Redox regulation of cytokine expression in Kupffer cells

Mitochondrial (mt)DNA-cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling promotes pyroptosis of macrophages via interferon regulatory factor (IRF)7/IRF3 activation to aggravate lung injury during severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Macrophage proinflammatory activation contributes to the pathology of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and, simultaneously, macrophage functional changes, and increased pyroptosis/necrosis can further exacerbate the cellular immune suppression during the process of SAP, where cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) plays an important role. However, the function and mechanism of cGAS-STING in SAP-induced lung injury (LI) remains unknown.

METHODS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was combined with caerulein-induced SAP in wild type, cGAS -/- and sting -/- mice. Primary macrophages were extracted via bronchoalveolar lavage and peritoneal lavage. Ana-1 cells were pretreated with LPS and stimulated with nigericin sodium salt to induce pyroptosis in vitro.

RESULTS

SAP triggered NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation-mediated pyroptosis of alveolar and peritoneal macrophages in mouse model. Knockout of cGAS/STING could ameliorate NLRP3 activation and macrophage pyroptosis. In addition, mitochondrial (mt)DNA released from damaged mitochondria further induced macrophage STING activation in a cGAS- and dose-dependent manner. Upregulated STING signal can promote NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated macrophage pyroptosis and increase serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and, thus, exacerbate SAP-associated LI (SAP-ALI). Downstream molecules of STING, IRF7, and IRF3 connect the mtDNA-cGAS-STING axis and the NLRP3-pyroptosis axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Negative regulation of any molecule in the mtDNA-cGAS-STING-IRF7/IRF3 pathway can affect the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes, thereby reducing macrophage pyroptosis and improving SAP-ALI in mouse model.

Optimal intervention time of ADSCs for hepatic ischemia-reperfusion combined with partial resection injury in rats

AIMS

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a complication of liver surgery and liver transplantation. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation through a paracrine effect. This study aimed to determine the optimal time window of ADSCs transplantation to restore liver function after HIRI.

MAIN METHODS

A rat model of hepatic ischemia reperfusion combined with partial hepatectomy (HIR/PH) was established. The animals were injected intravenously with 2 × 10⁶ rat ADSCs 2 h before, immediately after, or 6 h after surgery. Liver tissues and blood samples were collected for routine histological and biochemical assays. The molecular changes were analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blotting.

KEY FINDINGS

ADSCs significantly improved liver tissue structure and decreased the levels of AST, ALT and ALP, which was indicative of functional recovery. In addition, transplantation of ADSCs immediately after operation decreased the levels of inflammation-related cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. At the same time, the expression of MDA was decreased. Mechanistically, ADSCs activated the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in the injured liver. Transplantation of ADSCs pre- and 6 h post-operation did not significantly affect some indices such as mRNA and protein expression of HO-1, and protein expression of NQO1.

SIGNIFICANCE

Transplanting ADSCs immediately after surgery accelerated tissue repair and functional recovery of the liver by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, which inhibited hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress, and restored the hepatic microenvironment.

Nanotheranostics for the Management of Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), in which an insufficient oxygen supply followed by reperfusion leads to an inflammatory network and oxidative stress in disease tissue to cause cell death, always occurs after liver transplantations and sections. Although pharmacological treatments favorably prevent or protect the liver against experimental IRI, there have been few successes in clinical applications for patient benefits because of the incomprehension of complicated IRI-induced signaling events as well as short blood circulation time, poor solubility, and severe side reactions of most antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs. Nanomaterials can achieve targeted delivery and controllable release of contrast agents and therapeutic drugs in desired hepatic IRI regions for enhanced imaging sensitivity and improved therapeutic effects, emerging as novel alternative approaches for hepatic IRI diagnosis and therapy. In this review, the application of nanotechnology is summarized in the management of hepatic IRI, including nanomaterial-assisted hepatic IRI diagnosis, nanoparticulate systems-mediated remission of reactive oxygen species-induced tissue injury, and nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery systems for the alleviation of IRI-related inflammation. The current challenges and future perspectives of these nanoenabled strategies for hepatic IRI treatment are also discussed.

Clinical implication of ICG test in major hepatectomy for biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

Major hepatectomy with bile duct resection (BDR) is associated with severe postoperative complications; therefore, evaluation of preoperative liver function is important. However, little is known about mechanisms of increased severe complications in patients with poor liver function. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether indocyanine green retention rate after 15 minutes of injection (ICG-R15) is useful for predicting the risk of severe postoperative complications in this operation, and to reveal the mechanisms of increasing severe complications by focusing on immune function and liver regeneration after hepatectomy.

METHODS

Patients receiving major hepatectomy with BDR between 2000 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Severe postoperative complications were defined as Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IV.

RESULTS

In 284 patients undergoing major hepatectomy with BDR, ICG-R15 was correlated with severe postoperative complications, with cut-off value of 11.8%. In brief, the incidences of hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, liver failure, respiratory failure, severe complications, and mortality were higher in the high ICG-R15 group. Moreover, high ICG-R15 (≥11.8%) was an independent factor for predicting severe complications after major hepatectomy with BDR. Immune dysfunction in the early phase after operation, prolonged postoperative immunosuppression, and delayed liver regeneration were reasons for increasing severe postoperative complications in patients with high ICG-R15.

CONCLUSIONS

High ICG-R15 is an independent risk factor for severe complications after major hepatectomy with BDR, and its cut-off value is 11.8%. Compromised condition and delayed liver regeneration induced by immune dysfunction are reasons of increased severe postoperative complications in patients with high ICG-R15.

Impact of Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response as New Adaptive Mechanisms Underlying Old Pathologies: Sarcopenia and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Mitochondria are the first-line defense of the cell in the presence of stressing processes that can induce mitochondrial dysfunction. Under these conditions, the activation of two axes is accomplished, namely, (i) the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) to promote cell recovery and survival of the mitochondrial network; (ii) the mitophagy process to eliminate altered or dysfunctional mitochondria. For these purposes, the former response induces the expression of chaperones, proteases, antioxidant components and protein import and assembly factors, whereas the latter is signaled through the activation of the PINK1/Parkin and BNIP3/NIX pathways. These adaptive mechanisms may be compromised during aging, leading to the development of several pathologies including sarcopenia, defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass and performance; and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These age-associated diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of organ function due to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage to biomolecules, since the ability to counteract the continuous and large generation of ROS becomes increasingly inefficient with aging, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction as a central pathogenic mechanism. Nevertheless, the role of the integrated stress response (ISR) involving UPRmt and mitophagy in the development and progression of these illnesses is still a matter of debate, considering that some studies indicate that the prolonged exposure to low levels of stress may trigger these mechanisms to maintain mitohormesis, whereas others sustain that chronic activation of them could lead to cell death. In this review, we discuss the available research that contributes to unveil the role of the mitochondrial UPR in the development of sarcopenia, in an attempt to describe changes prior to the manifestation of severe symptoms; and in NAFLD, in order to prevent or reverse fat accumulation and its progression by means of suitable protocols to be addressed in future studies.

