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Kharbanda KK, Chokshi S, Tikhanovich I, Weinman SA, New-Aaron M, Ganesan M, Osna NA. A Pathogenic Role of Non-Parenchymal Liver Cells in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease of Infectious and Non-Infectious Origin. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:255. [PMID: 36829532 PMCID: PMC9953685 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Now, much is known regarding the impact of chronic and heavy alcohol consumption on the disruption of physiological liver functions and the induction of structural distortions in the hepatic tissues in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). This review deliberates the effects of alcohol on the activity and properties of liver non-parenchymal cells (NPCs), which are either residential or infiltrated into the liver from the general circulation. NPCs play a pivotal role in the regulation of organ inflammation and fibrosis, both in the context of hepatotropic infections and in non-infectious settings. Here, we overview how NPC functions in ALD are regulated by second hits, such as gender and the exposure to bacterial or viral infections. As an example of the virus-mediated trigger of liver injury, we focused on HIV infections potentiated by alcohol exposure, since this combination was only limitedly studied in relation to the role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the development of liver fibrosis. The review specifically focusses on liver macrophages, HSC, and T-lymphocytes and their regulation of ALD pathogenesis and outcomes. It also illustrates the activation of NPCs by the engulfment of apoptotic bodies, a frequent event observed when hepatocytes are exposed to ethanol metabolites and infections. As an example of such a double-hit-induced apoptotic hepatocyte death, we deliberate on the hepatotoxic accumulation of HIV proteins, which in combination with ethanol metabolites, causes intensive hepatic cell death and pro-fibrotic activation of HSCs engulfing these HIV- and malondialdehyde-expressing apoptotic hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusum K. Kharbanda
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Irina Tikhanovich
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 66160, USA
| | - Steven A. Weinman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 66160, USA
- Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Administration Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Moses New-Aaron
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Murali Ganesan
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Natalia A. Osna
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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Sohal A, Chaudhry H, Dhaliwal A, Singla P, Gupta G, Sharma R, Dukovic D, Prajapati D. Gender differences in esophageal variceal bleeding in the United States. Ann Med 2022; 54:2115-2122. [PMID: 35930410 PMCID: PMC9359179 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2104920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Esophageal variceal bleeding is a common reason for hospitalization in patients with cirrhosis. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effects of gender differences on outcomes in hospitalizations related to Esophageal variceal bleeding in the United States. METHODS A retrospective observational cohort study was performed using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for all hospitalizations with a discharge diagnosis of esophageal varices with hemorrhage from 2016 to 2019. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, while secondary outcomes included rate of early endoscopy (defined as less than 1 day), AKI, blood transfusion, sepsis, ICU admission and TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt). We also compared the length of stay and total hospitalization charges. RESULTS We identified a total of 166,760 patients with variceal bleeding of which 32.7% were females. In-hospital mortality was higher in males, 9.91%, compared to females, 8.31% (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.88, p-value=.008, when adjusted for confounding factors). The odds of undergoing an EGD, length of stay, or total hospitalization charges did not differ between the two groups. Compared to men, women had lower odds of receiving TIPS (aOR = 0.83, p-value=.002). CONCLUSION Women hospitalised with esophageal variceal bleeding are at a lower risk of death compared to males. Further research is needed to elucidate the factors associated with this lower risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalam Sohal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - Hunza Chaudhry
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - Armaan Dhaliwal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona, South Campus-Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Piyush Singla
- Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Punjab, India
| | - Gagan Gupta
- Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Punjab, India
| | | | - Dino Dukovic
- Ross University School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Devang Prajapati
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, Fresno, CA, USA
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3
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Xu L, Yuan Y, Che Z, Tan X, Wu B, Wang C, Xu C, Xiao J. The Hepatoprotective and Hepatotoxic Roles of Sex and Sex-Related Hormones. Front Immunol 2022; 13:939631. [PMID: 35860276 PMCID: PMC9289199 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.939631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most liver diseases, including acute liver injury, drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases, and end-stage liver diseases, are strongly linked with hormonal influences. Thus, delineating the clinical manifestation and underlying mechanisms of the “sexual dimorphism” is critical for providing hints for the prevention, management, and treatment of those diseases. Whether the sex hormones (androgen, estrogen, and progesterone) and sex-related hormones (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin) play protective or toxic roles in the liver depends on the biological sex, disease stage, precipitating factor, and even the psychiatric status. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, alcohol drinking, and smoking, also drastically affect the involving mechanisms of those hormones in liver diseases. Hormones deliver their hepatic regulatory signals primarily via classical and non-classical receptors in different liver cell types. Exogenous sex/sex-related hormone therapy may serve as a novel strategy for metabolic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. However, the undesired hormone-induced liver injury should be carefully studied in pre-clinical models and monitored in clinical applications. This issue is particularly important for menopause females with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and transgender populations who want to receive gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). In conclusion, basic and clinical studies are warranted to depict the detailed hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic mechanisms of sex/sex-related hormones in liver disease. Prolactin holds a promising perspective in treating metabolic and advanced liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaodi Che
