Deoxycholic acid (DCA) causes ligand-independent activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and FAS receptor in primary hepatocytes: inhibition of EGFR/mitogen-activated protein kinase-signaling module enhances DCA-induced apoptosis

Investigating the anticancer effect of purified rCec-B peptide in a DEN murine model: Insights into tumorigenesis prevention, bioavailability, and molecular mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Anticancer peptides (ACPs) are considered cancer therapeutic candidates through decreasing tumor cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVES

Determine the therapeutic potential of purified recombinant cecropin-B (rCec-B) peptide in vivo on HCC murine model and its effect, particularly on the activation of apoptotic pathways.

METHODS

Intact mass analysis of rCec-B was confirmed using mass spectrometry, molecular docking on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) apoptosis was studied, and an in vivo acute toxicity study, followed by establishing the HCC model using diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was performed. Biochemical, molecular, and immunohistochemical parameters were detected in serum and liver samples.

RESULTS

A molecular docking study on EGFR showed a predicted binding model of rCec-B as a ligand with a high binding affinity equal to -50.167 kcal/mol. The peptide showed remarkable safety in the studied high doses. The liver of the HCC untreated model had a distorted lobular pattern with minimal to mild nuclear atypia. In HCC treated with rCec-B, liver sections had periportal inflammation, hydropic degeneration with focal cholestasis, and apoptotic hepatocellular bodies. Molecular detection and immunohistochemical analysis showed an upregulation of the oncogenic marker, Bcl-2, and a downregulation of apoptotic markers (FAS, FAS-L, Cas-8, BAX, and BID) in the untreated DEN group. Treated groups had a significant increase in all the detected apoptotic markers.

CONCLUSION

This study sheds light on the potential rCec-B's role in suppressing HCC progression. Hence, this peptide could be considered a promising therapeutic drug alone or in combination with other drugs to alleviate HCC treatment.

The interplay between gut bacteria and targeted therapies: implications for future cancer treatments

Targeted therapy represents a form of cancer treatment that specifically focuses on molecular markers regulating the growth, division, and dissemination of cancer cells. It serves as the cornerstone of precision medicine and is associated with fewer adverse effects compared to conventional chemotherapy, thus enhancing the quality of patient survival. These make targeted therapy as a vital component of contemporary anti-cancer strategies. Although targeted therapy has achieved excellent anti-cancer results, there are still many factors affecting its efficacy. Among the numerous factors affecting anti-cancer treatment, the role of intestinal bacteria and its metabolites are becoming increasingly prominent, particularly in immunotherapy. However, their effects on anticancer targeted therapy have not been systematically reviewed. Herein, we discuss the crosstalk between gut bacteria and anticancer targeted therapies, while also highlighting potential therapeutic strategies and future research directions.

Uncovering a Novel Functional Interaction Between Adult Hepatic Progenitor Cells, Inflammation and EGFR Signaling During Bile Acids-Induced Injury

Chronic cholestatic damage is associated to both accumulation of cytotoxic levels of bile acids and expansion of adult hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) as part of the ductular reaction contributing to the regenerative response. Here, we report a bile acid-specific cytotoxic response in mouse HPC, which is partially impaired by EGF signaling. Additionally, we show that EGF synergizes with bile acids to trigger inflammatory signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in HPC. Aiming at understanding the impact of this HPC specific response on the liver microenvironment we run a proteomic analysis of HPC secretome. Data show an enrichment in immune and TGF-β regulators, ECM components and remodeling proteins in HPC secretome. Consistently, HPC-derived conditioned medium promotes hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and macrophage M1-like polarization. Strikingly, EGF and bile acids co-treatment leads to profound changes in the secretome composition, illustrated by an abolishment of HSC activating effect and by promoting macrophage M2-like polarization. Collectively, we provide new specific mechanisms behind HPC regulatory action during cholestatic liver injury, with an active role in cellular interactome and inflammatory response regulation. Moreover, findings prove a key contribution for EGFR signaling jointly with bile acids in HPC-mediated actions.

UDCA for Drug-Induced Liver Disease: Clinical and Pathophysiological Basis

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is an adverse reaction to medications and other xenobiotics that leads to liver dysfunction. Based on differential clinical patterns of injury, DILI is classified into hepatocellular, cholestatic, and mixed types; although hepatocellular DILI is associated with inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis, cholestatic DILI is associated with bile plugs and bile duct paucity. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been empirically used as a supportive drug mainly in cholestatic DILI, but both curative and prophylactic beneficial effects have been observed for hepatocellular DILI as well, according to preliminary clinical studies. This could reflect the fact that UDCA has a plethora of beneficial effects potentially useful to treat the wide range of injuries with different etiologies and pathomechanisms occurring in both types of DILI, including anticholestatic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antinecrotic, mitoprotective, endoplasmic reticulum stress alleviating, and immunomodulatory properties. In this review, a revision of the literature has been performed to evaluate the efficacy of UDCA across the whole DILI spectrum, and these findings were associated with the multiple mechanisms of UDCA hepatoprotection. This should help better rationalize and systematize the use of this versatile and safe hepatoprotector in each type of DILI scenarios.

Versatile Triad Alliance: Bile Acid, Taurine and Microbiota

Taurine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body, and is mainly derived from the diet, but can also be produced endogenously from cysteine. It plays multiple essential roles in the body, including development, energy production, osmoregulation, prevention of oxidative stress, and inflammation. Taurine is also crucial as a molecule used to conjugate bile acids (BAs). In the gastrointestinal tract, BAs deconjugation by enteric bacteria results in high levels of unconjugated BAs and free taurine. Depending on conjugation status and other bacterial modifications, BAs constitute a pool of related but highly diverse molecules, each with different properties concerning solubility and toxicity, capacity to activate or inhibit receptors of BAs, and direct and indirect impact on microbiota and the host, whereas free taurine has a largely protective impact on the host, serves as a source of energy for microbiota, regulates bacterial colonization and defends from pathogens. Several remarkable examples of the interaction between taurine and gut microbiota have recently been described. This review will introduce the necessary background information and lay out the latest discoveries in the interaction of the co-reliant triad of BAs, taurine, and microbiota.

Bile acid and receptors: biology and drug discovery for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a series of liver metabolic disorders manifested by lipid accumulation within hepatocytes, has become the primary cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. About 20%-30% of NAFLD patients advance to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), along with cell death, inflammation response and fibrogenesis. The pathogenesis of NASH is complex and its development is strongly related to multiple metabolic disorders (e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases). The clinical outcomes include liver failure and hepatocellular cancer. There is no FDA-approved NASH drug so far, and thus effective therapeutics are urgently needed. Bile acids are synthesized in hepatocytes, transported into the intestine, metabolized by gut bacteria and recirculated back to the liver by the enterohepatic system. They exert pleiotropic roles in the absorption of fats and regulation of metabolism. Studies on the relevance of bile acid disturbance with NASH render it as an etiological factor in NASH pathogenesis. Recent findings on the functional identification of bile acid receptors have led to a further understanding of the pathophysiology of NASH such as metabolic dysregulation and inflammation, and bile acid receptors are recognized as attractive targets for NASH treatment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of bile acids and the receptors in the development of NAFLD and NASH, especially the functions of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in different tissues including liver and intestine. The progress in the development of bile acid and its receptors-based drugs for the treatment of NASH including bile acid analogs and non-bile acid modulators on bile acid metabolism is also discussed.

