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Nair B, Kamath AJ, Pradeep G, Devan AR, Sethi G, Nath LR. Unveiling the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in chronic liver disease: Therapeutic insights and strategies. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104064. [PMID: 38901671 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a crucial role in adult liver repair by promoting the expansion and differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells into mature hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Elevated Hh signaling is associated with severe chronic liver diseases, making Hh inhibitors a promising therapeutic option. Sonidegib and vismodegib, both FDA-approved Smoothened (Smo) inhibitors for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), have shown potential for application in chronic liver disorders based on clinical evidence. We highlight the vital role of the Hh pathway in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, therapeutic strategies targeting the Hh pathway in chronic liver diseases have been discussed, providing a basis for improving disease management and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India; Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Adithya Jayaprakash Kamath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India; Department of Pharmaceutics, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Govind Pradeep
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Aswathy R Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India; Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore.
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682041, India.
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Liu MX, Cai YT, Wang RJ, Zhu PF, Liu YC, Sun H, Ling Y, Zhu WZ, Chen J, Zhang XL. Aggregation-Induced Emission CN-Based Nanoparticles to Alleviate Hypoxic Liver Fibrosis via Triggering HSC Ferroptosis and Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:33021-33037. [PMID: 38888460 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxia can lead to liver fibrosis and severely limits the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, carbon nitride (CN)-based hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) VPSGCNs@TSI for light-driven water splitting were utilized to solve this problem. CNs were doped with selenide glucose (Se-glu) to enhance their red/NIR region absorption. Then, vitamin A-poly(ethylene glycol) (VA-PEG) fragments and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizers TSI were introduced into Se-glu-doped CN NPs (VPSGCNs) to construct VPSGCNs@TSI NPs. The introduction of VA-PEG fragments enhanced the targeting of the NPs to activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and reduced their toxicity to ordinary liver cells. VPSGCN units could trigger water splitting to generate O2 under 660 nm laser irradiation, improve the hypoxic environment of the fibrosis site, downregulate HIF-1α expression, and activate HSC ferroptosis via the HIF-1α/SLC7A11 pathway. In addition, generated O2 could also increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of TSI units in a hypoxic environment, thereby completely reversing hypoxia-triggered PDT resistance to enhance the PDT effect. The combination of water-splitting materials and photodynamic materials showed a 1 + 1 > 2 effect in increasing oxygen levels in liver fibrosis, promoting ferroptosis of activated HSCs and reversing PDT resistance caused by hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Xuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Yu-Ting Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, PR China
| | - Ruo-Jia Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Peng-Fei Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Yan-Chao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Yong Ling
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Wei-Zhong Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ling Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
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Hu Y, Bao X, Zhang Z, Chen L, Liang Y, Qu Y, Zhou Q, Zhou X, Fang J, Xiao Z, Fu Y, Yang H, Liu W, Lv Y, Cao H, Chen G, Ping J, Zhang H, Mu Y, Liu C, Lin CP, Wu J, Liu P, Chen J. Hepatic progenitor cell-originated ductular reaction facilitates liver fibrosis through activation of hedgehog signaling. Theranostics 2024; 14:2379-2395. [PMID: 38646644 PMCID: PMC11024850 DOI: 10.7150/thno.91572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: It is poorly understood what cellular types participate in ductular reaction (DR) and whether DR facilitates recovery from injury or accelerates hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study is to gain insights into the role of hepatic progenitor cell (HPC)-originated DR during fibrotic progression. Methods: DR in liver specimens of PBC, chronic HBV infection (CHB) or NAFLD, and four rodent fibrotic models by different pathogenic processes was evaluated. Gli1 expression was inhibited in rodent models or cell culture and organoid models by AAV-shGli1 or treating with GANT61. Results: Severity of liver fibrosis was positively correlated with DR extent in patients with PBC, CHB or NAFLD. HPCs were activated, expanded, differentiated into reactive cholangiocytes and constituted "HPC-originated DR", accompanying with exacerbated fibrosis in rodent models of HPC activation & proliferation (CCl4/2-AAF-treated), Μdr2-/- spontaneous PSC, BDL-cholestatic fibrosis or WD-fed/CCl4-treated NASH-fibrosis. Gli1 expression was significantly increased in enriched pathways in vivo and in vitro. Enhanced Gli1 expression was identified in KRT19+-reactive cholangiocytes. Suppressing Gli1 expression by administration of AAV-shGli1 or GANT61 ameliorated HPC-originated DR and fibrotic extent. KRT19 expression was reduced after GANT61 treatment in sodium butyrate-stimulated WB-F344 cells or organoids or in cells transduced with Gli1 knockdown lentiviral vectors. In contrast, KRT19 expression was elevated after transducing Gli1 overexpression lentiviral vectors in these cells. Conclusions: During various modes of chronic injury, Gli1 acted as an important mediator of HPC activation, expansion, differentiation into reactive cholangiocytes that formed DR, and subsequently provoked hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Hu
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Institute of Surgery of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinyu Bao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Long Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yue Liang
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yan Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhou
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Fang
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhun Xiao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yadong Fu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hailin Yang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongyan Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai TCM - Integrated hospital, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jian Ping
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongping Mu
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenghai Liu
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chao-Po Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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Wang F, Chen L, Kong D, Zhang X, Xia S, Liang B, Li Y, Zhou Y, Zhang Z, Shao J, Zheng S, Zhang F. Canonical Wnt signaling promotes HSC glycolysis and liver fibrosis through an LDH-A/HIF-1α transcriptional complex. Hepatology 2024; 79:606-623. [PMID: 37733267 PMCID: PMC10871634 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Aerobic glycolysis reprogramming occurs during HSC activation, but how it is initiated and sustained remains unknown. We investigated the mechanisms by which canonical Wnt signaling regulated HSC glycolysis and the therapeutic implication for liver fibrosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS Glycolysis was examined in HSC-LX2 cells upon manipulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Nuclear translocation of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A) and its interaction with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were investigated using molecular simulation and site-directed mutation assays. The pharmacological relevance of molecular discoveries was intensified in primary cultures, rodent models, and human samples. HSC glycolysis was enhanced by Wnt3a but reduced by β-catenin inhibitor or small interfering RNA (siRNA). Wnt3a-induced rapid transactivation and high expression of LDH-A dependent on TCF4. Wnt/β-catenin signaling also stimulated LDH-A nuclear translocation through importin β2 interplay with a noncanonical nuclear location signal of LDH-A. Mechanically, LDH-A bound to HIF-1α and enhanced its stability by obstructing hydroxylation-mediated proteasome degradation, leading to increased transactivation of glycolytic genes. The Gly28 residue of LDH-A was identified to be responsible for the formation of the LDH-A/HIF-1α transcription complex and stabilization of HIF-1α. Furthermore, LDH-A-mediated glycolysis was required for HSC activation in the presence of Wnt3a. Results in vivo showed that HSC activation and liver fibrosis were alleviated by HSC-specific knockdown of LDH-A in mice. β-catenin inhibitor XAV-939 mitigated HSC activation and liver fibrosis, which were abrogated by HSC-specific LDH-A overexpression in mice with fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of HSC glycolysis by targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling and LDH-A had therapeutic promise for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, and Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siwei Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Baoyu Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Li T, Fan X, Cai M, Jiang Y, Wang Y, He P, Ni J, Mo A, Peng C, Liu J. Advances in investigating microcystin-induced liver toxicity and underlying mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167167. [PMID: 37730048 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) are a class of biologically active cyclic heptapeptide pollutants produced by the freshwater alga Microcystis aeruginosa. With increased environmental pollution, MCs have become a popular research topic. In recent years, the hepatotoxicity of MCs and associated effects and mechanisms have been studied extensively. Current epidemiological data indicate that long-term human exposure to MCs can lead to severe liver toxicity, acute toxicity, and death. In addition, current toxicological studies on the liver, a vital target organ of MCs, indicate that MC contamination is associated with the development of liver cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver, and liver fibrosis. MCs produce hepatotoxicity that affects the metabolic homeostasis of the liver, induces apoptosis, and acts as a pro-cancer factor, leading to liver lesions. MCs mainly mediate the activation of signaling pathways, such as the ERK/JNK/p38 MAPK and IL-6-STAT3 pathways, which leads to oxidative damage and even carcinogenesis. Moreover, MCs can act synergistically with other pollutants to produce combined toxicity. However, few systematic reviews have been performed on these new findings. This review systematically summarizes the toxic effects and mechanisms of MCs on the liver and discusses the combined liver toxicity effects of MCs and other pollutants to provide reference for subsequent research. The toxicity of different MC isomers deserves further study. The detection methods and limit standards of MCs in agricultural and aquatic products will represent important research directions in the future. Standard protocols for fish sampling during harmful algal blooms or to evaluate the degree of MC toxicity in nature are lacking. In future, bioinformatics can be applied to offer insights into MC toxicology research and potential drug development for MC poisoning. Further research is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms of liver function damage in combined-exposure toxicology studies to establish treatment for MC-induced liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Ecological Impedance Technology of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cultivated Soil of Nonferrous Metal Mining Area, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xinting Fan
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Ecological Impedance Technology of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cultivated Soil of Nonferrous Metal Mining Area, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Meihan Cai