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhi Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cunchuan Wang
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengfang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chengfang Xu, ; Jia Xiao,
| | - Jia Xiao
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chengfang Xu, ; Jia Xiao,
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Montefusco D, Jamil M, Maczis MA, Schroeder W, Levi M, Ranjit S, Allegood J, Bandyopadhyay D, Retnam R, Spiegel S, Cowart LA. Sphingosine Kinase 1 Mediates Sexual Dimorphism in Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of NASH. Mol Metab 2022; 62:101523. [PMID: 35671973 PMCID: PMC9194589 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are more likely to progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis than women. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this dimorphism is unclear. We have previously shown that mice with global deletion of SphK1, the enzyme that produces the bioactive sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), were protected from development of NASH. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of hepatocyte-specific SphK1 in development of NASH and to compare its contribution to hepatosteatosis in male and female mice. RESULTS We generated hepatocyte-specific SphK1 knockout mice (SphK1-hKO). Unlike the global knockout, SphK1-hKO male mice were not protected from diet-induced steatosis, inflammation, or fibrogenesis. In contrast, female SphK1-hKO mice were protected from inflammation. Surprisingly, however, in these female mice, there was a ∼10-fold increase in the fibrosis markers Col1α1 and 2-3 fold induction of alpha smooth muscle actin and the pro-fibrotic chemokine CCL5. Because increased fibrosis in female SphK1-hKO mice occurred despite an attenuated inflammatory response, we investigated the crosstalk between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells, central players in fibrosis. We found that estrogen stimulated release of S1P from female hepatocytes preventing TGFβ-induced expression of Col1α1 in HSCs via S1PR3. CONCLUSIONS The results revealed a novel pathway of estrogen-mediated cross-talk between hepatocytes and HSCs that may contribute to sex differences in NAFLD through an anti-fibrogenic function of the S1P/S1PR3 axis. This pathway is susceptible to pharmacologic manipulation, which may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Montefusco
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA.
| | - Maryam Jamil
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA
| | - Melissa A Maczis
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA
| | - William Schroeder
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA
| | - Moshe Levi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, USA
| | - Suman Ranjit
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, USA
| | - Jeremy Allegood
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA
| | | | - Reuben Retnam
- Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Biostatistics, VA, USA
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA
| | - L Ashley Cowart
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA; Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC, Richmond, VA, USA
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Kimura T, Singh S, Tanaka N, Umemura T. Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Hepatic Stellate Cells and Approaches to Anti-Fibrotic Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:773432. [PMID: 34938271 PMCID: PMC8685252 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.773432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is globally increasing. Gaining control over disease-related events in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD, is currently an unmet medical need. Hepatic fibrosis is a critical prognostic factor in NAFLD/NASH. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis and the development of related therapies are of great importance. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface receptors that mediate the function of a great variety of extracellular ligands. GPCRs represent major drug targets, as indicated by the fact that about 40% of all drugs currently used in clinical practice mediate their therapeutic effects by acting on GPCRs. Like many other organs, various GPCRs play a role in regulating liver function. It is predicted that more than 50 GPCRs are expressed in the liver. However, our knowledge of how GPCRs regulate liver metabolism and fibrosis in the different cell types of the liver is very limited. In particular, a better understanding of the role of GPCRs in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the primary cells that regulate liver fibrosis, may lead to the development of drugs that can improve hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH. In this review, we describe the functions of multiple GPCRs expressed in HSCs, their roles in liver fibrogenesis, and finally speculate on the development of novel treatments for NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takefumi Kimura
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takefumi Kimura, ; ; Naoki Tanaka,
| | - Simran Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Naoki Tanaka
- International Relations Office, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takefumi Kimura, ; ; Naoki Tanaka,
