1
|
Xu F, Lu S, Jia X, Zhou Y. Bromodomain protein 4 mediates the roles of TGFβ1-induced Stat3 signaling in mouse liver fibrogenesis. Toxicol Lett 2023; 385:42-50. [PMID: 37634812 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic reader Bromodomain protein 4 (BrD4) functions as a global genomic regulator to direct hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation (a key step in liver fibrogenesis) and liver fibrosis. The pivotal pro-fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) signals through both Smad and Stat3 to elicit a wide array of biological effects. Stat3 is widely acknowledged as a regulator of gene transcription and is involved in fibrosis of multiple tissues. The present study focused on BrD4 function implication in the roles of TGFβ1-induced Stat3 signaling in HSC activation and liver fibrosis by using heterozygous TGFβ1 knockout mice and HSC culture. Results showed that Stat3 was required for TGFβ1-induced BrD4 expression in HSCs. BrD4 expression paralleled Stat3 activation in activated HSCs in human cirrhotic livers. BrD4 was involved in the roles of TGFβ1-induced Stat3 in HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis. Smad3 bound to phosphorylated-Stat3 and contributed to TGFβ1-induced Stat3 signaling. BrD4 expression induced by Stat3 signaling required the early-immediate gene Egr1. Egr1 had a positive feedback on Stat3 activation. In conclusion, a network consisting of Stat3 signaling, Smad3 signaling, Egr1, and BrD4 was involved in the effects of TGFβ1 on liver fibrosis, providing new toxicological mechanisms for TGFβ1 in liver fibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feifan Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), 500 Yonghe Road, Nantong 226011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sidan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Jia
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yajun Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jia X, Xu F, Lu S, Jie H, Guan W, Zhou Y. An unusual signal transducer GIV/Girdin engages in the roles of adipocyte-derived hormone leptin in liver fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166797. [PMID: 37478565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Obese patients usually have hyperleptinemia and are prone to develop liver fibrosis. Leptin is intimately linked to liver fibrogenesis, a multi-receptor-driven disease. Gα-Interacting Vesicle-associated protein (GIV) functions as a multimodular signal transducer and a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Gi controling key signalings downstream of diverse receptors. This study aimed to examine the roles of GIV in leptin-caused liver fibrosis and employed the culture-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and leptin-deficient mice, respectively. Results indicated that leptin upregulated GIV expression in HSCs. GIV was involved in leptin-induced HSC activation and liver fibrosis. GIV mediated leptin regulation of TIMP1, MMP9, PDGFβ receptor and TGFβ receptor and was required for leptin stimulating the pathways of Erk1/2, Akt1, and Smad3. GIV was also a mediator for leptin-regulation of Cyclin D1 and Caspase-3 activity but GIV reduced Caspase-3 level independently of leptin in vivo. Erk1/2 signaling, Egr1 and c-Jun were associated with the effect of leptin on GIV expression in HSCs. Leptin-induced Erk1/2 signaling increased Egr1 and p-c-Jun levels and promoted their binding to GIV promoter at the sites between -190 bp and -180 bp and between -382 bp and - 376 bp, respectively. Egr1 knockdown lessened leptin-upregulation of GIV in vitro and in vivo. In human cirrhotic livers, the increase in GIV protein level parallelled with the elevated p-Erk1/2 and Egr1 levels in HSCs. In summary, the unusual signal transducer GIV was identified as an important mediator in leptin-induced liver fibrosis. GIV may have significant implications in liver fibrosis progression of obese patients with hyperleptinaemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jia
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifan Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), 500 Yonghe Road, Nantong 226011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sidan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huang Jie
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yajun Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Qi xiou Road 19, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tian H, Xu F, Zhao F, Pan N, Lu S, Jia X, Zhou Y. Early-immediate gene Egr1 is associated with TGFβ1 regulation of epigenetic reader Bromodomain-containing protein 4 via the canonical Smad3 signaling in hepatic stellate cells in vitro and in vivo. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22605. [PMID: 36250963 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201263r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Upon chronic damage to the liver, multiple cytokines stimulate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), causing the alterations of gene expression profiles and thus leading to HSC activation, a key step in liver fibrogenesis. Activated HSCs are the dominant contributors to liver fibrosis. Bromodomain containing protein 4 (BrD4), an important epigenetic reader, was demonstrated to concentrate on hundreds of enhancers associated with genes involved in multiple profibrotic pathways, thereby directing HSC activation and the fibrotic responses. The present studies were designed to examine the effect of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1), the most potent pro-fibrotic cytokine, on BrD4 expression in HSCs and, if so, elucidated the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. The experiments employed the heterogeneous TGFβ1 knockout (TGFβ1+/- ) mice, gene knockdown in vivo, and a model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury. The results revealed that TGFβ1 enhanced BrD4 expression in HSCs, which was mediated, at least, by Smad3 signaling and early-immediate gene Egr1 (early growth response-1). TGFβ1-induced Smad3 signaling increased Egr1 expression and promoted Egr1 binding to BrD4 promoter at a site around -111 bp, promoting BrD4 expression. Egr1 knockdown reduced BrD4 expression in HSCs in a mouse model of TAA-induced liver injury and lessened liver fibrosis. Double fluorescence staining demonstrated a strong increase in BrD4 expression in activated HSCs in fibrotic areas of the human livers, paralleling the upregulation of p-Smad3 and Egr1. This research suggested novel molecular events underlying the roles of the master pro-fibrotic cytokine TGFβ1 in HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haimeng Tian