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Ecological Impedance Technology of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cultivated Soil of Nonferrous Metal Mining Area, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Ecological Impedance Technology of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cultivated Soil of Nonferrous Metal Mining Area, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Ecological Impedance Technology of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cultivated Soil of Nonferrous Metal Mining Area, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Peishuang He
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Ecological Impedance Technology of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cultivated Soil of Nonferrous Metal Mining Area, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Juan Ni
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Ecological Impedance Technology of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cultivated Soil of Nonferrous Metal Mining Area, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Aili Mo
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Ecological Impedance Technology of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cultivated Soil of Nonferrous Metal Mining Area, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Cuiying Peng
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Ecological Impedance Technology of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cultivated Soil of Nonferrous Metal Mining Area, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City on Ecological Impedance Technology of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cultivated Soil of Nonferrous Metal Mining Area, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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6
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Chen L, Liang B, Xia S, Wang F, Li Z, Shao J, Zhang Z, Chen A, Zheng S, Zhang F. Emodin promotes hepatic stellate cell senescence and alleviates liver fibrosis via a nuclear receptor (Nur77)-mediated epigenetic regulation of glutaminase 1. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2577-2598. [PMID: 37263753 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Senescence in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) limits liver fibrosis. Glutaminolysis promotes HSC activation. Here, we investigated how emodin affected HSC senescence involving glutaminolysis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Senescence, glutaminolysis metabolites, Nur77 nuclear translocation, glutaminase 1 (GLS1) promoter methylation and related signalling pathways were examined in human HSC-LX2 cells using multiple cellular and molecular approaches. Fibrotic mice with shRNA-mediated knockdown of Nur77 were treated with emodin-vitamin A liposome for investigating the mechanisms in vivo. Human fibrotic liver samples were examined to verify the clinical relevance. KEY RESULTS Emodin upregulated several key markers of senescence and inhibited glutaminolysis cascade in HSCs. Emodin promoted Nur77 nuclear translocation, and knockdown of Nur77 abolished emodin blockade of glutaminolysis and induction of HSC senescence. Mechanistically, emodin facilitated Nur77/DNMT3b interaction and increased GLS1 promoter methylation, leading to inhibited GLS1 expression and blockade of glutaminolysis. Moreover, the glutaminolysis intermediate α-ketoglutarate promoted extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, which in turn phosphorylated Nur77 and reduced its interaction with DNMT3b. This led to decreased GLS1 promoter methylation and increased GLS1 expression, forming an ERK/Nur77/glutaminolysis positive feedback loop. However, emodin repressed ERK phosphorylation and interrupted the feedback cascade, stimulating senescence in HSCs. Studies in mice showed that emodin-vitamin A liposome inhibited glutaminolysis and induced senescence in HSCs, and consequently alleviated liver fibrosis; but knockdown of Nur77 abrogated these beneficial effects. Similar alterations were validated in human fibrotic liver tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Emodin stimulated HSC senescence through interruption of glutaminolysis. HSC-targeted delivery of emodin represented a therapeutic option for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Baoyu Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Siwei Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhanghao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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7
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Ge MX, Niu WX, Bao YY, Lu ZN, He HW. Sclareol attenuates liver fibrosis through SENP1-mediated VEGFR2 SUMOylation and inhibition of downstream STAT3 signaling. Phytother Res 2023; 37:3898-3912. [PMID: 37132081 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a key global health care burden. Sclareol, isolated from Salvia sclarea, possesses various biological activities. Its effect on liver fibrosis remains unknown. This study was proposed to evaluate the antifibrotic activity of sclareol (SCL) and explore its underlying mechanisms. Stimulated hepatic stellate cells served as an in vitro liver fibrosis model. The expression of fibrotic markers was assessed by western blot and real-time PCR. Two classical animal models, bile duct-ligated rats and carbon tetrachloride-treated mice, were utilized for the in vivo experiments. The liver function and fibrosis degree were determined by serum biochemical and histopathological analyses. VEGFR2 SUMOylation was analyzed using coimmunoprecipitation assay. Our results indicated that SCL treatment restricted the profibrotic propensity of activated HSCs. In fibrotic rodents, SCL administration alleviated hepatic injury and reduced collagen accumulation. Mechanistic studies indicated that SCL downregulated the protein level of SENP1 and enhanced VEGFR2 SUMOylation in LX-2 cells, which affected its intracellular trafficking. Blockade of the interaction between VEGFR2 and STAT3 was observed, resulting in the suppression of downstream STAT3 phosphorylation. Our findings demonstrated that SCL has therapeutic efficacy against liver fibrosis through mediating VEGFR2 SUMOylation, suggesting that SCL may be a potential candidate compound for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Xu Ge
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei-Xiao Niu
- Medical Department, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun-Yang Bao
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Ning Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Wei He
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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8
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Hagizawa H, Koyamatsu S, Okada S, Kaito T, Tsumaki N. Chondrocyte-like cells in nucleus pulposus and articular chondrocytes have similar transcriptomic profiles and are paracrine-regulated by hedgehog from notochordal cells and subchondral bone. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1151947. [PMID: 37255604 PMCID: PMC10225674 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1151947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The nucleus pulposus (NP) comprises notochordal NP cells (NCs) and chondrocyte-like NP cells (CLCs). Although morphological similarities between CLCs and chondrocytes have been reported, interactions between CLCs and NCs remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to clarify regulatory mechanisms of cells in the NP and chondrocytes. Design: We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of the articular cartilage (AC) and NP of three-year-old cynomolgus monkeys in which NCs were present. We then performed immunohistochemical analysis of NP and distal femur. We added sonic hedgehog (SHH) to primary chondrocyte culture. Results: The scRNA-seq analysis revealed that CLCs and some articular chondrocytes had similar gene expression profiles, particularly related to GLI1, the nuclear mediator of the hedgehog pathway. In the NP, cell-cell interaction analysis revealed SHH expression in NCs, resulting in hedgehog signaling to CLCs. In contrast, no hedgehog ligands were expressed by chondrocytes in AC samples. Immunohistochemical analysis of the distal end of femur indicated that SHH and Indian hedgehog (IHH) were expressed around the subchondral bone that was excluded from our scRNA-seq sample. scRNA-seq data analysis and treatment of primary chondrocytes with SHH revealed that hedgehog proteins mediated an increase in hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) levels. Conclusion: CLCs and some articular chondrocytes have similar transcriptional profiles, regulated by paracrine hedgehog proteins secreted from NCs in the NP and from the subchondral bone in the AC to promote the HIF-1α pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Hagizawa
- Department of Tissue Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Saeko Koyamatsu
- Department of Tissue Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seiji Okada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Kaito
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Tsumaki
- Department of Tissue Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for IPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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9
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Zheng Y, Xie L, Yang D, Luo K, Li X. Small-molecule natural plants for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of hepatic stellate cells activation: An update. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 113:154721. [PMID: 36870824 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries. Its primary pathological characteristics are excessive proliferation and improper dismissal of the extracellular matrix, and if left untreated, it will progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is intimately associated to the onset of LF, and it is anticipated that addressing HSCs proliferation can reverse LF. Plant-based small-molecule medications have anti-LF properties, and their mechanisms of action involve suppression of extracellular matrix abnormally accumulating as well as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. New targeting HSC agents will therefore be needed to provide a potential curative response. PURPOSE The most recent HSC routes and small molecule natural plants that target HSC described domestically and internationally in recent years were examined in this review. METHODS The data was looked up using resources including ScienceDirect, CNKI, Web of Science, and PubMed. Keyword searches for information on hepatic stellate cells included "liver fibrosis", "natural plant", "hepatic stellate cells", "adverse reaction", "toxicity", etc. RESULTS: We discovered that plant monomers can target and control various pathways to prevent the activation and proliferation of HSC and promote the apoptosis of HSC in order to achieve the anti-LF effect in this work by compiling the plant monomers that influence many common pathways of HSC in recent years. It demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of plant monomers targeting different routes to combat LF, with a view to supplying new concepts and new strategies for natural plant therapy of LF as well as research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The investigation of kaempferol, physalin B, and other plant monomers additionally motivated researchers to focus on the structure-activity link between the main chemicals and LF. CONCLUSION The creation of novel pharmaceuticals can benefit greatly from the use of natural components. They are often harmless for people, non-target creatures, and the environment because they are found in nature, and they can be employed as the starting chemicals for the creation of novel medications. Natural plants are valuable resources for creating new medications with fresh action targets because they feature original and distinctive action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kaipei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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10