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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Barloese M, Chitgar M, Hannibal J, Møller S. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide: Potential roles in the pathophysiology and complications of cirrhosis. Liver Int 2020; 40:2578-2589. [PMID: 32654367 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) is a ubiquitous neuropeptide with diverse functions throughout the organism. Most abundantly investigated for its role in several neurological disorders as well as in circadian rhythms, other fields of medicine, including cardiology, have recently shown interest in the role of PACAP and its potential as a biomarker. Timely diagnosis and treatment of cirrhosis and its complications is a considerable challenge for health services world-wide and development of new areas of research is warranted. Direct and indirect evidence exists of PACAP involvement in the cascade of pathological events and processes ultimately leading to cirrhosis and its complications, but its exact role remains to be determined. Studies have documented PACAP involvement in immune function, metabolism, local vasoconstriction and dilatation and systemic vascular decompensation and there is ongoing research of a possible role in liver reperfusion injury. Considering these reports, PACAP could theoretically exude influence on the disease course of cirrhosis through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, chronic inflammation, fibrogenesis, vasodilation and reduced vascular resistance. The paucity of literature on the specific topic of PACAP and cirrhosis reflects complex mechanisms and difficulty in accurate measurements and sample taking. This does not detract from the need to further characterize and elucidate the role PACAP plays in the underdiagnosed and undertreated condition of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Barloese
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Faculty of Health Sciences Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mohammadnavid Chitgar
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Faculty of Health Sciences Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jens Hannibal
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Bispebjerg Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Møller
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Faculty of Health Sciences Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark
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Interplay of cardiovascular mediators, oxidative stress and inflammation in liver disease and its complications. Nat Rev Cardiol 2020; 18:117-135. [PMID: 32999450 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-020-0433-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a crucial metabolic organ that has a key role in maintaining immune and endocrine homeostasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic liver disease might promote the development of various cardiac disorders (such as arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy) and circulatory complications (including systemic, splanchnic and pulmonary complications), which can eventually culminate in clinical conditions ranging from portal and pulmonary hypertension to pulmonary, cardiac and renal failure, ascites and encephalopathy. Liver diseases can affect cardiovascular function during the early stages of disease progression. The development of cardiovascular diseases in patients with chronic liver failure is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and cardiovascular complications can in turn affect liver function and liver disease progression. Furthermore, numerous infectious, inflammatory, metabolic and genetic diseases, as well as alcohol abuse can also influence both hepatic and cardiovascular outcomes. In this Review, we highlight how chronic liver diseases and associated cardiovascular effects can influence different organ pathologies. Furthermore, we explore the potential roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, vasoactive mediator imbalance, dysregulated endocannabinoid and autonomic nervous systems and endothelial dysfunction in mediating the complex interplay between the liver and the systemic vasculature that results in the development of the extrahepatic complications of chronic liver disease. The roles of ageing, sex, the gut microbiome and organ transplantation in this complex interplay are also discussed.
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Della Torre S. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease as a Canonical Example of Metabolic Inflammatory-Based Liver Disease Showing a Sex-Specific Prevalence: Relevance of Estrogen Signaling. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:572490. [PMID: 33071979 PMCID: PMC7531579 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.572490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is extensive evidence supporting the interplay between metabolism and immune response, that have evolved in close relationship, sharing regulatory molecules and signaling systems, to support biological functions. Nowadays, the disruption of this interaction in the context of obesity and overnutrition underlies the increasing incidence of many inflammatory-based metabolic diseases, even in a sex-specific fashion. During evolution, the interplay between metabolism and reproduction has reached a degree of complexity particularly high in female mammals, likely to ensure reproduction only under favorable conditions. Several factors may account for differences in the incidence and progression of inflammatory-based metabolic diseases between females and males, thus contributing to age-related disease development and difference in life expectancy between the two sexes. Among these factors, estrogens, acting mainly through Estrogen Receptors (ERs), have been reported to regulate several metabolic pathways and inflammatory processes particularly in the liver, the metabolic organ showing the highest degree of sexual dimorphism. This review aims to investigate on the interaction between metabolism and inflammation in the liver, focusing on the relevance of estrogen signaling in counteracting the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a canonical example of metabolic inflammatory-based liver disease showing a sex-specific prevalence. Understanding the role of estrogens/ERs in the regulation of hepatic metabolism and inflammation may provide the basis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic strategies for the management of such an inflammatory-based metabolic disease and its cardio-metabolic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Zhang B, Ji LH, Zhang CG, Zhao G, Wu ZY. Gender differences in vascular reactivity of mesenteric arterioles in portal hypertensive and non-portal hypertensive rats. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:5953-5960. [PMID: 31660032 PMCID: PMC6815798 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i39.5953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal hypertension (PHT) is primarily caused by an increase in resistance to portal outflow and secondarily by an increase in splanchnic blood flow. Vascular hyporeactivity both in systemic circulation and in the mesenteric artery plays a role in the hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome.
