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Otumala AE, Hellen DJ, Luna CA, Delgado P, Dissanayaka A, Ugwumadu C, Oshinowo O, Islam MM, Shen L, Karpen SJ, Myers DR. Opportunities and considerations for studying liver disease with microphysiological systems on a chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2877-2898. [PMID: 37282629 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00940d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Advances in microsystem engineering have enabled the development of highly controlled models of the liver that better recapitulate the unique in vivo biological conditions. In just a few short years, substantial progress has been made in creating complex mono- and multi-cellular models that mimic key metabolic, structural, and oxygen gradients crucial for liver function. Here we review: 1) the state-of-the-art in liver-centric microphysiological systems and 2) the array of liver diseases and pressing biological and therapeutic challenges which could be investigated with these systems. The engineering community has unique opportunities to innovate with new liver-on-a-chip devices and partner with biomedical researchers to usher in a new era of understanding of the molecular and cellular contributors to liver diseases and identify and test rational therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adiya E Otumala
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, 1760 Haygood Dr, Suite E-160, Rm E-156, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dominick J Hellen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - C Alessandra Luna
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, 1760 Haygood Dr, Suite E-160, Rm E-156, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Priscilla Delgado
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, 1760 Haygood Dr, Suite E-160, Rm E-156, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Anjana Dissanayaka
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, 1760 Haygood Dr, Suite E-160, Rm E-156, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Chidozie Ugwumadu
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, 1760 Haygood Dr, Suite E-160, Rm E-156, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Oluwamayokun Oshinowo
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, 1760 Haygood Dr, Suite E-160, Rm E-156, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Md Mydul Islam
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, 1760 Haygood Dr, Suite E-160, Rm E-156, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Luyao Shen
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, 1760 Haygood Dr, Suite E-160, Rm E-156, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Saul J Karpen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David R Myers
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, 1760 Haygood Dr, Suite E-160, Rm E-156, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Shin E, Schwarz KB, Jones-Brando LV, Florea LD, Sabunciyan S, Wood LD, Yolken RH. Expression of HLA and Autoimmune Pathway Genes in Liver Biopsies of Young Subjects With Autoimmune Hepatitis Type 1. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2022; 75:269-275. [PMID: 35759748 PMCID: PMC9365252 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test the hypothesis that autoimmune hepatitis (AIH type I) in young subjects is due to genetic differences in proinflammatory genes responding to viral triggers in patients and controls. METHODS Intrahepatic gene expression was compared between AIH type I (n = 24, age 9-30 years) patients (hereafter referred to as the AIH group) and controls (n = 21, age 4-25 years). RNA sequencing was performed on complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries made from total RNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) liver biopsy samples. Gene expression levels were quantified, and differentially expressed genes were functionally analyzed. Pathway analysis was performed using the databases Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and PANTHER. The remaining sequences were mapped to the RefSeq complete set of viral genomes. RESULTS Differential gene analysis identified 181 genes that were significantly differentially expressed (136 upregulated in the AIH group). Autoimmune pathway genes such as CD19 and CD20 which are important in B cell regulation and maturation as well as, CD8 and LY9 , which are T-cell related, were upregulated in our AIH group. Genes implicated in AIH pathogenesis including CXCL10 , which is thought to be associated with AIH severity and progression, complement genes ( C1QA, C1QB , and C1QC ), and human leucocyte antigen ( HLA ) genes ( HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRA, HLA-B , and HLA-C ) were upregulated in samples from the AIH group. Specific viral etiologies were not found. CONCLUSIONS Unbiased next-generation sequencing and differential gene expression analysis of the AIH group has not only added support for the role of B cells in the pathogenesis and treatment of AIH but also has introduced potential new therapeutic targets: CXCL10 (anti- CXCL10 ) and several complement system-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Shin
- From the Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | - Liliana D. Florea
- the Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sarven Sabunciyan
- From the Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Robert H. Yolken
- From the Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
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Liu W, Duan H, Zhang D, Zhang X, Luo Q, Xie T, Yan H, Peng L, Hu Y, Liang L, Zhao G, Xie Z, Hu J. Concepts and Application of DNA Origami and DNA Self-Assembly: A Systematic Review. Appl Bionics Biomech 2021; 2021:9112407. [PMID: 34824603 PMCID: PMC8610680 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9112407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
With the arrival of the post-Moore Era, the development of traditional silicon-based computers has reached the limit, and it is urgent to develop new computing technology to meet the needs of science and life. DNA computing has become an essential branch and research hotspot of new computer technology because of its powerful parallel computing capability and excellent data storage capability. Due to good biocompatibility and programmability properties, DNA molecules have been widely used to construct novel self-assembled structures. In this review, DNA origami is briefly introduced firstly. Then, the applications of DNA self-assembly in material physics, biogenetics, medicine, and other fields are described in detail, which will aid the development of DNA computational model in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Huaichuan Duan
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Derong Zhang