Hallmarks of the human intestinal microbiome on liver maturation and function

As one of the most metabolically complex systems in the body, the liver ensures multi-organ homeostasis and ultimately sustains life. Nevertheless, during early postnatal development, the liver is highly immature and takes about 2 years to acquire and develop almost all of its functions. Different events occurring at the environmental and cellular levels are thought to mediate hepatic maturation and function postnatally. The crosstalk between the liver, the gut and its microbiome has been well appreciated in the context of liver disease, but recent evidence suggests that the latter could also be critical for hepatic function under physiological conditions. The gut-liver crosstalk is thought to be mediated by a rich repertoire of microbial metabolites that can participate in a myriad of biological processes in hepatic sinusoids, from energy metabolism to tissue regeneration. Studies on germ-free animals have revealed the gut microbiome as a critical contributor in early hepatic programming, and this influence extends throughout life, mediating liver function and body homeostasis. In this seminar, we describe the microbial molecules that have a known effect on the liver and discuss how the gut microbiome and the liver evolve throughout life. We also provide insights on current and future strategies to target the gut microbiome in the context of hepatology research.

Deoxycholic acid induces proinflammatory cytokine production by model oesophageal cells via lipid rafts

The bile acid component of gastric refluxate has been implicated in inflammation of the oesophagus including conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and Barrett's Oesophagus (BO). Here we demonstrate that the hydrophobic bile acid, deoxycholic acid (DCA), stimulated the production of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA and protein in Het-1A, a model of normal oesophageal cells. DCA-induced production of IL-6 and IL-8 was attenuated by pharmacologic inhibition of the Protein Kinase C (PKC), MAP kinase, tyrosine kinase pathways, by the cholesterol sequestering agent, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD) and by the hydrophilic bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The cholesterol-interacting agent, nystatin, which binds cholesterol without removing it from the membrane, synergized with DCA to induce IL-6 and IL-8. This was inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. DCA stimulated the phosphorylation of lipid raft component Src tyrosine kinase (Src). while knockdown of caveolin-1 expression using siRNA resulted in a decreased level of IL-8 production in response to DCA. Taken together, these results demonstrate that DCA stimulates IL-6 and IL-8 production in oesophageal cells via lipid raft-associated signaling. Inhibition of this process using cyclodextrins represents a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oesophagus including GORD and BO.

The development of multi-kinase inhibitors as pancreatic cancer therapeutics

Pancreatic cancer is an almost incurable malignancy whose incidence has increased over the past 30 years. Instead of pursuing the development of modalities utilizing 'traditional' cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, we have explored the possibilities of developing novel multi-kinase inhibitor drug combinations to kill this tumor type. Several approaches using the multi-kinase inhibitors sorafenib, regorafenib, and neratinib have been safely translated from the bench to the bedside, with objective anti-tumor responses. This review will discuss our prior preclinical and clinical studies and discuss future clinical opportunities in this disease.

NELL2 modulates cell proliferation and apoptosis via ERK pathway in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a quite common illness but its etiology and mechanism remain unclear. Neural epidermal growth factor-like like 2 (NELL2) plays multifunctional roles in neural cell growth and is strongly linked to the urinary tract disease. Current study aims to determine the expression, functional activities and underlying mechanism of NELL2 in BPH. Human prostate cell lines and tissues from normal human and BPH patients were utilized. Immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescent staining, RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were performed. We further generated cell models with NELL2 silenced or overexpressed. Subsequently, proliferation, cycle, and apoptosis of prostate cells were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry analysis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis process were also analyzed. Our study revealed that NELL2 was up-regulated in BPH samples and localized in the stroma and the epithelium compartments of human prostate tissues. NELL2 deficiency induced a mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation via phosphorylating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation. Additionally, suppression of ERK1/2 with U0126 incubation could significantly reverse NELL2 deficiency triggered cell apoptosis. Consistently, overexpression of NELL2 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. However, NELL2 interference was observed no effect on EMT and fibrosis process. Our novel data demonstrated that up-regulation of NELL2 in the enlarged prostate could contribute to the development of BPH through enhancing cell proliferation and inhibited a mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis via the ERK pathway. The NELL2-ERK system might represent an important target to facilitate the development of future therapeutic approaches in BPH.

Microbial Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases: From Alpha to Omega

Bile acids (BAs) and glucocorticoids are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol that are important signaling molecules in humans and other vertebrates. Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs) are encoded both by the host and by their resident gut microbiota, and they reversibly convert steroid hydroxyl groups to keto groups. Pairs of HSDHs can reversibly epimerize steroids from α-hydroxy conformations to β-hydroxy, or β-hydroxy to ω-hydroxy in the case of ω-muricholic acid. These reactions often result in products with drastically different physicochemical properties than their precursors, which can result in steroids being activators or inhibitors of host receptors, can affect solubility in fecal water, and can modulate toxicity. Microbial HSDHs modulate sterols associated with diseases such as colorectal cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Although the role of microbial HSDHs is not yet fully elucidated, they may have therapeutic potential as steroid pool modulators or druggable targets in the future. In this review, we explore metabolism of BAs and glucocorticoids with a focus on biotransformation by microbial HSDHs.

Gut microbiota and their metabolites in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disorder worldwide. It comprises a spectrum of conditions that range from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, with progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there is no FDA-approved pharmacological treatment for NAFLD. The pathogenesis of NAFLD involves genetic and environmental/host factors, including those that cause changes in intestinal microbiota and their metabolites. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the relationship(s) of microbiota signature with severity of NAFLD and the role(s) microbial metabolites in NAFLD progression. We discuss how metabolites may affect NAFLD progression and their potential to serve as biomarkers for NAFLD diagnosis or therapeutic targets for disease management.

Augmenter of Liver Regeneration (ALR) regulates bile acid synthesis and attenuates bile acid-induced apoptosis via glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibition

Bile acid synthesis is restricted to hepatocytes and is rate-limited by CYP7A1 (cholesterol 7α hydroxylase). CYP7A1 expression undergoes tight regulation and is repressed after partial hepatectomy to prevent the accumulation of toxic bile acids. Augmenter of Liver Regeneration (ALR) is a hepatotrophic factor shown to support liver regeneration by augmenting cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis. Nevertheless, less is known about ALR's role in protecting hepatocytes from bile acid accumulation and bile acid-induced apoptosis. Therefore, HepG2 and Huh-7 cells were incubated with recombinant human ALR (rALR) and the expression of CYP7A1, bile acid-induced apoptosis as well as potential molecular mechanisms were analyzed. We found that rALR reduces CYP7A1 expression by increasing nuclear NFκB levels. Moreover, rALR reduced glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC)-induced-apoptosis by decreased expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and enhanced expression of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1, which is regulated by phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt activation and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation. Inhibitors for PI3K/Akt (GSK690693) and GSK3β (SB415286) confirmed the specificity of rALR treatment for this pathway. In addition, rALR reduces pro-death signaling by decreasing GCDC-induced JNK phosphorylation. Taken all together, rALR might contribute to protecting hepatocytes from toxic concentrations of bile acids by down-regulating their denovo synthesis, attenuating apoptosis by activation of PI3K/Akt - GSK3β pathway and inhibition of JNK signaling. Thereby this suggests a new role of ALR in augmenting the process of liver regeneration.