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Feifan Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Nantong, China
| | - Feifei Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Nachuan Pan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sidan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xin Jia
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yajun Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Guo X, Li Y, Wang W, Wang L, Hu S, Xiao X, Hu C, Dai Y, Zhang Y, Li Z, Li J, Ma X, Zeng J. The construction of preclinical evidence for the treatment of liver fibrosis with quercetin: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3774-3791. [PMID: 35918855 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone), a flavonoid, is widely found in fruits and vegetables and exerts broad-spectrum pharmacological effects in the liver. Many studies have explored the bioactivity of quercetin in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Hence, through a systematic review and biological mechanism evaluation, this study aimed to construct a body of preclinical evidence for the treatment of liver fibrosis using quercetin. The literature used in this study was mainly obtained from four databases, and the SYRCLE list (10 items) was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature. A meta-analysis of HA, LN, and other indicators was performed via STATA 15.0 software. Subgroup analyses based on animal species and model protocol were performed to further obtain detailed results. Moreover, the therapeutic mechanism of quercetin was summarized in a directed network form based on a comprehensive search of the literature. After screening, a total of 14 articles (comprising 15 studies) involving 254 animals were included. The results from the analysis showed that the corresponding liver function indexes, such as the levels of HA and LN, were significantly improved in the quercetin group compared with the model group, and liver function, such as the levels of AST and ALT, were also improved in the quercetin group. The species- and model-based subgroup analyses of AST and ALT revealed that quercetin exerts a significant effect. The therapeutic mechanism of quercetin was shown to be related to multiple pathways involving anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and lipid accumulation, including regulation of the TGF-β, α-SMA, ROS, and P-AMPK pathways. The results showed that quercetin exerts an obvious effect on liver fibrosis, and more prominent improvement effects on liver function and liver fibrosis indicators were obtained with a dose of 5-200 mg during a treatment course ranging from 4 to 8 weeks. Quercetin might be a promising therapeutic for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Guo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Weizheng Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Sihan Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Caiyu Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Dai
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiheng Zhang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziyu Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Junlin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Petrescu AD, Grant S, Williams E, An SY, Seth N, Shell M, Amundsen T, Tan C, Nadeem Y, Tjahja M, Weld L, Chu CS, Venter J, Frampton G, McMillin M, DeMorrow S. Leptin Enhances Hepatic Fibrosis and Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Cholestasis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:484-502. [PMID: 34896073 PMCID: PMC8895426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Leptin is an adipokine with roles in food intake and energy metabolism through its actions on neurons in the hypothalamus. The role of leptin in obesity and cardiovascular disorders is well documented. However, its influence on liver conditions such as cholestasis is poorly understood. The effects of exogenous leptin and leptin-neutralizing antibody on biliary hyperplasia, hepatic fibrosis, and inflammation in the multidrug resistance protein 2 knockout (Mdr2KO) mouse model of cholestasis were assessed by quantifying markers specific for cholangiocytes, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and cytokines. Serum and hepatic leptin were increased in Mdr2KO mice compared with FVB/NJ (FVBN) controls, and exogenous leptin enhanced biliary hyperplasia and liver fibrosis in Mdr2KO and FVBN mice. Leptin administration increased hepatic expression of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 and IL-6 in Mdr2KO mice. In contrast, leptin-neutralizing antibody reduced intrahepatic bile duct mass and decreased HSC activation in Mdr2KO mice compared with FVBN controls. Sex-related differences were noted, with female Mdr2KO mice having more leptin than males. In cholangiocytes and LX2 cells in vitro, leptin increased phosphorylated Akt and stimulated cell proliferation. Leptin receptor siRNA and inhibitors of Akt phosphorylation impaired leptin-induced cell proliferation and proinflammatory cytokines. The current data suggest that leptin is abnormally increased in cholestatic mice, and excess leptin increases ductular reaction, hepatic fibrosis, and inflammation via leptin receptor-mediated phosphorylation of Akt in cholangiocytes and HSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anca D Petrescu