- School of Marxism, Chengdu Vocational & Technical College of Industry, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Tao Xie
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Hailian Yan
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Lianxin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yichen Hu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Li Liang
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Zhenjian Xie
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Jianping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
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Krivonosov YS, Asadchikov VE, Buzmakov AV, Ivanova AG, Artemov VV, Rusakov AA, Pantyushov VV, Saifutdinov RG, Minaev NV, Minaeva SA, Syachina MA, Popov VK. Physical Methods for Determining the Phase Composition of Gallstones. CRYSTALLOGR REP+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1063774519060117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Metwally M, Bayoumi A, Romero-Gomez M, Thabet K, John M, Adams LA, Huo X, Aller R, García-Monzón C, Teresa Arias-Loste M, Bugianesi E, Miele L, Gallego-Durán R, Fischer J, Berg T, Liddle C, Qiao L, George J, Eslam M. A polymorphism in the Irisin-encoding gene (FNDC5) associates with hepatic steatosis by differential miRNA binding to the 3'UTR. J Hepatol 2019; 70:494-500. [PMID: 30389552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Irisin, the cleaved extra-cellular fragment of the Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) is a myokine that is proposed to have favorable metabolic activity. We aimed to elucidate the currently undefined role of variants in the FNDC5 gene in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS We prioritized single nucleotide polymorphisms in FNDC5 on the basis of their putative biological function and identified rs3480 in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). We studied the association of rs3480 with liver disease severity and the metabolic profile of 987 Caucasian patients with NAFLD. Functional investigations were undertaken using luciferase reporter assays of the 3'UTR of human FNDC5, pyrosequencing for allele-specific expression of FNDC5 in liver, measurement of serum irisin, and bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS The rs3480 (G) allele was associated with advanced steatosis (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.08-1.55; p = 0.004), but not with other histological features. This effect was independent but additive to PNPLA3 and TM6SF2. The rs3480 polymorphism influenced FNDC5 mRNA stability and the binding of miR-135a-5P. Compared with controls, hepatic expression of this microRNA was upregulated while FNDC5 expression was downregulated. Elevated serum irisin was associated with reduced steatosis, and an improved metabolic profile. CONCLUSIONS Carriage of the FNDC5 rs3480 minor (G) allele is associated with more severe steatosis in NAFLD through a microRNA-mediated mechanism controlling FNDC5 mRNA stability. Irisin is likely to have a favorable metabolic impact on NAFLD. LAY SUMMARY Irisin is a novel protein produced mainly by muscle, which is known to be released into the circulation, with an unclear role in liver fat deposition. This study demonstrates that genetic variants in the gene encoding the irisin protein modulate the risk of liver fat in patients with fatty liver disease. Interestingly, these effects are independent of, but additive to those of other recently described genetic variants that contribute to liver fat. In functional studies, we have deciphered the detailed molecular mechanisms by which this genetic variant mediates its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayada Metwally
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ali Bayoumi
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Khaled Thabet
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Egypt
| | - Miya John
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Leon A Adams
- Medical School, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Unit, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Huo
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rocio Aller
- Center of Investigation of Endocrinology and Nutrition, School of Medicine, and Unit of Investigation, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Carmelo García-Monzón
- Liver Research Unit, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Princesa, University Hospital Santa Cristina, CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Arias-Loste
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Miele
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocio Gallego-Durán
- Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Janett Fischer
- Section of Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Berg
- Section of Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christopher Liddle
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Liang Qiao
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Weiskirchen R, Weiskirchen S, Tacke F. Organ and tissue fibrosis: Molecular signals, cellular mechanisms and translational implications. Mol Aspects Med 2018; 65:2-15. [PMID: 29958900 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis denotes excessive scarring, which exceeds the normal wound healing response to injury in many tissues. Although the extracellular matrix deposition appears unstructured disrupting the normal tissue architecture and subsequently impairing proper organ function, fibrogenesis is a highly orchestrated process determined by defined sequences of molecular signals and cellular response mechanisms. Persistent injury and parenchymal cell death provokes tissue inflammation, macrophage activation and immune cell infiltration. The release of biologically highly active soluble mediators (alarmins, cytokines, chemokines) lead to the local activation of collagen producing mesenchymal cells such as pericytes, myofibroblasts or Gli1 positive mesenchymal stem cell-like cells, to a transition of various cell types into myofibroblasts as well as to the recruitment of fibroblast precursors. Clinical observations and experimental models highlighted that fibrosis is not a one-way road. Specific mechanistic principles of fibrosis regression involve the resolution of chronic tissue injury, the shift of inflammatory processes towards recovery, deactivation of myofibroblasts and finally fibrolysis of excess matrix scaffold. The thorough understanding of common principles of fibrogenic molecular signals and cellular mechanisms in various organs - such as liver, kidney, lung, heart or skin - is the basis for developing improved diagnostics including biomarkers or imaging techniques and novel antifibrotic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Dept. of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Germany.