AIM To explore gender differences and the role of endogenous sex hormones in PHT and vascular reactivity of mesenteric arterioles in rats.
METHODS Cirrhosis and PHT were established by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in both male and female integral and castrated rats (ovariectomized [OVX] in female rats, orchiectomy [ORX] in male rats). The third-order branch of the mensenteric artery was divided and used to measure vascular reactivity to vasoconstrictors.
RESULTS No significant difference in portal pressure was observed between integral and castrated male PHT rats (15.2 ± 2.1 mmHg vs 16.7 ± 2.7 mmHg, P > 0.05). The portal pressure in integral female PHT rats was lower than that in OVX female PHT rats (12.7 ± 2.7 mmHg vs 16.5 ± 2.4 mmHg, P < 0.05). In PHT rats, the concentration response curves of the mesenteric arterioles to norepinephrine were shifted to the right, and the maximal responses (Emax) values were decreased and effective concentrations causing half maximum responses (EC50) values were increased, compared to those of non-PHT rats, both in male and female rats. Compared to non-PHT integral male rats, the sensitivity of the mesenteric arterioles of non-PHT ORX male rats to norepinephrine was decreased (P > 0.05). However, there was no difference between integral and ORX male rats with PHT. In integral female PHT rats, the concentration response curves were shifted to the left (P < 0.05), and the Emax values were increased and EC50 values were decreased compared to OVX female PHT rats.
CONCLUSION Clear gender differences were observed in mesenteric vascular reactivity in CCl4-induced cirrhotic and PHT rats. Conservation of estrogen can retain the sensitivity of the mesenteric arterioles to vasoconstrictors and has a protective effect on splanchnic vascular function in PHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lin-Hua Ji
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Cheng-Gang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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Avouac J, Pezet S, Gonzalez V, Baudoin L, Cauvet A, Ruiz B, Boleto G, Brandely ML, Elmerich M, Allanore Y. Estrogens Counteract the Profibrotic Effects of TGF-β and their Inhibition Exacerbates Experimental Dermal Fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 140:593-601.e7. [PMID: 31476316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.07.719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis primarily affects women. This sex bias raises the question on the role female hormones could play in the development of fibrosis, which is largely unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of estrogens in the development of experimental dermal fibrosis, in the mouse models of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis and tight skin (Tsk-1) mice, and on the activation of dermal fibroblasts by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Estrogen inhibition, obtained through gene inactivation for the estrogen receptor-αknockout or treatment with tamoxifen, exacerbated skin fibrosis in the bleomycin model and in the Tsk-1 mice. In the dermal fibroblasts, treatment with 17-β-estradiol significantly decreased the stimulatory effects of TGF-β on collagen synthesis and myofibroblast differentiation, decreased the activation of canonical TGF-β signaling, and markedly reduced the expression of the TGF-β target genes. Tamoxifen reversed the inhibitory effects of estrogens by restoring Smad2/3 phosphorylation and TGF-β-induced collagen synthesis. Our results demonstrate a beneficial effect of estrogens in dermal fibrosis. Estrogens reduce the TGF-β-dependent activation of dermal fibroblasts, and estrogen inhibition leads to a more severe experimental dermal fibrosis. These findings are consistent with the prominent development of systemic sclerosis in postmenopausal women and the greater severity of the disease in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Avouac
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Service de Rhumatologie A, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France.
| | - Sonia Pezet
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Gonzalez
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Léa Baudoin
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Anne Cauvet
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Barbara Ruiz
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Gonçalo Boleto
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Marie Laure Brandely
- GH Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Service de Pharmacie Clinique, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Manon Elmerich
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Service de Rhumatologie A, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
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Abstract
The endocrine system is a complex interconnected system of organs that control corporeal processes and function. Primary endocrine organs are involved in hormonal production and secretion but rely on a bevy of signals from the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and secondary endocrine organs, such as the liver. In turn, proper hepatic function is maintained through hormonal signaling. Thus, the endocrine system and liver are codependent, and diseases affecting either organs can lead to alterations in function within their counterparts. This article explores the hepato-endocrine relationship, including the effects on endocrine diseases on the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Malespin
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida Health, 4555 Emerson Street, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA.