Gut microbiota remodeling reverses aging-associated inflammation and dysregulation of systemic bile acid homeostasis in mice sex-specifically

Aging is usually characterized with inflammation and disordered bile acids (BAs) homeostasis, as well as gut dysbiosis. The pathophysiological changes during aging are also sexual specific. However, it remains unclear about the modulating process among gut microbiota, BA metabolism, and inflammation during aging. In this study, we established a direct link between gut microbiota and BA profile changes in the liver, serum, and four intestinal segments of both sexes during aging and gut microbiota remodeling by co-housing old mice with young ones. We found aging reduced Actinobacteria in male mice but increased Firmicutes in female mice. Among the top 10 altered genera with aging, 4 genera changed oppositely between male and female mice, and most of the changes were reversed by co-housing in both sexes. Gut microbiota remodeling by co-housing partly rescued the systemically dysregulated BA homeostasis induced by aging in a sex- and tissue-specific manner. Aging had greater impacts on hepatic BA profile in females, but intestinal BA profile in males. In addition, aging increased hepatic and colonic deoxycholic acid in male mice, but reduced them in females. Moreover, muricholic acids shifted markedly in the intestine, especially in old male mice, and partially reversed by co-housing. Notably, the ratios of primary to secondary BAs in the liver, serum, and all four intestinal segments were increased in old mice and reduced by co-housing in both sexes. Together, the presented data revealed that sex divergent changes of gut microbiota and BA profile in multiple body compartments during aging and gut microbiota remodeling, highlighting the sex-specific prevention and treatment of aging-related disorders by targeting gut microbiota-regulated BA metabolism should particularly be given more attention.

Effects of taurocholic acid metabolism by gut bacteria: A controlled feeding trial in adult African American subjects at elevated risk for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Recent evidence has linked a high fat and animal protein diet and microbial metabolism of host bile acids as environmental risk factors for CRC development. We hypothesize that the primary bile salt taurocholic acid (TCA) is a key, diet-controlled metabolite whose use by bacteria yields a carcinogen and tumor-promoter, respectively. The work is motivated by our published data indicating hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and secondary bile acid production by colonic bacteria, serve as environmental insults contributing to CRC risk. The central aim of this study is to test whether a diet high in animal protein and saturated fat increases abundance of bacteria that generate H₂S and pro-inflammatory secondary bile acids in African Americans (AAs) at high risk for CRC. Our prospective, randomized, crossover feeding trial will examine two microbial mechanisms by which an animal-based diet may support the growth of TCA metabolizing bacteria. Each subject will receive two diets in a crossover design- an animal-based diet, rich in taurine and saturated fat, and a plant-based diet, low in taurine and saturated fat. A mediation model will be used to determine the extent to which diet (independent variable) and mucosal markers of CRC risk and DNA damage (dependent variables) are explained by colonic bacteria and their functions (mediator variables). This research will generate novel information targeted to develop effective dietary interventions that may reduce the unequal CRC burden in AAs.

CD95 Structure, Aggregation and Cell Signaling

CD95 is a pre-ligand-associated transmembrane (TM) receptor. The interaction with its ligand CD95L brings to a next level its aggregation and triggers different signaling pathways, leading to cell motility, differentiation or cell death. This diversity of biological responses associated with a unique receptor devoid of enzymatic property raises the question of whether different ligands exist, or whether the fine-tuned control of CD95 aggregation and conformation, its distribution within certain plasma membrane sub-domains or the pattern of post-translational modifications account for this such broad-range of cell signaling. Herein, we review how the different domains of CD95 and their post-translational modifications or the different forms of CD95L can participate in the receptor aggregation and induction of cell signaling. Understanding how CD95 response goes from cell death to cell proliferation, differentiation and motility is a prerequisite to reveal novel therapeutic options to treat chronic inflammatory disorders and cancers.

Concentration-dependent effects of sodium cholate and deoxycholate bile salts on breast cancer cells proliferation and survival

Bile acids (BAs) are bioactive molecules that have potential therapeutic interest and their derived salts are used in several pharmaceutical systems. BAs have been associated with tumorigenesis of several tissues including the mammary tissue. Therefore, it is crucial to characterize their effects on cancer cells. The objective of this work was to analyse the molecular and cellular effects of the bile salts sodium cholate and sodium deoxycholate on epithelial breast cancer cell lines. Bile salts (BSs) effects over breast cancer cells viability and proliferation were assessed by MTS and BrdU assays, respectively. Activation of cell signaling mediators was determined by immunobloting. Microscopy was used to analyze cell migration, and cellular and nuclear morphology. Interference of membrane fluidity was studied by generalized polarization and fluorescence anisotropy. BSs preparations were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Sodium cholate and sodium deoxycholate had dual effects on cell viability, increasing it at the lower concentrations assessed and decreasing it at the highest ones. The increase of cell viability was associated with the promotion of AKT phosphorylation and cyclin D1 expression. High concentrations of bile salts induced apoptosis as well as sustained activation of p38 and AKT. In addition, they affected cell membrane fluidity but not significant effects on cell migration were observed. In conclusion, bile salts have concentration-dependent effects on breast cancer cells, promoting cell proliferation at physiological levels and being cytotoxic at supraphysiological ones. Their effects were associated with the activation of kinases involved in cell signalling.

Fingolimod Augments Monomethylfumarate Killing of GBM Cells

Previously we demonstrated that the multiple sclerosis drug dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and its plasma breakdown product MMF could interact with chemotherapeutic agents to kill both GBM cells and activated microglia. The trial NCT02337426 demonstrated the safety of DMF in newly diagnosed GBM patients when combined with the standard of care Stupp protocol. We hypothesized that another multiple sclerosis drug, fingolimod (FTY720) would synergize with MMF to kill GBM cells. MMF and fingolimod interacted in a greater than additive fashion to kill PDX GBM isolates. MMF and fingolimod radiosensitized glioma cells and enhanced the lethality of temozolomide. Exposure to [MMF + fingolimod] activated an ATM-dependent toxic autophagy pathway, enhanced protective endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling, and inactivated protective PI3K, STAT, and YAP function. The drug combination reduced the expression of protective c-FLIP-s, MCL-1, BCL-XL, and in parallel caused cell-surface clustering of the death receptor CD95. Knock down of CD95 or over-expression of c-FLIP-s or BCL-XL suppressed killing. Fingolimod and MMF interacted in a greater than additive fashion to rapidly enhance reactive oxygen species production and over-expression of either thioredoxin or super-oxide dismutase two significantly reduced the drug-induced phosphorylation of ATM, autophagosome formation and [MMF + fingolimod] lethality. In contrast, the production of ROS was only marginally reduced in cells lacking ATM, CD95, or Beclin1. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the primary generation of ROS by [MMF + fingolimod] plays a key role, via the induction of toxic autophagy and death receptor signaling, in the killing of GBM cells.

Novel biomarkers for primary biliary cholangitis to improve diagnosis and understand underlying regulatory mechanisms

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune biliary disease characterized by injury of bile ducts, eventually leading to cirrhosis and death. In most cases, anti-mitochondrial antibodies and persistently elevated serum alkaline phosphatase are the basis for the serological diagnosis. Anti-nuclear antibodies are also useful and may indicate a more aggressive diseases course. In patients in which anti-mitochondrial antibodies are not detected, an accurate diagnosis requires liver histology. This study aims at identifying specific biomarkers for the serological diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis.

METHODS

Sera from patients affected by primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hepatitis C virus (with and without cryoglobulinemia), hepatocarcinoma and healthy donors were tested on a protein array representing 1658 human proteins. The most reactive autoantigens were confirmed by DELFIA analysis on expanded cohorts of the same mentioned serum classes, and on autoimmune hepatitis sera, using anti-PDC-E2 as reference biomarker.

RESULTS

Two autoantigens, SPATA31A3 and GARP, showed high reactivity with primary biliary cholangitis sera, containing or not anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Their combination with PDC-E2 allowed to discriminate primary biliary cholangitis from all tested control classes with high sensitivity and specificity. We found that GARP expression is upregulated upon exposure to biliary salts in human cholangiocytes, an event involving EGFR and insulin pathways. GARP expression was also detected in biliary duct cells of PBC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted SPATA31A3 and GARP as new biomarkers for primary biliary cholangitis and unravelled molecular stimuli underlying GARP expression in human cholangiocytes.

