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Gao R, Mao J. Noncoding RNA-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation in Hepatic Stellate Cells of Liver Fibrosis. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:44. [PMID: 39195573 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a significant contributor to liver-related disease mortality on a global scale. Despite this, there remains a dearth of effective therapeutic interventions capable of reversing this condition. Consequently, it is imperative that we gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving liver fibrosis. In this regard, the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is recognized as a pivotal factor in the development and progression of liver fibrosis. The role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in epigenetic regulation of HSCs transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts has been established, providing new insights into gene expression changes during HSCs activation. NcRNAs play a crucial role in mediating the epigenetics of HSCs, serving as novel regulators in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. As research on epigenetics expands, the connection between ncRNAs involved in HSCs activation and epigenetic mechanisms becomes more evident. These changes in gene regulation have attracted considerable attention from researchers in the field. Furthermore, epigenetics has contributed valuable insights to drug discovery and the identification of therapeutic targets for individuals suffering from liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. As such, this review offers a thorough discussion on the role of ncRNAs in the HSCs activation of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Jingwei Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
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Liu M, Li H, Huo Z, Chen H, Kang X, Xu B. Bioinformatics Research and qRT-PCR Verify Hub Genes and a Transcription Factor-MicroRNA Feedback Network in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:3184-3198. [PMID: 37632659 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04699-0] [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] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The present study explores the potentials of bioinformatics analysis to identify hub genes linked to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and explored the potential molecular mechanism of transcription factor-microRNA regulatory network. Furthermore, the hub genes were identified through quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). GEO database expression profile datasets for candidate genes (GSE124272) were downloaded. Genes that were differentially expressed (DEGs) were detected utilizing limma technique in the R programming language. Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins and NetworkAnalyst software identified hub genes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis as well as Gene Ontology annotation of the DEGs were performed using Metascape. Using Bioinformatics data from the TRRUST, StarBase, and TransmiR databases, a TF-miRNA-hub genes network was constructed. qRT-PCR was utilized to confirm the result. As compared to healthy persons, 521 DEGs, comprising 203 down-regulated and 318 up-regulated genes, as well as 7 core genes, were found in people with IDD. Analysis revealed that all seven essential genes were under-expressed. qRT-PCR further confirmed the low expression of these seven important genes. Based on the TRRUST database, 16 TFs that could target five junction genes were then predicted. According to the StarBase database, four miRNAs were linked to crucial genes, while the TransmiR database predicted regulatory connections between four miRNAs and five TFs. The expression of the TP53-(hsa-miR-183-5p)-CCNB1 TF-miRNA-mRNA interaction network was discovered to be correlated with IDD. Throughout this investigation, a network of TF-miRNA-mRNA connections was built for investigation of the probable molecular mechanisms responsible for IDD. The identification of hub genes associated with IDD may reveal promising IDD treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Liu
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Hao Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Zhenxin Huo
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Houcong Chen
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Xinjian Kang
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Baoshan Xu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefangnan Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300211, China.
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Elseweidy MM, Ali AEM, Hassanin SM, Mahmoud YK. Empagliflozin ameliorates liver fibrosis in NASH rat model via targeting hepatic NF-κB/SOX9/OPN signaling and osteocalcin level. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:3449-3459. [PMID: 37962587 PMCID: PMC11074015 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may be associated with tissue fibrotic changes and can be treated via different therapeutic tools which may however either initiate weak or long-term side effects that minimize its use. Empagliflozin (EMPA) is an oral anti-diabetic drug which has characteristic effects during hepatic steatosis regarding lipid accumulation and insulin resistance. In this study, we aimed to investigate an additional mechanism through which EMPA can exert and potentiate its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in NASH rat model. Male Wistar albino rats fed on high fat diet (HFD) and 20% fructose in drinking water for 18 weeks and received EMPA (30 mg/kg/day, orally) starting from week 11. Body and liver weights, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, liver function tests, other biochemical and histological parameters were determined. HFD joined with fructose intake significantly increased body and liver weights, HOMA-IR value, hepatic inflammatory and fibrotic markers, liver transaminases, hepatic expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), sex determining region Y box 9 (SOX 9), and osteopontin (OPN) with significant decrease in hepatic osteocalcin (OCN). Intense hepatic lesions with severe microsteatosis and deposition of collagen fibers were clearly observed. Effectively, EMPA restored the normal liver functions, downregulated hepatic inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB, SOX 9, OPN, and increased OCN level. These results highlight another pathway illustrated the anti-fibrotic effects of EMPA against liver fibrosis probably through downregulation of NF-κB/SOX 9/OPN signaling along with upregulation of hepatic OCN which may potentiate the valuable anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of EMPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Elseweidy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Abd El-Monem Ali
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Sara M Hassanin
- Zagazig University Hospitals, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Yasmin K Mahmoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
