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Buniatian GH, Schwinghammer U, Tremmel R, Cynis H, Weiss TS, Weiskirchen R, Lauschke VM, Youhanna S, Ramos I, Valcarcel M, Seferyan T, Rahfeld J, Rieckmann V, Klein K, Buadze M, Weber V, Kolak V, Gebhardt R, Friedman SL, Müller UC, Schwab M, Danielyan L. Consequences of Amyloid-β Deficiency for the Liver. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307734. [PMID: 38430535 PMCID: PMC11095235 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
The hepatic content of amyloid beta (Aβ) decreases drastically in human and rodent cirrhosis highlighting the importance of understanding the consequences of Aβ deficiency in the liver. This is especially relevant in view of recent advances in anti-Aβ therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, it is shown that partial hepatic loss of Aβ in transgenic AD mice immunized with Aβ antibody 3D6 and its absence in amyloid precursor protein (APP) knockout mice (APP-KO), as well as in human liver spheroids with APP knockdown upregulates classical hallmarks of fibrosis, smooth muscle alpha-actin, and collagen type I. Aβ absence in APP-KO and deficiency in immunized mice lead to strong activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), alpha secretases, NOTCH pathway, inflammation, decreased permeability of liver sinusoids, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Inversely, increased systemic and intrahepatic levels of Aβ42 in transgenic AD mice and neprilysin inhibitor LBQ657-treated wild-type mice protect the liver against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced injury. Transcriptomic analysis of CCl4-treated transgenic AD mouse livers uncovers the regulatory effects of Aβ42 on mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, and its onco-suppressive effects accompanied by reduced synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins. Combined, these data reveal Aβ as an indispensable regulator of cell-cell interactions in healthy liver and a powerful protector against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayane Hrachia Buniatian
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital of TuebingenAuf der Morgenstelle 872076TuebingenGermany
| | - Ute Schwinghammer
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital of TuebingenAuf der Morgenstelle 872076TuebingenGermany
| | - Roman Tremmel
- Dr. Margarete Fischer‐Bosch Institute of Clinical PharmacologyAuerbachstr. 11270376StuttgartGermany
- University of Tuebingen72074TuebingenGermany
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target ValidationFraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and ImmunologyWeinbergweg 2206120Halle (Saale)Germany
- Junior Research Group, Immunomodulation in Pathophysiological ProcessesFaculty of MedicineMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergWeinbergweg 2206120Halle (Saale)Germany
| | - Thomas S. Weiss
- Children's University Hospital (KUNO)University Hospital RegensburgFranz‐Josef‐Strauss‐Allee 1193053RegensburgGermany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular PathobiochemistryExperimental Gene Therapy and Clinical ChemistryRWTH University Hospital AachenPauwelsstr. 3052074AachenGermany
| | - Volker M. Lauschke
- Dr. Margarete Fischer‐Bosch Institute of Clinical PharmacologyAuerbachstr. 11270376StuttgartGermany
- University of Tuebingen72074TuebingenGermany
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Karolinska InstituteStockholm171 77Sweden
| | - Sonia Youhanna
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Karolinska InstituteStockholm171 77Sweden
| | - Isbaal Ramos
- Innovative Technologies in Biological Systems SL (INNOPROT)BizkaiaDerio48160Spain
| | - Maria Valcarcel
- Innovative Technologies in Biological Systems SL (INNOPROT)BizkaiaDerio48160Spain
| | - Torgom Seferyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of BiochemistryNational Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA)5/1 Paruir Sevak St.Yerevan0014Armenia
| | - Jens‐Ulrich Rahfeld
- Department of Drug Design and Target ValidationFraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and ImmunologyWeinbergweg 2206120Halle (Saale)Germany
| | - Vera Rieckmann
- Department of Drug Design and Target ValidationFraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and ImmunologyWeinbergweg 2206120Halle (Saale)Germany
| | - Kathrin Klein
- Dr. Margarete Fischer‐Bosch Institute of Clinical PharmacologyAuerbachstr. 11270376StuttgartGermany
- University of Tuebingen72074TuebingenGermany
| | - Marine Buadze
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital of TuebingenAuf der Morgenstelle 872076TuebingenGermany
| | - Victoria Weber
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital of TuebingenAuf der Morgenstelle 872076TuebingenGermany
| | - Valentina Kolak
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital of TuebingenAuf der Morgenstelle 872076TuebingenGermany
| | - Rolf Gebhardt
- Rudolf‐Schönheimer Institute of BiochemistryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of LeipzigJohannisstraße 3004103LeipzigGermany
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver DiseasesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai1425 Madison AveNew YorkNY10029USA
| | - Ulrike C. Müller
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMBDepartment of Functional GenomicsUniversity of HeidelbergIm Neuenheimer Feld 36469120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital of TuebingenAuf der Morgenstelle 872076TuebingenGermany
- Dr. Margarete Fischer‐Bosch Institute of Clinical PharmacologyAuerbachstr. 11270376StuttgartGermany
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacologyand Neuroscience LaboratoryYerevan State Medical University2‐ Koryun StYerevan0025Armenia
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image‐guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”University of Tübingen72076TübingenGermany
| | - Lusine Danielyan
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital of TuebingenAuf der Morgenstelle 872076TuebingenGermany
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacologyand Neuroscience LaboratoryYerevan State Medical University2‐ Koryun StYerevan0025Armenia
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Muñoz-Hernández R, Rojas Á, Gato S, Gallego J, Gil-Gómez A, Castro MJ, Ampuero J, Romero-Gómez M. Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers in Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416217. [PMID: 36555854 PMCID: PMC9786586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived vesicles released by a variety of cell types, including hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and immune cells in normal and pathological conditions. Depending on their biogenesis, there is a complex repertoire of EVs that differ in size and origin. EVs can carry lipids, proteins, coding and non-coding RNAs, and mitochondrial DNA causing alterations to the recipient cells, functioning as intercellular mediators of cell-cell communication (auto-, para-, juxta-, or even endocrine). Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered in relation to the function of EVs under physiological and pathological conditions. The development and optimization of methods for EV isolation are crucial for characterizing their biological functions, as well as their potential as a treatment option in the clinic. In this manuscript, we will comprehensively review the results from different studies that investigated the role of hepatic EVs during liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In general, the identification of patients with early-stage liver disease leads to better therapeutic interventions and optimal management. Although more light needs to be shed on the mechanisms of EVs, their use for early diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis has come into the focus of research as a high-potential source of 'liquid biopsies', since they can be found in almost all biological fluids. The use of EVs as new targets or nanovectors in drug delivery systems for liver disease therapy is also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Muñoz-Hernández
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.-H.); (M.R.-G.)
| | - Ángela Rojas
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheila Gato
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Gallego
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Gómez
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Castro
- Servicio de Citometría y Separación Celular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.-H.); (M.R.-G.)
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Tibetan Medicine Shi-Wei-Gan-Ning-San Alleviates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Chronic Liver Injury by Inhibiting TGF-β1 in Wistar Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2011876. [PMID: 36016677 PMCID: PMC9398689 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2011876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Shi-Wei-Gan-Ning-San (SWGNS) is a classic Tibetan prescription, which has obvious clinical effects in the treatment of viral hepatitis, fatty liver, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other liver injuries. However, animal studies and mechanism studies are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate its hepatoprotective efficacy and pharmacological mechanism in animal experiments. Methods. Chronic liver injury was induced by oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in Wistar rats for 13 weeks. SWGNS was administered orally to rats at doses of 235, 705, and 1410 mg/kg for 13 weeks. Blood samples were collected for biochemical, ELISA, and radioimmunoassay. Livers were harvested for H&E and immunohistochemical staining. The major constituents of SWGNS were analyzed by HPLC. In vitro experiments were used to explore the protective effect of Crocin on BRL-3A in the environment of H2O2. Results. SWGNS reversed weight loss is induced by CCl4. Serum assays showed that SWGNS reduced CCl4-induced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and γ-glutamyltransferase levels and increased the total protein and albumin levels. Histopathological evaluation showed that SWGNS alleviated hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation. Furthermore, SWNGS reduced CCl4-induced elevations of TGF-β1, hyaluronic acid, laminin, and collagen IV in serum and reduced the high expression of α-SMA in tissues. Moreover, Crocin I and II are the main components of SWGNS. Crocin attenuated the damaging effects of H2O2 on BRL-3A. Conclusions. In conclusion, SWGNS alleviated CCl4-induced chronic liver injury by inhibiting the TGF-β1 pathway. This plays an important role in promoting traditional Tibetan medicine in clinical practice.