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Jiang B, Wang S, Song G, Jiang Q, Fan M, Fang C, Li X, Soh CL, Manes TD, Cheru N, Qin L, Ren P, Jortner B, Wang Q, Quaranta E, Yoo P, Geirsson A, Davis RP, Tellides G, Pober JS, Jane-Wit D. Hedgehog-induced ZFYVE21 promotes chronic vascular inflammation by activating NLRP3 inflammasomes in T cells. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eabo3406. [PMID: 36943921 PMCID: PMC10061549 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abo3406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The zinc finger protein ZFYVE21 is involved in immune signaling. Using humanized mouse models, primary human cells, and patient samples, we identified a T cell-autonomous role for ZFYVE21 in promoting chronic vascular inflammation associated with allograft vasculopathy. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) stimulated endothelial cells to produce Hedgehog (Hh) ligands, which in turn induced the production of ZFYVE21 in a population of T memory cells with high amounts of the Hh receptor PTCH1 (PTCHhi cells, CD3+CD4+CD45RO+PTCH1hiPD-1hi), vigorous recruitment to injured endothelia, and increased effector responses in vivo. After priming by interferon-γ (IFN-γ), Hh-induced ZFYVE21 activated NLRP3 inflammasome activity in T cells, which potentiated IFN-γ responses. Hh-induced NLRP3 inflammasomes and T cell-specific ZFYVE21 augmented the vascular sequelae of chronic inflammation in mice engrafted with human endothelial cells or coronary arteries that had been subjected to IRI before engraftment. Moreover, the population of PTCHhi T cells producing high amounts of ZFYVE21 was expanded in patients with renal transplant-associated IRI, and sera from these patients expanded this population in control T cells in a manner that depended on Hh signaling. We conclude that Hh-induced ZFYVE21 activates NLRP3 inflammasomes in T cells, thereby promoting chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiang
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Shaoxun Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Guiyu Song
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Quan Jiang
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Matthew Fan
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Caodi Fang
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Xue Li
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Chien Lin Soh
- University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Hills Rd., Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Thomas D Manes
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Nardos Cheru
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Lingfeng Qin
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Pengwei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Bianca Jortner
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Qianxun Wang
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Emma Quaranta
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Peter Yoo
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Arnar Geirsson
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Robert P Davis
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jordan S Pober
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Dan Jane-Wit
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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11
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A novel mechanistic approach for the anti-fibrotic potential of rupatadine in rat liver via amendment of PAF/NF-ĸB p65/TGF-β1 and hedgehog/HIF-1α/VEGF trajectories. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:845-858. [PMID: 36811777 PMCID: PMC10140091 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01147-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is one of the major worldwide health concerns which requires tremendous research due to the limited outcomes of the current therapies. The present study was designed to assess, for the first time, the potential therapeutic effect of rupatadine (RUP) in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver fibrosis and to explore its possible mechanistic actions. For the induction of hepatic fibrosis, rats were treated with DEN (100 mg/kg, i.p.) once weekly for 6 consecutive weeks, and on the 6th week, RUP (4 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered for 4 weeks. Treatment with RUP ameliorated changes in body weights, liver indices, liver function enzymes, and histopathological alterations induced by DEN. Besides, RUP amended oxidative stress, which led to the inhibition of PAF/NF-κB p65-induced inflammation, and, subsequently, prevention of TGF-β1 elevation and HSCs activation as indicated by reduced α-SMA expression and collagen deposition. Moreover, RUP exerted significant anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic effects by suppressing Hh and HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathways. Our results highlight, for the first time, a promising anti-fibrotic potential of RUP in rat liver. The molecular mechanisms underlying this effect involve the attenuation of PAF/NF-κB p65/TGF-β1 and Hh pathways and, subsequently, the pathological angiogenesis (HIF-1α/VEGF).
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12
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Panzarini E, Leporatti S, Tenuzzo BA, Quarta A, Hanafy NAN, Giannelli G, Moliterni C, Vardanyan D, Sbarigia C, Fidaleo M, Tacconi S, Dini L. Therapeutic Effect of Polymeric Nanomicelles Formulation of LY2157299-Galunisertib on CCl 4-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111812. [PMID: 36579532 PMCID: PMC9692463 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a major cause of liver-related disorders and together with cancer-associated fibroblasts can favor liver cancer development by modulating the tumor microenvironment. Advanced HF, characterized by an excess of extracellular matrix (ECM), is mediated by TGF- β1, that activates hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and fibroblasts. A TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor, LY2157299 or Galunisertib (GLY), has shown promising results against chronic liver progression in animal models, and we show that it can be further improved by enhancing GLYs bioavailability through encapsulation in polymeric polygalacturonic-polyacrylic acid nanomicelles (GLY-NMs). GLY-NMs reduced HF in an in vivo rat model of liver fibrosis induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 as shown by the morphological, biochemical, and molecular biology parameters of normal and fibrotic livers. Moreover, GLY-NM was able to induce recovery from HF better than free GLY. Indeed, the encapsulated drug reduces collagen deposition, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, prevents fatty degeneration and restores the correct lobular architecture of the liver as well as normalizes the serum parameters and expression of the genes involved in the onset of HF. In summary, GLY-NM improved the pharmacological activity of the free TGF- β1 inhibitor in the in vivo HF treatment and thus is a candidate as a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Panzarini
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.P.); (B.A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Stefano Leporatti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) NANOTEC istituto di Nanotecnologia-Istituto di Nanotecnologia, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Bernardetta Anna Tenuzzo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.P.); (B.A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Alessandra Quarta
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) NANOTEC istituto di Nanotecnologia-Istituto di Nanotecnologia, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Nemany A. N. Hanafy
- Nanomedicine Department, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh 6860404, Egypt;
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology S. De Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy;
| | - Camilla Moliterni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Diana Vardanyan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.P.); (B.A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Carolina Sbarigia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Marco Fidaleo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (C.S.)
- Research Center for Nanotechnology for Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (S.T.); (L.D.)
| | - Stefano Tacconi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (S.T.); (L.D.)
| | - Luciana Dini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (C.S.)
- Research Center for Nanotechnology for Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (S.T.); (L.D.)
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13
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Li L, Gan H. Intact Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Regulates Chronic Kidney Disease–Induced Myocardial Fibrosis by Activating the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e026365. [DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background
Clinically, myocardial fibrosis is one of the most common complications caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the potential mechanisms of CKD‐induced myocardial fibrosis have not been clarified.
Methods and Results
In our in vivo study, a rat model of CKD with 5/6 nephrectomy was established. The CKD model was treated with the glioma 1 (Gli‐1) inhibitor GANT‐61, and myocardial fibrosis and serum intact fibroblast growth factor 23 levels were assessed 16 weeks after nephrectomy. Finally, we found that Gli‐1 and Smoothened in the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway were activated and that collagen‐1 and collagen‐3, which constitute the fibrotic index, were expressed in CKD myocardial tissue. After administering the Gli‐1 inhibitor GANT‐61, the degree of myocardial fibrosis was reduced, and Gli‐1 expression was also inhibited. We also measured blood pressure, cardiac biomarkers, and other indicators in rats and performed hematoxylin‐eosin staining of myocardial tissue. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that intact fibroblast growth factor 23 promoted cardiac fibroblast proliferation and transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts by activating the Shh signaling pathway, thereby promoting cardiac fibrosis, as manifested by increased expression of the Shh, Patch 1, and Gli‐1 mRNAs and Shh, Smoothened, and Gli‐1 proteins in the Shh signaling pathway. The protein and mRNA levels of other fibrosis indicators, such as α‐smooth muscle actin, which are also markers of transdifferentiation, collagen‐1, and collagen‐3, were increased.
Conclusions
On the basis of these results, intact fibroblast growth factor 23 promotes CKD‐induced myocardial fibrosis by activating the Shh signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Li
- Department of Nephrology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Hua Gan
- Department of Nephrology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
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14
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Nascè A, Gariani K, Jornayvaz FR, Szanto I. NADPH Oxidases Connecting Fatty Liver Disease, Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Outlook. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061131. [PMID: 35740032 PMCID: PMC9219746 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by ectopic fat accumulation in hepatocytes, is closely linked to insulin resistance and is the most frequent complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). One of the features connecting NAFLD, insulin resistance and T2DM is cellular oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to a redox imbalance due to an inequity between the capacity of production and the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). One of the major cellular ROS sources is NADPH oxidase enzymes (NOX-es). In physiological conditions, NOX-es produce ROS purposefully in a timely and spatially regulated manner and are crucial regulators of various cellular events linked to metabolism, receptor signal transmission, proliferation and apoptosis. In contrast, dysregulated NOX-derived ROS production is related to the onset of diverse pathologies. This review provides a synopsis of current knowledge concerning NOX enzymes as connective elements between NAFLD, insulin resistance and T2DM and weighs their potential relevance as pharmacological targets to alleviate fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Nascè
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Patient Therapeutic Education, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (A.N.); (K.G.)
| | - Karim Gariani
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Patient Therapeutic Education, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (A.N.); (K.G.)
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Diabetes Center of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva Medical School, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François R. Jornayvaz
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Patient Therapeutic Education, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (A.N.); (K.G.)
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Diabetes Center of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva Medical School, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (F.R.J.); (I.S.)
| | - Ildiko Szanto
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Patient Therapeutic Education, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (A.N.); (K.G.)
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Diabetes Center of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva Medical School, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (F.R.J.); (I.S.)
