should be evaluated for its adjuvant activity in HCC patients undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy.
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Paliwal VM, Kundu S, Kulhari U, Jala A, Ishteyaque S, Borkar RM, Mugale MN, Murty US, Sahu BD. Alternanthera brasiliana L. extract alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrotic changes in mice: Role of matrix metalloproteinases and TGF-β/Smad axis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115992. [PMID: 36509261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alternanthera brasiliana L. is a flowering plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae and is popularly known as "penicillin". It is used in folk medicine to treat infections, coughs, wound healing, and inflammatory diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY We investigated the effect of Alternanthera brasiliana L. leaves hydroalcoholic extract (AB) against oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrotic changes in an experimental model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six male Balb/C mice were randomized into five groups: normal control, AB control, CCl4 control, CCl4 + AB-200 mg/kg, and CCl4 + AB-400 mg/kg. In mice, liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (20% in corn oil, 5 ml/kg body weight) thrice a week for six consecutive weeks. AB extract at two doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally for six consecutive weeks. Liver injury-related serum markers (ALT, AST, ALP), antioxidants (GSH, GST, SOD, and vitamin C), pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, ultrasonographic and histological alterations, proteins of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), nuclear factor-κB (p65) (NF-κB), nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and TGF-β/Smad signaling were accessed. LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis of AB was performed. RESULTS AB treatment significantly decreased the CCl4-induced rise in serum ALT, AST, and ALP activities and improved the histological alterations. Compared with the CCl4-treated group, treatment with AB significantly restored the hepatic antioxidants and reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver. The antioxidant activity of AB may be attributed to its terpenoid constituents, which was confirmed by LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. The CCl4-induced rise in expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and decrease in TIMP-1 were markedly restored in the AB-treated groups. Further findings revealed a significant reduction in the protein levels of phospho-NF-κB (p65), NLRP3, TGF-β, pSmad2/3, collagen I, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the AB treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS The hepatoprotective effect of AB may be attributed to the high content of terpenoid compounds and alleviates liver injury and associated fibrotic changes through modulating MMPs, NF-κB (p65), and the TGF-β/Smad axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay M Paliwal
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Sourav Kundu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Uttam Kulhari
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Aishwarya Jala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Sharmeen Ishteyaque
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, 226 031, India
| | - Roshan M Borkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, 226 031, India
| | - Upadhyayula Suryanarayana Murty
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Bidya Dhar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India.
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Jiang S, Xu J, Wang B, Sun X, Zhang Y. Red-fleshed apple flavonoid extract alleviates CCl 4-induced liver injury in mice. Front Nutr 2023; 9:1098954. [PMID: 36742007 PMCID: PMC9890596 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1098954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the global incidence of liver damage has increased. Despite the many known health benefits of red-fleshed apple flavonoids, their potential liver-protective effects have not yet been investigated. In this study, we analyzed the composition of red-fleshed apple flavonoid extract (RAFE) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We then induced liver damage in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and performed interventions with RAFE to analyze its effect on liver damage, using bifendate as a positive control. The results showed that catechin was the most abundant flavonoid in 'XJ4' RAFE (49.346 mg/100 g). In liver-injured mice, the liver coefficients converged to normal levels following RAFE intervention. Moreover, RAFE significantly reduced the enzymatic activity levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (ALT), glutamic alanine transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in mouse serum. Furthermore, RAFE significantly increased the content or enzyme activity level of total glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase, and significantly decreased the content of malondialdehyde in the liver of mice. In parallel, we performed histopathological observations of mouse livers for each group. The results showed that RAFE restored the pathological changes caused by CCl4 around the central hepatic vein in mice and resulted in tightly bound hepatocytes. The recovery effect of RAFE was dose-dependent in the liver tissue. Regarding intestinal microorganisms, we found that RAFE restored the microbial diversity in liver-injured mice, with a similar microbial composition in the RAFE intervention group and normal group. RAFE reduced the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, increased the levels of probiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Clostridium, and reduced the levels of harmful bacteria, such as Erysipelothrix Rosenbach. Therefore, RAFE ameliorated CCl4-induced liver damage by modulating the abundance and composition of intestinal microorganisms in mice. In conclusion, RAFE alleviated CCl4-induced liver damage in mice, with H-RAFE (5 mg kg-1) significantly improving liver damage in mice but M-RAFE (1 mg kg-1) significantly improving the imbalance of intestinal microorganisms in mice. Our research suggests that RAFE could be employed for the adjuvant treatment and prevention of liver damage, and may have important applications in food and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Chen
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shenghui Jiang
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jihua Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bin Wang