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Niu L, Geyer PE, Gupta R, Santos A, Meier F, Doll S, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ, Klein S, Ortiz C, Uschner FE, Schierwagen R, Trebicka J, Mann M. Dynamic human liver proteome atlas reveals functional insights into disease pathways. Mol Syst Biol 2022; 18:e10947. [PMID: 35579278 PMCID: PMC9112488 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202210947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Deeper understanding of liver pathophysiology would benefit from a comprehensive quantitative proteome resource at cell type resolution to predict outcome and design therapy. Here, we quantify more than 150,000 sequence‐unique peptides aggregated into 10,000 proteins across total liver, the major liver cell types, time course of primary cell cultures, and liver disease states. Bioinformatic analysis reveals that half of hepatocyte protein mass is comprised of enzymes and 23% of mitochondrial proteins, twice the proportion of other liver cell types. Using primary cell cultures, we capture dynamic proteome remodeling from tissue states to cell line states, providing useful information for biological or pharmaceutical research. Our extensive data serve as spectral library to characterize a human cohort of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Dramatic proteome changes in liver tissue include signatures of hepatic stellate cell activation resembling liver cirrhosis and providing functional insights. We built a web‐based dashboard application for the interactive exploration of our resource (www.liverproteome.org).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Niu
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Philipp E Geyer
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Rajat Gupta
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alberto Santos
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Health Data Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Florian Meier
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sophia Doll
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sabine Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine B, WW University Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Cristina Ortiz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Frank E Uschner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine B, WW University Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Robert Schierwagen
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine B, WW University Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine B, WW University Münster, Münster, Germany.,European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Failure, EFCLIF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matthias Mann
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
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5
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Dituri F, Gigante G, Scialpi R, Mancarella S, Fabregat I, Giannelli G. Proteoglycans in Cancer: Friends or Enemies? A Special Focus on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081902. [PMID: 35454809 PMCID: PMC9024587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Proteoglycans affect multiple molecular and cellular processes during the progression of solid tumors with a highly desmoplastic stroma, such as HCC. Due to their role in enhancing or limiting the traits of cancer cells underlying their aggressiveness, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness, these macromolecules could be exploited as molecular targets or therapeutic agents. Proteoglycans, such as biglycan, versican, syndecan-1, glypican-3, and agrin, promote HCC cell proliferation, EMT, and angiogenesis, while endostatin and proteoglycan 4 were shown to impair cancer neovascularization or to enhance the sensitivity of HCC cells to drugs, such as sorafenib and regorafenib. Based on this evidence, interventional strategies involving the use of humanized monoclonal antibodies, T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors, or recombinant proteins mimicking potentially curative proteoglycans, are being employed or may be adopted in the near future for the treatment of HCC. Abstract Proteoglycans are a class of highly glycosylated proteins expressed in virtually all tissues, which are localized within membranes, but more often in the pericellular space and extracellular matrix (ECM), and are involved in tissue homeostasis and remodeling of the stromal microenvironment during physiological and pathological processes, such as tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and cancer. In general, proteoglycans can perform signaling activities and influence a range of physical, chemical, and biological tissue properties, including the diffusivity of small electrolytes and nutrients and the bioavailability of growth factors. While the dysregulated expression of some proteoglycans is observed in many cancers, whether they act as supporters or limiters of neoplastic progression is still a matter of controversy, as the tumor promoting or suppressive function of some proteoglycans is context dependent. The participation of multiple proteoglycans in organ regeneration (as demonstrated for the liver in hepatectomy mouse models) and in cancer suggests that these molecules actively influence cell growth and motility, thus contributing to key events that characterize neoplastic progression. In this review, we outline the main roles of proteoglycans in the physiology and pathology of cancers, with a special mention to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), highlighting the translational potential of proteoglycans as targets or therapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gianluigi Gigante
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Rosanna Scialpi
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), CIBEREHD and University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
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Yin F, Mao LC, Cai QQ, Jiang WH. Effect of Hepatocyte Growth Factor-Transfected Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Hepatic Stellate Cells by Regulating Transforming Growth Factor-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:1070-1081. [PMID: 34514810 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) could ameliorate liver fibrosis (LF) through inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the specific mechanisms have not been studied clearly. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible mechanism of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-transfected hUCMSCs in inhibiting the proliferation and activation of HSCs-T6. The upper and lower double-cell coculture system was established among HGF-hUCMSCs, LV5-NC-hUCMSCs, hUCMSCs, and HSCs-T6 in experimental groups; HSCs-T6 were cultured alone as control group. After coculturing for 1, 2, and 3 days, results showed that HGF-transfected hUCMSCs could decrease cell viability of HSCs-T6 and promote apoptosis; inhibit their activation and reduce the expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3, which may be related to inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. These findings suggested that HGF-transfected hUCMSCs may be used as an alternative and novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Li-Cui Mao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Qi-Qi Cai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wen-Hua Jiang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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7
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Autophagy Promotes the Survival of Adipose Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Enhances Their Therapeutic Effects in Cisplatin-Induced Liver Injury via Modulating TGF-β1/Smad and PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathways. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092475. [PMID: 34572126 PMCID: PMC8470434 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a key metabolic process where cells can recycle its proteins and organelles to regenerate its own cellular building blocks. Chemotherapy is indispensable for cancer treatment but associated with various side-effects, including organ damage. Stem cell-based therapy is a promising approach for reducing chemotherapeutic side effects, however, one of its main culprits is the poor survival of transplanted stem cells in damaged tissues. Here, we aimed to test the effects of activating autophagy in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ADSCs) on the survival of ADSCs, and their therapeutic value in cisplatin-induced liver injury model. Autophagy was activated in ADSCs by rapamycin (50 nM/L) for two hours before transplantation and were compared to non-preconditioned ADSCs. Rapamycin preconditioning resulted in activated autophagy and improved survival of ADSCs achieved by increased autophagosomes, upregulated autophagy-specific LC3-II gene, decreased protein degradation/ubiquitination by downregulated p62 gene, downregulated mTOR gene, and finally, upregulated antiapoptotic BCL-2 gene. In addition, autophagic ADSCs transplantation in the cisplatin liver injury model, liver biochemical parameters (AST, ALT and albumin), lipid peroxidation (MDA), antioxidant profile (SOD and GPX) and histopathological picture were improved, approaching near-normal conditions. These promising autophagic ADSCs effects were achieved by modulation of components in TGF-β1/Smad and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, besides reducing NF-κB gene expression (marker for inflammation), reducing TGF-β1 levels (marker for fibrosis) and increasing SDF-1 levels (liver regeneration marker) in liver. Therefore, current results highlight the importance of autophagy in augmenting the therapeutic potential of stem cell therapy in alleviating cisplatin-associated liver damage and opens the path for improved cell-based therapies, in general, and with chemotherapeutics, in particular.
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8
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Peng Q, Ehlers CL. Long tracks of homozygosity predict the severity of alcohol use disorders in an American Indian population. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:2200-2211. [PMID: 33398086 PMCID: PMC8254832 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00989-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Runs of homozygosity (ROH) arise when an individual inherits two copies of the same haplotype segment. While ROH are ubiquitous across human populations, Native populations-with shared parental ancestry arising from isolation and endogamy-can carry a substantial enrichment for ROH. We have been investigating genetic and environmental risk factors for alcohol use disorders (AUD) in a group of American Indians (AI) who have higher rates of AUD than the general U. S. population. Here we explore whether ROH might be associated with incidence and severity of AUD in this admixed AI population (n = 742) that live on geographically contiguous reservations, using low-coverage whole genome sequences. We have found that the genomic regions in the ROH that were identified in this population had significantly elevated American Indian heritage compared with the rest of the genome. Increased ROH abundance and ROH burden are likely risk factors for AUD severity in this AI population, especially in those diagnosed with severe and moderate AUD. The association between ROH and AUD was mostly driven by ROH of moderate lengths between 1 and 2 Mb. An ROH island on chromosome 1p32.3 and a rare ROH pool on chromosome 3p12.3 were found to be significantly associated with AUD severity. They contain genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses; and OSBPL9 was found to reside on the consensus part of the ROH island. These data demonstrate that ROH are associated with risk for AUD severity in this AI population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Peng
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Cindy L Ehlers
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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9
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Yang J, Xu C, Wu M, Wu Y, Jia X, Zhou C, Zhang X, Ge S, Li Z, Zhang L. MicroRNA-124 inhibits hepatic stellate cells inflammatory cytokines secretion by targeting IQGAP1 through NF-κB pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 95:107520. [PMID: 33743313 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a health concern that leads to organ failure mediated via production of inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic biomarkers. To date, there was no direct approved antifibrotic therapy, and current treatment was mainly the removal of the causative factor. Recent studies demonstrated that aberrant expression of miR-124 was involved in the progression of various liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether miR-124 could function as a transcriptional regulator in the inflammatory cytokines secretion of liver fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of miR-124 was downregulated in liver fibrosis tissues and TNF-α-induced LX-2 cells, concomitant with the upregulated expression of IQGAP1, suggesting that miR-124 and IQGAP1 might be associated with the development of inflammation in liver fibrosis. Therefore, we demonstrated that the overexpression of miR-124 and knockdown of IQGAP1 could lead to the downregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. While knockdown of miR-124 or overexpression of IQGAP1 showed reversed results. Moreover, dual luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-124 specifically targeted the 3'-UTR of IQGAP1, and thus inhibited the expression of IQGAP1. Mechanistically, we found that the expression changes of miR-124 and IQGAP1 could be involved in inhibition or activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in response to TNF-α. In conclusion, these results indicated that miR-124 plays a crucial role in TNF-α-induced LX-2 cells via regulating NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Changqing Xu
- The Third People's Hospital of Hefei (Hefei Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Maomao Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Chest Hospital, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ying Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiaodi Jia
- Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Chang Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shenglin Ge