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15
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Yang L, Yue W, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Xue R, Dong C, Liu F, Chang N, Yang L, Li L. Dual Targeting of Angipoietin-1 and von Willebrand Factor by microRNA-671-5p Attenuates Liver Angiogenesis and Fibrosis. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1425-1442. [PMID: 35014213 PMCID: PMC9134804 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Angipoietin-1 (Angpt1) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) are two important angiogenic molecules that can drive pathologic angiogenesis and progression of liver fibrosis in our previous study. MicroRNAs (miRs) participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including angiogenesis. However, the critical miRs targeting Angpt1 or VWF and potential molecular mechanism underlying liver fibrosis-associated angiogenesis is not clear yet. Human liver tissues were obtained from patients with different chronic liver diseases. Mouse models of liver fibrosis were induced by injection of CCl4 or bile duct ligation (BDL) operation. MiR-671-5p was predicted to target Angpt1 and VWF from three databases (miRanda, RNA22v2, and miRwalk). MiR-671-5p expression was decreased in the fibrotic liver of human and mice, with a negative correlation with the levels of Angpt1, VWF, sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1, the rate-limiting enzyme for sphingosine 1-phosphate [S1P] formation), transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), hypoxia inducible factor (Hif)1α, Hif2α, and fibrosis markers. Importantly, miR-671-5p expression was down-regulated in fluorescence-activated cell sorted liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in CCl4 mice compared with control mice. In vitro miR-671-5p expression was also decreased in S1P-stimulated HSCs and TGFβ1-activated liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, negatively correlated with Angpt1 and VWF expression. MiR-671-5p directly targeted Angpt1 and VWF by luciferase reporter assays. In vivo administration of miR-671-5p agomir decreased the messenger RNA and protein levels of Anpgt1 and VWF, and attenuated CCl4 -induced or BDL-induced liver angiogenesis and fibrosis. Conclusion: We identify the negative regulation of miR-671-5p on Angpt1 and VWF and liver fibrosis-associated angiogenesis, which may provide promising targets for the prevention and treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yang
- Department of Cell BiologyMunicipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of RegenerationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wenhui Yue
- Department of Cell BiologyMunicipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of RegenerationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Cell BiologyMunicipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of RegenerationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Cell BiologyMunicipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of RegenerationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Renmin Xue
- Department of Cell BiologyMunicipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of RegenerationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chengbin Dong
- Department of Interventional TherapyBeijing Shijitan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Fuquan Liu
- Department of Interventional TherapyBeijing Shijitan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Na Chang
- Department of Cell BiologyMunicipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of RegenerationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Cell BiologyMunicipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of RegenerationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Liying Li
- Department of Cell BiologyMunicipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of RegenerationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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16
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Tetramethylpyrazine: A review on its mechanisms and functions. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113005. [PMID: 35483189 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort (known as Chuanxiong in China, CX) is one of the most widely used and long-standing medicinal herbs in China. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is an alkaloid and one of the active components of CX. Over the past few decades, TMP has been proven to possess several pharmacological properties. It has been used to treat a variety of diseases with excellent therapeutic effects. Here, the pharmacological characteristics and molecular mechanism of TMP in recent years are reviewed, with an emphasis on the signal-regulation mechanism of TMP. This review shows that TMP has many physiological functions, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis properties; autophagy regulation; vasodilation; angiogenesis regulation; mitochondrial damage suppression; endothelial protection; reduction of proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells; and neuroprotection. At present, TMP is used in treating cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive system conditions, cancer, and other conditions and has achieved good curative effects. The therapeutic mechanism of TMP involves multiple targets, multiple pathways, and bidirectional regulation. TMP is, thus, a promising drug with great research potential.
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17
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Onishi H, Nakamura K, Yanai K, Nagai S, Nakayama K, Oyama Y, Fujimura A, Ozono K, Yamasaki A. Cancer therapy that targets the Hedgehog signaling pathway considering the cancer microenvironment (Review). Oncol Rep 2022; 47:93. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hideya Onishi
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812‑8582, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nakamura
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812‑8582, Japan
| | - Kosuke Yanai
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812‑8582, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Nagai
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812‑8582, Japan
| | - Kazunori Nakayama
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812‑8582, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Oyama
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812‑8582, Japan
| | - Akiko Fujimura
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812‑8582, Japan
| | - Keigo Ozono
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812‑8582, Japan
| | - Akio Yamasaki
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812‑8582, Japan
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18
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Yang S, Cai C, Wang H, Ma X, Shao A, Sheng J, Yu C. Drug delivery strategy in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:26. [PMID: 35248060 PMCID: PMC8898478 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with high rates of recurrence and death. Surgical resection and ablation therapy have limited efficacy for patients with advanced HCC and poor liver function, so pharmacotherapy is the first-line option for those patients. Traditional antitumor drugs have the disadvantages of poor biological distribution and pharmacokinetics, poor target selectivity, high resistance, and high toxicity to nontargeted tissues. Recently, the development of nanotechnology has significantly improved drug delivery to tumor sites by changing the physical and biological characteristics of drugs and nanocarriers to improve their pharmacokinetics and biological distribution and to selectively accumulate cytotoxic agents at tumor sites. Here, we systematically review the tumor microenvironment of HCC and the recent application of nanotechnology in HCC.
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Tong G, Chen X, Lee J, Fan J, Li S, Zhu K, Hu Z, Mei L, Sui Y, Dong Y, Chen R, Jin Z, Zhou B, Li X, Wang X, Cong W, Huang P, Jin L. Fibroblast growth factor 18 attenuates liver fibrosis and HSCs activation via the SMO-LATS1-YAP pathway. Pharmacol Res 2022; 178:106139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Advances in glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) inhibitors for cancer therapy. Invest New Drugs 2021; 40:370-388. [PMID: 34837604 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog (HH/GLI) signaling pathway regulates self-renewal of rare and highly malignant cancer stem cells, which have been shown to account for the initiation and maintenance of tumor growth as well as for drug resistance, metastatic spread and relapse. As an important component of the Hh signaling pathway, glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) acts as a key signal transmission hub for various signaling pathways in many tumors. Here, we review direct and indirect inhibitors of GLI; summarize the abundant active structurally diverse natural GLI inhibitors; and discuss how to better develop and utilize GLI inhibitors to solve the problem of drug resistance in tumors of interest. In summary, GLI inhibitors will be promising candidates for various cancer treatments.
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21
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Zhang Y, Guo A, Lyu C, Bi R, Wu Z, Li W, Zhao P, Niu Y, Na J, Xi JJ, Du Y. Synthetic liver fibrotic niche extracts achieve in vitro hepatoblasts phenotype enhancement and expansion. iScience 2021; 24:103303. [PMID: 34765922 PMCID: PMC8571728 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103303] [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: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
It is still a challenge for synthesizing ‘cellular niche-mimics’ in vitro with satisfactory reproducibility and fidelity to recreate the natural niche components (e.g., extracellular matrices and soluble factors) for stem cell cultivation. Inspired by the massive amplification of hepatic progenitor cells during liver fibrosis in vivo, here we optimized the in vitro liver fibrotic niches and subsequently harvested their bioactive ingredients as niche extracts (NEs). The fibrosis-relevant NE marginally outperformed Matrigel for phenotype maintenance of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived hepatoblasts (HBs) and recapitulation of the pathological angiogenesis of hESC-derived endothelial cells both in 2D culture and 3D liver organoids. Finally, defined NE components (i.e., collagen III, IV, IL-17, IL-18 and M-CSF) were resolved by the quantitative proteomics which exhibited advantage over Matrigel for multi-passaged HB expansion. The pathology-relevant and tissue-specific NEs provide innovative and generalizable strategies for the discovery of optimal cellular niche and bioactive niche compositions. Fibrotic niches were constructed by 3 hepatic cell lines plus 4 profibrotic factors NE was produced by enzymatic digestion using pepsin and DNase Collagen III, IV, IL-17, IL-18, and M-CSF resolved from NE promoted HBs expansion
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Anqi Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Cheng Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ran Bi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhaozhao Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yudi Niu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jie Na
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianzhong Jeff Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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22
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Anti-Fibrotic and Anti-Angiogenic Activities of Osbeckia octandra Leaf Extracts in Thioacetamide-Induced Experimental Liver Cirrhosis. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164836. [PMID: 34443423 PMCID: PMC8401385 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver inflammation has become a major global health concern. In the absence of clinical surrogate markers to diagnose inflammatory liver disease, the intervention with effective drugs in modern medicine tends to be late. In Sri Lanka, traditional medical practitioners prescribe herbal preparations from Osbeckia octandra for the prevention and treatment of liver disorders. To test the efficacy of such treatments, we have administered thioacetamide (TAA) to male Wistar rats to induce chronic liver damage (disease control; DC) and examined how various leaf extracts: crude leaf suspension (CLS), boiled leaf extract (BLE), sonicated leaf extract (SLE), methanol leaf extract (MLE) and hexane leaf extract (HLE) of O. octandra ameliorate TAA-induced liver disease. The CLS, BLE and SLE treatments in cirrhotic rats significantly attenuated disease-related changes, such as liver weight and hepato-enzymes. The mRNA levels of Tnf-α were significantly decreased by 3.6, 10 and 3.9 times in CLS, BLE and SLE compared to DC. The same treatments resulted in significantly lower (19.5, 4.2 and 2.4 times) α-Sma levels compared to DC. In addition, Tgf-β1 and Vegf-R2 mRNA expressions were significantly lower with the treatments. Moreover, BLE expressed a strong anti-angiogenic effect. We conclude that CLS, BLE and SLE from O. octandra have potent hepatic anti-fibrotic effects in TAA-induced liver cirrhosis.