Alterations of Bile Acids and Gut Microbiota in Obesity Induced by High Fat Diet in Rat Model

Obesity has become a worldwide health issue and has attracted much public attention. In the current study, we aim to elucidate the roles of bile acids and their associations with gut microbiota during obesity development, employing high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in a rat model. We collected feces and plasma, liver tissues, and segments of intestinal tissues and a developed bile acids quantification method by employing an ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detection (UPLC-MS) strategy. We then assessed bile acids fluxes in the biological matrixes collected. We found that, irrespective of dietary regimes, taurine-conjugated bile acids were the dominant species in the liver whereas unconjugated bile acids were in plasma. However, HFD caused slight increases in the total bile acids pool and particularly the increases in the levels of deoxycholic acid (DCA) (138.67 ± 37.225 nmol/L in control group, 242.61 ± 43.16 nmol/L in HFD group, p = 0.014) and taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) (2.8 ± 0.247 nmol/g in control group, 4.5 ± 0.386 nmol/g in HFD group, p = 0.0018) in plasma and liver tissues, respectively, which were consistent with the increased levels of DCA in intestinal tissues and feces. These changes are correlated to an increase in abundance of genera Blautia, Coprococcus, Intestinimonas, Lactococcus, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus. Our investigation revealed the fluxes of bile acids and their association with gut microbiota during obesity development and explicated unfavorable impact of HFD on health.

Global urinary metabolic profiling of the osteonecrosis of the femoral head based on UPLC-QTOF/MS

INTRODUCTION

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), one of the widespread orthopedic diseases with a decrease in bloodstream to the femoral head, is frequently accompanied by cellular death, trabecula fracture, and collapse of the articular surface. The exactly pathological mechanism of ONFH remains to explore and further identify.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to identify the global urinary metabolic profiling of ONFH and to detect biomarkers of ONFH.

METHODS

Urine samples were collected from 26 ONFH patients and 26 healthy people. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) in combination with multivariate statistical analysis was developed and performed to identify the global urinary metabolic profiling of ONFH.

RESULTS

The urinary metabolic profiling of ONFH group was significantly separated from the control group by multivariate statistical analysis. 33 distinctly differential metabolites were detected between the ONFH patients and healthy people. Sulfate, urea, Deoxycholic acid and PE(14:0/14:1(9Z)) were screened as the potential biomarkers of ONFH. In addition, the up/down-regulation of sulfur metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and histidine metabolism were clearly be associated with the ONFH pathogenic progress.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that metabolomics could serve as a promising approach for identifying the diagnostic biomarkers and elucidating the pathological mechanism of ONFH.

Measuring Apoptosis and Necrosis in Cholestatic Liver Injury

Cholestasis can be induced by obstruction of bile ducts or intrahepatic toxicity of drugs and chemicals. However, the mode of cell death during cholestasis, i.e., apoptosis or necrosis, has been controversial. There are fundamental reasons for the controversies, both of which are discussed here, namely the design of experiments and the use of parameters with limited specificity for a certain mode of cell death. Based on the assumption that cholestatic liver injury is caused by accumulation of bile acids, rodent (mainly rat) hepatocytes have been exposed to hydrophobic, glycine-conjugated bile acids, which resulted in apoptotic cell death. The problems with this experimental design are that in rodents bile acids are predominantly taurine conjugated and rodent hepatocytes are never exposed to these levels of glycine-conjugated bile acids. In contrast, taurine-conjugated bile acids trigger inflammatory gene activation in rodent hepatocytes and a necro-inflammatory injury in vivo. On the other hand, human hepatocytes are more resistant to glycine-conjugated bile acids and die by necrosis when exposed to high biliary levels of these bile acids. In this chapter, we describe multiple assays including the caspase activity assay, which is specific for apoptosis, and the general cell death assays alanine aminotransferase or lactate dehydrogenase activities in cell culture medium or plasma. An increase in these enzyme activities without caspase activity indicates necrotic cell death. Thus, both the experimental design and the selection of cell death parameters are critical for the relevance of the experiments for the human pathophysiology.

Neratinib and entinostat combine to rapidly reduce the expression of K-RAS, N-RAS, Gαq and Gα11 and kill uveal melanoma cells

There is no efficacious standard of care therapy for uveal melanoma. Unlike cutaneous disease, uveal melanoma does not exhibit RAS mutations but instead contains mutations with ~90% penetrance in either Gα_q or Gα₁₁. Previously we demonstrated that neratinib caused ERBB1/2/4 and RAS internalization into autolysosomes which resulted in their proteolytic degradation. In PDX isolates of uveal melanoma, neratinib caused the internalization and degradation of Gα_q and Gα₁₁ in parallel with ERBB1 breakdown. These effects were enhanced by the HDAC inhibitor entinostat. Similar data were obtained using GFP/RFP tagged forms of K-RAS V12. Down regulation of Gα_q and Gα₁₁ expression and RAS-GFP/RFP fluorescence required Beclin1 and ATG5. The [neratinib + entinostat] combination engaged multiple pathways to mediate killing. One was from ROS-dependent activation of ATM via AMPK-ULK1-ATG13-Beclin1/ATG5. Another pathway was from CD95 via caspase 8-RIP1/RIP3. A third was from reduced expression of HSP70, HSP90, HDAC6 and phosphorylation of eIF2α. Downstream of the mitochondrion both caspase 9 and AIF played roles in tumor cell execution. Knock down of ATM/AMPK/ULK-1 prevented ATG13 phosphorylation and degradation of RAS and Gα proteins. Over-expression of activated mTOR prevented ATG13 phosphorylation and suppressed killing. Knock down of eIF2α maintained BCL-XL and MCL-1 expression. Within 6h, [neratinib + entinostat] reduced the expression of the immunology biomarkers PD-L1, ODC, IDO-1 and enhanced MHCA levels. Our data demonstrate that [neratinib + entinostat] down-regulates oncogenic RAS and the two key oncogenic drivers present in most uveal melanoma patients and causes a multifactorial form of killing via mitochondrial dysfunction and toxic autophagy. Abbreviations: ERK: extracellular regulated kinase; PI3K: phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase; ca: constitutively active; dn: dominant negative; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; AIF: apoptosis inducing factor; AMPK: AMP-dependent protein kinase; mTOR: mammalian target of rapamycin; JAK: Janus Kinase; STAT: Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription; MAPK: mitogen activated protein kinase; PTEN: phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome ten; ROS: reactive oxygen species; CMV: empty vector plasmid or virus; si: small interfering; SCR: scrambled; IP: immunoprecipitation; VEH: vehicle; HDAC: histone deacetylase.

Bile acids target proteolipid nano-assemblies of EGFR and phosphatidic acid in the plasma membrane for stimulation of MAPK signaling

Bile acids are critical biological detergents in the gastrointestinal tract and also act as messengers to regulate a multitude of intracellular signaling events, including mitogenic signaling, lipid metabolism and endo/exocytosis. In particular, bile acids stimulate many receptors and ion channels on the cell surface, the mechanisms of which are still poorly understood. Membrane-associating proteins depend on the local spatial distribution of lipids in the plasma membrane (PM) for their function. Here, we report that the highly amphipathic secondary bile acid deoxycholic acid (DCA), a major constituent in the human bile, at doses <1μM enhances the nanoclustering and the PM localization of phosphatidic acid (PA) but disrupts the local segregation of phosphatidylserine in the basolateral PM of the human colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells. PA is a key structural component of the signaling nano-domains of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the cell surface. We show that DCA promotes the co-localization between PA and EGFR, the PA-driven EGFR dimerization/oligomerization and EGFR signaling. Depletion of PA abolishes the stimulatory effects of DCA on the EGFR oligomerization and signaling. This effect occurs in the cultured Caco-2 cells and the ex vivo human intestinal enteroids. We propose a novel mechanism, where the amphiphilic DCA monomers alter the nano-assemblies of anionic phospholipids and in turn change the dynamic structural integrity of the lipid-driven oligomerization of cell surface receptors and their signal transduction.