Hydrogen protects against liver injury during CO2 pneumoperitoneum in rats

The aim of the current study was to identify the protective effect of hydrogen gas against liver injury during CO₂ pneumoperitoneum. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (C group), pneumoperitoneum group (P15 group) and hydrogen group (H₂ group). Rats in the C group were subjected to anesthesia for 90 min. Rats in the P15 group received an abdominal insufflation of CO₂ for 90 min at an intra-abdominal pressure of 15 mmHg. Rats in the H₂ group received a hypodermic injection of hydrogen gas (0.2 mL/kg) and after 10 min they received an abdominal insufflation of CO₂ for 90 min at an intra-abdominal pressure of 15 mmHg. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured to evaluate liver function. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) content were measured to evaluate oxidative stress. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nrf2 downstream target genes, apoptosis-related genes and inflammatory cytokine mRNA and protein expression were detected. Liver injury was detected under the microscope. Our results revealed that liver function, antioxidants content, inflammation and liver injury were improved after hydrogen preconditioning in H₂ group compared with P15 group. Overall, our results revealed that subcutaneous hydrogen injection could exert a protective effect against liver injury during CO₂ pneumoperitoneum through reducing oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines release.

Stable isotope-based flux studies in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease and is associated with the worldwide epidemics of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. NAFLD ranges from benign fat accumulation in the liver (steatosis) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and cirrhosis which can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. Mass spectrometry and magnetic resonance spectroscopy-coupled stable isotope-based flux studies provide new insights into the understanding of NAFLD pathogenesis and the disease progression. This review focuses mainly on the utilization of mass spectrometry-based methods for the understanding of metabolic abnormalities in the different stages of NAFLD. For example, stable isotope-based flux studies demonstrated multi-organ insulin resistance, dysregulated glucose, lipids and lipoprotein metabolism in patients with NAFLD. We also review recent developments in the stable isotope-based technologies for the study of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and fibrogenesis in NAFLD. We highlight the limitations of current methodologies, discuss the emerging areas of research in this field, and future directions for the applications of stable isotopes to study NAFLD and its complications.

Inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase decreases elevated levels of nitrative and oxidative stress markers in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

Oxidative stress and excessive nitric oxide production via induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-2 have been shown in the pathogenesis of liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase)/ceramide pathway can regulate NOS2 expression therefore this study determined the role of selective N-SMase inhibition on nitrative and oxidative stress markers following liver IR injury. Selective N-SMase inhibitor was administered via intraperitoneal injections. Liver IR injury was created by clamping blood vessels supplying the median and left lateral hepatic lobes for 60 min, followed by 60 min reperfusion. Nitrative and oxidative stress markers were determined by evaluating NOS2 expression, protein nitration, nitrite/nitrate levels, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) formation, protein carbonyl levels and xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase (XO/XDH) activity. Levels of sphingmyelin and ceramide in liver tissue were determined by an optimized multiple reaction monitoring method using ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Spingomyelin levels were significantly increased in all IR groups compared to controls. Treatment with a specific N-SMase inhibitor significantly decreased all measured ceramides in IR injury. NOS2 expression, nitrite/nitrate levels and protein nitration were significantly greater in IR injury and decreased with N-SMase inhibition. Treatment with a selective N-SMase inhibitor significantly decreased HNE formation, protein carbonyl levels and the hepatic conversion of XO. Data confirm the role of nitrative and oxidative injury in IR and highlight the protective effect of selective N-SMase inhibition. Future studies evaluating agents blocking N-SMase activity can facilitate the development of treatment strategies to alleviate oxidative injury in liver I/R injury.

Extracellular vesicles released by hepatocytes from gastric infusion model of alcoholic liver disease contain a MicroRNA barcode that can be detected in blood

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released during cell stress, or demise, can contain a barcode of the cell origin, including specific microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we tested the hypothesis that during early alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) development, hepatocytes (HCs) release EVs with an miRNA signature that can be measured in circulation. A time-course experiment showed that after 2 weeks of intragastric infusion, a time point that results in isolated steatosis, there was no increase of blood EVs. After 4 weeks of infusion, mice developed features of early ASH accompanied by a marked increase in the level of EVs in blood (P < 0.05), as well as in culture media of isolated HCs (P < 0.001) and hepatic macrophages (P < 0.001), with HCs being the predominant source of EVs. The transcriptome analysis of HC-EVs from ASH mice detected differentially expressed miRNAs, including nine significantly up-regulated and four significantly down-regulated miRNAs. Target prediction and pathway analyses of the up-regulated miRNAs identified 121 potential target genes involved in inflammatory and cancer pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa B, EGF, Wnt, and B-cell lymphoma 2. Three miRNAs, let7f, miR-29a, and miR-340, were increased in blood EVs from ASH mice (P < 0.05), but not in blood EVs from three other models of chronic liver injury, including bile duct ligation, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and obese mice, as well as EVs released from hepatocytes exposed to ethanol. Blood EV level (P < 0.01) and three miRNAs (P < 0.05) were significantly increased in patients with ambulatory mild ALD as compared to nonalcoholics.

CONCLUSION

Damaged hepatocytes from ASH mice are a key EV source with a specific miRNA cargo, which are specific for ASH-related liver injury. These findings uncover EVs as a potentially novel diagnostic for ASH. (Hepatology 2017;65:475-490).

Altered miR-370 expression in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury correlates with the level of nuclear kappa B (NF-κB) related factors

BACKGROUND & AIMS

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small endogenous, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at both the transcription and translation levels. Whether miRNAs have taken part in liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury was rarely reported. The purpose of this article is to investigate the potential role of miR-370 in hepatic IR injury.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 5 groups (sham-operated group, I/R group, IPC group, antagomir-370 group and antagomir-NC), and the expression levels of miR-370 were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Serum enzyme analysis and histological examination of liver were used as the index of the effect of miR-370 on hepatic IR injury and following treatment of mice with antagomir-370 or antagomir-NC. The classical pathway factors of NF-κB (TAK₁, TAB₁, TAB₂, IkBα, IKKα, IKKβ, p50, p65) were studied by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

The results showed that the IR group's miR-370 expression level was significantly upregulated as compared with the sham-operated group and IPC group. Also inhibition of miR-370 led to the low expression levels of miR-370 and low levels of serum aminotransferase and hepatic histological damage as compared with the IR group. Quantitative real-time PCR showed the levels of TAK1, TAB₁, TAB2, IkBα, IKKα, p65 was elevated when improving the miR-370 levels, at the same time, Western blot showed the levels of TAK₁, TAB₁, TAB₂, IkBα, IKKα, IKKβ, p50, p65 were all elevated.

CONCLUSION

miR-370 acting via NF-κB might play a crucial role in hepatic IR injury, and inhibition of miR-370 could alleviate the injury to the liver. And miR-370 might positively regulated the NF-κB pathway.