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Juzėnas S, Kupčinskas J, Valantienė I, Šumskienė J, Petrenkienė V, Kondrackienė J, Kučinskas L, Kiudelis G, Skiecevičienė J, Kupčinskas L. Association of HFE gene C282Y and H63D mutations with liver cirrhosis in the Lithuanian population. MEDICINA-LITHUANIA 2016; 52:269-275. [PMID: 27816425 DOI: 10.1016/j.medici.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Liver cirrhosis is the end-stage disease of chronic liver injury. Due to differences in the natural course of chronic liver diseases, identification of genetic factors that influence individual outcomes is warranted. HFE-linked hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) predisposes disease progression to cirrhosis; however, the role of heterozygous C282Y or H63D mutations in the development of cirrhosis in the presence of other etiological factors is still debated. The aim of this study was to determine the association between heterozygous C282Y and H63D mutations and non-HH liver cirrhosis in Lithuanian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS The patient cohort consisted of 209 individuals. Diagnosis of cirrhosis was confirmed by clinical, laboratory parameters, liver biopsy, and radiological imaging. Control samples were obtained from 1005 randomly selected unrelated healthy individuals. HFE gene mutations were determined using the PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS The most common causes of cirrhosis were hepatitis C (33.9%), hepatitis B (13.6%), and alcohol (25.8%). C282Y allele was associated with the presence of cirrhosis (OR=2.07; P=0.005); this was also observed under recessive model for C282Y (OR=2.06, P=0.008). The prevalence of C282Y allele was higher in cirrhotic men than in controls (7.0% vs. 2.8%, P=0.002). The carriage of H63D risk allele (OR=1.54; P=0.02), heterozygous C282Y/wt and homozygous H63D/H63D genotypes were associated with liver cirrhosis in males (OR=2.48, P=0.008, and OR=4.13, P=0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Heterozygous C282Y mutation of the HFE gene was associated with liver cirrhosis in the Lithuanian population. In gender-related analysis, heterozygous C282Y and homozygous H63D mutations were linked to liver cirrhosis in men, not in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonas Juzėnas
- Institute for Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Juozas Kupčinskas
- Institute for Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Irena Valantienė
- Institute for Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jolanta Šumskienė
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vitalija Petrenkienė
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jūrate Kondrackienė
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Laimutis Kučinskas
- Institute for Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Gediminas Kiudelis
- Institute for Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Jurgita Skiecevičienė
- Institute for Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Limas Kupčinskas
- Institute for Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Wang Y, Feng D, Wang H, Xu MJ, Park O, Li Y, Gao B. STAT4 knockout mice are more susceptible to concanavalin A-induced T-cell hepatitis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:1785-94. [PMID: 24731448 PMCID: PMC4044716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
STAT4, which is activated mainly by IL-12, promotes inflammatory responses by inducing Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Recent genome-wide association studies indicate that STAT4 gene variants are associated with risk of various types of liver diseases, but how STAT4 contributes to liver disease pathogenesis remains obscure. In this study, STAT4 activation was detected in liver immune cells from patients with viral hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis, as well as in a mouse model of concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis. Such STAT4 activation was detected mainly in T cells, natural killer T cells, and macrophages and Kupffer cells, and was diminished in Il12a(-/-) and Il12b(-/-) mice. As expected, disruption of the Stat4 gene reduced production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, but surprisingly exacerbated Con A-induced liver injury. Similarly, disruption of Il12a or Il12b also augmented Con A-induced hepatocellular damage. Further studies showed that hepatic natural killer T (NKT) cells from Con A-treated Stat4(-/-) mice had higher levels of FasL expression and increased cytotoxicity against hepatocytes than those from Con A-treated WT mice. In vitro, blocking FasL attenuated Stat4(-/-) NKT cytotoxicity against hepatocytes. In conclusion, despite up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines, STAT4 protects against acute T-cell hepatitis, which is mediated by direct or indirect down-regulation of FasL expression on NKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dechun Feng
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hua Wang