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Ma L, Li C, Lian S, Xu B, Lv H, Liu Y, Lu J, Ji H, Li S, Guo J, Yang H. Procyanidin B2 alleviates liver injury caused by cold stimulation through Sonic hedgehog signalling and autophagy. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:8015-8027. [PMID: 34155807 PMCID: PMC8358862 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Procyanidin B2 (PB2), a naturally occurring flavonoid abundant in a wide range of fruits, has been shown to exert antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, the role of PB2 in the prevention of cold stimulation (CS)‐induced liver injury. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of PB2 on liver injury induced by cold stimulation and its potential molecular mechanisms. The present study results showed that treatment with PB2 significantly reduced CS‐induced liver injury by alleviating histopathological changes and serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. Moreover, treatment with PB2 inhibited secretion of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in cold‐stimulated mice. PB2 reduced cold stimulation‐induced inflammation by inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB and Txnip/NLRP3 signalling. Treatment with PB2 reduced oxidative stress by activating Nrf‐2/Keap1, AMPK/GSK3β signalling pathways and autophagy. Furthermore, simultaneous application of Shh pathway inhibitor cyclopamine proved that PB2 targets the Hh pathway. More importantly, co‐treatment with PB2 and cyclopamine showed better efficacy than monotherapy. In conclusion, our findings provide new evidence that PB2 has protective potential against CS‐induced liver injury, which might be closely linked to the inhibition of Shh signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Chengxu Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Shuai Lian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Bin Xu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Hongming Lv
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Yanzhi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Jingjing Lu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Hong Ji
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Shize Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Jingru Guo
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Huanmin Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
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Zhang F, Wang F, He J, Lian N, Wang Z, Shao J, Ding H, Tan S, Chen A, Zhang Z, Wang S, Zheng S. Regulation of hepatic stellate cell contraction and cirrhotic portal hypertension by Wnt/β-catenin signalling via interaction with Gli1. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2246-2265. [PMID: 33085791 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Portal hypertension is a lethal complication of cirrhosis. Its mechanism and therapeutic targets remain largely unknown. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) contraction increases intrahepatic vascular resistance contributing to portal hypertension. We investigated how HSC contraction was regulated by Wnt signalling and the therapeutic implications. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Liver tissues from cirrhotic patients were examined. Cirrhotic mice with genetic or pharmacological treatments were used for in vivo assessments, and their primary cells were isolated. Cellular functions and signalling pathways were analysed in human HSC-LX2 cells using real-time PCR, Western blotting, siRNA, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation and site-directed mutagenesis. KEY RESULTS Wnt/β-catenin correlated with HSC contraction in human cirrhotic liver. Wnt3a stimulated Smo-independent Gli1 nuclear translocation followed by LARG-mediated RhoA activation leading to HSC contraction. Suppressor of fused (Sufu) negatively mediated Wnt3a-induced Gli1 nuclear translocation. Wnt/β-catenin repressed transcription of Sufu dependent on β-catenin/TCF4 interaction and TCF4 binding to Sufu promoter. Molecular simulation and site-directed mutagenesis identified the β-catenin residues Lys312 and Lys435 critically involved in this interaction. TCF4 binding to the sequence CACACCTTCC at Sufu promoter was required for transrepression of Sufu. In cirrhotic mice, short-term liver-targeting β-catenin deficiency or acute treatment with β-catenin inhibitors reduced portal pressure via restriction of HSC contraction rather than inhibiting HSC activation. Long-term deficiency or treatments also ameliorated liver injury, fibrosis and inflammation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Interaction between Wnt/β-catenin and Smo-independent Gli1 pathways promoted HSC contraction via TCF4-dependent transrepression of Sufu. HSC-specific inhibition of β-catenin may have therapeutic benefits for cirrhotic portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianlin He
- The Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
| | - Naqi Lian
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenyi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai Ding
- Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine in Hepatology, The Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine in Hepatology, The Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shandong Co-innovation Center of TCM Formula, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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MIRLET7BHG promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating hepatic stellate cells through exosomal SMO to trigger Hedgehog pathway. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:326. [PMID: 33771969 PMCID: PMC7997896 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03494-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), commonly caused by liver fibrosis, is a global challenge with high morbidity. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) contributes to hepatic fibrosis. Exosomes are small vesicles that play a significant role in cell-to-cell communication. Smoothened (SMO) is the key signal transducer for Hedgehog pathway. This study was designed to study the function and underlying mechanism of SMO in HSC activation. Functional assays including 5-Ethynyl-2´-deoxyuridine, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, and sphere formation assays disclosed the function of SMO. Western blot analysis of exosome biomarkers, immunofluorescence staining assay, electron microscope, and flow cytometry revealed the existence of exosomes. Bioinformatics analyses and mechanistic assays uncovered the interplays between RNAs. Nude mice xenograft model was established to evaluate HCC tumor growth. We uncovered that SMO was an oncogene in HCC cells and was low-expressed in quiescent HSCs. Then, SMO was upregulated in HSCs cultured with HCC cells-conditioned medium. Next, it was revealed that HCC cells-derived exosomes activated HSCs by transmitting SMO to HSCs. Subsequently, we recognized that microRNA let-7b host gene (MIRLET7BHG) served as the competing endogenous RNA against miR-330-5p to upregulate SMO. In turn, SMO induced hedgehog pathway to promote GLI family zinc finger 1 (Gli1), leading to transcriptional activation of MIRLET7BHG in activated HSCs. In summary, this study demonstrated that Gli1-induced MIRLET7BHG facilitated HCC by activating HSCs through exosomal SMO to stimulate hedgehog pathway, providing a new road for HCC treatment.
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He Z, Zeng J, Xu Y. Cyclopamine Reduces the Growth of Endometrial Carcinoma and Hedgehog Pathway Proteins in a Xenograft Mouse Model. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2021.2500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is a frequently occurring malignancy of the female reproductive tract. Previous investigations have implicated the Hedgehog signaling pathway, including the smoothened (Smo) receptor, in tumor progression. Here, we established a nude mouse xenograft model of endometrial
cancer to investigate the effect of the Smo receptor antagonist cyclopamine on the growth of endometrial carcinoma. Mice were randomly sorted into two groups receiving 0.2 mL/mouse every other day of either cyclopamine (20 mg/mL) or solvent (control). The growth of the mice was observed for
18 days. Then, mice were euthanized, tumors were removed and weighed, and tumor volume inhibition rate (VIR) and weight inhibition rate (WIR) were calculated. Smo, Gli1, and Gli2 mRNA expression was measured in tumor tissues by RT-PCR, and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31
were detected by immunohistochemistry. We found that cyclopamine treatment reduced the tumor growth rate and significantly reduced the volumes and weights of the transplanted tumors compared with those of the controls. Furthermore, the transplanted tumors of cyclopamine-treated mice possessed
lower expression levels of Smo, Gli1, and Gli2, and displayed a lower positive expression of VEGF and CD31. Thus, the Smo receptor antagonist cyclopamine inhibited transplanted tumor growth in nude mice with endometrial carcinoma, which is likely connected with cyclopamine downregulation of
Smo, Gli1, and Gli2 mRNA expression that promote angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxing He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China
Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second
University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yalan Xu
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, PR China
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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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Zhang T, Li Y, Song Y, Chen X, Li J, Peng Q, He J, Fei X. Curcumin- and Cyclopamine-Loaded Liposomes to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy Against Hepatic Fibrosis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2020; 14:5667-5678. [PMID: 33380787 PMCID: PMC7767702 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s287442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hepatic fibrosis is a public health problem characterized by activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which triggers excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM). Inhibition of HSC activation may be an effective treatment. Since various pathways control HSC activation, a combination of drugs with different mechanisms may be more effective than monotherapy. METHODS Here, we prepared liposomes loaded with curcumin and cyclopamine to inhibit HSC activation. We systematically analyzed the physicochemical characteristics of liposomes loaded with the two drugs, as well as their effects on HSC proliferation, activation and collagen production on gene, protein and cellular levels. RESULTS The prepared liposomes helped solubilize both drugs, contributing to their uptake by cells. Liposomes loaded with both drugs inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as induced more apoptosis and perturbed the cell cycle more than the free combination of both drugs in solution or liposomes loaded with either drug alone. Liposomes loaded with both drugs strongly suppressed HSC activation and collagen secretion. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that liposome encapsulation can increase the uptake of curcumin and cyclopamine as well as the synergism between them in anti-fibrosis. This approach shows potential for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanping Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Song
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshuang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinhan He
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaofan Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
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Pavlović N, Calitz C, Thanapirom K, Mazza G, Rombouts K, Gerwins P, Heindryckx F. Inhibiting IRE1α-endonuclease activity decreases tumor burden in a mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma. eLife 2020; 9:e55865. [PMID: 33103995 PMCID: PMC7661042 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver tumor that usually arises in patients with cirrhosis. Hepatic stellate cells are key players in the progression of HCC, as they create a fibrotic micro-environment and produce growth factors and cytokines that enhance tumor cell proliferation and migration. We assessed the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the cross-talk between stellate cells and HCC cells. Mice with a fibrotic HCC were treated with the IRE1α-inhibitor 4μ8C, which reduced tumor burden and collagen deposition. By co-culturing HCC-cells with stellate cells, we found that HCC-cells activate IREα in stellate cells, thereby contributing to their activation. Inhibiting IRE1α blocked stellate cell activation, which then decreased proliferation and migration of tumor cells in different in vitro 2D and 3D co-cultures. In addition, we also observed cell-line-specific direct effects of inhibiting IRE1α in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Pavlović
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Carlemi Calitz
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Kess Thanapirom
- Regenerative Medicine & Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Guiseppe Mazza
- Regenerative Medicine & Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Krista Rombouts
- Regenerative Medicine & Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Pär Gerwins
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
- Department of Radiology, Uppsala University HospitalUppsalaSweden
| | - Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
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Han H, Desert R, Das S, Song Z, Athavale D, Ge X, Nieto N. Danger signals in liver injury and restoration of homeostasis. J Hepatol 2020; 73:933-951. [PMID: 32371195 PMCID: PMC7502511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Damage-associated molecular patterns are signalling molecules involved in inflammatory responses and restoration of homeostasis. Chronic release of these molecules can also promote inflammation in the context of liver disease. Herein, we provide a comprehensive summary of the role of damage-associated molecular patterns as danger signals in liver injury. We consider the role of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species as inducers of damage-associated molecular patterns, as well as how specific damage-associated molecular patterns participate in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases such as alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis and liver cancer. In addition, we discuss the role of damage-associated molecular patterns in ischaemia reperfusion injury and liver transplantation and highlight current studies in which blockade of specific damage-associated molecular patterns has proven beneficial in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Han
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Romain Desert
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sukanta Das
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zhuolun Song
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dipti Athavale
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Natalia Nieto
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 1020N, MC 787, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Gu S, Yan M, Wang C, Meng X, Xiang Z, Qiu Y, Han X. Microcystin-leucine-arginine induces liver fibrosis by activating the Hedgehog pathway in hepatic stellate cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 533:770-778. [PMID: 32988585 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.09.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR), produced by cyanobacteria, accumulates in the liver through blood circulation. We investigated the impact of MC-LR on liver fibrosis. Mice received a daily injection of MC-LR at various concentrations for 14 consecutive days aa and then mouse liver was obtained for histopathological and immunoblot analysis. Next, a human hepatic stellate cell line (LX-2) was treated with MC-LR at various concentrations followed by measurement of cell viability, cell cycle and relevant protein expression levels. Our data confirmed the induction of mouse liver fibrosis after exposure to MC-LR at 15 μg/kg and 30 μg/kg. Furthermore, we demonstrated that LX-2 cells could uptake MC-LR, resulting in cell proliferation and differentiation through impacting the Hedgehog signaling after the treatment of MC-LR at 50 nM. Our data supported that MC-LR could induce liver fibrosis by modulating the expression of the transcription factor Gli2 in the Hedgehog signaling in hepatic stellate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Gu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.