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yugang Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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Baghaei K, Mazhari S, Tokhanbigli S, Parsamanesh G, Alavifard H, Schaafsma D, Ghavami S. Therapeutic potential of targeting regulatory mechanisms of hepatic stellate cell activation in liver fibrosis. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1044-1061. [PMID: 34952225 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a manifestation of different etiologies of liver disease with the involvement of multiple mediators in complex network interactions. Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the central driver of hepatic fibrosis, given their potential to induce connective tissue formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein accumulation. Therefore, identifying the cellular and molecular pathways involved in the activation of HSCs is crucial in gaining mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives to more effectively target the disease. In addition to a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the role of HSCs in liver fibrosis, we also discuss here the proposed therapeutic strategies based on targeting HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Sogol Mazhari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Gilda Parsamanesh
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | | | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Effect of PLC-β1/CaM signaling pathway mediated by AT1R on the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:587. [PMID: 34727945 PMCID: PMC8561349 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the roles of AT1R, PLC-β1, CaM and other related signal molecules in the formation and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their correlation. Methods ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expressions of target proteins in serum and liver tissue of HCC patients, and the correlation between AT1R, PLC-β1 and CaM and postoperative survival status of patients was followed up and determined. CCK-8 method was used to screen the doses of Ang II and candesartan sensitive to HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. Transwell experiment was used to observe the effects of different drugs on the migration and invasion activity of HCC cells. Meanwhile, flow cytometry and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of AT1R, PLC-β1 and CaM in the cells. Then PLC-β1 siRNA was selected to transfect HCC cells, so as to further clarify the mechanism of the above signal proteins. HepG2 cells were inoculated under the hepatic capsule of mice to induce the formation of HCC in situ. Ang II and candesartan were used to stimulate HCC mice to observe the difference in liver appearance and measure the liver index. Finally, ELISA and immunofluorescence experiments were selected to analyze the levels of target proteins in mouse serum and liver tissue. Results The expression levels of target proteins in serum and liver tissue of HCC patients were significantly increased, and the postoperative survival time of patients with high expression of AT1R, PLC-β1 or CaM was obviously shortened. Ang II and candesartan could significantly promote and inhibit the motility of HCC cells, and had different effects on the levels of AT1R, PLC-β1 and CaM in cells. However, in hepatocellular carcinoma cells transfected with PLC-β1 siRNA, the intervention ability of drugs was obviously weakened. Ang II could significantly promote the formation and progression of mouse HCC, while candesartan had the opposite effect. Meanwhile, medications could affect the expressions of target proteins in mouse serum and liver tissue. Conclusion AT1R, PLC-β1 and CaM may be risk factors affecting the formation and prognosis of HCC, and the PLC-β1/CaM signaling pathway mediated by AT1R is an important way to regulate the migration and invasion activity of HCC cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02261-8.
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Goudarzi F, Kiani A, Moradi M, Haghshenas B, Hashemnia M, Karami A, Mohammadalipour A. Intraprostatic injection of exosomes isolated from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 15:1144-1154. [PMID: 34559469 DOI: 10.1002/term.3251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) own the capacity to secrete trophic factors as exosomes which play significant roles in regulating the functions of other cells and preventing inflammation. Due to the inflammatory process in chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP) and the ambiguity in the treatment of this disease, the present study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic use of adipose-derived MSC exosomes in an animal model of CNP. MSCs were first isolated from rat subcutaneous adipose tissue, and exosomes were extracted from them. Specific features of exosomes were characterized by a scanning electron microscope, western blot technique, and Dynamic Light Scattering methods. To establish CNP in rats, intraprostatic injection of Freund's complete adjuvant was done. After confirmation of prostatitis, intraprostatic injections of exosomes were performed for treatment. Histological evaluation revealed that treatment with exosomes resulted in a relative improvement of lesions caused by CNP. The expression of p-NF-κB and p-IκBα proteins along with inflammatory markers was significantly increased in the CNP group, which treatment with exosomes significantly reduced their expression as well as IL-1β and TNF-α proteins. The antioxidant effects of exosomes were also determined by significantly regulating glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde levels in these animals. Our results cautiously suggest the therapeutic effects of MSC-derived exosomes against CNP-induced prostatitis through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which should be further considered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farjam Goudarzi
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amir Kiani
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mahmoudreza Moradi
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Babak Haghshenas
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hashemnia
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Afshin Karami