Bile Acids Activated Receptors Regulate Innate Immunity

Once known exclusively for their role in nutrients absorption, primary bile acids, chenodeoxycholic and cholic acid, and secondary bile acids, deoxycholic and lithocholic acid, are signaling molecules, generated from cholesterol breakdown by the interaction of the host and intestinal microbiota, acting on several receptors including the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1 or Takeda G-protein receptor 5) and the Farnesoid-X-Receptor (FXR). Both receptors are placed at the interface of the host immune system with the intestinal microbiota and are highly represented in cells of innate immunity such as intestinal and liver macrophages, dendritic cells and natural killer T cells. Here, we review how GPBAR1 and FXR modulate the intestinal and liver innate immune system and contribute to the maintenance of a tolerogenic phenotype in entero-hepatic tissues, and how regulation of innate immunity might help to explain beneficial effects exerted by GPBAR1 and FXR ligands in immune and metabolic disorders.

Loss of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein promotes acute cholestatic liver injury and inflammation from bile duct ligation

Cholestatic liver injury results from impaired bile flow or metabolism and promotes hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis. Toxic bile acids that accumulate in cholestasis induce apoptosis and contribute to early cholestatic liver injury, which is amplified by accompanying inflammation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of the antiapoptotic caspase 8-homolog cellular FLICE-inhibitory (cFLIP) protein during acute cholestatic liver injury. Transgenic mice exhibiting hepatocyte-specific deletion of cFLIP (cFLIP^-/-) were used for in vivo and in vitro analysis of cholestatic liver injury using bile duct ligation (BDL) and the addition of bile acids ex vivo. Loss of cFLIP in hepatocytes promoted acute cholestatic liver injury early after BDL, which was characterized by a rapid release of proinflammatory and chemotactic cytokines (TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, CCL2, CXCL1, and CXCL2), an increased presence of CD68⁺ macrophages and an influx of neutrophils in the liver, and resulting apoptotic and necrotic hepatocyte cell death. Mechanistically, liver injury in cFLIP^-/- mice was aggravated by reactive oxygen species, and sustained activation of the JNK signaling pathway. In parallel, cytoprotective NF-κB p65, A20, and the MAPK p38 were inhibited. Increased injury in cFLIP^-/- mice was accompanied by activation of hepatic stellate cells and profibrogenic regulators. The antagonistic caspase 8-homolog cFLIP is a critical regulator of acute, cholestatic liver injury. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The current paper explores the role of a classical modulator of hepatocellular apoptosis in early, cholestatic liver injury. These include activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling, production of inflammatory cytokines, and recruitment of neutrophils in response to cholestasis. Because these signaling pathways are currently exploited in clinical trials for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis, the current data will help in the development of novel pharmacological options in these indications.

The regulation of host cellular and gut microbial metabolism in the development and prevention of colorectal cancer

Metabolism regulation is crucial in colorectal cancer (CRC) and has emerged as a remarkable field currently. The cellular metabolism of glucose, amino acids and lipids in CRC are all reprogrammed. Each of them changes tumour microenvironment, modulates bacterial composition and activity, and eventually promotes CRC development. Metabolites such as short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, N-nitroso compounds, hydrogen sulphide, polyphenols and toxins like fragilysin, FadA, cytolethal distending toxin and colibactin play a dual role in CRC. The relationship of gut microbe-metabolite is essential in remodelling intestinal microbial ecology composition and metabolic activity. It regulates the metabolism of colonic epithelial cells and changes the tumour microenvironment in CRC. Microbial metabolism manipulation has been considered to be potentially preventive in CRC, but more large-scale clinical trials are required before their application in clinical practice in the near future.

Multi-kinase inhibitors interact with sildenafil and ERBB1/2/4 inhibitors to kill tumor cells in vitro and in vivo

We have recently demonstrated that multi-kinase inhibitors such as sorafenib and pazopanib can suppress the detection of chaperones by in situ immuno-fluorescence, which is further enhanced by phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. Sorafenib and pazopanib inhibited the HSP90 ATPase activity with IC50 values of ~1.0 μM and ~75 nM, respectively. Pazopanib docked in silico with two possible poses into the HSP90 ATP binding pocket. Pazopanib and sildenafil combined to reduce the total protein levels of HSP1H/p105 and c-MYC and to reduce their co-localization. Sorafenib/pazopanib combined with sildenafil in a [GRP78+HSP27] –dependent fashion to: (i) profoundly activate an eIF2α/Beclin1 pathway; (ii) profoundly inactivate mTOR and increase ATG13 phosphorylation, collectively resulting in the formation of toxic autophagosomes. In a fresh PDX isolate of NSCLC combined knock down of [ERBB1+ERBB3] or use of the ERBB1/2/4 inhibitor afatinib altered cell morphology, enhanced ATG13 phosphorylation, inactivated NFκB, and further enhanced [sorafenib/pazopanib + sildenafil] lethality. Identical data to that with afatinib were obtained knocking down PI3K p110α/β or using buparlisib, copanlisib or the specific p110α inhibitor BYL719. Afatinib adapted NSCLC clones were resistant to buparlisib or copanlisib but were more sensitive than control clones to [sorafenib + sildenafil] or [pazopanib + sildenafil]. Lapatinib significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effect of [regorafenib + sildenafil] in vivo; afatinib and BYL719 enhanced the anti-tumor effects of [sorafenib + sildenafil] and [pazopanib] in vivo, respectively.

Bile acids as global regulators of hepatic nutrient metabolism

Bile acids (BA) are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver. They are essential for promotion of the absorption of lipids, cholesterol, and lipid-soluble vitamins from the intestines. BAs are hormones that regulate nutrient metabolism by activating nuclear receptors (farnesoid X receptor (FXR), pregnane X receptor, vitamin D) and G protein-coupled receptors (e.g., TGR5, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2)) in the liver and intestines. In the liver, S1PR2 activation by conjugated BAs activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and AKT signaling pathways, and nuclear sphingosine kinase 2. The latter produces sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), an inhibitor of histone deacetylases 1/2, which allows for the differential up-regulation of expression of genes involved in the metabolism of sterols and lipids. We discuss here the emerging concepts of the interactions of BAs, FXR, insulin, S1P signaling and nutrient metabolism.

New therapeutic concepts in bile acid transport and signaling for management of cholestasis

The identification of the key regulators of bile acid (BA) synthesis and transport within the enterohepatic circulation has revealed potential targets for pharmacological therapies of cholestatic liver diseases. Novel drug targets include the bile BA receptors, farnesoid X receptor and TGR5, the BA-induced gut hormones, fibroblast growth factor 19 and glucagon-like peptide 1, and the BA transport systems, apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter and Na⁺ -taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, within the enterohepatic circulation. Moreover, BA derivatives undergoing cholehepatic shunting may allow improved targeting to the bile ducts. This review focuses on the pathophysiological basis, mechanisms of action, and clinical development of novel pharmacological strategies targeting BA transport and signaling in cholestatic liver diseases. (Hepatology 2017;65:1393-1404).