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ming-Jiang Xu
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ogyi Park
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yongmei Li
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Zimmer V, Lammert F. Role of genetics in diagnosis and therapy of acquired liver disease. Mol Aspects Med 2014; 37:15-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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10
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Krawczyk M, Höblinger A, Mihalache F, Grünhage F, Acalovschi M, Lammert F, Zimmer V. Macrophage stimulating protein variation enhances the risk of sporadic extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2013; 45:612-5. [PMID: 23422030 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2012.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis confers risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Here, we assessed the primary sclerosing cholangitis-associated variant rs3197999 in the MST1 gene, coding for RON receptor tyrosine kinase ligand macrophage stimulating protein, in a large European cholangiocarcinoma cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS 223 cholangiocarcinoma patients including three primary sclerosing cholangitis individuals and 355 cancer- and primary sclerosing cholangitis-free controls were genotyped for MST1 rs3197999. RESULTS The cancer group departed from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p = 0.022) and exhibited a trend for rs3197999 [A] overrepresentation (31% vs. 26%: p = 0.10). Homozygous rs3197999 [AA] carrier status significantly increased overall (OR = 1.97; p = 0.023) and primary sclerosing cholangitis-unrelated biliary tract cancer risk (OR = 1.84; p = 0.044), relative to homozygous common allele carriers. The association was most pronounced in patients with extrahepatic tumours. This finding was robust to multivariate analysis (p < 0.05), validating the [AA] genotype as an independent cholangiocarcinoma risk factor. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the [AA] genotype of the common MST1 variant rs3197999 enhances genetic risk of sporadic extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma irrespective of primary sclerosing cholangitis status, presumably by modulating inflammatory responses and/or altered MSP/RON signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Krawczyk
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
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Karlas T, Wiegand J, Berg T. Gastrointestinal complications of obesity: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its sequelae. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 27:195-208. [PMID: 23731881 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a major risk factor for malign and non-malign diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an outstanding example for the complex pathophysiology of the metabolic system and represents both source and consequence of the metabolic syndrome. NAFLD has a growing prevalence and will become the leading cause of advanced liver disease and cirrhosis. Obesity has a negative impact on NAFLD at all aspects and stages of the disease. The growing epidemic will strain health care resources and demands new concepts for prevention, screening and therapeutic approaches. A better understanding of the interplay of liver, gut and hormonal system is necessary for new insights in the underlying mechanisms of NAFLD and the metabolic syndrome including obesity. Identification of patients at risk for progressive liver disease will allow a better adaption of treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Karlas
- Leipzig University Medical Centre, IFB Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig, Germany.
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Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disorder worldwide, encompasses a spectrum of abnormal liver histology ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Population studies show that NAFLD is strongly associated with insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and lipid abnormalities. In the context of hepatic steatosis, factors that promote cell injury, inflammation, and fibrosis include oxidative stress, early mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, iron accumulation, apoptosis, adipocytokines, and stellate cell activation. The exact NASH prevalence is unknown because of the absence of simple noninvasive diagnostic tests. Although liver biopsy is the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of NASH, other tests are needed to facilitate the diagnosis and greatly reduce the requirement for invasive liver biopsy. In addition, the development of new fibrosis markers in NASH is needed to facilitate the assessment of its progression and the effectiveness of new therapies. The aim of this chapter, which is overview of biomarkers in NASH, is to establish a systematic approach to laboratory findings of the disease.