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Zeng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Liu J, Lv XW, Zhang L, Wang H, Li J, Wu B. Review on Biological Characteristics of Kv1.3 and Its Role in Liver Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:652508. [PMID: 34093186 PMCID: PMC8176307 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver accounts for the largest proportion of macrophages in all solid organs of the human body. Liver macrophages are mainly composed of cytolytic cells inherent in the liver and mononuclear macrophages recruited from the blood. Monocytes recruitment occurs mainly in the context of liver injury and inflammation and can be recruited into the liver and achieve a KC-like phenotype. During the immune response of the liver, macrophages/KC cells release inflammatory cytokines and infiltrate into the liver, which are considered to be the common mechanism of various liver diseases in the early stage. Meanwhile, macrophages/KC cells form an interaction network with other liver cells, which can affect the occurrence and progression of liver diseases. From the perspective of liver disease treatment, knowing the full spectrum of macrophage activation, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and their implication in either promoting liver disease progression or repairing injured liver tissue is highly relevant from a therapeutic point of view. Kv1.3 is a subtype of the voltage-dependent potassium channel, whose function is closely related to the regulation of immune cell function. At present, there are few studies on the relationship between Kv1.3 and liver diseases, and the application of its blockers as a potential treatment for liver diseases has not been reported. This manuscript reviewed the physiological characteristics of Kv1.3, the relationship between Kv1.3 and cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the role of Kv1.3 in a variety of liver diseases, so as to provide new ideas and strategies for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. In short, by understanding the role of Kv1.3 in regulating the functions of immune cells such as macrophages, selective blockers of Kv1.3 or compounds with similar functions can be applied to alleviate the progression of liver diseases and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junda Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Xiong-Wen Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Baoming Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
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Ullah A, Chen G, Hussain A, Khan H, Abbas A, Zhou Z, Shafiq M, Ahmad S, Ali U, Usman M, Raza F, Ahmed A, Qiu Z, Zheng M, Liu D. Cyclam-Modified Polyethyleneimine for Simultaneous TGFβ siRNA Delivery and CXCR4 Inhibition for the Treatment of CCl 4-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:4451-4470. [PMID: 34234436 PMCID: PMC8257077 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s314367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease with excessive production of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. PURPOSE This study aimed at the development of a novel derivative of polyethyleneimine (PEI) that can effectively deliver transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) siRNA and inhibit chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) for TGFβ silencing and CXCR4 Inhibition, respectively, to treat CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in a mouse model. METHODS Cyclam-modified PEI (PEI-Cyclam) was synthesized by incorporating cyclam moiety into PEI by nucleophilic substitution reaction. Gel electrophoresis confirmed the PEI-Cyclam polyplex formation and stability against RNAase and serum degradation. Transmission electron microscopy and zeta sizer were employed for the morphology, particle size, and zeta potential, respectively. The gene silencing and CXCR4 targeting abilities of PEI-Cyclam polyplex were evaluated by luciferase and CXCR4 redistribution assays, respectively. The histological and immunohistochemical staining determined the anti-fibrotic activity of PEI-Cyclam polyplex. The TGFβ silencing of PEI-Cyclam polyplex was authenticated by Western blotting. RESULTS The 1H NMR of PEI-Cyclam exhibited successful incorporation of cyclam content onto PEI. The PEI-Cyclam polyplex displayed spherical morphology, positive surface charge, and stability against RNAse and serum degradation. Cyclam modification decreased the cytotoxicity and demonstrated CXCR4 antagonistic and luciferase gene silencing efficiency. PEI-Cyclam/siTGFβ polyplexes decreased inflammation, collagen deposition, apoptosis, and cell proliferation, thus ameliorating liver fibrosis. Also, PEI-Cyclam/siTGFβ polyplex significantly downregulated α-smooth muscle actin, TGFβ, and collagen type III. CONCLUSION Our findings validate the feasibility of using PEI-Cyclam as a siRNA delivery vector for simultaneous TGFβ siRNA delivery and CXCR4 inhibition for the combined anti-fibrotic effects in a setting of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aftab Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Aftab Ullah; Daojun Liu Email ;
| | - Gang Chen
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Abid Hussain
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanif Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Azar Abbas
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210028, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhanwei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210028, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, people's Republic of China
| | - Saleem Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, Shantou University Medical College Cancer Hospital, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Usman Ali
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200240, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, people's Republic of China
| | - Faisal Raza
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200240, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Abrar Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200240, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zijie Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210028, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Maochao Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daojun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
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Chen Y, Li R, Hu N, Yu C, Song H, Li Y, Dai Y, Guo Z, Li M, Zheng Y, Guo Z, Qi Y. Baihe Wuyao decoction ameliorates CCl 4-induced chronic liver injury and liver fibrosis in mice through blocking TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effects. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 263:113227. [PMID: 32783983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Baihe Wuyao decoction (BWD), a prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicines, composed of Lilium brownii var. viridulum Baker.(Lilii Bulbus) and Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. (Linderae Radix), has been used to treat epigastric pain and superficial gastritis for hundreds of years in China. Recently, some compounds obtained from Lilii Bulbus and Linderae Radix had active effects of hepatic protection or liver fibrosis alleviation. Thus, we aim to evaluate the effects of BWD on treatment of chronic liver injury and liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and to elucidate the possible molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice were treated with BWD (low, medium and high dose), diammonium glycyrrhizinate or vehicle by oral gavage once daily, simultaneously intraperitoneal injected with a single dose of CCl4 (1 μl/g body weight) twice a week for consecutive 6 weeks. Next, all mice were sacrificed after fasted 12 h, and serums and liver tissues were harvested for analysis. The hepatic injury was detected by serum biomarker assay, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The hepatic histology and collagen were illustrated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Sirius red staining respectively. The antioxidant capacity of liver tissues was evaluated by the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver homogenization. The mRNA gene or protein expressions related to fibrosis, oxidative stress and inflammation molecules were performed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) or Western-blot. RESULTS BWD exhibited a good hepatic protection with ameliorating liver histological changes, decreasing serum AST and ALT contents, and reducing hepatic fibrosis with stimulation ECMs (such as Collagen1 and Collagen3) degradation. BWD inhibited hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, promoted matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP9, and MMP12 while suppressing tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) expression, and blocked traditional fibrosis TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signal pathway. Moreover, BWD exhibited anti-inflammation effect proved by the reduction of liver Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), TNF-α, IL-11 mRNA levels and promoted anti-oxidation effects determined by inhibition of liver MDA and iNOS levels while promoting liver SOD and Mn-SOD. CONCLUSION BWD ameliorates CCl4-induced CLI and liver fibrosis which is correlated to its blocking TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation effects. BWD, as a small traditional prescription, is a promising treatment for CLI and liver fibrosis through multiple pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Ruofei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Nan Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Chunping Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Hongyu Song
- Department of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Yida Li
- Department of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Yujiao Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Zhao Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Zhiyi Guo
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Yajuan Qi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China; Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China.
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Teng KY, Barajas JM, Hu P, Jacob ST, Ghoshal K. Role of B Cell Lymphoma 2 in the Regulation of Liver Fibrosis in miR-122 Knockout Mice. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9070157. [PMID: 32650615 PMCID: PMC7408427 DOI: 10.3390/biology9070157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) has been identified as a marker of various liver injuries, including hepatitis- virus-infection-, alcoholic-, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-induced liver fibrosis. Here, we report that the extracellular miR-122 from hepatic cells can be delivered to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to modulate their proliferation and gene expression. Our published Argonaute crosslinking immunoprecipitation (Ago-CLIP) data identified several pro-fibrotic genes, including Ctgf, as miR-122 targets in mice livers. However, treating Ctgf as a therapeutic target failed to rescue the fibrosis developed in the miR-122 knockout livers. Alternatively, we compared the published datasets of human cirrhotic livers and miR-122 KO livers, which revealed upregulation of BCL2, suggesting its potential role in regulating fibrosis. Notably, ectopic miR-122 expression inhibited BCL2 expression in human HSC (LX-2) cells). Publicly available ChIP-seq data in human hepatocellular cancer (HepG2) cells and mice livers suggested miR-122 could regulate BCL2 expression indirectly through c-MYC, which was confirmed by siRNA-mediated depletion of c-MYC in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. Importantly, Venetoclax, a potent BCL2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of leukemia, showed promising anti-fibrotic effects in miR-122 knockout mice. Collectively, our data demonstrate that miR-122 suppresses liver fibrosis and implicates anti-fibrotic potential of Venetoclax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Yu Teng
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.M.B.); (S.T.J.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Juan M. Barajas
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.M.B.); (S.T.J.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Peng Hu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Samson T. Jacob
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.M.B.); (S.T.J.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kalpana Ghoshal
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.M.B.); (S.T.J.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +614-292-8865; Fax: +614-688-4245
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Abdel-Hamid HA, Abdel-Hakeem EA, Zenhom NM, Toni NDM. C-peptide corrects hepatocellular dysfunction in a rat model of type 1 diabetes. J Physiol Biochem 2020; 76:417-425. [PMID: 32529526 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-020-00748-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
C-peptide is gaining much interest recently due to its well-documented beneficial effects on multiple organ dysfunction induced by diabetes. Our study was designed to investigate the effect of C-peptide on hepatocellular dysfunction in diabetic rats. Wistar male rats were separated into four groups: control, diabetic, diabetic + insulin, and diabetic + C-peptide. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, and liver biomarkers were assessed. Liver sections were collected for histopathological examination and immuno-histochemical assessment of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Oxidative stress markers and gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) were also measured in liver tissues. C-peptide administration prevented hepatic dysfunction induced by diabetes to a similar extent as that of insulin which was confirmed microscopically. We concluded that C-peptide could be used as an alternative therapy to insulin to correct hepatocellular dysfunction associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba A Abdel-Hamid
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
| | | | - Nagwa M Zenhom
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Nisreen D M Toni