Thymosin Beta 4 Is a Potential Regulator of Hepatic Stellate Cells

Liver fibrosis, a major characteristic of chronic liver disease, is inappropriate tissue remodeling caused by prolonged parenchymal cell injury and inflammation. During liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) undergo transdifferentiation from quiescent HSCs into activated HSCs, which promote the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to liver fibrosis. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is the most abundant member of the highly conserved β-thymosin family and controls cell morphogenesis and motility by regulating the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. Tβ4 is known to be involved in various cellular responses, including antiinflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. Emerging evidence suggests that Tβ4 is expressed in the liver; however, its biological roles are poorly understood. Herein, we introduce liver fibrogenesis and recent findings regarding the function of Tβ4 in various tissues and discuss the potential role of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis with a special focus on the effects of exogenous and endogenous Tβ4. Recent studies have revealed that activated HSCs express Tβ4 in vivo and in vitro. Treatment with the exogenous Tβ4 peptide inhibits the proliferation and migration of activated HSCs and reduces liver fibrosis, indicating it has an antifibrotic action. Meanwhile, the endogenously expressed Tβ4 in activated HSCs is shown to promote HSCs activation. Although the role of Tβ4 has not been elucidated, it is apparent that Tβ4 is associated with HSC activation. Therefore, understanding the potential roles and regulatory mechanisms of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis may provide a novel treatment for patients.

Thyroid hormone in the frontier of cell protection, survival and functional recovery

Thyroid hormone (TH) exerts important actions on cellular energy metabolism, accelerating O2consumption with consequent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and redox signalling affording cell protection, a response that is contributed by redox-independent mechanisms. These processes underlie genomic and non-genomic pathways, which are integrated and exhibit hierarchical organisation. ROS production led to the activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factors nuclear factor-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, activating protein 1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, promoting cell protection and survival by TH. These features involve enhancement in the homeostatic potential including antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antiinflammatory and cell proliferation responses, besides higher detoxification capabilities and energy supply through AMP-activated protein kinase upregulation. The above aspects constitute the molecular basis for TH-induced preconditioning of the liver that exerts protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, a strategy also observed in extrahepatic organs of experimental animals and with other types of injury, which awaits application in the clinical setting. Noteworthy, re-adjusting TH to normal levels results in several beneficial effects; for example, it lengthens the cold storage time of organs for transplantation from brain-dead donors; allows a superior neurological outcome in infants of <28 weeks of gestation; reduces the cognitive side-effects of lithium and improves electroconvulsive therapy in patients with bipolar disorders.

Downregulation of connexin 32 attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in liver cells

Gap junction intercellular communication is involved in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury of organs. Connexins are proteins that are critical to the function of gap junctions. To clarify the role of gap junctions in IR injury in liver cells, the function of gap junctions was modulated in an in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model. BRL-3A rat liver cells, endogenously expressing connexins Cx32 and Cx43, were used to model the process of hepatic IR injury. Suppression of gap junction activity was achieved genetically, using Cx32-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), or chemically, with pharmacological inhibitors, oleamide, and 18-α-GA. BRL-3A cells subjected to H/R exhibited reduced cell survival and pathologies indicative of IR injury. Cx32-specific siRNA, oleamide, and 18-α-GA, respectively, decreased gap junction permeability, as assessed by the parachute assay. Pretreatment with Cx32-specific siRNA increased cell survival. Pretreatment with oleamide or 18-α-GA did not improve cell survival. Modulating gap junction by Cx32 gene silencing protected BRL-3A liver cells from H/R.

The cellular and proteomic response of primary and immortalized murine Kupffer cells following immune stimulation diverges from that of monocyte-derived macrophages

Kupffer cells (KCs) are the first line of defense in the liver against pathogens, yet several microbes successfully target the liver, bypass immune surveillance, and effectively develop in this tissue. Our current, albeit poor, understanding of KC-pathogen interactions has been largely achieved through the study of primary cells, requiring isolation from large numbers of animals. To facilitate the study of KC biology, an immortalized rat KC line 1, RKC1, was developed. We performed a comparative global proteomic analysis of RKC1 and primary rat KCs (PRKC) to characterize their respective responses to lipopolysaccharide-mediated immune stimulation. We identified patent differences in the proteomic response profile of RKC1 and PRKC to lipopolysaccharide. We observed that PRKC upregulated more immune function pathways and exhibited marked changes in cellular morphology following stimulation. We consequently analyzed the cytoskeletal signaling pathways of these cells in light of the fact that macrophages are known to induce cytoskeletal changes in response to pathogens. Our findings suggest that KCs respond differently to inflammatory stimulus than do monocyte-derived macrophages, and such data may provide insight into how pathogens, such as the malaria parasite, may have evolved mechanisms of liver entry through KCs without detection.

Extracellular matrix and liver disease

SIGNIFICANCE

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic microenvironment that undergoes continuous remodeling, particularly during injury and wound healing. Chronic liver injury of many different etiologies such as viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, drug-induced liver injury, obesity and insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune disease is characterized by excessive deposition of ECM proteins in response to persistent liver damage.

CRITICAL ISSUES

This review describes the main collagenous and noncollagenous components from the ECM that play a significant role in pathological matrix deposition during liver disease. We define how increased myofibroblasts (MF) from different origins are at the forefront of liver fibrosis and how liver cell-specific regulation of the complex scarring process occurs.

RECENT ADVANCES

Particular attention is paid to the role of cytokines, growth factors, reactive oxygen species, and newly identified matricellular proteins in the regulation of fibrillar type I collagen, a field to which our laboratory has significantly contributed over the years. We compile data from recent literature on the potential mechanisms driving fibrosis resolution such as MF' apoptosis, senescence, and reversal to quiescence.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

We conclude with a brief description of how epigenetics, an evolving field, can regulate the behavior of MF and of how new "omics" tools may advance our understanding of the mechanisms by which the fibrogenic response to liver injury occurs.

Osteopontin binding to lipopolysaccharide lowers tumor necrosis factor-α and prevents early alcohol-induced liver injury in mice

Although osteopontin (OPN) is induced in alcoholic patients, its role in the pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains unclear. Increased translocation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the gut is key for the onset of ALD because it promotes macrophage infiltration and activation, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) production, and liver injury. Since OPN is protective for the intestinal mucosa, we postulated that enhancing OPN expression in the liver and consequently in the blood and/or in the gut could protect from early alcohol-induced liver injury. Wild-type (WT), OPN knockout (Opn(-/-)), and transgenic mice overexpressing OPN in hepatocytes (Opn(HEP) Tg) were fed either the control or the ethanol Lieber-DeCarli diet. Ethanol increased hepatic, plasma, biliary, and fecal OPN more in Opn(HEP) Tg than in WT mice. Steatosis was less in ethanol-treated Opn(HEP) Tg mice as shown by decreased liver-to-body weight ratio, hepatic triglycerides, the steatosis score, oil red-O staining, and lipid peroxidation. There was also less inflammation and liver injury as demonstrated by lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, hepatocyte ballooning degeneration, LPS levels, the inflammation score, and the number of macrophages and TNFα(+) cells. To establish if OPN could limit LPS availability and its noxious effects in the liver, binding studies were performed. OPN showed binding affinity for LPS which prevented macrophage activation, reactive oxygen, and nitrogen species generation and TNFα production. Treatment with milk OPN (m-OPN) blocked LPS translocation in vivo and protected from early alcohol-induced liver injury.

CONCLUSION

Natural induction plus forced overexpression of OPN in the liver or treatment with m-OPN protect from early alcohol-induced liver injury by blocking the gut-derived LPS and TNFα effects in the liver.