| | - Minghao Yan
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.
| | - Cong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiannan Meng
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.
| | - Zou Xiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Mucosal Immunobiology and Vaccine Research Center, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Yudong Qiu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.
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Circ-GLI1 promotes metastasis in melanoma through interacting with p70S6K2 to activate Hedgehog/GLI1 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways and upregulate Cyr61. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:596. [PMID: 32732916 PMCID: PMC7393080 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02799-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging regulators in the development of human cancers. However, the role of circRNAs in melanoma is poorly understood. Microarray analysis and qRT-PCR was applied to screen out circRNAs that were differentially expressed in melanoma cells compared to normal cells. Currently, we first proved that inhibition of CYR61, an angiogenesis factor with controversial functions in melanoma, restrained cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis in melanoma. Thereafter, a novel circRNA hsa_circ_0027247 derived from GLI1 (circ-GLI1) was identified to positively modulate CYR61 expression in melanoma cell lines. Besides, silencing circ-GLI1 hindered melanoma cell metastasis as well. Interestingly, we unveiled that circ-GLI1 enhanced CYR61 transcription by an indirect manner. Meanwhile, circ-GLI1 activated Hedgehog/GLI1 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways by affecting the degradation of GLI1 and β-catenin. Moreover, we found that circ-GLI1 interacted with p70S6K2 to induce GSK3β phosphorylation at Ser9, and therefore blocked the binding of GSK3β with GLI1 and β-catenin so as to elevate their protein expression. Of note, CYR61 was transcriptionally activated by MYC, a well-recognized downstream target of both GLI1 and β-catenin. In conclusion, circ-GLI1 exacerbates the metastasis and angiogenesis of melanoma by upregulating Cyr61 via p70S6K2-dependent activation of Hedgehog/GLI1 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.
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Roife D, Sarcar B, Fleming JB. Stellate Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1263:67-84. [PMID: 32588324 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44518-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As tumor microenvironments share many of the same qualities as chronic wounds, attention is turning to the wound-repair cells that support the growth of cancerous cells. Stellate cells are star-shaped cells that were first discovered in the perisinusoidal spaces in the liver and have been found to support wound healing by the secretion of growth factors and extracellular matrix. They have since been also found to serve a similar function in the pancreas. In both organs, the wound-healing process may become dysregulated and lead to pathological fibrosis (also known as cirrhosis in the liver). In recent years there has been increasing attention paid to the role of these cells in tumor formation and progression. They may be a factor in initiating the first steps of carcinogenesis such as with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and also contribute to continued tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, evasion of the immune system, and resistance to chemotherapy, in cancers of both the liver and pancreas. In this chapter we aim to review the structure and function of hepatic and pancreatic stellate cells and their contributions to the tumor microenvironment in their respective cancers and also discuss potential new targets for cancer therapy based on our new understanding of these vital components of the tumor stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Roife
- Department of Surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Bhaswati Sarcar
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Wang Y, Fu M, Wang J, Zhang J, Han X, Song Y, Fan Y, Hu K, Zhou J, Ge J. Qiliqiangxin Improves Cardiac Function through Regulating Energy Metabolism via HIF-1 α-Dependent and Independent Mechanisms in Heart Failure Rats after Acute Myocardial Infarction. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:1276195. [PMID: 32626732 PMCID: PMC7306086 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1276195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study is aimed at investigating whether Qiliqiangxin (QL) could regulate myocardial energy metabolism in heart failure rats after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and further exploring the underlying mechanisms. AMI was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in adult male SD rats. AMI rats with ejection fraction (EF) < 50% at two weeks after the operation were chosen as heart failure rats for the main study. Rats were randomized into the sham, MI, MI+QL, and MI+QL+2-MeOE2 groups. The results showed that compared with the MI group, QL significantly improved cardiac function, reduced serum NT-proBNP level, and alleviated myocardial fibrosis. QL also increased myocardial capillary density by upregulated protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31 by regulating the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. Moreover, QL promoted ATP production, glucose uptake, and glycolysis by upregulating HIF-1α and a series of glycolysis-relevant enzymes in a HIF-1α-dependent manner. QL also improved myocardial glucose oxidation enzyme expression and free fatty acid uptake by a HIF-1α-independent pathway. Our results indicate that QL treatment improves cardiac function through regulating glucose uptake, FFA uptake, and key enzymes of energy metabolism via HIF-1α-dependent and independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingqiang Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingfeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Zoucheng Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Xueting Han
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyuan Fan
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingmin Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junbo Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Chan YT, Wang N, Tan HY, Li S, Feng Y. Targeting Hepatic Stellate Cells for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis by Natural Products: Is It the Dawning of a New Era? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:548. [PMID: 32425789 PMCID: PMC7212390 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive liver damage condition that is worth studying widely. It is important to target and alleviate the disease at an early stage before turning into later cirrhosis or liver cancer. There are currently no direct medicines targeting the attenuation or reversal of liver fibrosis, and so there is an urgent need to look into this area. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history in using herbal medicines to treat liver diseases including fibrosis. It is time to integrate the ancient wisdom with modern science and technology to look for the best solution to the disease. In this review, the principal concept of the pathology of liver fibrosis will be described, and then some of the single compounds isolated from herbal medicines, including salvianolic acids, oxymatrine, curcumin, tetrandrine, etc. will be discussed from their effects to the molecular mechanism behind. Molecular targets of the compounds are analyzed by network pharmacology approach, and TGFβ/SMAD was identified as the most common pathway. This review serves to summarize the current findings of herbal medicines combining with modern medicines in the area of fibrosis. It hopefully provides insights in further pharmaceutical research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hor Yue Tan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sha Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Li C, Tan YH, Sun J, Deng FM, Liu YL. PAX6 contributes to the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells via activating Hedgehog/GLI1 pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 526:314-320. [PMID: 32209258 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.03.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Hedgehog signaling is considered as the key player in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation involved in liver fibrosis (LF). The glioma-associated protein gene (GLI) has a predicted paired box 6 (PAX6)-binding site within its transcribed region. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between PAX6 and GLI and their contribution to HSC activation and proliferation. PAX6 expression was upregulated in platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced LX-2 cells. The activation and proliferation of HSC were inhibited by interference of PAX6 with short hairpin RNA (shPAX6) via curbing Hedgehog signaling. Notably, PAX6 directly bound to the promoter sequence of GLI1 independent of the PTCH/SMO axis. Therefore, we propose that PAX6 upregulation induces HSC activation and proliferation through crosstalk with GLI1 signaling. Thus, these novel mechanistic insights involving the PAX6-mediated regulation of the activation and proliferation of HSC may provide a new therapeutic target for LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Yue Hao Tan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Jing Sun
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Feng Mei Deng
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China.
| | - Yi Lun Liu
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China.