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Induced MiR-663a Alleviates Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation by Attenuating the TGF- β/Smad Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:3156267. [PMID: 32454854 PMCID: PMC7240796 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3156267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a hydrolysate of glycyrrhizic acid from licorice root extract, has been used to treat liver fibrotic diseases. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the antifibrotic effects of GA remains unclear. The involvement of miR-663a and its roles in TGF-β-1-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of miR-663a in the activation of HSCs and the antifibrosis mechanism of GA. MiR-663a expression was downregulated in TGF-β-treated HSCs. The overexpression of miR-663a inhibited HSC proliferation. TGF-β-1was confirmed as a direct target gene of miR-663a. MiR-663a alleviated HSC activation, concomitant with decreased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), human α2 (I) collagen (COL1A2), TGF-β1, TGF-βRI, Smad4, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3. GA upregulated miR-663a expression and inhibited the TGF-β/Smad pathway in HSCs. Further studies showed that miR-663a inhibitor treatment reversed GA-mediated downregulation of TGF-β1, TGF-βRI, Smad4, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, α-SMA, and CoL1A2 in TGF-β1-treated HSCs. These results show that miR-663a suppresses HSC proliferation and activation and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, highlighting that miR-663a can be utilized as a therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis. GA inhibits, at least in part, HSC proliferation and activation via targeting the miR-663a/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Xie H, Su D, Zhang J, Ji D, Mao J, Hao M, Wang Q, Yu M, Mao C, Lu T. Raw and vinegar processed Curcuma wenyujin regulates hepatic fibrosis via bloking TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways and up-regulation of MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratio. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 246:111768. [PMID: 30849507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. (CW), a variety of Curumae Rhizoma, which documented in China Pharmacopeia, has long been used as plant medicine for its traditional effect on promoting Qi, activating blood stagnation and expelling blood stasis. Nowadays, it is often used in clinic for extraordinary effect on liver diseases. It is worthy to be noted that CW processed with vinegar has been applied in clinic for 1500 years which started in the northern and southern dynasties. AIM OF STUDY Liver fibrosis is a worldwide clinical issue. It is worth developing a multi-target and multicellular approach which is high efficiency and low side effects for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. The anti-hepatic fibrosis molecular mechanisms of CW and vinegar Curcuma wenyujin (VCW) need to be explored and elucidated. Furthermore, the study aimed to discuss the efficiency and mechanism differences between CW and VCW in hepatic fibrosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Biochemical assays and histopathology were adopted to evaluate the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of CW and VCW. The TGF-β/Smad signaling involving TGF-β1, TGF-βRⅠ, TGF-βRⅡ and Smad2, Smad3, Smad7 in fibrosis is examined, which is a critical step towards the evaluation of anti-hepatic fibrosis agents. Meanwhile, the MMP/TIMP balance is a potential therapy target by modulating extracellular matrix, which is also examined. Both CW and VCW inhibit the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and induce apoptosis via blocking TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. Additionally, the level of MMP-2/TIMP-1 regulated significantly, which suggest CW and VCW participate in the degradation process, and maintain the formation and production of extracellular matrix. CONCLUSION Raw and vinegar processed Curcuma wenyujin regulates hepatic fibrosis via bloking TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways and up-regulation of MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratio. And VCW has more exhibition than CW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Dan Su
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - De Ji
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing Mao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Min Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qiaohan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mengting Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Chunqin Mao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Tulin Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Ossipov DA. Hyaluronan-based delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides for treatment of human diseases. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2019; 16:621-637. [PMID: 31072142 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2019.1617693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oligonucleotide therapeutics such as antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA requires chemical modifications and nano-sized carriers to circumvent stability problems in vivo, to reach target tissues, and to overcome tissue and cellular barriers. Hyaluronic acid (HA), already utilized in drug delivery and tissue engineering, possess properties that are useful to solve these problems and achieve full potential of oligonucleotide therapeutics. AREAS COVERED Complexes of oligonucleotide therapeutics with HA are discussed in terms of interactions providing the complexes formation and genes targeted by the therapeutics to cure diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, and inflammation. The achieved therapeutic effects are rationalized as consequences of biodistribution, cell internalization and endosomal escape provided by HA. EXPERT OPINION Design of electrostatic, coordination, and hydrophobic interactions as well as covalent conjugation between oligonucleotide drugs, HA macromolecules and intermediate ligands are crucial for carrier-cargo association and dissociation under different conditions to impart oligonucleotides stability in vivo, their accumulation in diseased organs, cellular uptake, and dissociation in cytoplasm intact. These are the delivery factors that provides eventual complex formation of oligonucleotide therapeutics with their mRNA, microRNA, or protein targets. Elucidation of the impact of structural parameters of oligonucleotide/HA complexes on their therapeutic effect in vivo is important for the future rational design of the delivery agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri A Ossipov
- a Department of Biosciences and Nutrition , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
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Extracellular Vesicles: Intercellular Mediators in Alcohol-Induced Pathologies. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2019; 15:409-421. [PMID: 30955131 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-019-09848-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Though alcoholic liver injury plays the primary role in direct alcohol-related morbidity, alcohol consumption is also interlinked with many other diseases in extra-hepatic tissues/organs. The mechanism of alcoholic tissue injury is well documented, however the mechanisms that affect extra-hepatic tissues have not yet been well defined. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes and microvesicles, have been identified as key components of alcohol-induced extra-hepatic effects. We have reviewed the recent findings on the potential impact of alcohol-modified EVs/exosomes production and their downstream effects on extra-hepatic tissues. In this review, we discuss the available information on the cross-talk between hepatocytes and immune cells via EV/exosomal cargos (miRNA, mRNA, protein, etc.) in alcoholic liver diseases. We also discuss the effects of alcohol exposure on the contents of EVs/exosomes derived from various extra-hepatic tissues and their associated pathological consequences on recipient cells. Finally, we speculate on other potential EV/exosomal agents that may mediate alcohol-induced tissue damage. Graphical Abstract Alcohol can alter contents of extracellular vesicles (EVs) (e.g. exosomes) such as miRNAs, protein, cytokines, etc. in hepatic and extra-hepatic cells. The transfer of these alcohol modified EVs to nearby or distant cells can play vital role in inflammatory pathways in alcohol induced pathogenesis/comorbidities.
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Li X, George SM, Vernetti L, Gough AH, Taylor DL. A glass-based, continuously zonated and vascularized human liver acinus microphysiological system (vLAMPS) designed for experimental modeling of diseases and ADME/TOX. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:2614-2631. [PMID: 30063238 PMCID: PMC6113686 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00418h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The vLAMPS is a human, biomimetic liver MPS, in which the ECM and cell seeding of the intermediate layer prior to assembly, simplifies construction of the model and makes the platform user-friendly. This primarily glass microfluidic device is optimal for real-time imaging, while minimizing the binding of hydrophobic drugs/biologics to the materials that constitute the device. The assembly of the three layered device with primary human hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), and human cell lines for stellate and Kupffer cells, creates a vascular channel separated from the hepatic channel (chamber) by a porous membrane that allows communication between channels, recapitulating the 3D structure of the liver acinus. The vascular channel can be used to deliver drugs, immune cells, as well as various circulating cells and other factors to a stand-alone liver MPS and/or to couple the liver MPS to other organ MPS. We have successfully created continuous oxygen zonation by controlling the flow rates of media in the distinct vascular and hepatic channels and validated the computational modeling of zonation with oxygen sensitive and insensitive beads. This allows the direct investigation of the role of zonation in physiology, toxicology and disease progression. The vascular channel is lined with human LSECs, recapitulating partial immunologic functions within the liver sinusoid, including the activation of LSECs, promoting the binding of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) followed by transmigration into the hepatic chamber. The vLAMPS is a valuable platform to investigate the functions of the healthy and diseased human liver using all primary human cell types and/or iPSC-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
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20
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Feili X, Wu S, Ye W, Tu J, Lou L. MicroRNA-34a-5p inhibits liver fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in hepatic stellate cells. Cell Biol Int 2018; 42:1370-1376. [PMID: 29957876 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the outcome of various chronic liver diseases. Recent studies suggest that aberrant expression of miR-34 is involved in the progression of various liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is still poorly understood whether miR-34 mediates the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Here, we found that the expression of microRNA-34a-5p (miR-34a-5p) was significantly decreased in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-activated liver fibrosis and HCC, as well as in CC14 (Carbon tetrachloride Tetrachloromethane) induced liver fibrosis model mice. The TGF-β1/Smad3 (Transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3) pathway were significantly augmented in CC14 induced mice compared with normal control, whereas inhibitor of TGF-β1 (SB431542) significantly attenuated liver fibrosis and TGF-β1/Smad3 activation. Administration of the miR-34a-5p mimic de-activated TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in human hepatic stellate cells (HSC), LX-2. Moreover, the target gene for miR-34a-5p, Smad4, was predicted and verified in LX-2 cells. Taken together, these data demonstrated that overexpression of miR-34 in HSCs ameliorated the development and progression of liver fibrosis by targeting Smad4 and regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Strategies targeting miR-34a-5p may be of benefit in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Feili
- Department of Infectious Diseases, YiWu Central Hospita, No 699 Jiangdong Road, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, YiWu Central Hospita, No 699 Jiangdong Road, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Weiwei Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, YiWu Central Hospita, No 699 Jiangdong Road, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Juncai Tu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, YiWu Central Hospita, No 699 Jiangdong Road, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Lianqing Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, YiWu Central Hospita, No 699 Jiangdong Road, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
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21
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Metformin ameliorates activation of hepatic stellate cells and hepatic fibrosis by succinate and GPR91 inhibition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 495:2649-2656. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.12.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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22
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Theron AJ, Anderson R, Rossouw TM, Steel HC. The Role of Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 in the Progression of HIV/AIDS and Development of Non-AIDS-Defining Fibrotic Disorders. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1461. [PMID: 29163528 PMCID: PMC5673850 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Even after attainment of sustained viral suppression following implementation of highly active antiretroviral therapy, HIV-infected persons continue to experience persistent, low-grade, systemic inflammation. Among other mechanisms, this appears to result from ongoing microbial translocation from a damaged gastrointestinal tract. This HIV-related chronic inflammatory response is paralleled by counteracting, but only partially effective, biological anti-inflammatory processes. Paradoxically, however, this anti-inflammatory response not only exacerbates immunosuppression but also predisposes for development of non-AIDS-related, non-communicable disorders. With respect to the pathogenesis of both sustained immunosuppression and the increased frequency of non-AIDS-related disorders, the anti-inflammatory/profibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which remains persistently elevated in both untreated and virally suppressed HIV-infected persons, may provide a common link. In this context, the current review is focused on two different, albeit related, harmful activities of TGF-β1 in HIV infection. First, on the spectrum of anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive activities of TGF-β1 and the involvement of this cytokine, derived predominantly from T regulatory cells, in driving disease progression in HIV-infected persons via both non-fibrotic and profibrotic mechanisms. Second, the possible involvement of sustained elevations in circulating and tissue TGF-β1 in the pathogenesis of non-AIDS-defining cardiovascular, hepatic, pulmonary and renal disorders, together with a brief comment on potential TGF-β1-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette J. Theron
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Tshwane Academic Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ronald Anderson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Theresa M. Rossouw