Oxidative pathways of chemical toxicity and oxidative stress biomarkers in marine organisms

The antioxidant system of marine organisms consists of low molecular weight scavengers and antioxidant enzymes which interact in a sophisticated network. Environmental pollutants can unbalance this system through closely related mechanisms, indirect relationships and cascade effects acting from pre-transcriptional to catalytic levels. Chemically-mediated pathways have the potential to greatly enhance intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); at the same time, excessive levels of oxyradicals down-regulate xenobiotics metabolism, with important environmental implications for organisms exposed to chemical mixtures. Interactions between different classes of chemicals, generation of ROS and onset of oxidative stress conditions are partly modulated by changes in levels and functions of redox-sensitive signaling proteins and transcription factors. The Nrf2-Keap1 pathway still remains largely unexplored in marine organisms, despite the elevated degree of identity and similarity with homolog transcripts and proteins from different species. Recent evidences on transcriptional up-regulation of this system are consistent with the capability to provide a prolonged expression of ARE-regulated cytoprotective genes, and to efficiently switch off this mechanism when oxidative pressure decreases. Although gene expression and catalytic activities of antioxidants are often measured as alternative biomarkers in monitoring biological effects of contaminants, conflicting results between molecular and biochemical responses are quite frequent. The links between effects occurring at various intracellular levels can be masked by non-genomic processes affecting mRNA stability and protein turnover, different timing for transcriptional and translational mechanisms, metabolic capability of tissues, post-transcriptional modifications of proteins, bi-phasic responses of antioxidant enzymes and interactions occurring in chemical mixtures. In this respect, caution should be taken in monitoring studies where mRNA levels of antioxidants could represent a snapshot of cell activity at a given time, not an effective endpoint of environmental pollutants.

A novel mouse model of depletion of stellate cells clarifies their role in ischemia/reperfusion- and endotoxin-induced acute liver injury

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) that express glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are located between the sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes. HSCs are activated during liver injury and cause hepatic fibrosis by producing excessive extracellular matrix. HSCs also produce many growth factors, chemokines and cytokines, and thus may play an important role in acute liver injury. However, this function has not been clarified due to unavailability of a model, in which HSCs are depleted from the normal liver.

METHODS

We treated mice expressing HSV-thymidine kinase under the GFAP promoter (GFAP-Tg) with 3 consecutive (3 days apart) CCl4 (0.16 μl/g; ip) injections to stimulate HSCs to enter the cell cycle and proliferate. This was followed by 10-day ganciclovir (40 μg/g/day; ip) treatment, which is expected to eliminate actively proliferating HSCs. Mice were then subjected to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) or endotoxin treatment.

RESULTS

CCl4/ganciclovir treatment caused depletion of the majority of HSCs (about 64-72%), while the liver recovered from the initial CCl4-induced injury (confirmed by histology, serum ALT and neutrophil infiltration). The magnitude of hepatic injury due to I/R or endotoxemia (determined by histopathology and serum ALT) was lower in HSC-depleted mice. Their hepatic expression of TNF-α, neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL1 and endothelin-A receptor also was significantly lower than the control mice.

CONCLUSIONS

HSCs play an important role both in I/R- and endotoxin-induced acute hepatocyte injury, with TNF-α and endothelin-1 as important mediators of these effects.

Development and characterization of sulfasalazine loaded fucosylated PPI dendrimer for the treatment of cytokine-induced liver damage

The present investigation was aimed at exploring the targeting potential of sulfasalazine (NF-κB inhibitor drug) loaded fucose tethered poly (propylene imine) (PPI) dendritic nanoarchitecture (SSZ-FUCO-PPID) to Kupffer cells for effective management of cytokine-induced liver damage. The SSZ-FUCO-PPID formulation was characterized for entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, stability, toxicological investigations, macrophage uptake, NF-κB inhibition, and in vivo studies. In cell uptake assay the uptake of SSZ-FUCO-PPID was found to be higher and preferentially by J774 macrophage cell line. Cytokine assay suggested that the SSZ-FUCO-PPID potentially inhibited the IL-12 p40 production in LPS activated macrophages. Western blot analysis clearly suggested that SSZ-FUCO-PPID inhibited the activation of NF-κB as indicated by the absence of p-IκB band. Pharmacokinetic study revealed improved bioavailability, half-life and mean residence time of SSZ upon fucosylation of dendrimers. The biodistribution pattern clearly established the higher amount of SSZ-FUCO-PPID in liver. Hematological data suggest that the fucosylated formulations are less immunogenic as compared to unconjugated formulations. The results suggest that the SSZ-FUCO-PPID formulation holds targeting potential to Kupffer cells for the treatment of cytokine-induced liver damage.

Fucosylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes for Kupffer cells targeting for the treatment of cytokine-induced liver damage

PURPOSE

To develop, characterize and exploring the sulfasalazine loaded fucoyslated multi walled carbon nanotubes for Kupffer cell targeting for effective management of cytokine-induce liver damage.

METHODS

Sulfasalazine was loaded into the fucosylated MWCNTs after subsequential functionalization (carboxylation, acylation and amidation) using dialysis membrane technique. The in vitro, in vivo studies were performed on macrophages J 774 cell line for Kupffer cells targeting for the treatment of cytokine-induced liver damage.

RESULTS

The loading of SSZ into SSZ-FUCO-MWCNTs was 87.77 ± 0.11% (n = 3). Sustained release was obtained from SSZ-FUCO-MWCNTs, with 89.12 ± 0.71% of SSZ released into medium at 48th hr. SSZ-FUCO-MWCNTs showed the 9.0  ± 0.23% hemolysis was drastically reduced from 21.62 ± 0.24% SSZMWCNTs 21.62 ± 0.24%. In SRB assay, SSZ-FUCO-MWCNTs showed more cytotoxicity than raw and SSZ-MWCNTs. In cytokine assay, SSZ- FUCO-MWCNTs exhibited significantly higher inhibition of IL-12 p40 secretion. In Western blot assay, SSZ-FUCO-MWCNTs significantly inhibit NF-κB activation.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that the SSZ-FUCO-MWCNTs may be useful nano-carriers for targeted delivery to Kupffer cells in the treatment of cytokine-induced liver damage.

Kupffer cell stimulation in the isolated perfused rat liver triggers nuclear factor-κB DNA binding activity

Activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB (electrophoretic mobility shift assay) was investigated in the isolated perfused rat liver infused with 0.5 mg of colloidal carbon/ml for 5-20 min, in relation to carbon phagocytosis and carbon-induced O(2) consumption. Experiments were carried out in control rats and in animals treated with the Kupffer cell inactivator gadolinium chloride (GdCl(3)). Carbon uptake and carbon-induced O(2) consumption by perfused livers exhibited a linear increase as a function of the perfusion time, leading to constant O(2)/carbon uptake ratios, with low (0.04-0.15%) fractional sinusoidal lactate dehydrogenase release in the 5-20 min perfusion time studied. NF-kappaB DNA binding activity showed a maximal enhancement at 10 min of carbon perfusion, a response that was sustained at a lower extent at 15 and 20 min of carbon stimulation. After 10 min of carbon infusion, NF-kappaB activation, carbon-induced O(2) consumption, and carbon uptake were diminished by 84%, 94%, and 64% by GdCl(3) treatment (P < 0.05), respectively. It is concluded that the respiratory burst of carbon-stimulated Kupffer cells triggers NF-kappaB activation in the isolated perfused liver, a response that is elicited under optimal conditions of Kupffer cell function and organ viability.