| | - Ammar Nassri
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida Health, 4555 Emerson Street, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA
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Lehmann J, Praktiknjo M, Nielsen MJ, Schierwagen R, Meyer C, Thomas D, Violi F, Strassburg CP, Bendtsen F, Møller S, Krag A, Karsdal MA, Leeming DJ, Trebicka J. Collagen type IV remodelling gender-specifically predicts mortality in decompensated cirrhosis. Liver Int 2019; 39:885-893. [PMID: 30739387 PMCID: PMC6594031 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Remodelling of extracellular matrix is crucial in progressive liver fibrosis. Collagen type III desposition has been shown in acute decompensation. Extratracellular matrix is compiled of deposition of various components. The role of basement membrane collagen type IV in advanced cirrhosis and acute decompensation is unclear and investigated in this study. METHODS Patients with decompensated cirrhosis from the prospective NEPTUN cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03628807), who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure were included. Clinical and laboratory parameters, PRO-C4 and C4M levels were measured in blood samples from portal and hepatic veins just before transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement. RESULTS Levels of C4M and PRO-C4 are significantly lower in patients with massive ascites and impaired renal sodium excretion. C4M and PRO-C4 show gender-specific profiles with significantly lower levels in females compared to males. Females with higher C4M levels show higher mortality. By contrast, males with higher C4M levels show lower mortality. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, C4M is an independent predictor of survival in female patients. CONCLUSION This study shows that markers of collagen type IV remodelling do not accumulate in severe renal dysfunction. Although collagen type IV degradation markers derive from the liver, portal venous C4M levels are relevant for survival. Moreover, it demonstrates that circulating C4M shows gender-specific profiles, which can independently predict survival in female patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mette Juul Nielsen
- Nordic Bioscience, Fibrosis Biology and BiomarkersHerlevDenmark,Department of GastroenterologyOdense Hospital, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Robert Schierwagen
- Department of Medicine IUniversity of BonnBonnGermany,Department of Medicine IUniversity of FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
| | - Carsten Meyer
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Daniel Thomas
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Francesco Violi
- Department of Internal and Specialized MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | | | - Flemming Bendtsen
- Gastrounit, Medical DivisionHvidovre Hospital, University of CopenhagenHvidovreDenmark
| | - Søren Møller
- Faculty of Health Sciences Hvidovre Hospital, Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and ResearchUniversity of CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Department of GastroenterologyOdense Hospital, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | | | | | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Medicine IUniversity of BonnBonnGermany,Department of GastroenterologyOdense Hospital, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark,Department of Medicine IUniversity of FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany,European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure ‐ EF ClifBarcelonaSpain,Institute for Bioengineering of CataloniaBarcelonaSpain
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13
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Deng T, Liu J, Zhang M, Wang Y, Zhu G, Wang J. Inhibition effect of phytoestrogen calycosin on TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cell activation, proliferation, and migration via estrogen receptor β. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 96:1268-1275. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the effects of calycosin on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) function and to explore whether the drug exerts its effect through the estrogen receptor. HSC proliferation and migration were measured by MTT assay and transwell chamber assay, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, COL-I, and ERβ were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The co-localization and expression of α-SMA and ERβ protein were detected by immunofluorescence. All the studies were investigated in the absence or presence of ICI 182,780. The results showed that calycosin inhibited the proliferation of activated HSCs and remarkably inhibited HSC migration. Calycosin significantly reduced the expression of α-SMA and COL-I in activated HSCs. However, with co-treatment with ICI 182,780, the inhibitory effect of calycosin against the above effects was strongly negated. Importantly, calycosin significantly downregulated the expression of ERβ protein, while co-treatment with ICI 182,780 partially reversed the ERβ downregulation. In addition, α-SMA decreased with the decrease of ERβ expression and the subtype of ERβ on HSC is ERβ5. In conclusion, calycosin inhibits proliferation, activation, and migration of TGF-β1-induced HSCs. The effect may be related to binding and downregulation of ERβ5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Deng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
| | - Yaxin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
| | - Guannan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China
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14
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Zhang CG, Zhang B, Deng WS, Duan M, Chen W, Wu ZY. Role of estrogen receptor β selective agonist in ameliorating portal hypertension in rats with CCl 4-induced liver cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:4484-4500. [PMID: 27182159 PMCID: PMC4858631 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i18.4484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the role of diarylpropionitrile (DPN), a selective agonist of estrogen receptor β (ERβ), in liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension (PHT) and isolated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).
METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized (OVX), and liver cirrhosis with PHT was induced by CCl4 injection. DPN and PHTPP, the selective ERβ agonist and antagonist, were used as drug interventions. Liver fibrosis was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson’s trichrome staining and by analyzing smooth muscle actin expression. Hemodynamic parameters were determined in vivo using colored microspheres technique. Protein expression and phosphorylation were determined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. Messenger RNA levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Collagen gel contraction assay was performed using gel lattices containing HSCs treated with DPN, PHTPP, or Y-27632 prior to ET-1 addition.
RESULTS: Treatment with DPN in vivo greatly lowered portal pressure and improved hemodynamic parameters without affecting mean arterial pressure, which was associated with the attenuation of liver fibrosis and intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR). In CCl4-treated rat livers, DPN significantly decreased the expression of RhoA and ROCK II, and even suppressed ROCK II activity. Moreover, DPN remarkedly increased the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phosphorylated eNOS, and promoted the activities of protein kinase G (PKG), which is an NO effector in the liver. Furthermore, DPN reduced the contractility of activated HSCs in the 3-dimensional stress-relaxed collagen lattices, and decreased the ROCK II activity in activated HSCs. Finally, in vivo/in vitro experiments demonstrated that MLC activity was inhibited by DPN.
CONCLUSION: For OVX rats with liver cirrhosis, DPN suppressed liver RhoA/ROCK signal, facilitated NO/PKG pathways, and decreased IHVR, giving rise to reduced portal pressure. Therefore, DPN represents a relevant treatment choice against PHT in cirrhotic patients, especially postmenopausal women.
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Martinkovich S, Shah D, Planey SL, Arnott JA. Selective estrogen receptor modulators: tissue specificity and clinical utility. Clin Interv Aging 2014; 9:1437-52. [PMID: 25210448 PMCID: PMC4154886 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s66690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are a diverse group of nonsteroidal compounds that function as agonists or antagonists for estrogen receptors (ERs) in a target gene-specific and tissue-specific fashion. SERM specificity involves tissue-specific expression of ER subtypes, differential expression of co-regulatory proteins in various tissues, and varying ER conformational changes induced by ligand binding. To date, the major clinical applications of SERMs are their use in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, the prevention of osteoporosis, and the maintenance of beneficial serum lipid profiles in postmenopausal women. However, SERMs have also been found to promote adverse effects, including thromboembolic events and, in some cases, carcinogenesis, that have proven to be obstacles in their clinical utility. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of SERM tissue specificity and highlight the therapeutic application of well-known and emergent SERMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Martinkovich
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - Darshan Shah
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - Sonia Lobo Planey
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - John A Arnott
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA, USA
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Yang D, Hanna DL, Usher J, LoCoco J, Chaudhari P, Lenz HJ, Setiawan VW, El-Khoueiry A. Impact of sex on the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results analysis. Cancer 2014; 120:3707-16. [PMID: 25081299 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men are 4 to 8 times more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than women. Preclinical models have suggested a role for sex hormones in the development of HCC. In the current study, the authors investigated the impact of age, sex, race, and ethnicity on the survival of patients with HCC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. METHODS Patients diagnosed with HCC from 1988 through 2010 were identified from the SEER registry. Hazard ratios (HR) for overall survival (OS) were derived using the Cox regression model adjusted for race, year of diagnosis, marital status, treatment, birthplace, tumor differentiation, and tumor size. RESULTS A total of 39,345 patients were identified; 76% were men and 34% were women (50% white, 12% African American, 21% Asian, 16% Hispanic, and 1% Native American). The median age at the time of diagnosis was 61 years for men and 67 years for women. Approximately 84% of patients had liver-limited disease and 16% had metastatic disease. Treatment information was available for patients diagnosed after 1998 (34,674 patients): 11% received liver-directed therapy, 11% underwent surgical resection, and 7% underwent liver transplantation. The HR for the OS of women versus men was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.77-0.88) for patients aged <55 years. The protective effect of sex on OS was found to be greatest in patients aged 18 to 44 years (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65-0.86 [P<.001]), especially those with surgically resected tumors (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54-0.86 [P = .001]) and those who were African American (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.92 [P<.001]). There was no survival difference between sexes noted among Hispanics or patients aged >65 years. CONCLUSIONS Sex appears to be associated with survival in patients with HCC. The role of androgens and estrogens in the development and progression of HCC warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyun Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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