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Helen C. Steel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Wahsh E, Abu-Elsaad N, El-Karef A, Ibrahim T. The vitamin D receptor agonist, calcipotriol, modulates fibrogenic pathways mitigating liver fibrosis in-vivo: An experimental study. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 789:362-369. [PMID: 27477355 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D was found to be involved in liver fibrosis modulation through binding to its receptor (VDR) halting many fibrotic pathways. Targeting vitamin D-VDR axis using vitamin D analogs may represent an efficient strategy for liver fibrosis treatment . The study aims at testing the potential ability of the VDR agonist, calcipotriol, to stop fibrosis progression and/or regeneration of hepatocytes in an experimental model of liver fibrosis. Mice (CD-1) were injected with thioacetamide (TAA, 100mg/kg, i.p., 3 times/week) for 8 weeks to induce fibrosis and were treated with calcipotriol (20, 60 or 80µg/kg, i.p., daily) concurrently with TAA during the last 4 weeks. Liver function and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured by the end of the study and hepatic sections were examined for inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis percentage. Additionally, liver contents of collagen-1-alpha-1 (COL1a1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and phospho-Smad2 (Ser456/467)/Smad3 (Ser423/425) were measured. Finally, expression of TGF-β1, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, Smad2/3 and Smad1/5/9 were scored using immunohistochemistry techniques. Mainly, calcipotriol (80µg/kg) significantly (P<0.001) reduced fibrosis percentage and improved TAA effect on transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, COL1a1 level, malondialdehyde, albumin and reduced glutathione (GSH). It also decreased the profibrogenic cytokine TGF-β1, TIMP-1, Smad2/3, Smad1/5/9 and phospoSmad2/3 significantly (P<0.01) when compared to TAA group. Calcipotriol attenuates TAA induced liver fibrosis and can stop its progression through limiting stellate cells activity by decreasing TGF-β1 level and modulating TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. It also can help fibrolysis through decreasing TIMP-1 and restoring the balance between metalloproteinases and their inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Wahsh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Nashwa Abu-Elsaad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Amr El-Karef
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
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24
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Chen L, Guo YZ, Li AD, Ma JJ, Hao HY, Zhang D, Wang Y, Ji CG, Qi W, Wang J, Jiang HQ. Knockdown of Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 Inhibits Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Dig Dis Sci 2016; 61:1961-71. [PMID: 26879903 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-016-4075-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is a positive regulator of tumorigenesis and a valuable prognostic marker of a diverse array of cancers, including liver cancer; however, the relationship between AEG-1 and hepatic fibrogenesis is not known. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the expression of AEG-1 during hepatic fibrogenesis and determine how AEG-1 regulates the profibrogenic phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS The levels of AEG-1 were monitored in the fibrotic livers and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)- or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated HSCs. The expression of AEG-1 was knocked down by lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA in HSCs, and collagen expression, proliferation assays, apoptosis induction studies, and migration assays were simultaneously conducted in vitro. RESULTS AEG-1 expression was increased in the fibrotic livers. At the cellular level, TGF-β or LPS stimulation, which caused HSC activation, induced AEG-1 expression in HSC-T6 and primary rat HSCs (P < 0.05). Knockdown of AEG-1 inhibited collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin expression (P < 0.05), reduced cell proliferation (P < 0.05) and motility (P < 0.05), and induced cell apoptosis (P < 0.05) in HSCs. This antifibrotic effect caused by lack of AEG-1 was associated with the inactivation of PI3K/Akt and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. CONCLUSIONS Knockdown of AEG-1 suppressed the activation of HSCs by modulating the phenotype and inducing apoptosis. AEG-1 might be a potential target in treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yong-Ze Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Ai-di Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jun-Ji Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hui-Yao Hao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Chen-Guang Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Wei Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hui-Qing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Hebei Institute of Gastroenterology, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China.
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25
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Tan H, He Q, Li R, Lei F, Lei X. Trillin Reduces Liver Chronic Inflammation and Fibrosis in Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) Induced Liver Injury in Mice. Immunol Invest 2016; 45:371-82. [PMID: 27219527 DOI: 10.3109/08820139.2015.1137935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Trillin is an active ingredient isolated from Dioscorea nipponica Makino. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects of trillin on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in C57BL/6 mice. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis were induced by intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 0.5 μL/g of body weight twice a week for 6 weeks. Trillin (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) was administered by gavage for 12 days before finishing the CCl4 induction. Aspartate amino-transferase (AST) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) in serum were determined by AST and ALT kits. Superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum were assayed by SOD and MDA kits. Meanwhile, the levels of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The proteins of the NF-κB pathway and the TGF-β/Smad pathway were measured by western blot. The trillin-treated group exhibited reduced AST, ALT, MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, and increased SOD. Histological analyses of the trillin-treated group exhibited reduced inflammatory process and prevented liver fibrosis. Western blot analyses of the trillin-treated group showed reduced NF-κB pathway and TGF-β/Smad pathway. SIGNIFICANCE Based on the results of the present study, trillin can be used as a potential anti-inflammatory drug for chronic hepatic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huabing Tan
- a Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital , Hubei University of Medicine , Shiyan , Hubei Province , China
| | - Qin He
- a Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital , Hubei University of Medicine , Shiyan , Hubei Province , China
| | - Rugui Li
- a Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital , Hubei University of Medicine , Shiyan , Hubei Province , China
| | - Feifei Lei
- a Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital , Hubei University of Medicine , Shiyan , Hubei Province , China
| | - Xu Lei
- a Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital , Hubei University of Medicine , Shiyan , Hubei Province , China
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Giannelli G, Mikulits W, Dooley S, Fabregat I, Moustakas A, ten Dijke P, Portincasa P, Winter P, Janssen R, Leporatti S, Herrera B, Sanchez A. The rationale for targeting TGF-β in chronic liver diseases. Eur J Clin Invest 2016; 46:349-61. [PMID: 26823073 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a pluripotent cytokine that displays several tissue-specific biological activities. In the liver, TGF-β is considered a fundamental molecule, controlling organ size and growth by limiting hepatocyte proliferation. It is involved in fibrogenesis and, therefore, in worsening liver damage, as well as in triggering the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TGF-β is known to act as an oncosuppressor and also as a tumour promoter in HCC, but its role is still unclear. DESIGN In this review, we discuss the potential role of TGF-β in regulating the tumoural progression of HCC, and therefore the rationale for targeting this molecule in patients with HCC. RESULTS A considerable amount of experimental preclinical evidence suggests that TGF-β is a promising druggable target in patients with HCC. To support this hypothesis, a phase II clinical trial is currently ongoing using a TGF-β pathway inhibitor, and results will soon be available. CONCLUSIONS The identification of new TGF-β related biomarkers will help to select those patients most likely to benefit from therapy aimed at inhibiting the TGF-β pathway. New formulations that may provide a more controlled and sustained delivery of the drug will improve the therapeutic success of such treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Giannelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty, Mannheim Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Blanca Herrera
- Dep. Bioquímica y Biología Molecular II, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aranzazu Sanchez
- Dep. Bioquímica y Biología Molecular II, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Schon HT, Bartneck M, Borkham-Kamphorst E, Nattermann J, Lammers T, Tacke F, Weiskirchen R. Pharmacological Intervention in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Hepatic Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:33. [PMID: 26941644 PMCID: PMC4764688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into contractile, matrix-producing myofibroblasts (MFBs) are central events in hepatic fibrogenesis. These processes are driven by autocrine- and paracrine-acting soluble factors (i.e., cytokines and chemokines). Proof-of-concept studies of the last decades have shown that both the deactivation and removal of hepatic MFBs as well as antagonizing profibrogenic factors are in principle suitable to attenuate ongoing hepatic fibrosis. Although several drugs show potent antifibrotic activities in experimental models of hepatic fibrosis, there is presently no effective pharmaceutical intervention specifically approved for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Pharmaceutical interventions are generally hampered by insufficient supply of drugs to the diseased liver tissue and/or by adverse effects as a result of affecting non-target cells. Therefore, targeted delivery systems that bind specifically to receptors solely expressed on activated HSCs or transdifferentiated MFBs and delivery systems that can improve drug distribution to the liver in general are urgently needed. In this review, we summarize current strategies for targeted delivery of drugs to the liver and in particular to pro-fibrogenic liver cells. The applicability and efficacy of sequestering molecules, selective protein carriers, lipid-based drug vehicles, viral vectors, transcriptional targeting approaches, therapeutic liver- and HSC-specific nanoparticles, and miRNA-based strategies are discussed. Some of these delivery systems that had already been successfully tested in experimental animal models of ongoing hepatic fibrogenesis are expected to translate into clinically useful therapeutics specifically targeting HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Theo Schon
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Jacob Nattermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn Bonn, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
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28
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Chang J, Lan T, Li C, Ji X, Zheng L, Gou H, Ou Y, Wu T, Qi C, Zhang Q, Li J, Gu Q, Wen D, Cao L, Qiao L, Ding Y, Wang L. Activation of Slit2-Robo1 signaling promotes liver fibrosis. J Hepatol 2015; 63:1413-20. [PMID: 26264936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The secretory protein Slit2 and its receptor Robo1 are believed to regulate cell growth and migration. Here, we aimed to determine whether Slit2-Robo1 signaling mediates the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. METHODS Serum levels of Slit2 in patients with liver fibrosis were determined by ELISA. Liver fibrosis was induced in wild-type (WT), Slit2 transgenic (Slit2-Tg) and Robo1(+/-)Robo2(+/-) double heterozygotes (Robo1/2(+/-)) mice by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The functional contributions of Slit2-Robo1 signaling in liver fibrosis and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were investigated using primary mouse HSCs and human HSC cell line LX-2. RESULTS Significantly increased serum Slit2 levels and hepatic expression of Slit2 and Robo1 were observed in patients with liver fibrosis. Compared to WT mice, Slit2-Tg mice were much more vulnerable to CCl4-induced liver injury and more readily develop liver fibrosis. Development of hepatic fibrosis in Slit2-Tg mice was associated with a stronger hepatic expression of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). However, liver injury and hepatic expression of collagen I and α-SMA were attenuated in CCl4-treated Robo1/2(+/-) mice in response to CCl4 exposure. In vitro, Robo1 neutralizing antibody R5 and Robo1 siRNA downregulated phosphorylation of Smad2, Smad3, PI3K, and AKT in HSCs independent of TGF-β1. R5 and Robo1 siRNA also inhibited the expression of α-SMA by HSCs. Finally, the protective effect of R5 on the CCl4-induced liver injury and fibrosis was further verified in mice. CONCLUSIONS Slit2-Robo1 signaling promotes liver injury and fibrosis through activation of HSCs.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carbon Tetrachloride/toxicity
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Line
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism
- Hepatic Stellate Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/deficiency
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Liver Cirrhosis/etiology
- Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism
- Liver Cirrhosis/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental/etiology
- Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental/metabolism
- Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/deficiency
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/deficiency
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Roundabout Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlan Chang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Oncology, Affiliated Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Changzheng Li
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoqian Ji
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lingyun Zheng
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hongju Gou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yitao Ou
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Teng Wu
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Cuiling Qi
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiangchao Li
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Quliang Gu
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dingwen Wen
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liu Cao
- Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Storr Liver Centre, the Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia.