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Adel Mohammadalipour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Elazab ST, Samir O, Abass ME. Synergistic effects of sitagliptin and losartan against fipronil-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Vet World 2021; 14:1901-1907. [PMID: 34475715 PMCID: PMC8404120 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.1901-1907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Fipronil (FPN) is a potent pesticide that is heavily used around the world in agriculture. However, its irrational use could potentially have deleterious effects on animals and humans. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of sitagliptin (Sit) and losartan (LOS), when used both individually or concurrently, to guard rat liver against the acute hepatotoxicity caused by FPN. Materials and Methods Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were equally divided into seven groups (6/group). Group I (control) received normal saline (0.5 mL/rat, vehicle for all treatments) by gavage once daily for 10 days. Group II received oral Sit (10 mg/kg body weight [BW]) daily for 10 days and Group III received oral LOS (5 mg/kg BW) daily for 10 days. Group IV received oral FPN (19.4 mg/kg BW; 1/5 of the oral LD50) for the past 5 days of the study. Groups V and VI received oral Sit (10 mg/kg BW) and LOS (5 mg/kg BW) daily, respectively, 5 days prior and 5 days during FPN administration (19.4 mg/kg BW). Group VII received oral Sit (10 mg/kg BW) and LOS (5 mg/kg BW) for 10 days with daily FPN during the past 5 days. After the end of the treatment period, the rats were humanely sacrificed and blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical analysis and histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations. Results FPN administration resulted in elevated alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase serum concentrations as well as increased malondialdehyde levels and reduced catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione activity. The histopathological investigation showed disorganization of the hepatic cords and focal necrosis of the hepatocytes in FPN-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical examination showed that hepatic caspase-3 was overexpressed in the FPN-treated rats. The administration of Sit and LOS before and alongside FPN markedly mitigated the alterations caused by FPN and the hepatoprotective effects were more prominent in the combination group. Conclusion Sit and LOS, both individually or in combination, confers considerable hepatoprotection against FPN-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara T Elazab
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura,35516, Egypt
| | - Omar Samir
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Marwa E Abass
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
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Kang R, Tian W, Cao W, Sun Y, Zhang HN, Feng YD, Li C, Li ZZ, Li XQ. Ligustroflavone ameliorates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis through down-regulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Chin J Nat Med 2021; 19:170-180. [PMID: 33781450 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(21)60018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that are mainly derived from activated hepatic stellate cells. Previous studies suggested that ligustroflavone (LF) was an ingredient of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. with activities of anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. In this study, we investigated whether LF had any effect on liver fibrosis. In our study, we established a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and used TGF-β1-stimulated human hepatic stellate cell line (LX-2) to explore the effect of LF and associated underlying mechanism. LF was used in vivo with low dose (L-LF, 5 mg·kg-1, i.p., 3 times each week) and high dose (H-LF, 20 mg·kg-1, i.p., 3 times each week) and in vitro (25 μmol·L-1). Histopathological and biochemical assays investigations showed that LF delayed the formation of liver fibrosis; decreased AST, ALT activities and increased Alb activity in serum; decreased MDA level, Hyp content and increased GSH-Px concentration, SOD activity in liver tissues. Moreover, immunohistochemical, immunofluorescent and Western blot results showed that LF reduced the expressions of hepatic stellate cells specific marker proteins, including collagen I and α-SMA in vivo and in vitro. In addition, LF markedly suppressed TGF-β1-upregulated protein expressions of TβR I, TβR II, P-Smad2, P-Smad3 and Smad4 in LX-2 cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrated LF could decrease histopathological lesions, ameliorate oxidative injury, attenuate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, which may be associated with down-regulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Natural Medicine and Institute of Materia Medica, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wen Tian
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Natural Medicine and Institute of Materia Medica, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712000, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hui-Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ying-Da Feng
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Chen Li
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ze-Zhi Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712000, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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11
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Therapeutic effects of Chlorella vulgaris on carbon tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis by targeting Hippo signaling pathway and AMPK/FOXO1 axis. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 48:117-126. [PMID: 33296068 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05978-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to present the mechanism of the therapeutic effects of Chlorella vulgaris extract (CV) on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis model. Primarily, the mechanism of antioxidant effects of CV were investigated via measuring the expression of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and phosphorylated 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) as upstream regulators of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Subsequently, we investigated the regulatory effect of CV treatment on the yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivators with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) as fibrogenic factors. Male Wistar rats received CCl4 and olive oil solution 1 ml/kg intraperitoneally for 12 weeks, twice weekly. CV 50 and 100 mg/kg were administered on a daily basis by gavage in the last 4 weeks. Ultimately, liver marker enzymes and hepatic hydroxyproline content were measured. The activity of SOD