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Li S, Cai X, Chen L, Lin M, Zhu Z, Xiao H, Nie P, Chen Q, Yang X. Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma growth via modulation of the miR-221/SOX11 axis by curcumin and berberine. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16593. [PMID: 38084140 PMCID: PMC10710771 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal malignancy that has limited treatment options. This study focused on the potential therapeutic effects of curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR) on the miR-221/SRY-box transcription factor 11 (SOX11) axis in HCC. We investigated the combined effects of CUR and BBR on HEPG2 and Huh7 cell survival and miR-221 expression using Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and RT-qPCR, respectively. Western blotting was used to detect changes in the apoptosis-related caspase-3/9 protein levels. We performed bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assays and measured apoptotic protein levels to assess the role of the miR-221/SOX11 axis in mediating the effects of CUR-BBR. Both CUR and BBR suppressed HCC cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, with the most potent combined effect observed at a 2:1 ratio. CUR-BBR treatment significantly downregulated miR-221 expression, and miR-221 overexpression partially reversed the CUR-BBR-mediated decrease in cell survival. In addition, SOX11 was found to be a direct target of miR-221. CUR-BBR treatment upregulated SOX11 expression, and overexpression of SOX11 restored the inhibitory effects of CUR-BBR on cell growth, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis in the presence of miR-221. Furthermore, CUR-BBR activated pro-apoptotic proteins caspase-3/9 through the miR-221/SOX11 axis. The combined effect of CUR-BBR played an important role in inhibiting the growth of HCC cells. This combined effect was achieved by regulating the miR-221/SOX11 axis and activating the synthesis of pro-apoptotic proteins. Our findings highlight a promising combined therapeutic approach for HCC and underscore the importance of targeting the miR-221/SOX11 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoliang Cai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Manbian Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huihuang Xiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Pingping Nie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Quanwen Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
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Stein RA, Thompson LM. Epigenetic changes induced by pathogenic Chlamydia spp. Pathog Dis 2023; 81:ftad034. [PMID: 38031337 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftad034] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, and C. psittaci, the three Chlamydia species known to cause human disease, have been collectively linked to several pathologies, including conjunctivitis, trachoma, respiratory disease, acute and chronic urogenital infections and their complications, and psittacosis. In vitro, animal, and human studies also established additional correlations, such as between C. pneumoniae and atherosclerosis and between C. trachomatis and ovarian cancer. As part of their survival and pathogenesis strategies as obligate intracellular bacteria, Chlamydia spp. modulate all three major types of epigenetic changes, which include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and microRNA-mediated gene silencing. Some of these epigenetic changes may be implicated in key aspects of pathogenesis, such as the ability of the Chlamydia spp. to induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, interfere with DNA damage repair, suppress cholesterol efflux from infected macrophages, act as a co-factor in human papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated cervical cancer, prevent apoptosis, and preserve the integrity of mitochondrial networks in infected host cells. A better understanding of the individual and collective contribution of epigenetic changes to pathogenesis will enhance our knowledge about the biology of Chlamydia spp. and facilitate the development of novel therapies and biomarkers. Pathogenic Chlamydia spp. contribute to epigenetically-mediated gene expression changes in host cells by multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Stein
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
| | - Lily M Thompson
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
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Wu L, Liu J, Zheng C, Ma H, Cao X, Huang Z, Tian K. The Protective Effect of SLNP on Hepatic Fibrosis Induced by Thioacetamide in Rats. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2988-2995. [PMID: 37936451 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128265631231025071732] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased in recent years. Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is an important step in the progression of NAFLD to cirrhosis and even carcinoma and is also recognized as a possible reversal phase. AIMS We previously found that the aqueous extract of Sedum Lineare Thunb. has hepatoprotective effects. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of the Sedum Lineare Thunb. n-butanol phase (SLNP) on HF in rats. METHODS Animals were intraperitoneally injected with thioacetamide solution twice a week for 8 weeks to prepare an HF model and were administered the corresponding drugs or an equal volume of normal saline by intragastric administration once a day for 8 weeks. Liver function, hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Na+-K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase were analyzed using colorimetric methods. Moreover, mRNA expression and protein levels in the liver tissue were detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS The results showed that SLNP could effectively improve the liver function of rats with HF and significantly reduce the content of hydroxyproline; the mRNA expression and protein levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, III, and IV, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), Smad2/3, and Smad4 were also significantly reduced. Simultaneously, SLNP significantly increased the activities of SOD, Na+-K+- ATPase, and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase in the rat liver tissues, whereas it reduced the levels of MDA and SOD in the serum and liver tissues. CONCLUSION This study revealed that SLNP elicits an anti-fibrotic effect by inhibiting oxidative stress and stellate cell activation, thereby reducing the formation and deposition of the extracellular matrix. The TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway may be involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Wu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jinying Liu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Chongbo Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- First Clinical Medical School of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Haijuan Ma
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xingling Cao
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Zhihua Huang
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Neuroinflammation Research, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Keqiang Tian
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
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Yang Y, Huang H, Li Y. Roles of exosomes and exosome-derived miRNAs in pulmonary fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:928933. [PMID: 36034858 PMCID: PMC9403513 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.928933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology that leads rapidly to death. It is characterized by the replacement of healthy tissue through an altered extracellular matrix and damage to the alveolar structure. New pharmacological treatments and biomarkers are needed for pulmonary fibrosis to ensure better outcomes and earlier diagnosis of patients. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles released by nearly all cell types that play a central role as mediators of cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, exosomes are emerging as a crucial factor in antigen presentation, immune response, immunomodulation, inflammation, and cellular phenotypic transformation and have also shown promising therapeutic potential in pulmonary fibrosis. This review summarizes current knowledge of exosomes that may promote pulmonary fibrosis and be utilized for diagnostics and prognostics. In addition, the utilization of exosomes and their cargo miRNAs as novel therapeutics and their potential mechanisms are also discussed. This review aims to elucidate the role of exosomes in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and paves the way for developing novel therapeutics for pulmonary fibrosis. Further in-depth research and clinical trials on this topic are encouraged in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Yang
- Precision Medicine Key Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Precision Medicine Key Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Transplantation Engineering and Immunology, Institute of Clinical Pathology, Ministry of Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Precision Medicine Key Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Li,
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