| | - Yanqing Ding
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Lijing Wang
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Huang SS, Chen CL, Huang FW, Johnson FE, Huang JS. Ethanol Enhances TGF-β Activity by Recruiting TGF-β Receptors From Intracellular Vesicles/Lipid Rafts/Caveolae to Non-Lipid Raft Microdomains. J Cell Biochem 2015; 117:860-71. [PMID: 26419316 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Regular consumption of moderate amounts of ethanol has important health benefits on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Overindulgence can cause many diseases, particularly alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The mechanisms by which ethanol causes both beneficial and harmful effects on human health are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that ethanol enhances TGF-β-stimulated luciferase activity with a maximum of 0.5-1% (v/v) in Mv1Lu cells stably expressing a luciferase reporter gene containing Smad2-dependent elements. In Mv1Lu cells, 0.5% ethanol increases the level of P-Smad2, a canonical TGF-β signaling sensor, by ∼ 2-3-fold. Ethanol (0.5%) increases cell-surface expression of the type II TGF-β receptor (TβR-II) by ∼ 2-3-fold from its intracellular pool, as determined by I(125) -TGF-β-cross-linking/Western blot analysis. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation and indirect immunofluorescence staining analyses reveal that ethanol (0.5% and 1%) also displaces cell-surface TβR-I and TβR-II from lipid rafts/caveolae and facilitates translocation of these receptors to non-lipid raft microdomains where canonical signaling occurs. These results suggest that ethanol enhances canonical TGF-β signaling by increasing non-lipid raft microdomain localization of the TGF-β receptors. Since TGF-β plays a protective role in ASCVD but can also cause ALD, the TGF-β enhancer activity of ethanol at low and high doses appears to be responsible for both beneficial and harmful effects. Ethanol also disrupts the location of lipid raft/caveolae of other membrane proteins (e.g., neurotransmitter, growth factor/cytokine, and G protein-coupled receptors) which utilize lipid rafts/caveolae as signaling platforms. Displacement of these membrane proteins induced by ethanol may result in a variety of pathologies in nerve, heart and other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chun-Lin Chen
- Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.,Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-sen University and Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Franklin W Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115
| | - Frank E Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63104
| | - Jung San Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Doisy Research Center, St. Louis, Missouri, 63104
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TGF-β in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrogenesis: Updated. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40139-015-0089-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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31
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Kalogeridi MA, Zygogianni A, Kyrgias G, Kouvaris J, Chatziioannou S, Kelekis N, Kouloulias V. Role of radiotherapy in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:101-112. [PMID: 25625001 PMCID: PMC4295187 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i1.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Revised: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) present with advanced disease, not amenable to curative therapies such as surgery, transplantation or radiofrequency ablation. Treatment options for this group of patients include transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiation therapy. Especially TACE, delivering a highly concentrated dose of chemotherapy to tumor cells while minimizing systemic toxicity of chemotherapy, has given favorable results on local control and survival. Radiotherapy, as a therapeutic modality of internal radiation therapy with radioisotopes, has also achieved efficacious tumor control in advanced disease. On the contrary, the role of external beam radiotherapy for HCC has been limited in the past, due to the low tolerance of surrounding normal liver parenchyma. However, technological innovations in the field of radiotherapy treatment planning and delivery, have provided the means of delivering radical doses to the tumor, while sparing normal tissues. Advanced and highly conformal radiotherapy approaches such as stereotactic body radiotherapy and proton therapy, evaluated for efficacy and safety for HCC, report encouraging results. In this review, we present the role of radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma patients not suitable for radical treatment.
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De Minicis S, Marzioni M, Benedetti A, Svegliati-Baroni G. New insights in hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to bedside. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2014; 1:15. [PMID: 25332959 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2013.01.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process involving different genetic alterations that ultimately lead to malignant transformation of the hepatocyte. The liver is one of the main targets for different metastatic foci, but it represents an important and frequent locus of degeneration in the course of chronic disease. In fact, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the outcome of the natural history of chronic liver diseases, from the condition of fibrosis, to cirrhosis and finally to cancer. HCC is the sixth most common cancer in the world, some 630,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. Furthermore, about the 80% of people with HCC, have seen their clinical history developing from fibrosis, to cirrhosis and finally to cancer. The three main causes of HCC development are represented by HBV, HCV infection and alcoholism. Moreover, metabolic disease [starting from Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)] and, with reduced frequency, some autoimmune disease may lead to HCC development. An additional rare cause of carcinogenetic degeneration of the liver, especially developed in African and Asian Countries, is represented by aflatoxin B1. The mechanisms by which these etiologic factors may induce HCC development involve a wide range of pathway and molecules, currently under investigation. In summary, the hepatocarcionogenesis results from a multifactorial process leading to the common condition of genetic changes in mature hepatocytes mainly characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and cell death. Advances in understanding the mechanism of action are fundamental for the development of new potential therapies and results primarily from the association of the research activities coming from basic and clinical science. This review article analyzes the current models used in basic research to investigate HCC activity, and the advances obtained from a basic and clinical point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele De Minicis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Marzioni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Benedetti
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Li HH, Tyburski JB, Wang YW, Strawn S, Moon BH, Kallakury BVS, Gonzalez FJ, Fornace AJ. Modulation of fatty acid and bile acid metabolism by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α protects against alcoholic liver disease. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:1520-31. [PMID: 24773203 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic alcohol intake affects liver function and causes hepatic pathological changes. It has been shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)-null mice developed more pronounced hepatic changes than wild-type (WT) mice after chronic exposure to a diet containing 4% alcohol. The remarkable similarity between the histopathology of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in Ppara-null model and in humans, and the fact that PPARα expression and activity in human liver are less than one-tenth of those in WT mouse liver make Ppara-null a good system to investigate ALD. METHODS In this study, the Ppara-null model was used to elucidate the dynamic regulation of PPARα activity during chronic alcohol intake. Hepatic transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were used to examine alterations of gene expression and metabolites associated with pathological changes. The changes triggered by alcohol consumption on gene expression and metabolites in Ppara-null mice were compared with those in WT mice. RESULTS The results showed that in the presence of PPARα, 3 major metabolic pathways in mitochondria, namely the fatty acid β-oxidation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the electron transfer chain, were induced in response to a 2-month alcohol feeding, while these responses were greatly reduced in the absence of PPARα. In line with the transcriptional modulations of these metabolic pathways, a progressive accumulation of triglycerides, a robust increase in hepatic cholic acid and its derivatives, and a strong induction of fibrogenesis genes were observed exclusively in alcohol-fed Ppara-null mice. CONCLUSIONS These observations indicate that PPARα plays a protective role to enhance mitochondrial function in response to chronic alcohol consumption by adaptive transcriptional activation and suggest that activation of this nuclear receptor may be of therapeutic value in the treatment for ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Hong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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HIV-1 infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells modulate the fibrogenic activity of hepatic stellate cells through secreted TGF-β and JNK signaling. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91569. [PMID: 24637780 PMCID: PMC3956633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Patients with liver disease infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exhibit accelerated progression of hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis compared to uninfected individuals. We studied the effects of soluble factors secreted by HIV-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are central mediators of liver fibrosis. Methods An in vitro model was used in which a HSC line, LX2, was treated with culture supernatants of human PBMCs infected with macrophage tropic (R5) or T cell tropic (X4) strains of HIV-1. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to assess the expression of fibrogenic and proinflammatory markers; LX2 proliferation and intracellular signaling pathways were also studied. A qRT-PCR based miRNome array was used for comparative miRNA profiling of LX2 cells treated with infected PBMC culture supernatants. Results Pro-fibrogenic, angiogenic and proinflammatory markers, and proliferation of LX2 cells were increased following exposure to culture supernatants from HIV-1 infected PBMCs. The profiling of miRNAs in LX2 cells treated with culture supernatants from HIV-1 R5- or X4-infected PBMCs showed 66 and 22 miRNAs respectively, to be significantly altered compared to mock-treated LX2 cells. While different sets of miRNAs were altered in the two cases, bioinformatics analyses predicted these to be associated with common pathways, including TGF-β signaling and extracellular matrix receptor interaction pathways. Conclusions HIV infection creates a favorable milieu for the activation of hepatic stellate cells and increased hepatic fibrosis. We identify some regulatory molecules important for these effects.
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Involvement of heat shock protein 47 in Schistosoma japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:23-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Poelstra K, Beljaars L, Melgert BN. Cell-specific delivery of biologicals: problems, pitfalls and possibilities of antifibrotic compounds in the liver. Drug Discov Today 2013; 18:1237-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Activated effects of parathyroid hormone-related protein on human hepatic stellate cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76517. [PMID: 24116114 PMCID: PMC3792035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims After years of experiments and clinical studies, parathyroid hormone-related protein(PTHrP) has been shown to be a bone formation promoter that elicits rapid effects with limited adverse reaction. Recently, PTHrP was reported to promote fibrosis in rat kidney in conjunction with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), which is also a fibrosis promoter in liver. However, the effect of PTHrP in liver has not been determined. In this study, the promoting actions of PTHrP were first investigated in human normal hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and LX-2 cell lines. Methods TGF-β1, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and collagen I mRNA were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after HSCs or LX-2 cells were treated with PTHrP(1–36) or TGF-β1. Protein levels were also assessed by western-blot analysis. Alpha-SMA were also detected by immunofluorescence, and TGF-β1 secretion was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of HSC cell culture media. Results In cultured human HSCs, mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA, collagen I, MMP-2, and TGF-β1 were increased by PTHrP treatment. A similar increasing pattern was also observed in LX-2 cells. Moreover, PTHrP significantly increased TGF-β1 secretion in cultured media from HSCs. Conclusions PTHrP activated HSCs and promoted the fibrosis process in LX-2 cells. These procedures were probably mediated via TGF-β1, highlighting the potential effects of PTHrP in the liver.