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Stephanie Grant
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Elaina Williams
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Su Yeon An
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Nikhil Seth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Mark Shell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Tyson Amundsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Christopher Tan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Yusra Nadeem
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Matthew Tjahja
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Lancaster Weld
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Christopher S Chu
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Julie Venter
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Gabriel Frampton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas
| | - Matthew McMillin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas
| | - Sharon DeMorrow
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu Y, Li Y, Liang J, Sun Z, Wu Q, Liu Y, Sun C. Leptin: an entry point for the treatment of peripheral tissue fibrosis and related diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 106:108608. [PMID: 35180626 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Leptin is a small peptide mainly secreted by adipocyte, which acts on the central nervous system of the hypothalamus to regulate the body's energy balance by inhibiting food intake, it also can directly act on specific cells through leptin receptors (for example, ObRa, which exists in the blood-brain barrier or kidneys), thereby affect cell metabolism. Excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) causes damage to normal tissues or destruction of organ structure, which will eventually lead to tissue or organ fibrosis. The sustainable development of fibrosis can lead to structural damage and functional decline of organs, and even exhaustion, which seriously threatens human health and life. In recent years, studies have found that leptin directly alleviates the fibrosis process of various tissues and organs in mammals. Therefore, we speculate that leptin may become a significant treatment for fibrosis of various tissues and organs in the future. So, the main purpose of this review is to explore the specific mechanism of leptin in the process of fibrosis in multiple tissues and organs, and to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of various tissues and organs fibrosis and related diseases caused by it, which is of great significance in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuexia Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Yizhou Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Juntong Liang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Zhuwen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Qiong Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Medical College, Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China.
| | - Yongnian Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Medical College, Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China.
| | - Chao Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shi CX, Wang Y, Jiao FZ, Chen Q, Cao P, Pei MH, Zhang LY, Guo J, Deng W, Wang LW, Gong ZJ. Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Macrophage in Chronic Liver Inflammation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:683526. [PMID: 34276405 PMCID: PMC8281248 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.683526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver inflammation is a complex pathological process under different stress conditions, and the roles of stellate cells and macrophages in chronic liver inflammation have been widely reported. Moderate liver inflammation can protect the liver from damage and facilitate the recovery of liver injury. However, an inflammatory response that is too intense can result in massive death of hepatocytes, which leads to irreversible damage to the liver parenchyma. Epigenetic regulation plays a key part in liver inflammation. This study reviews the regulation of epigenetics on stellate cells and macrophages to explore the new mechanisms of epigenetics on liver inflammation and provide new ideas for the treatment of liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Xia Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang-Zhou Jiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pan Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mao-Hua Pei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu-Yi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu-Wen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zuo-Jiong Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lu S, Zhao H, Zhou Y, Xu F. Curcumin Affects Leptin-Induced Expression of Methionine Adenosyltransferase 2A in Hepatic Stellate Cells by Inhibition of JNK Signaling. Pharmacology 2021; 106:426-434. [PMID: 34148046 DOI: 10.1159/000516892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obese patients are often accompanied by hyperleptinemia and prone to develop liver fibrosis. Accumulating data including those obtained from human studies suggested the promotion role of leptin in liver fibrosis. The remodeling of the DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism for regulating gene expression and is essential for hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, a key step in liver fibrogenesis. Leptin increases the expression of methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) which is associated with DNA methylation and HSC activation. Curcumin, an active polyphenol of the golden spice turmeric, inhibits