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Yang X, Wang Z, Kai J, Wang F, Jia Y, Wang S, Tan S, Shen X, Chen A, Shao J, Zhang F, Zhang Z, Zheng S. Curcumol attenuates liver sinusoidal endothelial cell angiogenesis via regulating Glis-PROX1-HIF-1α in liver fibrosis. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12762. [PMID: 32119185 PMCID: PMC7106966 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatic sinusoidal angiogenesis owing to dysfunctional liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) accompanied by an abnormal angioarchitecture is a symbol related to liver fibrogenesis, which indicates a potential target for therapeutic interventions. However, there are few researches connecting angiogenesis with liver fibrosis, and the deeper mechanism remains to be explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell angiogenesis and angiogenic protein were examined in primary LSECs of rats, and multifarious cellular and molecular assays revealed the efficiency of curcumol intervention in fibrotic mice. RESULTS We found that curcumol inhibited angiogenic properties through regulating their upstream mediator hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The transcription activation of HIF-1α was regulated by hedgehog signalling on the one hand, and the protein stabilization of HIF-1α was under the control of Prospero-related homeobox 1 (PROX1) on the other. A deubiquitinase called USP19 could be recruited by PROX1 and involved in ubiquitin-dependent degradation of HIF-1α. Furthermore, our researches revealed that hedgehog signalling participated in the activation of PROX1 transcription probably in vitro. Besides, curcumol was found to ameliorate liver fibrosis and sinusoid angiogenesis via hedgehog pathway in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) induced liver fibrotic mice. The protein expression of key regulatory factors, PROX1 and HIF-1α, was consistent with the Smo, the marker protein of Hh signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS In this article, we evidenced that curcumol controlling LSEC-mediated angiogenesis could be a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Kai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xikun Shen
- Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Qiao M, Yang J, Zhao Y, Zhu Y, Wang X, Wang X, Hu J. Antiliver Fibrosis Screening of Active Ingredients from Apium graveolens L. Seeds via GC-TOF-MS and UHPLC-MS/MS. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:8321732. [PMID: 32148553 PMCID: PMC7049821 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8321732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although several studies have been performed on Apium graveolens L.(celery) seeds, their antiliver fibrosis effects remain to be unexplored. Firstly, we detected the effects of celery seeds extracted with different concentrations of aqueous ethanol on the proliferation of HSC-LX2 cells. Then, we detected the effects of fractions of the optimal effect extract on the proliferation and apoptosis of HSC-LX2 cells. Finally, the compounds of petroleum ether (PP), ethyl acetate (PE), n-butyl alcohol (PB), and water fractions (PW) of the optimal effect extract were determined by GC-TOF-MS and UHPLC-MS/MS, to confirm the potentially antifibrotic compounds combined with pharmacodynamic experiment of monomer compounds in vitro. The results revealed that 60% ethanol extract of celery seeds (60-extract) exhibited remarkable inhibition effect on the proliferation of HSC-LX2 cells compared with 95% ethanol and aqueous extract. Besides, it validated that the inhibition rates of PP, PE, PB, and PW on the proliferation of HSC-LX2 cells were 75.14%, 73.52%, 54.09%, and 43.36%, and their percentage of apoptotic cells were 37.5%, 4.3%, 0.7%, and 0.1% at high doses, respectively. Additionally, it was manifested that apigenin, aesculetin, and butylphthalide have major contribution to the overall compounds of celery seeds, and the inhibition effects on the cell proliferation clearly elevated with increase in their contents. In essence, apigenin, aesculetin, and butylphthalide may hopefully become the natural products of antiliver fibrosis, which laid a foundation for the subsequent development of celery seeds as antiliver fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Qiao
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Xinling Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Junping Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
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Khomich O, Ivanov AV, Bartosch B. Metabolic Hallmarks of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 9:E24. [PMID: 31861818 PMCID: PMC7016711 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a regenerative process that occurs after injury. It is characterized by the deposition of connective tissue by specialized fibroblasts and concomitant proliferative responses. Chronic damage that stimulates fibrogenic processes in the long-term may result in the deposition of excess matrix tissue and impairment of liver functions. End-stage fibrosis is referred to as cirrhosis and predisposes strongly to the loss of liver functions (decompensation) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver fibrosis is a pathology common to a number of different chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis. The predominant cell type responsible for fibrogenesis is hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In response to inflammatory stimuli or hepatocyte death, HSCs undergo trans-differentiation to myofibroblast-like cells. Recent evidence shows that metabolic alterations in HSCs are important for the trans-differentiation process and thus offer new possibilities for therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the metabolic changes that occur during HSC activation with a particular focus on the retinol and lipid metabolism, the central carbon metabolism, and associated redox or stress-related signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khomich
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 03, 69424 Lyon, France;
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Ivanov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Birke Bartosch
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 03, 69424 Lyon, France;
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Roles of the Hepatic Endocannabinoid and Apelin Systems in the Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111311. [PMID: 31653030 PMCID: PMC6912778 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111311] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the consequence of an unresolved wound healing process in response to chronic liver injury and involves multiple cell types and molecular mechanisms. The hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems are two signalling pathways with a substantial role in the liver fibrosis pathophysiology-both are upregulated in patients with advanced liver disease. Endogenous cannabinoids are lipid-signalling molecules derived from arachidonic acid involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular dysfunction, portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, and other processes associated with hepatic disease through their interactions with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Apelin is a peptide that participates in cardiovascular and renal functions, inflammation, angiogenesis, and hepatic fibrosis through its interaction with the APJ receptor. The endocannabinoid and apelin systems are two of the multiple cell-signalling pathways involved in the transformation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblast like cells, the main matrix-producing cells in liver fibrosis. The mechanisms underlying the control of hepatic stellate cell activity are coincident despite the marked dissimilarities between the endocannabinoid and apelin signalling pathways. This review discusses the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems play a significant role in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis.
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Giarretta I, Gaetani E, Bigossi M, Tondi P, Asahara T, Pola R. The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Ischemic Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215270. [PMID: 31652910 PMCID: PMC6862352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) proteins are prototypical morphogens known to regulate epithelial/mesenchymal interactions during embryonic development. In addition to its pivotal role in embryogenesis, the Hh signaling pathway may be recapitulated in post-natal life in a number of physiological and pathological conditions, including ischemia. This review highlights the involvement of Hh signaling in ischemic tissue regeneration and angiogenesis, with particular attention to the heart, the brain, and the skeletal muscle. Updated information on the potential role of the Hh pathway as a therapeutic target in the ischemic condition is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Giarretta
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Gaetani
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Margherita Bigossi
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Paolo Tondi
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Takayuki Asahara
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Roberto Pola
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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Abdel-Rahman N, Sharawy MH, Megahed N, El-Awady MS. Vitamin D3 abates BDL-induced cholestasis and fibrosis in rats via regulating Hedgehog pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 380:114697. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Jiang H, Wu F, Jiang N, Gao J, Zhang J. Reconstruction and analysis of competitive endogenous RNA network reveals regulatory role of long non‑coding RNAs in hepatic fibrosis. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:4091-4100. [PMID: 31545470 PMCID: PMC6797987 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF), one of the leading global health problems, is defined as aberrant and excess production of extracellular matrix components. The pathogenesis of HF is complex and poorly understood. Long non‑coding RNAs (LncRNAs) can interact with microRNAs (miRNAs) as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to regulate the expression of target genes, which play a significant role in the initiation and progression of HF. In the present study, the LncRNA‑associated ceRNA network was reconstructed based on LncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression profiles that were downloaded from National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus. Bioinformatics assessments including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed with Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery. The ceRNA network was composed of 220 LncRNA nodes, 24 miRNA nodes, 164 mRNA nodes and 1,149 edges. Functional assays identified that a total of 338 GO terms and 25 pathways, including regulation of cytokine and collagen, and the transforming growth factor‑β and Toll‑like receptor signaling pathways, were significantly enriched. In addition, 4 LncRNAs (NONMMUT036242, XR_877072, XR_378619 and XR_378418) were highly related to HF and thereby chosen as key LncRNAs. The present study uncovered a ceRNA network that could further the understanding of the mechanisms underlying HF development and provide potential novel markers for clinical diagnosis and targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jiang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Furong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China
| | - Nannan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Jiarong Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Jiafu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
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Feng J, Wang C, Liu T, Li J, Wu L, Yu Q, Li S, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Chen J, Ji J, Chen K, Mao Y, Wang F, Dai W, Fan X, Wu J, Guo C. Procyanidin B2 inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells and angiogenesis via the Hedgehog pathway during liver fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:6479-6493. [PMID: 31328391 PMCID: PMC6714206 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis is a wound‐healing process of liver featured by the over‐deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and angiogenesis. However, the effective treatment is lacking. Procyanidin B2 (PB2) is a flavonoid extract abundant in grape seeds with anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer properties. The present study aimed to determine effects of PB2 on liver fibrosis. Method The CCl4‐induced mouse liver fibrosis model and a human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line (LX2 cells) were used to study the activation, ECM production and angiogenesis of HSCs through Western blotting analysis, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry and tubulogenesis assay. A Hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitor (cyclopamine) and Smoothened agonist (SAG) were used to investigate the role of PB2 on Hh pathway. Results The results showed that PB2 could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of HSCs. PB2 could also down‐regulate the expressions of VEGF‐A, HIF‐1α, α‐SMA, Col‐1 and TGF‐β1 of HSCs in vivo and in vitro. The application of SAG and cyclopamine proved that PB2 targets on Hh pathway. Conclusions PB2 inhibited the Hh pathway to suppress the activation, ECM production and angiogenesis of HSCs, therefore reverses the progression of liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengfen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Tenth Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sainan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuting Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Tenth Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Tenth Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaojiao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Tenth Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqing Mao