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Tang Y, Hu C, Liu Y. Effect of bioactive peptide of Carapax Trionycis on TGF-β1-induced intracellular events in hepatic stellate cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 148:69-73. [PMID: 23583903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In traditional Chinese medicines for hepatic fibrosis therapy, Carapax Trionycis is used usually as an indispensable component and has a long history of medical use in China. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracts of Carapax Trionycis were able to protect liver against fibrosis in CCl4 animal models. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study is to verify the inhibitory effect and the underlying mechanisms of Carapax Trionycis extract peptide (CTEP) on activated hepatic stellate cells which play a central role in liver fibrogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hepatic stellate cells induced by TGF-β1 were applied to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effect of CTEP in vitro. MTS assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting were then used to further investigate the molecular mechanisms. RESULTS The results show that the contents of collagen I, collagen III and TIMP-1 were significantly inhibited and the level of collagen I, collagen III, p-Smad 3, TIMP-1 and α-SMA proteins decreased significantly in a concentration-dependence manner after treatment with CTEP. Interestingly, the level of Smad 3 protein was not different significantly. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that CTEP efficiently inhibits cultured HSC-T6 cell activation and proliferation via the TGF-β1/Smad pathway as well as by the elimination of the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingpin Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Huangjia River West Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
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Lim JH, Kim TW, Song IB, Park SJ, Kim MS, Cho ES, Jung JY, Son HY, Kim JW, Yun HI. Protective effect of the roots extract of Platycodon grandiflorum on bile duct ligation-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2013; 32:1197-205. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327112474832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract from Platycodon grandiflorum (BC703) on bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. BDL rats were divided into three groups, which orally received distilled water or BC703 (10 or 50 mg/kg/day) for consecutive 28 days. Antifibrotic effects of BC703 on BDL-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats were estimated by assessing serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO). The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver samples stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome stain. ALT, AST, TBIL and BUN were elevated in the group treated with BDL alone than in the sham-operated group. These elevations were significantly decreased by BC703 treatment. Hepatic GSH and SOD levels, depressed by BDL, were also increased in the BC703 group. In addition, increases in hepatic MDA and NO levels in the BDL-induced cholestasis were attenuated by BC703 treatment. Furthermore, BC703 treatment significantly reduced the serum level of fibrogenic cytokine, TGF-β1. Histopathological studies further substantiated the protective effect of BC703 on BDL-induced hepatic fibrosis in rat. BC703 may have beneficial effects not only on hepatic fibrosis by cholestasis but also on hepatic fibrosis development in patients with chronic hepatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-H Lim
- B&C Biopharm, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - T-W Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - I-B Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - S-J Park
- B&C Biopharm, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - M-S Kim
- Jeollanamdo Development Institute for Traditional Korean Medicine, Jangheung, Jeollanam-Do, South Korea
| | - E-S Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - J-Y Jung
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - H-Y Son
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - J-W Kim
- B&C Biopharm, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - H-I Yun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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Chen YH, Lan T, Li J, Qiu CH, Wu T, Gou HJ, Lu MQ. Gardenia jasminoides attenuates hepatocellular injury and fibrosis in bile duct-ligated rats and human hepatic stellate cells. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:7158-65. [PMID: 23326120 PMCID: PMC3544017 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i48.7158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the anti-hepatofibrotic effects of Gardenia jasminoides in liver fibrosis.
METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL) for 14 d and were treated with Gardenia jasminoides by gavage. The effects of Gardenia jasminoides on liver fibrosis and the detailed molecular mechanisms were also assessed in human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) in vitro.
RESULTS: Treatment with Gardenia jasminoides decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (BDL vs BDL + 100 mg/kg Gardenia jasminoides, 146.6 ± 15 U/L vs 77 ± 6.5 U/L, P = 0.0007) and aspartate aminotransferase (BDL vs BDL + 100 mg/kg Gardenia jasminoides, 188 ± 35.2 U/L vs 128 ± 19 U/L, P = 0.005) as well as hydroxyproline (BDL vs BDL + 100 mg/kg Gardenia jasminoides, 438 ± 40.2 μg/g vs 228 ± 10.3 μg/g liver tissue, P = 0.004) after BDL. Furthermore, Gardenia jasminoides significantly reduced liver mRNA and/or protein expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), collagen type I (Col I) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Gardenia jasminoides significantly suppressed the upregulation of TGF-β1, Col I and α-SMA in LX-2 exposed to recombinant TGF-β1. Moreover, Gardenia jasminoides inhibited TGF-β1-induced Smad2 phosphorylation in LX-2 cells.
CONCLUSION: Gardenia jasminoides exerts antifibrotic effects in the liver fibrosis and may represent a novel antifibrotic agent.
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Woodhoo A, Iruarrizaga-Lejarreta M, Beraza N, García-Rodríguez J, Embade N, Fernández-Ramos D, Matinez-Lopez N, Gutiérrez V, Arteta B, Caballeria J, Lu S, Mato J, Varela-Rey M, Martinez-Chantar M. Human antigen R contributes to hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2012; 56:1870-82. [PMID: 22576182 PMCID: PMC3433583 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a major role in the control of messenger RNA (mRNA) turnover and translation rates. We examined the role of the RBP, human antigen R (HuR), during cholestatic liver injury and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. HuR silencing attenuated fibrosis development in vivo after BDL, reducing liver damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. HuR expression increased in activated HSCs from bile duct ligation mice and during HSC activation in vitro, and HuR silencing markedly reduced HSC activation. HuR regulated platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced proliferation and migration and controlled the expression of several mRNAs involved in these processes (e.g., Actin, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and cyclin D1 and B1). These functions of HuR were linked to its abundance and cytoplasmic localization, controlled by PDGF, by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation as well as ERK/LKB1 (liver kinase B1) activation, respectively. More important, we identified the tumor suppressor, LKB1, as a novel downstream target of PDGF-induced ERK activation in HSCs. HuR also controlled transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced profibrogenic actions by regulating the expression of TGF-β, α-SMA, and p21. This was likely the result of an increased cytoplasmic localization of HuR, controlled by TGF-β-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Finally, we found that HuR and LKB1 (Ser428) levels were highly expressed in activated HSCs in human cirrhotic samples. CONCLUSION Our results show that HuR is important for the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis development in the cholestatic injury model, for HSC activation, and for the response of activated HSC to PDGF and TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Woodhoo
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - M. Iruarrizaga-Lejarreta
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - N. Beraza
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - J.L. García-Rodríguez
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - N. Embade
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - D. Fernández-Ramos
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - N. Matinez-Lopez
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Virginia Gutiérrez
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - B. Arteta
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - J. Caballeria
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBER de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - S.C. Lu
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBER de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J.M. Mato
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - M. Varela-Rey
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - M.L. Martinez-Chantar
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology Park of Bizkaia, 48160-Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
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Kim IH, Kim DG, Hao P, Wang Y, Kim SH, Kim SW, Lee SO, Lee ST. Anti-fibrotic effects of L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid via modulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in rats. BMB Rep 2012; 45:348-53. [PMID: 22732220 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2012.45.6.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
L-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTC) is a cysteine prodrug that maintains glutathione in tissues. The present study was designed to investigate anti-fibrotic and anti-oxidative effects of OTC via modulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in an in vivo thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis model. Treatment with OTC (80 or 160 mg/kg) improved serum liver function parameters and significantly ameliorated liver fibrosis. The OTC treatment groups exhibited significantly lower expression of α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-β 1, and collagen α 1 mRNA than that in the TAA model group. Furthermore, the OTC treatment groups showed a significant decrease in hepatic malondialdehyde level compared to that in the TAA model group. Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 expression increased significantly in the OTC treatment groups compared with that in the TAA model group. Taken together, these results suggest that OTC restores the anti- oxidative system by upregulating Nrf2; thus, ameliorating liver injury and a fibrotic reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Hee Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju 561-712, Korea
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Ohyama T, Sato K, Kishimoto K, Yamazaki Y, Horiguchi N, Ichikawa T, Kakizaki S, Takagi H, Izumi T, Mori M. Azelnidipine is a calcium blocker that attenuates liver fibrosis and may increase antioxidant defence. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:1173-87. [PMID: 21790536 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01599.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Oxidative stress plays a critical role in liver fibrogenesis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and ROS-mediated increases in calcium influx further increase ROS production. Azelnidipine is a calcium blocker that has been shown to have antioxidant effects in endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. Therefore, we evaluated the anti-fibrotic and antioxidative effects of azelnidipine on liver fibrosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used TGF-β1-activated LX-2 cells (a human HSC line) and mouse models of fibrosis induced by treatment with either carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) or thioacetamide (TAA). KEY RESULTS Azelnidipine inhibited TGF-β1 and angiotensin II (Ang II)-activated α1(I) collagen mRNA expression in HSCs. Furthermore, TGF-β1- and Ang II-induced oxidative stress and TGF-β1-induced p38 and JNK phosphorylation were reduced in HSCs treated with azelnidipine. Azelnidipine significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration, pro-fibrotic gene expressions, HSC activation, lipid peroxidation, oxidative DNA damage and fibrosis in the livers of CCl(4) - or TAA-treated mice. Finally, azelnidipine prevented a decrease in the expression of some antioxidant enzymes and accelerated regression of liver fibrosis in CCl(4) -treated mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Azelnidipine inhibited TGF-β1- and Ang II-induced HSC activation in vitro and attenuated CCl(4) - and TAA-induced liver fibrosis, and it accelerated regression of CCl(4) -induced liver fibrosis in mice. The anti-fibrotic mechanism of azelnidipine against CCl(4) -induced liver fibrosis in mice may have been due an increased level of antioxidant defence. As azelnidipine is widely used in clinical practice without serious adverse effects, it may provide an effective new strategy for anti-fibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ohyama