Arachidonic acid stimulates TNFα production in Kupffer cells via a reactive oxygen species-pERK1/2-Egr1-dependent mechanism

Kupffer cells are a key source of mediators of alcohol-induced liver damage such as reactive oxygen species, chemokines, growth factors, and eicosanoids. Since diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids are a requirement for the development of alcoholic liver disease, we hypothesized that polyunsaturated fatty acids could synergize with ethanol to promote Kupffer cell activation and TNFα production, hence, contributing to liver injury. Primary Kupffer cells from control and from ethanol-fed rats incubated with arachidonic acid showed similar proliferation rates than nontreated cells; however, arachidonic acid induced phenotypic changes, lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxides, and superoxide radical generation. Similar effects occurred in human Kupffer cells. These events were greater in Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats, and antioxidants and inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism prevented them. Arachidonic acid treatment increased NADPH oxidase activity. Inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and of arachidonic acid metabolism partially prevented the increase in oxidant stress. Upon arachidonic acid stimulation, there was a rapid and sustained increase in TNFα, which was greater in Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats than in Kupffer cells from control rats. Arachidonic acid induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of early growth response-1 (Egr1), and ethanol synergized with arachidonic acid to promote this effect. PD98059, a mitogen extracellular kinase 1/2 inhibitor, and curcumin, an Egr1 inhibitor, blocked the arachidonic acid-mediated upregulation of TNFα in Kupffer cells. This study unveils the mechanism whereby arachidonic acid and ethanol increase TNFα production in Kupffer cells, thus contributing to alcoholic liver disease.

Colloidal carbon stimulation of Kupffer cells triggers Nrf2 activation in the isolated perfused rat liver

Activation of transcription factor Nrf2 was investigated in the isolated perfused rat liver infused with 0.5 mg of colloidal carbon (CC)/ml for 5-15 min to stimulated Kupffer cell function. Infusion of CC enhanced liver O(2) consumption over basal levels, with a time-dependent increase in CC-induced O(2) uptake, at constant rates of CC phagocytosis by Kupffer cells, as assessed histologically, and adequate viability conditions of the livers, as shown by the marginal (0.34 %) total sinusoidal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) efflux over intrahepatic LDH activity. Under these conditions, cytosolic protein levels of Nrf2 (Western blot) and inhibitor of Nrf2 Keap1 progressively declined by CC infusion, those of nuclear Nrf2 increased, leading to enhancement in the nuclear/cytosolic Nrf2 ratios. It is concluded that the respiratory burst of CC-stimulated Kupffer cells triggers Nrf2 activation in the perfused liver, a response that may afford cellular protection under pro-oxidant conditions underlying Kupffer cell stimulation.

Toll-like receptors in ischaemia and its potential role in the pathophysiology of muscle damage in critical limb ischaemia

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key receptors of the innate immune system which are expressed on immune and nonimmune cells. They are activated by both pathogen-associated molecular patterns and endogenous ligands. Activation of TLRs culminates in the release of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and apoptosis. Ischaemia and ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury are associated with significant inflammation and tissue damage. There is emerging evidence to suggest that TLRs are involved in mediating ischaemia-induced damage in several organs. Critical limb ischaemia (CLI) is the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and is associated with skeletal muscle damage and tissue loss; however its pathophysiology is poorly understood. This paper will underline the evidence implicating TLRs in the pathophysiology of cerebral, renal, hepatic, myocardial, and skeletal muscle ischaemia and I/R injury and discuss preliminary data that alludes to the potential role of TLRs in the pathophysiology of skeletal muscle damage in CLI.

Thyroid hormone-induced cytosol-to-nuclear translocation of rat liver Nrf2 is dependent on Kupffer cell functioning

L-3,3′,5-triiodothyronine (T₃) administration upregulates nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in rat liver, which is redox-sensitive transcription factor mediating cytoprotection. In this work, we studied the role of Kupffer cell respiratory burst activity, a process related to reactive oxygen species generation and liver homeostasis, in Nrf2 activation using the macrophage inactivator gadolinium chloride (GdCl₃; 10 mg/kg i.v. 72 h before T₃ [0.1 mg/kg i.p.]) or NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (1.5 mmol/L added to the drinking water for 7 days before T₃), and determinations were performed 2 h after T₃. T₃ increased nuclear/cytosolic Nrf2 content ratio and levels of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), catalytic subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase, and thioredoxin (Western blot) over control values, proteins whose gene transcription is induced by Nrf2. These changes were suppressed by GdCl₃ treatment prior to T₃, an agent-eliciting Kupffer-cell depletion, inhibition of colloidal carbon phagocytosis, and the associated respiratory burst activity, with enhancement in nuclear inhibitor of Nrf2 kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/Nrf2 content ratios suggesting Nrf2 degradation. Under these conditions, T₃-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) response was eliminated by previous GdCl₃ administration. Similar to GdCl₃, apocynin given before T₃ significantly reduced liver Nrf2 activation and HO-1 expression, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor eliciting abolishment of colloidal carbon-induced respiratory burst activity without altering carbon phagocytosis. It is concluded that Kupffer cell functioning is essential for upregulation of liver Nrf2-signaling pathway by T₃. This contention is supported by suppression of the respiratory burst activity of Kupffer cells and the associated reactive oxygen species production by GdCl₃ or apocynin given prior to T₃, thus hindering Nrf2 activation.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and therapeutic strategies to alleviate cellular damage

Warm hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury is a significant medical problem in many clinical conditions such as liver transplantation, hepatic surgery for tumor excision, trauma and hepatic failure after hemorrhagic shock. Partial or, mostly, total interruption of hepatic blood flow is often necessary when liver surgery is performed. This interruption of blood flow is termed "warm ischemia" and upon revascularization, when molecular oxygen is reintroduced, the organ undergoes a process called "reperfusion injury" that causes deterioration of organ function. Ischemia reperfusion results in cellular damage and tissue injury associated with a complex series of events. Pathophysiological mechanisms leading to tissue injury following ischemia-reperfusion will be discussed and therapies targeted to reduce liver damage will be summarized within this review.

14-Deoxyandrographolide desensitizes hepatocytes to tumour necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis through calcium-dependent tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1A release via the NO/cGMP pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Andrographis paniculata (AP) has been found to display hepatoprotective effect, although the mechanism of action of the active compounds of AP in this context still remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the hepatoprotective efficacy of 14-deoxyandrographolide (14-DAG), a bioactive compound of AP, particularly its role in desensitization of hepatocytes to tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced signalling of apoptosis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

TNF-alpha-mediated ligand receptor interaction in hepatocytes in the presence of 14-DAG was studied in vitro in primary hepatocyte cultures, with the help of co-immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy and FACS analysis. Events associated with 14-DAG-induced TNFRSF1A release from hepatocytes were determined using immunoblotting, biochemical assay and fluorimetric studies. Pulse-chase experiments with radiolabelled TNF-alpha and detection of apoptotic nuclei by terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling were performed under in vivo conditions.