and CAT and the expression of YAP, TAZ, FOXO1, SOD, and CAT were analyzed. Finally, the protein levels of YAP, TAZ, and p-AMPK were detected. CV administration decreased liver marker enzymes and hydroxyproline content significantly. The expression and protein levels of YAP and TAZ reduced by CV treatment. Furthermore, the augmentation of expression and function of CAT and SOD by CV treatment was followed by an increase in the expression of FOXO1 and protein level of p-AMPK. Our data revealed that the stimulation of expression and function of SOD and CAT by CV treatment could be mediated by FOXO1/p-AMPK axis. Moreover, anti-fibrotic effect of CV might be associated with its inhibitory effect on the hepatic expression of YAP and TAZ. Chlorella vulgaris treatment ameliorates liver fibrosis via two cellular mechanisms. A) Likely, Chlorella vulgaris treatment increases gene expression of enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) via upregulating its upstream regulatory elements i.e. phosphorylated 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1). These possible regulatory effects maybe lead to reduce reactive oxygen species level (ROS). B) Chlorella vulgaris treatment decreases hepatic protein level and gene expression of key elements of Hippo signaling pathway i.e. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and Transcriptional coactivators with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Figure created with BioRender ( https://biorender.com ). ROS: Reactive oxygen species, YAP: Yes-associated protein, TAZ: Transcriptional coactivators with a PDZ-binding motif, FOXO1: Fork head Box O1, AMPK: 5' adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase, SOD: Superoxide dismutase, CAT: Catalase, P: Phosphate group.
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12
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Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Medium (hMSC-CM) Improves Antioxidant Status in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rat. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, TRANSACTIONS A: SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40995-020-00944-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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13
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Weisberg E, Parent A, Yang PL, Sattler M, Liu Q, Liu Q, Wang J, Meng C, Buhrlage SJ, Gray N, Griffin JD. Repurposing of Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of COVID-19. Pharm Res 2020; 37:167. [PMID: 32778962 PMCID: PMC7417114 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02851-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19, the pandemic disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spurred an intense search for treatments by the scientific community. In the absence of a vaccine, the goal is to target the viral life cycle and alleviate the lung-damaging symptoms of infection, which can be life-threatening. There are numerous protein kinases associated with these processes that can be inhibited by FDA-approved drugs, the repurposing of which presents an alluring option as they have been thoroughly vetted for safety and are more readily available for treatment of patients and testing in clinical trials. Here, we characterize more than 30 approved kinase inhibitors in terms of their antiviral potential, due to their measured potency against key kinases required for viral entry, metabolism, or reproduction. We also highlight inhibitors with potential to reverse pulmonary insufficiency because of their anti-inflammatory activity, cytokine suppression, or antifibrotic activity. Certain agents are projected to be dual-purpose drugs in terms of antiviral activity and alleviation of disease symptoms, however drug combination is also an option for inhibitors with optimal pharmacokinetic properties that allow safe and efficacious co-administration with other drugs, such as antiviral agents, IL-6 blocking agents, or other kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Weisberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Alexander Parent
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin Sattler
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qingsong Liu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qingwang Liu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chengcheng Meng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara J Buhrlage
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Nathanael Gray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James D Griffin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Abbasi-Oshaghi E, Khodadadi I, Mirzaei F, Ahmadi M, Tayebinia H, Goodarzi MT. Anethum graveolens L.
Alleviates Sperm Damage by Limiting Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Rats . THE OPEN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1874104502014010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background:
It has been reported that diabetes is associated with sperm damage and infertility.
Objective:
The purpose of this experiment was to survey the effect of Anethum graveolens L. (Dill) powder on sperm profiles, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and histological changes in male diabetic rats.
Methods:
Male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=7); group 1: normal rats, 2: normal rats + 100mg/kg Dill, 3: normal rats + 300mg/kg Dill, 4: diabetic rats, 5: diabetic rats + 100mg/kg Dill, and 6: diabetic rats + 300mg/kg Dill. After 2 months of treatments, the sperm profile, anti-oxidant activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde were measured. The histopathology of testis was evaluated. Hormonal changes and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA.
Results:
Total anti-oxidant and SOD activity in diabetic rats significantly decreased, while MDA concentration was significantly increased in the testis and pancreas of diabetic rats compared with control. However, the use of Dill significantly normalized these profiles. The treatment of diabetic rats with Dill changed the sperm parameters. The levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH in diabetic rats were significantly reduced, but the treatment with Dill did not alter the level of these hormones. Dill also significantly normalized testis morphological changes, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Conclusion:
The use of Dill normalized oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance in diabetic rats that correlated with sperm profile and testis histological changes. The treatment of diabetic rat models with Dill did not show harmful effects on sperm profiles.