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Vettori S, Gay S, Distler O. Role of MicroRNAs in Fibrosis. Open Rheumatol J 2012; 6:130-9. [PMID: 22802911 PMCID: PMC3396185 DOI: 10.2174/1874312901206010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the leading cause of organ dysfunction in diseases such as systemic sclerosis, liver cirrhosis, cardiac fibrosis, progressive kidney disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The hallmark of fibrosis is tissue remodeling with excess deposition of extracellular matrix components, predominantly collagens. Different cell types, cytokines, growth factors, and enzymes interact in complex pathogenic networks with myofibroblasts playing a pivotal role. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs acting as negative regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. MicroRNAs have been associated with many basic cellular processes as well as with a wide spectrum of diseases, most notably cancer. This review provides a comprehensive overview of microRNAs regulating profibrotic pathways and extracellular matrix synthesis. The potential of miRNA for targeted therapeutic approaches in fibrotic disorders is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Vettori
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, ZIHP, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 25, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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Strnad P, Kucukoglu O, Lunova M, Guldiken N, Lienau TC, Stickel F, Omary MB. Non-coding keratin variants associate with liver fibrosis progression in patients with hemochromatosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32669. [PMID: 22412904 PMCID: PMC3296740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Keratins 8 and 18 (K8/K18) are intermediate filament proteins that protect the liver from various forms of injury. Exonic K8/K18 variants associate with adverse outcome in acute liver failure and with liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection or primary biliary cirrhosis. Given the association of K8/K18 variants with end-stage liver disease and progression in several chronic liver disorders, we studied the importance of keratin variants in patients with hemochromatosis. Methods The entire K8/K18 exonic regions were analyzed in 162 hemochromatosis patients carrying homozygous C282Y HFE (hemochromatosis gene) mutations. 234 liver-healthy subjects were used as controls. Exonic regions were PCR-amplified and analyzed using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and DNA sequencing. Previously-generated transgenic mice overexpressing K8 G62C were studied for their susceptibility to iron overload. Susceptibility to iron toxicity of primary hepatocytes that express K8 wild-type and G62C was also assessed. Results We identified amino-acid-altering keratin heterozygous variants in 10 of 162 hemochromatosis patients (6.2%) and non-coding heterozygous variants in 6 additional patients (3.7%). Two novel K8 variants (Q169E/R275W) were found. K8 R341H was the most common amino-acid altering variant (4 patients), and exclusively associated with an intronic KRT8 IVS7+10delC deletion. Intronic, but not amino-acid-altering variants associated with the development of liver fibrosis. In mice, or ex vivo, the K8 G62C variant did not affect iron-accumulation in response to iron-rich diet or the extent of iron-induced hepatocellular injury. Conclusion In patients with hemochromatosis, intronic but not exonic K8/K18 variants associate with liver fibrosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Strnad
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
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Reshetnyak VI. Concept of the pathogenesis and treatment of cholelithiasis. World J Hepatol 2012; 4:18-34. [PMID: 22400083 PMCID: PMC3295849 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v4.i2.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallstone disease (GD) is a chronic recurrent hepatobiliary disease, the basis for which is the impaired metabolism of cholesterol, bilirubin and bile acids, which is characterized by the formation of gallstones in the hepatic bile duct, common bile duct, or gallbladder. GD is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases with a substantial burden to health care systems. GD can result in serious outcomes, such as acute gallstone pancreatitis and gallbladder cancer. The epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of GD are discussed in this review. The prevalence of GD varies widely by region. The prevalence of gallstone disease has increased in recent years. This is connected with a change in lifestyle: reduction of motor activity, reduction of the physical load and changes to diets. One of the important benefits of early screening for gallstone disease is that ultrasonography can detect asymptomatic cases, which results in early treatment and the prevention of serious outcomes. The pathogenesis of GD is suggested to be multifactorial and probably develops from complex interactions between many genetic and environmental factors. It suggests that corticosteroids and oral contraceptives, which contain hormones related to steroid hormones, may be regarded as a model system of cholelithiasis development in man. The achievement in the study of the physiology of bile formation and the pathogenesis of GD has allowed expanding indications for therapeutic treatment of GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliy Ivanovich Reshetnyak
- Vasiliy Ivanovich Reshetnyak, VA Negovsky Scientific Research Institute of General Reanimatology, Russia Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow 107031, Russia
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Zimmer V, Lammert F. Genetics and epigenetics in the fibrogenic evolution of chronic liver diseases. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2011; 25:269-80. [PMID: 21497744 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2011.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen unprecedented progress in the identification and characterization of genetic information related to chronic liver diseases (CLDs). However, despite the conceptual benefit in early recognition of at-risk populations amenable to pre-emptive treatment and/or surveillance strategies, recent genomic research in the field has placed focus on unravelling the genetic architecture of disease susceptibility, while data on genetic markers anticipating an accelerated fibrogenesis in an individual are still limited. Likewise, sequence variation assigning rapid fibrogenic evolution common to CLDs irrespective of etiology are poorly defined aside from PNPLA3 (adiponutrin) as a prominent exception. The emerging field of epigenetics in hepatology has mostly been studied under the perspective of gene regulation, less so as a heritable alteration in gene activity. In this article we will critically discuss recent findings in genomic hepatology with special focus on the (epi)genetic contribution to the fibrogenic evolution of CLDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Zimmer
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Hospital, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str., 66421 Homburg, Germany.
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