KEY RESULTS

14-DAG down-regulated the formation of death-inducing signalling complex, resulting in desensitization of hepatocytes to TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with 14-DAG accentuated microsomal Ca-ATPase activity through induction of NO/cGMP pathway. This resulted in enhanced calcium influx into microsomal lumen with the formation of TNFRSF1A-ARTS-1-NUCB2 complex in cellular vesicles. It was followed by the release of full-length 55 kDa TNFRSF1A and a reduction in the number of cell surface TNFRSF1A, which eventually caused diminution of TNF-alpha signal in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

Taken together, the results demonstrate for the first time that 14-DAG desensitizes hepatocytes to TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis through the release of TNFRSF1A. This can be used as a strategy against cytokine-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis in liver dysfunctions.

Kupffer-cell activity is essential for thyroid hormone rat liver preconditioning

We studied the role of Kupffer cell functioning in T3 liver preconditioning against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury using the macrophage inactivator gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) previous to T3 treatment. Male Sprague-Dawley rats given a single i.p. dose of 0.1 mg T3/kg were subjected to 1 h ischemia followed by 20 h reperfusion, in groups of animals pretreated with 10 mg GdCl3/kg i.v. 72 h before T(3) or with the respective vehicles. IR resulted in significant enhancement of serum aspartate aminotransferase (3.3-fold increase) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (93% increase) levels, development of liver damage, and diminished nuclear factor-kappaB DNA binding over control values. These changes, which were suppressed by the T3 administration prior to IR, persisted in animals given GdCl3 before T3 treatment, under conditions of complete elimination of ED2+ Kupffer cells achieved in a time window of 72 h. It is concluded that Kupffer cell functioning is essential for T3 liver preconditioning, assessed in a warm IR injury model by hepatic macrophage inactivation.

Heme oxygenase-1 protects donor livers from ischemia/reperfusion injury: the role of Kupffer cells

AIM

To examine whether heme oxygenase (HO)-1 overexpression would exert direct or indirect effects on Kupffer cells activation, which lead to aggravation of reperfusion injury.

METHODS

Donors were pretreated with cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) or zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), HO-1 inducer and antagonist, respectively. Livers were stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h before transplantation. Kupffer cells were isolated and cultured for 6 h after liver reperfusion.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, serum transaminases were significantly lower and associated with less liver injury when donors were pretreated with CoPP, as compared with the ZnPP group. Production of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 generated by Kupffer cells decreased in the CoPP group. The CD14 expression levels (RT-PCR/Western blots) of Kupffer cells from CoPP-pretreated liver grafts reduced.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that the potential utility of HO-1 overexpression in preventing ischemia/reperfusion injury results from inhibition of Kupffer cells activation.

Oxidative stress signaling underlying liver disease and hepatoprotective mechanisms

Oxidative stress is a redox imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants in favour of the former ones, leading to different responses depending on the level of pro-oxidants and the duration of the exposure. In this article, we discuss the damaging or cytoprotective signaling mechanisms associated with oxidative stress by addressing (1) the role of prolonged and severe oxidative stress and insulin resistance as determinant factors in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with obesity, which, with the concurrence of nutritional factors, may determine the onset of fatty liver and its progression to steatohepatitis; and (2) the development of an acute and mild pro-oxidant state by thyroid hormone administration, which elicits the redox up-regulation of the expression of proteins affording cell protection, as a preconditioning strategy against ischemia-reperfusion liver injury.

Blood oxidative stress markers in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and how it correlates with diet

OBJECTIVE

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common condition that can progress to endstage liver disease. The steatotic liver seems to be particularly susceptible to oxidative stress damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the redox state in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and its correlation with dietary intake.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Plasma concentrations of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG), vitamins A and E, total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reductase (GSH-Red) erythrocyte activities were compared between 43 NASH patients and 33 healthy controls. 4-HNE, GSH-Px, GSH-Red and TAS were evaluated by spectrophotometry, 8-OHdG by ELISA assay, GSH and GSSG by fluorimetric assay and vitamins A and E by high performance liquid chromatography. Dietary habits were also evaluated in these patients.

RESULTS

GSH levels (21.1 +/- 18.3 versus 33.1 +/- 22.2 microM, p = 0.01) and GSH/GSSG ratio (0.9 +/- 0.7 versus 1.5 +/- 0.8, p = 0.01) were lower and TAS (832 +/- 146 versus 630 +/-140 microM, p < 0.001) and vitamin E (47.1 +/- 14.9 versus 34.5 +/- 7.3 microM, p < 0.001) were higher in NASH patients, although there was no difference in GSH-Px and GSH-Red activities, 8-OHdG and 4-HNE levels between groups. After adjusting for total energy consumption, a negative correlation was found with total and saturated fat intake and GSH/GSSG ratio, and a positive correlation with carbohydrates, fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), specifically N-3 PUFA, and vitamins E, C, selenium and folate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest an impaired glutathione metabolism towards an oxidant status in NASH patients, correlating with a higher intake of saturated fat and a lower intake of carbohydrates. Plasmatic concentrations of oxidative stress cellular markers did not translate to hepatic oxidative damage.

Influence of Kupffer cell inactivation on cycloheximide-induced hepatic injury

In our previous study, we found that cycloheximide (CHX) induces hepatocellular necrosis as well as hepatocellular apoptosis. This article evaluates the role of Kupffer cells on cycloheximide-induced hepatic injury using gadolinium chloride (GdCl(3)) for the inhibition of Kupffer cells. One group of rats was treated with CHX (CHX group), and another was treated with GdCl(3) before being treated with the same dose of CHX (GdCl(3)/CHX group). The necrotic change in the GdCl(3)/CHX group was exacerbated under the induction of hepatocellular apoptosis by the CHX treatment. A substantial diminution of the number of ED1- or ED2-positive cells was demonstrated in the GdCl(3)/CHX group compared to the CHX group. In addition, the degree of decrease in ED2-positive cells was more apparent than that in ED1-positive cells. Increases in the mRNA levels of IL-10 and Stat3 were observed in the CHX group, but not in the GdCl(3)/CHX group. On the other hand, the hepatic mRNA levels of chemokines and adhesion molecules such as Ccl20, LOX-1, and E-selectin were significantly increased only in the GdCl(3)/CHX group. Thus, Kupffer cell inactivation by the GdCl(3) treatment leads to a loss of the capacity to produce IL-10, supposedly resulting in the enhancement of pro-inflammatory cytokine activities such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling. These events are suggested to be a factor of the inflammatory exacerbation in the livers of the GdCl(3)/CHX group. In conclusion, Kupffer cells may play a role in protecting hepatic necroinflammatory changes by releasing anti-inflammatory cytokines following the hepatocellular apoptosis resulting from CHX treatment.