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15
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Sepanjnia A, Ghasemi H, Mohseni R, Ranjbar A, Shabani F, Salimi F, Kheiripour N. Effect of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Rats' Kidney, Lung, and Serum. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2020; 24:251-6. [PMID: 32306723 PMCID: PMC7275813 DOI: 10.29252/ibj.24.4.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) on the oxidative stress (OS) status in kidney, lung, and serum of rats. Methods Male Wistar Rats were treated intraperitoneally with 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day of CONPs. The biochemical parameters, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol group (TTG), malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD (superoxide dismutase), and catalase (CAT) were assayed in serum, kidney, and lung tissues. Results MDA decreased, but TTG and CAT increased in serum by the administration of CONPs at 15 mg/kg. In kidney homogenate obtained from the group treated with CONPs at 15 mg/kg, TAC, TTG, and CAT significantly increased compared to the control group. However, CONPs at 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg significantly decreased MDA level compared to the control group. In lung tissue, CONPs in doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg significantly decreased CAT activity, TTG and TAC compared to the control group, while in kidney tissue, CONPs at the concentrations of 30 and 60 mg/kg significantly increased MDA compared to the control group. Conclusion Our findings suggest that CONPs attenuate OS in the kidney and affect the serum levels of OS-related markers but induce OS in the lung tissue in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Sepanjnia
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Hassan Ghasemi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Abadan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Roohollah Mohseni
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Akram Ranjbar
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Shabani
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Fouzieh Salimi
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Nejat Kheiripour
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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16
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Mohseni R, Arab Sadeghabadi Z, Goodarzi MT, Karimi J. Co-administration of resveratrol and beta-aminopropionitrile attenuates liver fibrosis development via targeting lysyl oxidase in CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2019; 41:644-651. [PMID: 31724452 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2019.1688829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of administration of resveratrol (RES) and beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) separately and together on the liver fibrosis progression via regulation of the gene expression and protein level of lysyl oxidase (LOX).Materials and methods: The six-week old Wistar rats received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneally and RES and BAPN were administrated orally for eight weeks. The hepatoprotective effects of RES, BAPN, and combination treatment were evaluated. Then the hepatic protein and gene expression levels of LOX were measured.Results: Both RES and BAPN showed the antifibrotic effect through the reduction of collagen fiber bundles, hepatic hydroxyproline content, and protein level of LOX. The antifibrotic effect increased when RES and BAPN up-taken together.Conclusion: The co-administration of RES and BAPN can be considered as a promising therapeutic approach via targeting LOX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohollah Mohseni
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Zahra Arab Sadeghabadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Jamshid Karimi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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17
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Mohammadalipour A, Hashemnia M, Goudarzi F, Ravan AP. Increasing the effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in combination with a statin in reducing liver fibrosis. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 46:1183-1193. [PMID: 31396972 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that both nilotinib as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and atorvastatin as a rho-kinase inhibitor, have antifibrotic effects. Therefore, considering the relationship between these two pathways, this study aimed to investigate the effects of their co-treatment against hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and liver fibrosis. For this purpose, the activation of HSCs coincided with these therapies. Also, liver fibrosis by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) was induced in male Wistar rats and treated simultaneously with these compounds. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), Ras homolog gene family, and member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) in HSCs were measured. The expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), its receptor (TβRII), CTGF, and platelets derived growth factor (PDGF), in the livers, were also investigated, all by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Also, histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed to evaluate changes in liver fibrosis during treatment. The results indicated the down-regulation of RhoA/ROCK, CTGF, and α-SMA, and inhibition of the HSCs activation toward myofibroblasts. The results also showed that the combined use of atorvastatin and nilotinib has significantly higher inhibitory effects. The antifibrotic effects of atorvastatin and nilotinib co-administration were also observed by histopathologic and immunohistochemical observations, and inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1, TβRII, CTGF, and PDGF. Taken together, this study revealed that co-administration of nilotinib-atorvastatin has novel antifibrotic effects, by inhibiting RhoA/ROCK, and CTGF pathway. Therefore, the importance of the common pathway of RhoA/ROCK and CTGF, in reducing fibrosis may almost be concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Mohammadalipour
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hashemnia
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Farjam Goudarzi
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Alireza Pouyandeh Ravan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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