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Science Biochemistry, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
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Zhang HF, Lin XH, Yang H, Zhou LC, Guo YL, Barnett JV, Guo ZM. Regulation of the activity and expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor by ethanol in mouse hepatic stellate cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2012; 36:1873-81. [PMID: 22486318 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2012.01787.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the course of alcohol-induced liver damage, hepatic stellate cells are transformed into proliferative, fibrogenic, and contractile myofibroblasts. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that controls the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, inflammation, cell proliferation, and death. METHODS Immortal mouse hepatic stellate cells (MHSCs) were isolated from transgenic mice that expressed a thermolabile SV40 tumor antigen. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays, Western blot analysis, promoter activity assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses were performed for studying the effect of ethanol (EtOH) on AhR expression and transcriptional activity. RESULTS Treatment of MHSCs with 50 to 200 mM EtOH for 6 hours induced AhR nuclear translocation, enhanced the promoter activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, increased the amount of AhR bound to the promoter of CYP1A1 and 1B1, and up-regulated the mRNA expression of these AhR target genes in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, EtOH exposure down-regulated AhR mRNA and protein expression. Similarly, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) at 10 nM reduced AhR and increased CYP1A1 and 1B1 mRNAs. Pretreatment of MHSCs with 50 mM EtOH for 7 days diminished the capacity of MHSCs to express CYP1A1 and 1B1 induced by a 200 mM EtOH challenge, or by 10 nM BaP. However, the up-regulatory effect of EtOH on solute carrier family 16, member 6 (SLC16a6) was unaffected by EtOH pretreatment. Similar to EtOH, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at concentrations of 50 to 100 mM down-regulated AhR and up-regulated CYP1A1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS These data, for the first time, demonstrate that EtOH activates MHSC AhR and down-regulates its expression. Chronic EtOH pretreatment lowers the availability of AhR, and specifically diminishes the inducibility of CYP genes. The effect on AhR appears to not be an EtOH-specific response, as DMSO alone (and possibly other organic solvents) was also able to activate AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Feng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
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Abstract
The refinement of radiation therapy and radioembolization techniques has led to a resurgent interest in radiation-induced liver disease (RILD). The awareness of technical and clinical parameters that influence the chance of RILD is important to guide patient selection and toxicity minimization strategies. "Classic" RILD is characterized by anicteric ascites and hepatomegaly and is unlikely to occur after a mean liver dose of approximately 30 Gy in conventional fractionation. By maintaining a low mean liver dose and sparing a "critical volume" of liver from radiation, stereotactic delivery techniques allow for the safe administration of higher tumor doses. Caution must be exercised for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or pre-existing liver disease (eg, Child-Pugh score of B or C) because they are more susceptible to RILD that can manifest in a nonclassic pattern. Although no pharmacologic interventions have yet been proven to mitigate RILD, preclinical research shows the potential for therapies targeting transforming growth factor-β and for the transplantation of stem cells, hepatocytes, and liver progenitor cells as strategies that may restore liver function. Also, in the clinical setting of veno-occlusive liver disease after high-dose chemotherapy, agents with fibrinolytic and antithrombotic properties can reverse liver failure, suggesting a possible role in the setting of RILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Guha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA.
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Baghy K, Iozzo RV, Kovalszky I. Decorin-TGFβ axis in hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. J Histochem Cytochem 2012; 60:262-8. [PMID: 22260996 DOI: 10.1369/0022155412438104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis are worldwide health care problems, especially in regions with a high rate of hepatitis infection. As these diseases affect a major part of the human population, the search for antifibrotic therapies has a high priority in medical research. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is one of the most powerful profibrotic cytokines. Thus, blocking TGF-β1 activity by natural inhibitors represents a valid and logical strategy to combat hepatic fibrosis. One of the natural inhibitors of TGF-β1 is decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan that binds with high affinity to this cytokine and prevents its interaction with pro-fibrotic receptors. Recent evidence has shown that decorin has a protective role in liver fibrogenesis insofar as its genetic ablation in mice leads to enhanced matrix deposition, impaired matrix degradation, and "activation" of hepatic stellate cells, the main producers of fibrotic tissue. Moreover, TGF-β1 exerts a stronger effect when functional decorin is absent. These data provide robust genetic evidence for a direct role of endogenous decorin in preventing and retarding hepatic fibrosis. Thus, boosting the endogenous production of decorin or systemic delivery of recombinant decorin could represent an additional therapeutic modality against hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornélia Baghy
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Alcohol Activates TGF-Beta but Inhibits BMP Receptor-Mediated Smad Signaling and Smad4 Binding to Hepcidin Promoter in the Liver. Int J Hepatol 2012; 2012:459278. [PMID: 22121494 PMCID: PMC3202137 DOI: 10.1155/2012/459278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/07/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, is activated by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Mice pair-fed with regular and ethanol-containing L. De Carli diets were employed to study the effect of alcohol on BMP signaling and hepcidin transcription in the liver. Alcohol induced steatosis and TGF-beta expression. Liver BMP2, but not BMP4 or BMP6, expression was significantly elevated. Despite increased BMP expression, the BMP receptor, and transcription factors, Smad1 and Smad5, were not activated. In contrast, alcohol stimulated Smad2 phosphorylation. However, Smad4 DNA-binding activity and the binding of Smad4 to hepcidin promoter were attenuated. In summary, alcohol stimulates TGF-beta and BMP2 expression, and Smad2 phosphorylation but inhibits BMP receptor, and Smad1 and Smad5 activation. Smad signaling pathway in the liver may therefore be involved in the regulation of hepcidin transcription and iron metabolism by alcohol. These findings may help to further understand the mechanisms of alcohol and iron-induced liver injury.
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the result of the entire organism responding to a chronic injury. Every cell type in the liver contributes to the fibrosis. This paper first discusses key intracellular signaling pathways that are induced during liver fibrosis. The paper then examines the effects of these signaling pathways on the major cell types in the liver. This will provide insights into the molecular pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and should identify therapeutic targets.
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Yokogawa K, Matsui-Yuasa I, Tamura A, Terada M, Kojima-Yuasa A. Inhibitory effects of Ecklonia cava extract on high glucose-induced hepatic stellate cell activation. Mar Drugs 2011; 9:2793-2808. [PMID: 22363250 PMCID: PMC3280579 DOI: 10.3390/md9122793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a disease closely associated with obesity and diabetes. A prevalence of type 2 diabetes and a high body mass index in cryptogenic cirrhosis may imply that obesity leads to cirrhosis. Here, we examined the effects of an extract of Ecklonia cava, a brown algae, on the activation of high glucose-induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), key players in hepatic fibrosis. Isolated HSCs were incubated with or without a high glucose concentration. Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) was added to the culture simultaneously with the high glucose. Treatment with high glucose stimulated expression of type I collagen and α-smooth muscle actin, which are markers of activation in HSCs, in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of high glucose-treated HSCs was suppressed by the ECE. An increase in the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease in intracellular glutathione levels were observed soon after treatment with high glucose, and these changes were suppressed by the simultaneous addition of ECE. High glucose levels stimulated the secretion of bioactive transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) from the cells, and the stimulation was also suppressed by treating the HSCs with ECE. These results suggest that the suppression of high glucose-induced HSC activation by ECE is mediated through the inhibition of ROS and/or GSH and the downregulation of TGF-β secretion. ECE is useful for preventing the development of diabetic liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Yokogawa
- Department of Food and Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan; (K.Y.); (I.M.-Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Isao Matsui-Yuasa
- Department of Food and Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan; (K.Y.); (I.M.-Y.); (A.T.)
- Faculty of Education, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan
| | - Akiko Tamura
- Department of Food and Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan; (K.Y.); (I.M.-Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Masaki Terada
- JP Renew Distributors, LLC., 1906 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA;
| | - Akiko Kojima-Yuasa
- Department of Food and Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan; (K.Y.); (I.M.-Y.); (A.T.)
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SOCS1 controls liver regeneration by regulating HGF signaling in hepatocytes. J Hepatol 2011; 55:1300-8. [PMID: 21703184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Frequent repression of the Socs1 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 1) gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and increased susceptibility of SOCS1-deficient mice to hepatocarcinogens suggest a tumor suppressor role for SOCS1 in the liver, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we investigated the role of SOCS1 in regulating hepatocyte proliferation following partial hepatectomy and HGF stimulation. METHODS Because Socs1(-/-) mice die prematurely due to deregulated IFNγ signaling, we used Socs1(-/-)Ifng(-/-) mice to study the role of SOCS1 in liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy. We examined the activation of signaling molecules downstream of IL-6 and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptors in the regenerating liver, primary hepatocytes, and in human hepatoma cells. We examined the interaction between SOCS1 and the HGF receptor c-Met by reciprocal immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Socs1(-/-)Ifng(-/-) mice displayed accelerated liver regeneration with increased DNA synthesis compared to Ifng(-/-) and wild type mice. The regenerating liver of Socs1(-/-)Ifng(-/-) mice did not show increased IL-6 signaling, but displayed earlier phosphorylation of Gab1, a signaling adaptor downstream of c-Met. Following HGF stimulation, hepatocytes from Socs1(-/-)Ifng(-/-) mice displayed increased phosphorylation of c-Met and Gab1, cell migration and proliferation. Accordingly, SOCS1 overexpression attenuated HGF-induced phosphorylation of c-Met, Gab1, and ERK1/2 in hepatoma cells, and decreased their proliferation and migration. SOCS1 interacted with the Tpr-Met, an oncogenic form of the Met receptor. CONCLUSIONS SOCS1 attenuates c-Met signaling and thus negative regulation of HGF signaling could be an important mechanism underlying the anti-tumor role of SOCS1 in the liver.
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