leptin-induced HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis. Thus, the present research aimed to investigate the influence of curcumin on the roles of leptin in MAT2A expression in HSCs. METHODS The in vivo experiments were conducted by using leptin-deficient obese mice. The gene expressions were examined by Western blot, real-time PCR, promoter activity assay, and immunostaining analysis. RESULTS Curcumin reduced leptin-induced MAT2A expression. JNK signaling contributed to leptin-induced increase in MAT2A level, which could be interrupted by curcumin treatment. Curcumin inhibited leptin-induced MAT2A promoter activity by influencing MAT2A promoter fragments between -2,847 bp and - 2,752 bp and between -2,752 bp and +49 bp. The effect of curcumin on leptin-induced MAT2A expression paralleled the reductions in leptin-induced activated HSCs and liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION These results might have implications for curcumin inhibition of the liver fibrogenesis in obese patients with hyperleptinemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Lu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hongsheng Zhao
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yajun Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Feifan Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu Y, Wu X, Wang Y, Guo Y. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy are involved in adipocyte-induced fibrosis in hepatic stellate cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2527-2538. [PMID: 33638026 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03990-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, with the characterization of progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), is the common pathologic feature in the process of chronic liver disease. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) which are activated and differentiate into proliferative and contractile myofibroblasts are recognized as the main drivers of fibrosis. Obesity-related adipocytokine dysregulation is known to accelerate liver fibrosis progression, but the direct fibrogenic effect of mature adipocytes on HSCs has been rarely reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the fibrogenic effect of adipocyte 3T3-L1 cells on hepatic stellate LX-2 cells. The results showed that incubating LX-2 cells with the supernatant of 3T3-L1 adipocytes triggered the expression of ECM related proteins, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen (CO-I), and activated TGF β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway in LX-2 cells. In addition, 3T3-L1 cells inhibited insulin sensitivity, activated endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy to promote the development of fibrosis. These results supported the notion that mature adipocytes can directly activate hepatic stellate cells, and the establishment of an in vitro model of adipocytes on HSCs provides an insight into screening of drugs for liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingjuan Liu
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yunliang Guo
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China. .,Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Methionine metabolism in chronic liver diseases: an update on molecular mechanism and therapeutic implication. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:280. [PMID: 33273451 PMCID: PMC7714782 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the bicyclic metabolic pathways of one-carbon metabolism, methionine metabolism is the pivot linking the folate cycle to the transsulfuration pathway. In addition to being a precursor for glutathione synthesis, and the principal methyl donor for nucleic acid, phospholipid, histone, biogenic amine, and protein methylation, methionine metabolites can participate in polyamine synthesis. Methionine metabolism disorder can aggravate the damage in the pathological state of a disease. In the occurrence and development of chronic liver diseases (CLDs), changes in various components involved in methionine metabolism can affect the pathological state through various mechanisms. A methionine-deficient diet is commonly used for building CLD models. The conversion of key enzymes of methionine metabolism methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) 1 A and MAT2A/MAT2B is closely related to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that by intervening related enzymes or downstream metabolites to interfere with methionine metabolism, the liver injuries could be reduced. Recently, methionine supplementation has gradually attracted the attention of many clinical researchers. Most researchers agree that adequate methionine supplementation can help reduce liver damage. Retrospective analysis of recently conducted relevant studies is of profound significance. This paper reviews the latest achievements related to methionine metabolism and CLD, from molecular mechanisms to clinical research, and provides some insights into the future direction of basic and clinical research.
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhu X, Jia X, Cheng F, Tian H, Zhou Y. c‐Jun
acts downstream of
PI3K
/
AKT
signaling to mediate the effect of leptin on methionine adenosyltransferase
2B
in hepatic stellate cells
in vitro
and
in vivo. J Pathol 2020; 252:423-432. [DOI: 10.1002/path.5536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College Nantong University Nantong PR China
| | - Xin Jia
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College Nantong University Nantong PR China
| | - Fangyun Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College Nantong University Nantong PR China
| | - Haimeng Tian
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College Nantong University Nantong PR China
| | - Yajun Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College Nantong University Nantong PR China
| |
Collapse
|