The transcriptional activity of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha is inhibited via phosphorylation by ERK1/2

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) nuclear receptor is a master regulator of hepatocyte development, nutrient transport and metabolism. HNF4α is regulated both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels by different mechanisms. Several kinases (PKA, PKC, AMPK) were shown to phosphorylate and decrease the activity of HNF4α. Activation of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway, inducing proliferation and survival, inhibits the expression of HNF4α. However, based on our previous results we hypothesized that HNF4α is also regulated at the post-transcriptional level by ERK1/2. Here we show that ERK1/2 is capable of directly phosphorylating HNF4α in vitro at several phosphorylation sites including residues previously shown to be targeted by other kinases, as well. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that phosphorylation of HNF4α leads to a reduced trans-activational capacity of the nuclear receptor in luciferase reporter gene assay. We confirm the functional relevance of these findings by demonstrating with ChIP-qPCR experiments that 30-minute activation of ERK1/2 leads to reduced chromatin binding of HNF4α. Accordingly, we have observed decreasing but not disappearing binding of HNF4α to the target genes. In addition, 24-hour activation of the pathway further decreased HNF4α chromatin binding to specific loci in ChIP-qPCR experiments, which confirms the previous reports on the decreased expression of the HNF4a gene due to ERK1/2 activation. Our data suggest that the ERK1/2 pathway plays an important role in the regulation of HNF4α-dependent hepatic gene expression.

Epidermal growth factor signaling protects from cholestatic liver injury and fibrosis

We have demonstrated that the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protects from cholestatic liver injury. Specific ablation of STAT3 in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes (STAT3∆hc) aggravated liver damage and fibrosis in the Mdr2-/- (multidrug resistance 2) mouse model for cholestatic disease. Upregulation of bile acid biosynthesis genes and downregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression were observed in STAT3∆hc Mdr2-/- mice but the functional consequences of these processes in cholestatic liver injury remained unclear. Here, we show normal canalicular architecture and bile flow but increased amounts of bile acids in the bile of STAT3∆hc Mdr2-/- mice. Moreover, STAT3-deficient hepatocytes displayed increased sensitivity to bile acid-induced apoptosis in vitro. Since EGFR signaling has been reported to protect hepatocytes from bile acid-induced apoptosis, we generated mice with hepatocyte/cholangiocyte-specific ablation of EGFR (EGFR∆hc) and crossed them to Mdr2-/- mice. Importantly, deletion of EGFR phenocopied deletion of STAT3 and led to aggravated liver damage, liver fibrosis, and hyperproliferation of K19+ cholangiocytes. Our data demonstrate hepatoprotective functions of the STAT3-EGFR signaling axis in cholestatic liver disease.

KEY MESSAGE

STAT3 is a negative regulator of bile acid biosynthesis. STAT3 protects from bile acid-induced apoptosis and regulates EGFR expression. EGFR signaling protects from cholestatic liver injury and fibrosis.

Galectin-3 regulates inflammasome activation in cholestatic liver injury

Macrophage activation is an important feature of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) pathogenesis and other cholestatic liver diseases. Galectin-3 (Gal3), a pleiotropic lectin, is produced by monocytic cells and macrophages. However, its role in PBC has not been addressed. We hypothesized that Gal3 is a key to induce NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages and in turn to propagate proinflammatory IL-17 signaling. In liver tissues from patients with PBC and dnTGF-βRII mice, a model of autoimmune cholangitis, the expression of Gal3, NLRP3, and the adaptor protein adaptor apoptosis-associated speck-like protein was induced, with the downstream activation of caspase-1 and IL-1β. In wild-type hepatic macrophages, deoxycholic acid induced the association of Gal3 and NLRP3 with direct activation of the inflammasome, resulting in an increase in IL-1β. Downstream retinoid-related orphan receptor C mRNA, IL-17A, and IL-17F were induced. In Gal3-/- macrophages, no inflammasome activation was detected. To confirm the key role of Gal3 in the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver injury, we generated dnTGF-βRII/galectin-3-/- (dn/Gal3-/-) mice, which showed impaired inflammasome activation along with significantly improved inflammation and fibrosis. Taken together, our data point to a novel role of Gal3 as an initiator of inflammatory signaling in autoimmune cholangitis, mediating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and inducing IL-17 proinflammatory cascades. These studies provide a rationale to target Gal3 in autoimmune cholangitis and potentially other cholestatic diseases.-Tian, J., Yang, G., Chen, H.-Y., Hsu, D. K., Tomilov, A., Olson, K. A., Dehnad, A., Fish, S. R., Cortopassi, G., Zhao, B., Liu, F.-T., Gershwin, M. E., Török, N. J., Jiang, J. X. Galectin-3 regulates inflammasome activation in cholestatic liver injury.

Chenodeoxycholic acid requires activation of EGFR, EPAC, and Ca2+ to stimulate CFTR-dependent Cl- secretion in human colonic T84 cells

Bile acids are known to initiate intricate signaling events in a variety of tissues, primarily in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Of the known bile acids, only the 7α-dihydroxy species, deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and their conjugates, activate processes that stimulate epithelial Cl^- secretion. We have previously published that CDCA acts in a rapid manner to stimulate colonic ion secretion via protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated activation of the dominant Cl^- channel, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) (Ao M, Sarathy J, Domingue J, Alrefai WA, and Rao MC. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 305: C447-C456, 2013); however, PKA signaling did not account for the entire CDCA response. Here we show that in human colonic T84 cells, CDCA's induction of CFTR activity, measured as changes in short-circuit current (I_sc), is dependent on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation and does not involve the bile acid receptors TGR5 or farnesoid X receptor. CDCA activation of Cl^- secretion does not require Src, mitogen-activated protein kinases, or phosphoinositide 3-kinase downstream of EGFR but does require an increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺ In addition to PKA signaling, we found that the CDCA response requires the novel involvement of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC). EPAC is a known hub for cAMP and Ca²⁺ cross talk. Downstream of EPAC, CDCA activates Rap2, and changes in free cytosolic Ca²⁺ were dependent on both EPAC and EGFR activation. This study establishes the complexity of CDCA signaling in the colonic epithelium and shows the contribution of EGFR, EPAC, and Ca²⁺ in CDCA-induced activation of CFTR-dependent Cl^- secretion.

Bile acids-mediated overexpression of MUC4 via FAK-dependent c-Jun activation in pancreatic cancer

The majority of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients are clinically presented with obstructive jaundice with elevated levels of circulatory bilirubin and alkaline phosphatases. In the current study, we examined the implications of bile acids (BA), an important component of bile, on the pathophysiology of PC and investigated their mechanistic association in tumor-promoting functions. Integration of results from PC patient samples and autochthonous mouse models showed an elevated levels of BA (p < 0.05) in serum samples compared to healthy controls. Similarly, an elevated BA levels was observed in pancreatic juice derived from PC patients (p < 0.05) than non-pancreatic non-healthy (NPNH) controls, further establishing the clinical association of BA with the pathogenesis of PC. The tumor-promoting functions of BA were established by observed transcriptional upregulation of oncogenic MUC4 expression. Luciferase reporter assay revealed distal MUC4 promoter as the primary responsive site to BA. In silico analysis recognized two c-Jun binding sites at MUC4 distal promoter, which was biochemically established using ChIP assay. Interestingly, BA treatment led to an increased transcription and activation of c-Jun in a FAK-dependent manner. Additionally, BA receptor, namely FXR, which is also upregulated at transcriptional level in PC patient samples, was demonstrated as an upstream molecule in BA-mediated FAK activation, plausibly by regulating Src activation. Altogether, these results demonstrate that elevated levels of BA increase the tumorigenic potential of PC cells by inducing FXR/FAK/c-Jun axis to upregulate MUC4 expression, which is overexpressed in pancreatic tumors and is known to be associated with progression and metastasis of PC.