- Department of Gerontology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Jinshan, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wang F, Jia Y, Li M, Wang L, Shao J, Guo Q, Tan S, Ding H, Chen A, Zhang F, Zheng S. Blockade of glycolysis-dependent contraction by oroxylin a via inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase-a in hepatic stellate cells. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:11. [PMID: 30744642 PMCID: PMC6371416 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0324-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Contraction of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis by regulating sinusoidal blood flow and extracellular matrix remodeling. Here, we investigated how HSC contraction was affected by the natural compound oroxylin A, and elucidated the underlying mechanism. Methods Cell contraction and glycolysis were examined in cultured human HSCs and mouse liver fibrosis model upon oroxylin A intervention using diversified cellular and molecular assays, as well as genetic approaches. Results Oroxylin A limited HSC contraction associated with inhibiting myosin light chain 2 phosphorylation. Oroxylin A blocked aerobic glycolysis in HSCs evidenced by reduction in glucose uptake and consumption and lactate production. Oroxylin A also decreased extracellular acidification rate and inhibited the expression and activity of glycolysis rate-limiting enzymes (hexose kinase 2, phosphofructokinase 1 and pyruvate kinas type M2) in HSCs. Then, we identified that oroxylin A blockade of aerobic glycolysis contributed to inhibition of HSC contraction. Furthermore, oroxylin A inhibited the expression and activity of lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDH-A) in HSCs, which was required for oroxylin A blockade of glycolysis and suppression of contraction. Oral administration of oroxylin A at 40 mg/kg reduced liver injury and fibrosis, and inhibited HSC glycolysis and contraction in mice with carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis. However, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of LDH-A significantly counteracted the oroxylin A’s effects in fibrotic mice. Conclusions Blockade of aerobic glycolysis by oroxylin A via inhibition of LDH-A reduced HSC contraction and attenuated liver fibrosis, suggesting LDH-A as a promising target for intervention of hepatic fibrosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12964-019-0324-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yan Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- The Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Hai Ding
- The Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China. .,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China. .,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Ligustrazin increases lung cell autophagy and ameliorates paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR and hedgehog signalling via increasing miR-193a expression. BMC Pulm Med 2019; 19:35. [PMID: 30744607 PMCID: PMC6371511 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-019-0799-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels largely determine pulmonary fibrosis. Antioxidants have been found to ameliorate lung fibrosis after long-term paraquat (PQ) exposure. The effects of antioxidants, however, on the signalling pathways involved in PQ-induced lung fibrosis have not yet been investigated sufficiently. Here, we examined the impacts of ligustrazin on lung fibrosis, in particular ROS-related autophagy and pro-fibrotic signalling pathways, using a murine model of PQ-induced lung fibrosis. Methods We explored the effects of microRNA-193 (miR-193a) on Hedgehog (Hh) and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling and oxidative stress in lung tissues. Levels of miR-193a, protein kinase B (Akt), phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K), ceclin1, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), sonic hedgehog (SHH), myosin-like Bcl2 interacting protein (LC3), smoothened (Smo), and glioma-associated oncogene-1 (Gli-1) mRNAs were determined with quantitative real-time PCR. Protein levels of PI3K, p-mTOR, p-Akt, SHH, beclin1, gGli-1, LC3, smo, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), mothers against DPP homologue-2 (Smad2), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagen I, collagen III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) nuclear factor erythroid 2p45-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and p-Smad2 were detected by western blotting. In addition, α-SMA, malondialdehyde, ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD), oxidised and reduced glutathione, hydroxyproline, and overall collagen levels were identified in lung tissues using immunohistochemistry. Results Long-term PQ exposure blocked miR-193a expression, reduced PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling, increased oxidative stress, inhibited autophagy, increased Hh signalling, and facilitated the formation of pulmonary fibrosis. Ligustrazin blocked PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Hh signalling as well as reduced oxidative stress via increasing miR-193a expression and autophagy, all of which reduced pulmonary fibrosis. These effects of ligustrazin were accompanied by reduced TGF-β1, CTGF, and Collagen I and III expression. Conclusions Ligustrazin blocked PQ-induced PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Hh signalling by increasing miR-193a expression, thereby attenuating PQ-induced lung fibrosis.
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Ren JJ, Huang TJ, Zhang QQ, Zhang HY, Guo XH, Fan HQ, Li RK, Liu LX. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein related protein 1 knockdown attenuates hepatic fibrosis via the regulation of MMPs/TIMPs in mice. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2019; 18:38-47. [PMID: 30243878 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research suggested that insulin-like growth factor binding protein related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1), as a novel mediator, contributes to hepatic fibrogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) play an essential role in hepatic fibrogenesis by regulating homeostasis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the interaction between IGFBPrP1 and MMP/TIMP is not clear. The present study was to knockdown IGFBPrP1 to investigate the correlation between IGFBPrP1 and MMP/TIMP in hepatic fibrosis. METHODS Hepatic fibrosis was induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in mice. Knockdown of IGFBPrP1 expression by ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction-mediated CMB-shRNA-IGFBPrP1 delivery, or inhibition of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway by cyclopamine treatment, was performed in TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice. Hepatic fibrosis was determined by hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining. Hepatic expression of IGFBPrP1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1), collagen I, MMPs/TIMPs, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), and glioblastoma family transcription factors (Gli1) were investigated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting analysis. RESULTS We found that hepatic expression of IGFBPrP1, TGFβ1, α-SMA, and collagen I were increased longitudinally in mice with TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis, concomitant with MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP9/TIMP1 imbalance and Hh pathway activation. Knockdown of IGFBPrP1 expression, or inhibition of the Hh pathway, reduced the hepatic expression of IGFBPrP1, TGFβ1, α-SMA, and collagen I and re-established MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP9/TIMP1 balance. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that IGFBPrP1 knockdown attenuates liver fibrosis by re-establishing MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP9/TIMP1 balance, concomitant with the inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation, down-regulation of TGFβ1 expression, and degradation of the ECM. Furthermore, the Hh pathway mediates IGFBPrP1 knockdown-induced attenuation of hepatic fibrosis through the regulation of MMPs/TIMPs balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Ting-Juan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Qian-Qian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Hui-Qin Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Ren-Ke Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Ontario, Canada; Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Li-Xin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
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Peters KM, Wilson RB, Borradaile NM. Non-parenchymal hepatic cell lipotoxicity and the coordinated progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. Curr Opin Lipidol 2018; 29:417-422. [PMID: 30015675 PMCID: PMC6125757 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) appears to be independently associated with the development of atherosclerosis. The biological mechanisms underlying this association are complex, and likely involve liver-resident cell types other than hepatocytes. Thus, we review recent evidence that non-parenchymal hepatic cell responses to lipid excess contribute to the pathogenesis of both NAFLD and atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS Significant independent associations between NAFLD and atherosclerosis have been identified through cross-sectional studies and meta-analyses. Mechanistic studies in cell cultures and in rodent models suggest that liver-resident macrophages, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) mount lipotoxic responses under NAFLD conditions which can contribute to the progression of both NAFLD and atherosclerosis. SUMMARY Non-parenchymal hepatic cell types exhibit some similarity in their responses to lipid excess, and in their pathogenic mechanisms, which likely contribute to the coordinated progression of NAFLD and atherosclerosis. In response to lipotoxic conditions, macrophages, Kupffer cells and HSC initiate robust inflammatory responses, whereas LSEC generate excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). The extent to which inflammatory cytokines and ROS produced by non-parenchymal cells contribute to the progression of both NAFLD and atherosclerosis warrants further investigation.
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Role of hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-derived cytokines in hepatic inflammation and immunity. Cytokine 2018; 124:154542. [PMID: 30241896 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In their quiescent state, Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), are present in the sub-endothelial space of Disse and have minimal interaction with immune cells. However, upon activation following injury, HSCs directly or indirectly interact with various immune cells that enter the space of Disse and thereby regulate diverse hepatic function and immune physiology. Other than the normal physiological functions of HSCs such as hepatic homeostasis, maturation and differentiation, they also participate in hepatic inflammation by releasing a battery of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and interacting with other liver cells. Here, we have reviewed the role of HSC in the pathogenesis of liver inflammation and some infectious diseases in order to understand how the interplay between immune cells and HSCs regulates the overall outcome and disease pathology.
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50
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Retting K, Carter D, Crogan-Grundy C, Khatiwala C, Norona L, Paffenroth E, Hanumegowda U, Chen A, Hazelwood L, Lehman-McKeeman L, Presnell S. Modeling Liver Biology and the Tissue Response to Injury in Bioprinted Human Liver Tissues. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1089/aivt.2018.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Leah Norona
- Curriculum in Toxicology, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Umesh Hanumegowda
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Lisa Hazelwood
- Liver Disease and Fibrosis Discovery, AbbVie, Inc., Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lois Lehman-McKeeman
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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