Factors in the pathophysiology of the liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury is commonplace in liver surgery, particularly in hepatic transplantation, hepatic resection, and trauma. The signaling events contributing to local hepatocellular damage are diverse and complex and involve the interaction between hepatocytes, sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, as well as infiltrating neutrophils, macrophages, and platelets. Signaling mediators include cytokines, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, calcium, complement, and several transcription factors. The purpose of this review article was to summarize the factors that contribute to the pathophysiology of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The effect of citrus flavonoids on the redox state of alimentary-induced fatty liver in rats

Both chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and fatty liver may develop at the same time. Hesperidin and diosmin are used for the treatment CVI. There is no information, however, on the effect of these flavonoids in the redox state of fatty liver. In this study, male Wistar albino rats were fed a lipid-rich diet with or without 450 mg diosmin-50 mg hesperidin-containing drug (60 mg kg(-1) body weight/day, per os) for 9 days to determine the impact of treatment on antioxidant defence system of the fatty liver. We detected free SH-group concentration (SHC), hydrogen-donating ability (HDA), and natural scavenger capacity were decreased and hepatic malonaldehyde content and dien conjugate (DC) content in rats with fatty liver were increased compared to the control. After treatment in fatty liver, these parameters (except DC) significantly improved and approached the control value. Our results indicate that diosmin-hesperidin-containing drug may be a useful agent in improving the antioxidant defensive system in alimentary-induced fatty liver disease.

Thyroid hormone preconditioning: protection against ischemia-reperfusion liver injury in the rat

Recently, we reported that oxidative stress due to 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T(3))-induced calorigenesis up-regulates the hepatic expression of mediators promoting cell protection. In this study, T(3) administration in rats (single dose of 0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally) induced significant depletion of reduced liver glutathione (GSH), with higher protein oxidation, O(2) consumption, and Kupffer cell function (carbon phagocytosis and carbon-induced O(2) uptake). These changes occurred within a period of 36 hours of T(3) treatment in animals showing normal liver histology and lack of alteration in serum AST and ALT levels. Partial hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) (1 h of ischemia via vascular clamping and 20 h reperfusion) led to 11-fold and 42-fold increases in serum AST and ALT levels, respectively, and significant changes in liver histology, with a 36% decrease in liver GSH content and a 133% increase in that of protein carbonyls. T(3) administration in a time window of 48 hours was substantially protective against hepatic IR injury, with a net 60% and 90% reduction in liver GSH depletion and protein oxidation induced by IR, respectively. Liver IR led to decreased DNA binding of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) (54%) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (53%) (electromobility shift assay), with 50% diminution in the protein expression of haptoglobin (Western blot), changes that were normalized by T(3) preconditioning.

CONCLUSION

T(3) administration involving transient oxidative stress in the liver exerts significant protection against IR injury, a novel preconditioning maneuver that is associated with NF-kappaB and STAT3 activation and acute-phase response.

Oxidative-stress and IL-6 mediate the fibrogenic effects of [corrected] Kupffer cells on stellate cells

The impact of Kupffer cells (KCs) on the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) fibrogenic response was examined in an in vitro coculture model of primary KCs and HSCs. Coculture with KCs induced a more activated phenotype and greater proliferation compared to HSC cultured alone. Similar results were obtained on Matrigel which maintains HSCs quiescent. The effect of KCs on HSC collagen I involved transcriptional regulation, as determined by nuclear in vitro transcription run-on assays, promoter studies, and Northern blot analysis, while stability of the COL1A1 and COL1A2 mRNA were similar. The minimal COL1A1 and COL1A2 promoter regions responsible for the KC effects were localized to the -515 and -378 base pair (bp) regions, respectively. Intracellular and extracellular collagen I protein, H2O2, and IL-6 increased in a time-dependent fashion, especially for HSCs in coculture. Catalase prevented these effects as well as the transactivation of both collagen promoters. The rate of collagen I protein synthesis and intracellular collagen I degradation remained similar but the t(1/2) of the secreted collagen I was lower for HSC in coculture. MMP13, a protease that degrades extracellular collagen I, decreased in the cocultures, while TIMP1, a MMP13 inhibitor, increased; and these effects were prevented by catalase, anti-IL-6, and siRNA-IL-6. Cocultured HSC showed elevated phosphorylation of p38 which when inhibited by catalase, anti-IL-6, and siRNA-IL-6 it blocked TIMP1 upregulation and collagen I accumulation. In conclusion, these results unveil a novel dual mechanism mediated by H2O2 and IL-6 by which KCs may modulate the fibrogenic response in HSCs.

Insulin resistance and oxidative stress interdependency in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as a major cause of chronic liver disease in association with the rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the population. Oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) are major contributors in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and in the progression from steatosis to steatohepatitis. Recently, Houstis and colleagues reported that reactive oxygen species have a causal role in multiple forms of IR, a phenomenon that can further promote exacerbation of oxidative stress. The improvement of the knowledge of these interrelationships should contribute to elucidate pathogenic pathways and design effective treatments for NAFLD.

The acute-phase response of the liver in relation to thyroid hormone-induced redox signaling

Recently, we reported that 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3) induces the expression of redox-sensitive genes as a nongenomic mechanism of T3 action. In this study, we show that T3 administration to rats (daily doses of 0.1 mg/kg ip for 3 consecutive days) induced a calorigenic response and liver glutathione depletion as an indication of oxidative stress, with higher levels of interleukin (IL)-6 in serum (ELISA) and hepatic STAT3 DNA binding (EMSA), which were maximal at 48-72 h after treatment. Under these conditions, the protein expression of the acute-phase proteins haptoglobin and beta-fibrinogen is significantly augmented, a change that is suppressed by pretreatment with alpha-tocopherol (100 mg/kg ip) or gadolinium chloride (10 mg/kg iv) before T3. It is concluded that T3 administration induces the acute-phase response in rat liver by a redox mechanism triggered at the Kupffer cell level, in association with IL-6 release and activation of the STAT3 cascade, a response that may contribute to reestablishing homeostasis in the liver and extrahepatic tissues exhibiting oxidative stress.

Increased production of IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated blood from obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine production is considered a pathogenic factor in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Peripheral blood production of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was studied in relation to the severity of histological changes of the liver in obese NAFLD patients. Basal levels in serum and production of IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha in peripheral blood cell cultures after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays) were measured in 11 patients with steatosis and 15 with steatohepatitis, who underwent gastrectomy with a gastro-jejunal anastomosis in roux and Y, and in 9 controls who underwent anti-reflux surgery. Production of IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha was 122 and 67% higher in patients with steatosis than control values, respectively. In patients with steatohepatitis, IL-1alpha production was 300 and 80% higher and that of TNF-alpha 110 and 26% higher, as compared with controls and steatosis patients, respectively. Production of IL-1alpha was positively correlated with that of TNF-alpha (r=0.78, p<0.0001). IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha production were both positively correlated with the degree of steatosis (r=0.68, p<0.001 and r=0.74, p<0.0001) and steatohepatitis (r=0.77 and r=0.75, p<0.0001) at liver biopsy, and with the homeostasis model assessment index (r=0.73, p<0.0001 and r=0.63, p<0.01), respectively. Basal serum IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha levels were comparable in the three groups studied. It is concluded that elevated production of IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha by in vitro stimulated whole blood cell cultures occurs in NAFLD obese patients, which might play a pathophysiological role upon inflammatory leukocyte infiltration of the liver.