Bile acids promote diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma via increased inflammatory signaling

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common hepatic malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer related deaths. Previous studies have implicated bile acids in pathogenesis of HCC, but the mechanisms are not known. We investigated the mechanisms of HCC tumor promotion by bile acids the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiation-cholic acid (CA)-induced tumor promotion protocol in mice. The data show that 0.2% CA treatment resulted in threefold increase in number and size of DEN-induced liver tumors. All tumors observed in DEN-treated mice were well-differentiated HCCs. The HCCs observed in DEN-treated CA-fed mice exhibited extensive CD3-, CD20-, and CD45-positive inflammatory cell aggregates. Microarray-based global gene expression studies combined with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed significant activation of NF-κB and Nanog in the DEN-treated 0.2% CA-fed livers. Further studies showed significantly higher TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA, a marked increase in total and phosphorylated-p65 and phosphorylated IκBα (degradation form) in livers of DEN-treated 0.2% CA-fed mice. Treatment of primary mouse hepatocytes with various bile acids showed significant induction of stemness genes including Nanog, KLF4, Sox2, and Oct4. Quantification of total and 20 specific bile acids in liver, and serum revealed a tumor-associated bile acid signature. Finally, quantification of total serum bile acids in normal, cirrhotic, and HCC human samples revealed increased bile acids in serum of cirrhotic and HCC patients. Taken together, these data indicate that bile acids are mechanistically involved pathogenesis of HCC and may promote HCC formation via activation of inflammatory signaling.

Hydrophobic bile acid apoptosis is regulated by sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 in rat hepatocytes and human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

The hepatotoxic bile acid glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) modulates hepatocyte cell death through activation of JNK, Akt, and Erk. The nonhepatotoxic bile acid taurocholate activates Akt and Erk through the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2). The role of the S1PR2 in GCDC-mediated apoptosis and kinase activation is unknown. Studies were done in rat hepatocytes, HUH7 cells, and HUH7 cells stably transfected with rat Ntcp (HUH7-Ntcp). Cells were treated with GCDC and apoptosis was monitored morphologically by Hoechst staining and biochemically by immunoblotting for the active cleaved fragment of caspase 3. Kinase activation was determined by immunoblotting with phospho-specific antibodies. JTE-013, an inhibitor of S1PR2, significantly attenuated morphological evidence of GCDC-induced apoptosis and prevented caspase 3 cleavage in rat hepatocytes and HUH7-Ntcp cells. In hepatocytes, JTE-013 mildly suppressed, augmented, and had no effect on GCDC-induced JNK, Akt, and Erk phosphorylation, respectively. Similar results were seen in HUH7-Ntcp cells except for mild suppression of JNK and Erk phosphorylation. Knockdown of S1PR2 in HUH7-Ntcp augmented Akt, inhibited JNK, and had no effect on Erk phosphorylation. GCDC failed to induce apoptosis or kinase activation in HUH7 cells. In conclusion, SIPR2 inhibition attenuates GCDC-induced apoptosis and inhibits and augments GCDC-induced JNK and Akt phosphorylation, respectively. In addition, GCDC must enter hepatocytes to mediate cell death or activate kinases. These results suggest that SIPR2 activation is proapoptotic in GCDC-induced cell death but that this effect is not due to direct ligation of the S1PR2 by the bile acid.

Deoxycholic acid mediates non-canonical EGFR-MAPK activation through the induction of calcium signaling in colon cancer cells

Obesity and a western diet have been linked to high levels of bile acids and the development of colon cancer. Specifically, increased levels of the bile acid deoxycholic acid (DCA), an established tumor promoter, has been shown to correlate with increased development of colorectal adenomas and progression to carcinoma. Herein we investigate the mechanism by which DCA leads to EGFR-MAPK activation, a candidate mechanism by which DCA may promote colorectal tumorigenesis. DCA treated colon cancer cells exhibited strong and prolonged activation of ERK1/2 when compared to EGF treatment alone. We also showed that DCA treatment prevents EGFR degradation as opposed to the canonical EGFR recycling observed with EGF treatment. Moreover, the combination of DCA and EGF treatment displayed synergistic activity, suggesting DCA activates MAPK signaling in a non-canonical manner. Further evaluation showed that DCA treatment increased intracellular calcium levels and CAMKII phosphorylation, and that blocking calcium with BAPTA-AM abrogated MAPK activation induced by DCA, but not by EGF. Finally we showed that DCA-induced CAMKII leads to MAPK activation through the recruitment of c-Src. Taken together, we demonstrated that DCA regulates MAPK activation through calcium signaling, an alternative mechanism not previously recognized in human colon cancer cells. Importantly, this mechanism allows for EGFR to escape degradation and thus achieve a constitutively active state, which may explain its tumor promoting effects.

Taurocholic acid metabolism by gut microbes and colon cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent causes of cancer death worldwide and is associated with adoption of a diet high in animal protein and saturated fat. Saturated fat induces increased bile secretion into the intestine. Increased bile secretion selects for populations of gut microbes capable of altering the bile acid pool, generating tumor-promoting secondary bile acids such as deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid. Epidemiological evidence suggests CRC is associated with increased levels of DCA in serum, bile, and stool. Mechanisms by which secondary bile acids promote CRC are explored. Furthermore, in humans bile acid conjugation can vary by diet. Vegetarian diets favor glycine conjugation while diets high in animal protein favor taurine conjugation. Metabolism of taurine conjugated bile acids by gut microbes generates hydrogen sulfide, a genotoxic compound. Thus, taurocholic acid has the potential to stimulate intestinal bacteria capable of converting taurine and cholic acid to hydrogen sulfide and deoxycholic acid, a genotoxin and tumor-promoter, respectively.

The role of bile acids in metabolic regulation

Bile acids (BA), long believed to only have lipid-digestive functions, have emerged as novel metabolic modulators. They have important endocrine effects through multiple cytoplasmic as well as nuclear receptors in various organs and tissues. BA affect multiple functions to control energy homeostasis, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism, predominantly by activating the nuclear farnesoid X receptor and the cytoplasmic G protein-coupled BA receptor TGR5 in a variety of tissues. However, BA also are aimed at many other cellular targets in a wide array of organs and cell compartments. Their role in the pathogenesis of diabetes, obesity and other 'diseases of civilization' becomes even more clear. They also interact with the gut microbiome, with important clinical implications, further extending the complexity of their biological functions. Therefore, it is not surprising that BA metabolism is substantially modulated by bariatric surgery, a phenomenon contributing favorably to the therapeutic effects of these surgical procedures. Based on these data, several therapeutic approaches to ameliorate obesity and diabetes have been proposed to affect the cellular targets of BA.