Direct hepatotoxic effect of KC chemokine in the liver without infiltration of neutrophils

KC is a mouse homolog of human chemokine gro-alpha (CXCL1), expression of which is increased in liver diseases. We show that activated, but not quiescent, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) express KC. Hepatic stellate cells constitutively express the KC receptor, CXCR2. Addition of recombinant KC to HSCs undergoing activation in culture increases secretion and processing of Type I collagen. Overexpression of endogenous KC in the mouse liver could be achieved by an intraperitoneal injection of CCl(4), followed after 24 hrs by an injection of recombinant KC into circulation. This protocol resulted in about a 14-fold increase in concentration of KC protein in the liver. Overexpression of KC was associated with upregulation of the mRNA for CXCR2 and MIP-2 and with necrosis and increased synthesis of Type I collagen. This suggests that KC has a direct hepatotoxic effect, which led to a massive liver necrosis after 48 hrs. No accumulation of neutrophils was seen in the livers as judged by histology and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of myeloperoxidase mRNA. Autostimulation of KC and CXCR2 expression by recombinant KC protein in the mice with preexisting liver injury indicates a positive feedback regulation. Such regulation and direct hepatotoxicity of KC with increased collagen synthesis represent novel findings about the role of KC/ gro-alpha in liver pathology.

Current Understanding of Gender Dimorphism in Hepatic Pathophysiology1

Studies have shown gender dimorphic response of the liver for various hepatic stresses including ischemia/reperfusion, hemorrhagic shock-resuscitation, hepatectomy, liver cirrhosis, endotoxemia, and chronic alcoholic consumption. The mechanisms responsible for the gender dimorphic response include differences in pro-inflammatory cytokine release, production of reactive oxygen species, and alteration in hepatic vasoregulatory action. These effects were shown to be modulated by circulating sex steroid levels. In this regard, modulation of sex steroid levels by agents/drugs has been proposed as a therapeutic option for preventing hepatic damage in various hepatic stress models. Further elucidation of precise mechanisms responsible for the gender-related differences in the hepatic pathophysiology is essential for the potential clinical application of sex hormone modulation therapy. In this article, current progress in our understanding the gender difference in the hepatic pathophysiology under the condition of hepatic stress is reviewed and discussed.

Redox regulation of thyroid hormone-induced Kupffer cell-dependent IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation in relation to inducible nitric oxide synthase expression

Thyroid hormone-induced calorigenesis promotes oxidative stress in the liver with higher respiratory burst activity in Kupffer cells, which could increase the expression of redox-sensitive genes. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that L-3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3) triggers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in rat liver by upstream mechanisms involving the inhibitor of kappa (Ikappa) kinase activation. T3 administration (daily doses of 0.1 mg/kg for three consecutive days) induced a calorigenic response, with maximal increases in the content of hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactants or protein carbonyls and NOS activity at 48-72 h after treatment, compared to control values. In this time interval, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha; ELISA) are enhanced, concomitantly with higher liver IkappaB-alpha phaphosphorylation (Western blot analysis), NF-kappaB DNA binding (electrophoretic mobility shift assay), and iNOS mRNA expression (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction). These changes and the increase in hepatic NOS activity are abolished by the administration of either alpha-tocopherol (100 mg/kg) or the Kupffer cell inactivator gadolinium chloride (10 mg/kg) prior to T3. It is concluded that T3-induced oxidative stress triggers the redox upregulation of liver iNOS expression through a cascade initiated by TNF-a produced by Kupffer cells and involving Ikappa-alpha phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activation, a response that may represent a defense mechanism by protecting the liver from cytokine-mediated lethality and ROS toxicity.

Hepatic expression of S32A/S36A IκBα does not reduce postischemic liver injury

BACKGROUND

Activation of the transcription factor, NF-kappaB, during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury is associated with proinflammatory mediator expression and is thought to be one of the initial triggers for the inflammatory response after reperfusion. In the current study, we sought to determine whether in vivo adenoviral transfection of a mutant inhibitor of kappaB-alpha (IkappaBalpha), which cannot be serine phosphorylated or degraded (IkappaBalphaSR), would inhibit NF-kappaB and ameliorate the hepatic inflammatory response to ischemia/reperfusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to sham surgery or partial hepatic ischemia (90 min) and reperfusion (up to 8 h). Mice were infected with 1 x 10(9) PFU of adenovirus containing either beta-galactosidase (LacZ) or IkappaBalphaSR 3 days prior to induction of ischemia. Serum and tissues were obtained at various times for analysis.

RESULTS

In unmanipulated mice, degradation of IkappaBalpha, as occurs after serine phosphorylation, was evident in liver by the end of ischemia and during early reperfusion. Mice transfected with IkappaBalphaSR displayed the same degree of inflammation and hepatocellular injury as LacZ-transfected mice. There was no difference between LacZ- and IkappaBalphaSR-transfected livers in terms of NF-kappaB activation or proinflammatory cytokine production.

CONCLUSIONS

The data demonstrate that the pathway of NF-kappaB activation involving serine phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha is not the primary mechanism for induction of liver inflammation after ischemia/reperfusion and suggest that alternative pathways, such as tyrosine phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha, may be essential for the postischemic response in liver.

The role of the mitochondrion in trauma and shock

The mitochondrion of the eukaryotic cell is well known as a "power plant" whose energy is made available via the high-energy phosphate bonds of ATP. This indispensable and superbly adapted organelle appears to have originated as an endosymbiotic bacterium rather than as a eukaryotic creation per se. However, under the dangerous conditions of trauma and shock, the mitochondrion can become destabilized and harm its host cell in a variety of ways. These contrary traits may be, in part, vestiges from the bacterial origins of mitochondria. The mitochondrion can respond to the stress of trauma and shock by opening pores that leak contents into the host cell's cytoplasm, an event that can trigger programmed cell death or necrosis. In addition, the enormous oxygen consumption by mitochondria presents a two-edged sword in that a deranged mitochondrion can produce reactive oxygen species that damage genes and gene products, inflicting considerable harm to the mitochondrion and its host cell. However, although trauma and shock can cause the mitochondrion to wreak havoc in many ways, an adjuvant intervention with exogenous ATP-MgCl2 after trauma and shock appears useful for reducing cell and organ damage under those conditions.

Metal-induced oxidative stress and signal transduction

Occupational and environmental exposures to metals are associated with the development of various cancers. Although carcinogenesis caused by metals has been intensively investigated, the mechanisms of action, especially at the molecular level, are still unclear. Accumulating evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species generated by metals may play an important role in the etiology of disease. This review covers recent advances in (1) metal-induced generation of reactive oxygen species; (2) the receptors, kinases, and nuclear transcription factors affected by metals and metal-induced oxidative stress, including growth factor receptors, src kinase, ras signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinases, the phosphoinositide 3-phosphate/Akt pathway, nuclear transcription factor kappaB, activator protein 1, p53, nuclear factor of activated T cells, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1; and (3) global cellular phenomena (signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis) associated with metal-induced ROS production and gene expression.