Bile acids regulate intestinal cell proliferation by modulating EGFR and FXR signaling

Bile acids (BAs) are synthesized in the liver and secreted into the intestine. In the lumen, enteric bacteria metabolize BAs from conjugated, primary forms into more toxic unconjugated, secondary metabolites. Secondary BAs can be injurious to the intestine and may contribute to disease. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) are known to interact with BAs. In this study we examined the effects of BAs on intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and investigated the possible roles for EGFR and FXR in these effects. We report that taurine-conjugated cholic acid (TCA) induced proliferation, while its unconjugated secondary counterpart deoxycholic acid (DCA) inhibited proliferation. TCA stimulated phosphorylation of Src, EGFR, and ERK 1/2. Pharmacological blockade of any of these pathways or genetic ablation of EGFR abrogated TCA-stimulated proliferation. Interestingly, Src or EGFR inhibitors eliminated TCA-induced phosphorylation of both molecules, suggesting that their activation is interdependent. In contrast to TCA, DCA exposure diminished EGFR phosphorylation, and pharmacological or siRNA blockade of FXR abolished DCA-induced inhibition of proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that TCA induces intestinal cell proliferation via Src, EGFR, and ERK activation. In contrast, DCA inhibits proliferation via an FXR-dependent mechanism that may include downstream inactivation of the EGFR/Src/ERK pathway. Since elevated secondary BA levels are the result of specific bacterial modification, this may provide a mechanism through which an altered microbiota contributes to normal or abnormal intestinal epithelial cell proliferation.

Pharmacology of bile acid receptors: Evolution of bile acids from simple detergents to complex signaling molecules

For many years, bile acids were thought to only function as detergents which solubilize fats and facilitate the uptake of fat-soluble vitamins in the intestine. Many early observations; however, demonstrated that bile acids regulate more complex processes, such as bile acids synthesis and immune cell function through activation of signal transduction pathways. These studies were the first to suggest that receptors may exist for bile acids. Ultimately, seminal studies by many investigators led to the discovery of several bile acid-activated receptors including the farnesoid X receptor, the vitamin D receptor, the pregnane X receptor, TGR5, α5 β1 integrin, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2. Several of these receptors are expressed outside of the gastrointestinal system, indicating that bile acids may have diverse functions throughout the body. Characterization of the functions of these receptors over the last two decades has identified many important roles for these receptors in regulation of bile acid synthesis, transport, and detoxification; regulation of glucose utilization; regulation of fatty acid synthesis and oxidation; regulation of immune cell function; regulation of energy expenditure; and regulation of neural processes such as gastric motility. Through these many functions, bile acids regulate many aspects of digestion ranging from uptake of essential vitamins to proper utilization of nutrients. Accordingly, within a short time period, bile acids moved beyond simple detergents and into the realm of complex signaling molecules. Because of the important processes that bile acids regulate through activation of receptors, drugs that target these receptors are under development for the treatment of several diseases, including cholestatic liver disease and metabolic syndrome. In this review, we will describe the various bile acid receptors, the signal transduction pathways activated by these receptors, and briefly discuss the physiological processes that these receptors regulate.

Ligand-Independent Activation of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor β during Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Transactivator of Transcription and Cocaine-Mediated Smooth Muscle Hyperplasia

Our previous study supports an additive effect of cocaine to human immunodeficiency virus infection in the development of pulmonary arteriopathy through enhancement of proliferation of pulmonary smooth muscle cells (SMCs), while also suggesting involvement of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) activation in the absence of further increase in PDGF-BB ligand. Redox-related signaling pathways have been shown to regulate tyrosine kinase receptors independent of ligand binding, so we hypothesized that simultaneous treatment of SMCs with transactivator of transcription (Tat) and cocaine may be able to indirectly activate PDGFR through modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) without the need for PDGF binding. We found that blocking the binding of ligand using suramin or monoclonal IMC-3G3 antibody significantly reduced ligand-induced autophosphorylation of Y1009 without affecting ligand-independent transphosphorylation of Y934 residue on PDGFRβ in human pulmonary arterial SMCs treated with both cocaine and Tat. Combined treatment of human pulmonary arterial SMCs with cocaine and Tat resulted in augmented production of superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide when compared with either treatment alone. Inhibition of this ROS generation prevented cocaine- and Tat-mediated Src activation and transphosphorylation of PDGFRβ at Y934 without any changes in phosphorylation of Y1009, in addition to attenuation of smooth muscle hyperplasia. Furthermore, pretreatment with an Src inhibitor, PP2, also suppressed cocaine- and Tat-mediated enhanced Y934 phosphorylation and smooth muscle proliferation. Finally, we report total abrogation of cocaine- and Tat-mediated synergistic increase in cell proliferation on inhibition of both ligand-dependent and ROS/Src-mediated ligand-independent phosphorylation of PDGFRβ.

The microbiome and its pharmacological targets: therapeutic avenues in cardiometabolic diseases

Consisting of trillions of non-pathogenic bacteria living in a symbiotic relationship with their mammalian host, the gut microbiota has emerged in the past decades as one of the key drivers for cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). By degrading dietary substrates, the gut microbiota produces several metabolites that bind human pharmacological targets, impact subsequent signalling networks and in fine modulate host's metabolism. In this review, we revisit the pharmacological relevance of four classes of gut microbial metabolites in CMD: short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), bile acids, methylamines and indoles. Unravelling the signalling mechanisms of the microbial-mammalian metabolic axis adds one more layer of complexity to the physiopathology of CMD and opens new avenues for the development of microbiota-based pharmacological therapies.

Development of an in Silico Profiler for Mitochondrial Toxicity

This study outlines the analysis of mitochondrial toxicity for a variety of pharmaceutical drugs extracted from Zhang et al. ((2009) Toxicol. In Vitro, 23, 134-140). These chemicals were grouped into categories based upon structural similarity. Subsequently, mechanistic analysis was undertaken for each category to identify the molecular initiating event driving mitochondrial toxicity. The mechanistic information elucidated during the analysis enabled mechanism-based structural alerts to be developed and combined together to form an in silico profiler. This profiler is envisaged to be used to develop chemical categories based upon similar mechanisms as part of the adverse outcome pathway paradigm. Additionally, the profiler could be utilized in screening large data sets in order to identify chemicals with the potential to induce mitochondrial toxicity.

The human gut sterolbiome: bile acid-microbiome endocrine aspects and therapeutics

The human body is now viewed as a complex ecosystem that on a cellular and gene level is mainly prokaryotic. The mammalian liver synthesizes and secretes hydrophilic primary bile acids, some of which enter the colon during the enterohepatic circulation, and are converted into numerous hydrophobic metabolites which are capable of entering the portal circulation, returned to the liver, and in humans, accumulating in the biliary pool. Bile acids are hormones that regulate their own synthesis, transport, in addition to glucose and lipid homeostasis, and energy balance. The gut microbial community through their capacity to produce bile acid metabolites distinct from the liver can be thought of as an “endocrine organ” with potential to alter host physiology, perhaps to their own favor. We propose the term “sterolbiome” to describe the genetic potential of the gut microbiome to produce endocrine molecules from endogenous and exogenous steroids in the mammalian gut. The affinity of secondary bile acid metabolites to host nuclear receptors is described, the potential of secondary bile acids to promote tumors, and the potential of bile acids to serve as therapeutic agents are discussed.

Differential regulation of EGFR-MAPK signaling by deoxycholic acid (DCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in colon cancer

A high-fat diet coincides with increased levels of bile acids. This increase in bile acids, particularly deoxycholic acid (DCA), has been strongly associated with the development of colon cancer. Conversely, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) may have chemopreventive properties. Although structurally similar, DCA and UDCA present different biological and pathological effects in colon cancer progression. The differential regulation of cancer by these two bile acids is not yet fully understood. However, one possible explanation for their diverging effects is their ability to differentially regulate signaling pathways involved in the multistep progression of colon cancer, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. This review will examine the biological effects of DCA and UDCA on colon cancer development, as well as the diverging effects of these bile acids on the oncogenic signaling pathways that play a role in colon cancer development, with a particular emphasis on bile acid regulation of the EGFR-MAPK pathway.